THE
PAPER CHAIN LETTER ARCHIVE - ANNOTATED INDEX
Daniel W. VanArsdale
Version 1/2015
The chain letters in the Paper Chain Letter Archive are html files
containing transcribed text and documentation. These files reside
in the http://www.silcom.com/~barnowl/chain-letter/archive/
directory.
This annotated index lists the clickable names of all
files in the archive. A one line description follows each
filename. These are highly variable. The
Paper Chain Letter Archive is cited extensively
by Chain Letter
Evolution (a history and analysis of paper chain letters),
and
the companion article The Origin of
Money Chain Letters.
You may copy or link to any chain letter in the archive without
permission.
These public files and directories pertaining
to paper chain letters are present in the /archive/ directory.
CONTENT
THIS FILE, which
lists, links to, and annotates the chain letters in the Paper
Chain Letter
Archive.
chain letter files
LINKS LISTED BELOW. Text and documentation of
each of the chain letters in the archive.
!information
Technical information on
documenting, naming and formatting archive entries. Additional
acknowledgments.
/french/
A directory containing some French language
chain letters. Contents listed in !content-fr.
/german/
A directory containing some German language chain
letters. Contents listed in !content-ge.
/russian/
A directory containing some Russian language chain letters.
Contents listed in !content-ru.
These are two small archives in the /chain-letter/ directory.
/e-archive/
Contains chain emails mentioned in Chain Letter Evolution.
Contents listed at !contents-e.
/photo-archive/ Contains photographs
related to chain letters. Contents listed at !contents-ph.
CHAIN
LETTER
FILES
Every chain letter in the archive is transcribed exactly as
written. Each appears as a separate html file (extension htm).
The names of these files are selected so they order usefully by
name, and provide information about the letter.
Ordering is by (1) motivational category, (2) language, (3)
circulation date (if published in a newspaper, the date of the
newspaper).
FILE NAMING ABBREVIATIONS
Motivational categories: a = advocacy, c = charity,
j = parody, l = luck, m = money, r = religion, w = world record,
x = exchange
Other categories: h = Himmelsbrief, i = related items.
Definitions of these ten categories are given at the beginning of
each block of corresponding items below.
Languages: d =
Dutch, e = English, f = French, g =
German, ic = Icelandic, pl = Polish, pr = Portuguese.
Dates: xxxx = year only, xxxx-xx = year
and month only, xxxx-xx-xx = year-month-day
Uncertainty in date = "u" immediately after year or month.
Example: 1935-05u means the month "05" is uncertain.
Source designators used directly at the end
of the date: p = published, p1 = found using newspapers.com,
p2 = found using newspaperarchive.com, xxx = various horde designations.
Chain letter specifications: s
= send, q = copy quota, w = wait, d = deadline,
n5 = a list with 5 names.
Incomplete text is designated by an underline at the
end of the filename. Example: le1960-03-026p_bym_n28_.htm
is fragmentary.
Example: le1906-06-30p1_ap_recite_q9.htm is the filename
for a luck chain letter (l) in English (e) in a newspaper dated
June 30, 1906, found using the online database newspapers.com
(p1).
It is a type called Ancient Prayer (ap), has the
word "recite" in its text, and asks for nine copies (q9).
The first item in the notes following the filenames describes the
physical form of the original source for the text of the chain
letter.
Here are abbreviations used to describe this physical form.
Lt. A handwritten or typed letter.
Prtd. A machine printed letter or
form.
PC A picture postcard, or government issued
postal card.
PhC A circulating photocopy.
Publ. A publication, or commercially produced postcard.
Additional abbreviations appear in red type
in many of the categories below.
Clicking
the category name below will transfer within this index to the
list of archive items of that category. The categories are
arranged alphabetically by their one letter abbreviation given
above
(a, c, h, i, j, l, m, r, w, x).
Advocacy Charity Himmelsbrief
Items Parody Luck
Money Religion World Record Exchange
ADVOCACY CHAIN
LETTERS (45)
Advocacy chain letters promote some cause
other than religion, and do not ask that money be sent. Often they
involve a petition.
