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Item Overview
- Type: Original Handwritten Letter & Historical Ephemera
- Date: August 9, 1906
- Origin: The Alien School (A rare spelling/variant of the famous progressive Allen School), West Newton, Massachusetts
- Author: Albert John Bailey
- Recipient: Mrs. Smith
- Format: 1-page single-sided letter on printed school letterhead
- Dimensions: Standard letter size (approx. 8.5" x 11")
Historical Significance & ContentThis fascinating turn-of-the-century letter captures a playful, humorous exchange between Albert John Bailey and a local friend. Writing on rare stationery from The Alien School in West Newton, MA, Bailey opens with a sarcastic joke about having an inflated ego from a previous letter, stating he needs a "larger hat," a position at the "Hall of Fame," and a "set of wings."The core of the letter features a highly unique, multi-character satirical dialogue or game titled "Moths a-singeing." Bailey mockingly interprets a portrait/photograph ("Bertha Seth's shot"), assigning dramatic, pining quotes to several individuals (including "Sporty-Editor Marden," "Automobile-face Jazger," and "Singleton Bailey") who are all fawning over a "Lady Victim." The comedic piece concludes with the classic Shakespearean punchline: "What fools these mortals be!"Full TranscriptionThe Alien School
West Newton Massachusetts
Aug 9, 1906My dear Mrs. Smith:
I am going to buy a new and larger hat, since receiving your recent letter; shall also apply for position of doorkeeper in the Hall of Fame, and order a set of wings!To make amends for not enclosing Bertha Seth's shot I herewith enclose it for sure; and lest you should fail to appreciate it, I add an interpretation, read out of the several portraits presented.Moths a-singeing
Settlement St. Withuery: "To be in love is this!"
Sporty-Editor Marden: "I'm dyin' for to ha'e you look at me!"
Automobile-face Jazger: "I'll get her or bust!"
Singleton Bailey: "If she only knew how nice I am!"
Happy Hall: "I'll adore unseen."
Proud Possessor Smith: "Let 'em singe!"
The Lady Victim: "What fools these mortals be!"Cordially yours,
Albert (?) John Bailey
