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A Rare \"All-in-One\" Piece of California Social History and WWII Homefront Ephemera.
This is a complete 1941 Manuscript Postcard Folder from Pfeiffer Redwoods State Park (Big Sur, CA). Sent on July 8, 1941—just five months before the attack on Pearl Harbor—this item is a remarkable primary source document.
The sender utilized the entire souvenir object to write a massive, 4-page letter home. The narrative begins on the inside of the mailing flap and continues across the reverse side of every single postcard panel.
The Integrated Manuscript Letter
Written from \"Mama & Dad\" to Mr. & Mrs. A.J. Benham in Parkersburg, West Virginia, this letter offers a vivid \"time capsule\" of pre-war life:
Military Context: Explicitly mentions \"Bus\" (likely a son) who is in the Army. The writer notes he has the \"toughest job in the army\" and that \"none of the Lieutenants care whether they are promoted or not to Captaincy—the responsibility is simply awful.\"
Travel & Social Scene: Describes the drive on the Carmel-San Simeon Highway as \"the most beautiful drive in Calif.\" and details local social events, bridge luncheons, and figures like \"Mrs. Kuster\" (a local artist).
Personal Touch: Includes hand-annotated notes in cursive directly on the souvenir views (e.g., \"Beautiful,\" \"I don\'t remember seeing this\").
The Folder & Views
The accordion-style folder features 10 high-quality black-and-white lithograph views of the iconic Big Sur Lodge, including:
The Dining Room & Veranda overlooking the Big Sur River.
Bixby Creek Bridge, Mount Manuel, and Point Sur Lighthouse.
The Lodge Lobby and Swimming Hole.
Condition
Authentic Vintage Patina: Approx. 85 years old. Shows expected toning (yellowing) and minor edge wear.
Integrity: The outer folder shows old tape marks where it was originally sealed for mailing, but the internal manuscript and images remain clear, sharp, and fully legible.
Format: Sold as a single, continuous accordion-style manuscript.
Shipping: We provide free shipping via USPS Ground Advantage. Letter will be shipped in a plastic sleeve which has been bubble wrapped then placed into a sturdy bubble mailer for additional protection.
Returns:We accept within 30 days of purchase if your letter arrives damaged or defective in any way.
This is a \"must-have\" for collectors of Big Sur history, West Virginia genealogy, or WWII-era correspondence.