Also included in this category are announcements and invitations.
a = Advocacy, e = English, p =
from a publication, q = copy quota, d = deadline
ae1890p1_Boxers_q6-q10
China_.htm
Publ. - partial. Handbill citing the crimes of the
"foreign devils." Boxer rebellion. Six or ten copies.
ae1899-04-15p1_suffrage_Okla_q4.htm
Publ. "You are cordially invited to join the ranks of
suffrage advocates in Oklahoma."
ae1900-08-29p1_anti-mckinley_q2.htm
Publ. Endless chain of prayer for defeat of McKinley.
W.C.T.U. Two copies - one to out of state.
ae1901-08-03p1_PromotesLabels_q5.htm
Publ. "New Scheme to Promote Purchase of Fair
Goods." Five copies.
ae1902-03-24_anti-smoking_q3.htm
Lt. "a mammoth petition ... for a National law
to prohibit the sale of cigarettes to minors."
ae1902up_sabbath_q7d7_.htm
Publ. Prayer chain for sabbath closing. Alleged by Donald
Wickets (George Sylvester Viereck pseudonym).
ae1903-09-04_anti-smoking_q4.htm
PC "A National league is being founded to start a crusade
against the cigarette habit."
ae1904-03-29p1_anti-smoking_fake_q4.htm
Publ. U. S. Moral Society, Philadelphia.
Claim it is fake - denounced by W.C.T.U.
ae1904-10-21_anti-smoking_q4.htm PC "A National League
has been formed ..." "A Mammoth Petition is to be sent to
Congress..."
ae1907-03-27p1_ProtestOklaConst_negro.htm
Publ. Chain letter by Negroes denounces proposed
Oklahoma state constitution.
ae1908_temperance_remailer.htm
Text (front & back) of temperance postcard - spaces for
four addresses. Link to image.
ae1917-06-05p1_Conscientious-Objectors.htm
Publ. Detailed instructions for conscientious
objectors to conscription for WWI.
ae1917-11-05p_antiwar_nyt.htm Publ. NYT. Refers
to La Follete's speech of 4/8/17. "...and send ... to
friends of immediate peace."
ae1918-06-13p1_anti-propaganda_q3+htm
Publ. Chain letter urging suppression of malicious
stories against US war effort.
ae1920-02-21p1_SinnFein_q4.htm
Publ. Opposing cooperation with Royal Irish Police
- by Sinn Fein.
ae1922-09-02p1_anti-prohibition_q5.htm
Publ. Opposes prohibition. "Send this letter to five wet
friends."
ae1923-05-08p2_SugarBoycott.htm
Publ. "Owing to the unfair jump in the price of sugar
and for no apparent cause ..."
ae1926-01-08p1_safety_ccc_q9.htm
Publ. Automobile safety campaign. ccc = "Cross
crossings cautiously" See luck letters.
ae1927-11-23p_coolidge_q10.htm
Publ. NYT, 11/23/27. Chain petition started to
draft Coolidge for President in 1928.
ae1931-01-15p1_CECP_q=one-a-day.htm
Publ. Urges spending, enterprise and a positive
attitude to revive the US economy.
ae1932-02-13p1_China-Japan_qu_.htm Publ.
Advocates boycott of all things Japanese.
ae1932-06-01_anti-prohibition_q10.htm
Typed letter. Asks Pres. Hoover to modify prohibition.
Ten copies.
ae1935-03-01p2_ProsperityClub_pledge_q5.htm
Publ. " ...
on May 1, 1935, we will all start together, buying and working."
ae1937-04-25p1_odd-invitation_q2.htm
Publ. A chain letter invitation to an "unusual" party.
From Helen Mont - concurrent suicide.
ae1939-01-16p1_XThirdTerm_q5.htm
Publ. PC. anti-Roosevelt. "Ten million postcards will
kill this third term talk." Quota 5.
ae1939-04-17p_anti-war_q4s1.htm
Publ. Chain petition - anti-war. "Is your life
worth 5 cents to you?"
ae1940-06-19p1_anti-war_Neutrality.htm
Publ. American Neutrality League (partial). Opposes US
entry in war in Europe.
ae1940-08-15_willkie_q10.htm
Lt. Advocates Republican Wendell Willkie for President. No
money. Provided by Wendell Peterson.
ae1940-10-08_HooversMistakes.htm
Publ & chain letter. Used in 1940 Presidential campaign.
