Snail mail might be considered a lost art by many, but there's a growing movement to revive this elegant form of communication. Today, I have a treasure trove of vintage letter writing guides, including a remarkable Gent's Letter Writer from the early 1900s.
The Timeless Appeal of Handwritten Letters
These vintage guides contain not only instructions on penmanship but detailed guidance on expressing oneself with clarity, warmth, and appropriate formality. The Gent's Letter Writer from the early 1900s offers sample letters for everything from requesting introductions to expressing condolences, each crafted to maintain the proper tone.
Watch the video here!
Modern Resources for the Aspiring Letter Writer
If you're inspired to pick up pen and paper, there are excellent modern resources that draw on traditional wisdom:
- The Blue Book of Stationery (available here) offers guidance on selecting appropriate stationery for different occasions.
- To the Letter (available here) explores the history of letter writing while providing practical advice.
- The Art of the Personal Letter (available here) focuses on writing heartfelt personal correspondence.
- Kind Regards (available here) provides practical templates for various situations.
- The Best Letter Writing Book Ever (available here) offers thorough guidance for both personal and professional correspondence.
- How to Write a Letter (available here) provides straightforward instruction for beginners.
Master the Foundation: Beautiful Cursive Handwriting
Of course, the foundation of any beautiful letter is legible, attractive handwriting. If your penmanship could use some refinement (or if you never properly learned cursive), I'm excited to offer The Cursive Connection, a comprehensive program designed to help writers of all ages master traditional cursive writing.
The Cursive Connection isn't just about endless tracing—it's a complete 40-week journey that connects you with centuries of written tradition. Developed by a certified penmanship instructor and former educator, this program includes:
- Expert-led video instruction
- Comprehensive lesson plans suitable for homeschoolers, classroom teachers, or adult learners
- Historical context about American cursive, from Platt Rogers Spencer to A.N. Palmer
- Proper posture and ergonomics guidance
- Specialized techniques for arm movement writing
- A bonus letter writing unit that perfectly complements your new handwriting skills
Available as an online course, physical boxed set, or both combined for the best value, The Cursive Connection gives you everything you need to develop flowing, consistent handwriting that's both beautiful and legible. Starting at just $179, it's an investment in a timeless skill that will enhance your letter writing for years to come.
The Deeper Value of Letter Writing
Letter writing encourages mindfulness—requiring us to slow down, collect our thoughts, and focus completely on communicating with one person. There's no multitasking when writing a letter by hand.
Perhaps most importantly, letters create lasting connections. In an age where so much communication is ephemeral, a thoughtfully written letter becomes a keepsake—a tangible reminder that someone cared enough to create something specifically for you.
Will you join the letter writing revival? The simple act of putting pen to paper could create a moment of joy and connection in someone's life—including your own.