Anti-Roosevelt.
ae1947-09-26p1_Price-Boycott_q5+.htm
Publ. Advocating 15 day buying boycott protesting
high price of butter, meat, eggs.
ae1949-04-28p_czech_nyt.htm
Publ. NYT. "I do not agree
with the dictatorship of the Communist party in the Czechoslovak
Republic ..."
ae1955-10-30_postcards-for-nixon_q10.htm PC. A B&W
portrait & promotion for Nixon for Pres.
Ordering instructions.
ae1965-02-06p1_KKK_DrewPearson_q10.htm
Publ. "Have you ever had the urge to tell Drew Pearson
to 'go to hell?'" KKK
ae1985-11-14_nonukes_q10.htm Lt. "... support of a
world wide movement for nuclear disarmament."
ae1985-12-11_nonukes_ten_q10.htm Lt. "Write ten
scholars you know and send a copy to
Professor Ito ..."
ae1986-01-07_nonukes_q10_2pp.htm Lt. "I am continuing this chain as a expression of a
world-wide movement for nuclear disarmament."
ae1986-02_greenham.htm Lt. Recruiting for Greenham peace
camps. "They do not need gifts of food but more women to go and
stay there."
ae1986-05-09_nonukes_q10.htm Lt. "I have received a letter which is a
part of a chain that started in Nagoya University, Japan."
ae1986-09-10_proctor.htm PhC - transcription. Libelous
Proctor & Gamble boycott for Satanism. List of products. Link to
image.
ae1988-02-02_apartheid.htm
PhC. "Dr. Mzobanzi Mboya ...
has initiated a chain ... to abolish apartheid in South Africa."
ae1988-02-17_apartheid.htm PhC "Please join the chain by writing ten further teachers,
and send a copy of your letter to Dr. M. Mboya ..."
ae1988-07-12_romania.htm
PhC "If
you agree
..., please copy it and send it on to
other
addresses like a round-robin letter."
ae1988-07-28_apartheid_q10.htm
PhC "A
chain letter linking world academics in solidarity for the
abolition of apartheid in South Africa ..."
ae1989_o'hare-fcc_q10.htm
PhC "Madelyn Murray O'Hare ... could stop the reading of the
gospel on airways of America."
ae1991u_o'hare-fcc_q10.htm
PhC "Madelyn O'Hare is also
campaigning to remove all Christmas songs and carols from public
schools."
CHARITY
CHAIN LETTERS (41)
A charity chain letter requests money or
some item be sent to a fixed address, ostensibly for charitable,
religious, political or memorial purposes.
c = Charity, e = English, s=send,
c=cent, d =dime, D=dollar, sd = send dime
ce1888-10-08p1_HarrisonCampaign_q2s1dollar.htm
Publ. "... returning this, with one dollar
enclosed, to James P. Foster ..."
ce1888-11-06p1_HofMercy_q2s6c.htm
Publ. Editor was asked to confirm legitimacy.
"Mrs. J. H. Hinsdale is authorized to collect ..."
ce1888-12-07_cumberlands_sdq4.htm
Lt. For education (whites only) in the Cumberlands.
NOT self-terminating. sd = send dime
ce1888-12-22_nh-church_sdq2.htm Lt. To erect a New
Hampshire church. Sent Dec. 22, 1888. No. 5/13.
ce1892-06-18p_martin_sdq10.htm
Publ. From George W. Martin to
help him become a Christian missionary.
ce1893-05-30_orphan-home_sdq3.htm Lt. For orphan home
in Iowa. Self-terminating at 791 generations. This no. 112
(112/791).
ce1895-04-13_SuttonNebChurch_9of40_sdq2 Lt. For new
church building in Sutton, Neb. Send dime, two copies. No. 9
of 40.
ce1895-05-11_mo-widow_sdq2.htm
Lt. For a widow in Marshall, Mo. With adjoining letter. No.
5/30.
ce1896-03-08_boysfarm_sdq3.htm Lt. For Good Will Farm
for boys, Freeman, Maine. No. 45/50.
ce1896-04-28_orphans-ky_sdq3.htm Lt. For Christian
Widows and Orphans Home, Louisville, Ky. No. 28/58.
ce1896u_orphans-ky_sdq3.htm
Lt. For the Christian Orphans Home of Louisville, Ky., as
above. No. 21/58. No reliable date.
ce1899-03-15_WarDeadMemorial_sDq5.htm
Copied Lt. For a memorial to war Dead. No. 30.
ce1899-03-26_SomervilleNJ-hosp_sDq4.htm
Lt. From auction photos. Ten cents for the
Somerville, N.J. hospital. No. 19/100.
ce1900-09-12_stamps_q3_oed.htm Lt. Seeks one million
stamps for children's ward - New South Wales. No. 173/180.
ce1901-12-15_mckinley_sdq3.htm
Lt. - typed on RR stationery. For a monument to the late
President McKinley. No. 14.
ce1902-02-26p_missing_q3.htm Publ. Seeks to locate
missing woman and her nephew. From
Evanston, Illinois. See 1910.
ce1902-05-30p1_McKinley_enemies_q3.htm
Publ. Dime for Canton, Ohio monument. Mentions imposing on
"enemies".
ce1903-05-08_barnardo_q3_e.htm Lt. For the Barnardo
homes for children. No. 130/180.
ce1905-02-05p1_million-stamps_q3.htm
Publ. Seeking a million used stamps (ten at a
time) to furnish children's ward.
ce1905-10-26_mckinley_sdq3.htm Lt. Another for
McKinley monument in Canton, Ohio. No. 209.
ce1906_democrats_q3_.htm
Lt. Copied from unsold eBay lot. For Democratic House
campaigns & resulting investigations.
ce1910-10-31_stamps_q3_oed.htm
Lt. For the children's ward (see 1900). Mentioned by
Oxford English Dictionary. No.
375/480.
ce1911-08-17p1_McKinley_sdq3.htm
Publ. "... in receipt of a letter ..." "... one to
a near friend, others far away ..."
ce1913-04-27p1_Hamilton-flood_q3.htm
Publ. Flood relief ($1) for Hamilton, Ohio. Copy
quota three.
ce1915-01-06p1_RedCrossScam_q5.htm
Publ. Claims $.10 to be turned over to Red Cross.
Self-terminated at 12. No. 8.
ce1915-04up_redcross_s24q4.htm Publ. For
anesthetics for allied war wounded. Exceeded original 100
termination.
ce1915-12-20_billy_sdq5.htm
Lt. For W.D. Westberry ("Billy"), an old railroad man.
No. 30/50. See 1916.
ce1916-01-12_tobacco_s25cq5.htm
Lt. Tobacco for "the boys at the front." Send 25c "in
silver."
ce1916-05-08p_billy_sdq5.htm Publ. For Billy. Complete
text. No. 34/50. See 1915.
ce1917-03-12p1_anaesthetics_s24c_q4.htm
Publ. Anaesthetics for allied hospitals in
England. Send 24 cents. Four copies. Abundant.
ce1918-03-29_warthrift_q5.htm Lt. - transcribed from
auction photo. Sends one war Thrift Stamp on card with more
spaces.
ce1918-04-30_warthrift_q5.htm Lt. Another Thrift Stamp
chain, typed. With envelope and
card with one 25c Thrift Stamp.
ce1918-05-15_warthrift_q10.htm Lt. Thrift Stamp - Van
Norsdall Automatic Oiler Co. No stamp, but with Christmas club
card.
ce1920u_german-relief_sdq4.htm
Lt. For relief of suffering in Germany
incident to the
war. Send via Red Cross. No. 95/100.
ce1935-07-17p_flood_sdq3_.htm Publ. Fragment: Send
dime for flood victims (Red Cross).
ce1950-02-06rr_taft_s1Dq10.htm Lt. Wants $1 to
re-elect Ohio Senator Howard Taft. From discarded railroad police
files.
ce1950-02-07p1_taft_s1Dq1-0.htm
Publ. As above, slight changes in text. Cuts off
at end.
ce1964-02-19p_evers_s$1q9.htm Publ. Asks $1 be
sent to Miss. Gov. Ross Barnett for family of slain civil rights
leader Medgar Evans.
ce1989-10-10p_craig_getwell.htm Publ. Asks that get-well
cards be sent to 7 year old cancer patient Craig Shergold for
Guinness record.
ce1991-01-28_craig_buscard.htm Lt. Asks that business
cards be sent to 7 year old cancer patient Craig Shergold
for Guinness record.
ce1996-06-11_farkas_s10Dq10.htm Lt. Seeks $10 for Home
Care Program, Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. By Carol Farkas.
HIMMELSBRIEF - LETTERS FROM
HEAVEN (22)
The Letters from Heaven (German: Himmelsbrief)
claim to have been written by God or some divine agent. They often
command Sabbath observance and promise the bearer magical
protection.
All but a few of the Himmelsbrief texts in the archive are from
published sources.
h = Himmelsbrief, e = English,
sab = Jesus' sabbath letter
he1795u_jesus_sab+4.htm
Prtd. Jesus' Sabbath letter & Miracles, King Agbarus to
Christ, Christ's answer, and Lentulus's Epistle.
he1863_jesus_sab.htm
Publ. Jesus' Sabbath letter. Found at Iconium. Also called
The Lady Cubas Letter.
he1875u_india_.htm Publ.
by Anand Yang. Injunctions from Hindu Letters from Heaven, 19th
century.
he1890_oration_rc.htm
Prtd. Catholic. Partial Jesus' Sabbath letter.
Oration. Account of the Passion. List of miracles.
he1895u_charles.htm Publ.
The King Charles Himmelsbrief. From the Pennsylvania Dutch
country. Berks County Historical Society.
he1895u_holstein.htm
Publ. The Holstein Himmelsbrief. Much protection against
weapons. The translation has been criticized.
he1895u_philip.htm Publ.
The Count Philip Himmelsbrief. Used in the Revolutionary War.
he1896-09-20p1_jesus_sab_+2.htm
Publ. Jesus' Sabbath letter. Article has King
Agbarrus' letter and Jesus' reply (neither transcribed)
he1910-01-22p1_holstein_1724.htm
Publ. "...as Christ stopped at the Mount Olive all
guns shall stop."
he1913_jesus_agbar.htm
Publ. (1) Letter from Jesus to King Agbar of Edessa. (2)
Letter from King Agbar to Jesus.
he1915_jesus_sab.htm
Publ. Jesus' Sabbath letter. Circulated in the Virgin
Islands.
he1926-05-09p1_Jesus-sab_1.htm
Publ. Himmelsbrief - circulating in south through mails.
Little text given for this version.
he1926-05-09p1_Jesus-sab_2.htm
Publ. Himmelsbrief - circulating in south through mails.
Much text for this version.
he1943u_jesus_sab.htm
Copy of Prtd. Jesus' Sabbath letter. Circulated during the
1940's. From Newfoundland.
he1950u_jesus_sab.htm
Publ. Jesus' Sabbath letter. Purchased by Goodspeed
from a street peddler.
he1951_madgeburg.htm
Prtd. The Madgeburg Himmelsbrief. Printed in the US in 1951.
he1968-11-20p1_holstein_toViet.htm
Publ. Used in WWII and Vietnam. Accounts of bearers
returning from war unharmed.
he1969-09-21p1_jesus
sab_Latter-Day.htm Publ. "Whosoever worketh on the
Sabbath ..." Added: paragraph on "later-day".
he1999-10-24_islamic-l_q20.htm
Email. Posted to an Islamic Coins list. Islamic Himmelsbrief
with Lottery24
adjoined. From paper.
hg1850uu_Holstein_HJKJF.htm
Lt. Holstein type letter from heaven. Protections. No
sabbath observance. Dog test. No original German.
hg1887u_germain_htm
Prtd. English translation by Kate Gladstone of hg1887u_germain_image1
and ...image2
.
hic1200_jesus_sab_iceland_.htm Publ. Jesus'
Sabbath letter. Icelandic language (ic).
ITEMS (30)
This category contains paper items related to chain letters.
i = item , pc = post card
ie1900-04p_pyrsales_skirt.htm
Publ. The "Parisian Skirt" chain selling plan is
described in a personal letter from a woman to her cousin.
ie1904-11-13_pclist_n3.htm
PC Proto-PC exchange? Three names & addresses on
picture side. Asks 1 PC be sent.
ie1906-07-07_Remailer-stack_image.jpg
Image of front & back (stitched) of remailer postcard -
stamps stacked. Link to image..
ie1908-10-19_Remailer-row_image.jpg
Image of front & back (stitched) of remailer postcard -
stamps in a row.
"
ie1909-11-28_pcshower_response.htm PC Responds to a
request for a "Post card shower." Ask for one in return.
ie1911-09_churchbazaar_notice_e.html PC Solicits a
shilling (Postal Order) for more cards like
this - to benefit a church school (?).
ie1912-04-02_pcshower_request.htm PC - real photo of
sender's farm tank. Requests a "card shower" for his mother for
her birthday.
ie1916-11-28_pc_askExchange.htm
PC - scan from eBay. Asks recipient to return
a postcard.
ie1935-05-10z-pyramid_guaranteed.htm Lt. Revealing
letter on The Guaranteed Prosperity Club. With me1935-05-10_guaranteed_s$1n6.
ie1935rr_humor_i'm-tired.htm
Typed Office humor - "That leaves you
to do the work." "Eligible for Townsend pension -
50,000,000."
ie1937_xcl-pc-sent_note.htm
PC >email. Sends PC to XCL 2nd from top. "I
would
be pleased to exchange view cars with you."
ie1937-03-10_quiltp-compliance.htm
Lt. with patch. "Pardon my delay in sending the star patch."
ie1937-08-21_penpal_response.htm PC "I received your
name through a Chain letter ..." "I am just a farmer's wife
and I enjoy farming ..."
ie1940-08-22_xcl-broken.htm
PC "Don't think it was very sporting of you to break a
chain."
ie1940uu_CrazyCL_Matchbook
Match Book cover. Undated, est. 1940. Ads from "Crazy House"
in Baltimore. "Crazy Chain Letters"
ie1940uu_CrazyCL_MatchBook_image.jpg
Image of matchbook cover (front & back) with ads for
novelties including Crazy Chain Letters.
ie1941uu_xe_hankies_coll-41_ebay.htm
eBay lot description - collection of 41 hankies
using XCL. Style comment.
ie1945-08-14_warst_response.htm Lt. " ... was
sent to me and your name was at the top of the list. So I am
enclosing a 25c War stamp."
ie1945u_pc_penpal-request PC. Donna Reno, apparently responding to a
postcard exchange, asks for a pen pal. Date very
uncertain.
ie1948-11-17p1_FoodForThought!_NoGolf.htm
Publ. Ill fate of 8 tycoons who met in Chicago in
1923.
Before Gene Saracen mention.
ie1951-02-16_hanky_response_e.htm
Lt. - England. A response to a hankie exchange chain letter.
Hankie enclosed in envelope.
ie1951_xcl-pc-sent_note.htm
PC "Barbara Buster sent me a chain letter, so here's
your post card. Barbara Gentry"
ie1960-09-06_xcl-pc-sent_note.htm PC "You don't know
who I am but I'm on the chain that Hope started and I glad to send
you this card."
ie1963-02-16p1_Tycoons-Fate_Bowler.htm Publ. Said to
come from bowling equipment manufacturer. Predates Gene
Sarazen postscript.
ie1966-07-28p1_Tycoons_Sarazen!_Mockridge Publ. "Food for Thought: with
earliest Gene Sarazen postscript. Also see next.
ie1966_playgolf_dolan.htm
From a web page. "Conclusion: Stop worrying about your money
and get
out and play golf."
ie1967-10-21p1_Food4Thought_golferSarazen.htm Publ. Untitled "Food for Thought" (ill
fated tycoons). With Gene Sarazen addition.
ie1976_playgolf_menu.htm
Publ. (local). On menu of Cafe Pizzeria, Bloomington, IN.
"Play Golf" office humor item.
ie1977-08p_playgolf.htm
Publ. Esquire, Aug. 1977. Reduced
"Play Golf" office humor item.
ie1985u_useful-phrases.htm PhC. Office humor
item. Mock tourist Arabic for dealing with terrorism.
PARODY
LETTERS - JOKES (47)
Parody letters mock the style
and methods of circulating chain letters. The request for copies
may not be serious, but parody letters often circulate in the
mails.
j = parody (joke), e = English,
wifex = wife exchange type, husbx = husband exchange type,
fertclub = fertilizer club type
je1888-11-04p1_intro-Mass_q2
Publ. Asks recipient to introduce marriageable man to
named woman.
je1935_lucy-bowels.htm
Lt. Parody of Send-a-Dime (SD). Send soiled toilet paper.
Signed "Lucy Bowels" (web research) & others.
je1935_pullchain.htm Lt. Parody of SD. The "Pull Chain
Letter". Send a roll of toilet paper.
je1935_pullchain_no-names.htm Lt. Pull Chain Letter.
No joke names Send roll of toilet
paper. Wipe out national debt.
je1935-05-06p2_LiquidAssets_sd-parody.htm
Publ. "In Bacchus We Bust"
"Within three drinks make five copies ..."
je1935-05-03-_hay_.htm
Publ. Parody - partial text. Send bale of hay, used socks,
used razor blades.
je1935rr_chastise.htm
Lt. Parody. "Chastisement Club". Kick five SD senders twice
in the ass. Five copies to robust friends.
je1935rr_kick.htm Lt. "Kick
in the Ass Chain". Two kicks to five senders. From railroad
detective files.
je1935-05-16p2_GoodRiddanceClub.htm
Publ. "When you receive this letter, buy yourself a gun and
shoot the guy at the top ..."
je1935-06-21p_wifex!_q5.htm
Publ. Reno Prosperity Chain.
"... you should receive 15,125 women."
je1939-06-14p1_wifex_Reno_15175.htm
Publ. Wife exchange parody. "...bundle up your wife and
send her ..."
je1939-09-01p1_wifex_3125_q5.htm
Publ. Ends: "... you will receive 3125 women." No
"Reno" US, 1939.
je1939-11-03p1_wifex_wife-back!_q5.htm
Publ. "One man broke the chain and got his own
wife back."
je1944-07-12p1_wifex_back_15625.htm
Publ. "...send a copy ... to five soldiers ..."
Wife back. "15,625 gorgeous girls"
je1946-07-28p1_wifex_15176_w-back.htm
Publ. "...started in Reno ..." "...15,176
Gorgeous Girls." Wife back joke.
je1947-10-27_wifex_16179_w-back.htm
Lt. "Reno" "...16,179 women." With list of 7
names: "Tommy Manville ..."
je1948-03-19p1_wifex_MansParadise.htm
Publ. "Man's Paradise Chain Letter." "...receive
6,718 women." Wife back joke.
je1949-03-23p1_husbx!_15188.htm
Publ. "Wife" substituted for "husband". Otherwise
standard for time. Receive 15,188 men.
je1953-05-29_wifex_smile!_183.htm
Lt. Wife exchange parody. Friend received 183 women - died.
Had smile (earliest).
je1953-06-27p1_husbx_smile_16178.htm
Publ Smile on face joke. 16,178 men.
je1954-07-20p_wifex_pc_188.htm Prtd. PC. Wife
exchange commercial postcard. You will get 188 women.
je1954-08-01_wifex_n9_undertaker!.htm Lt. "...started
in Peoria" Nine celebrity names. Undertaker joke as a
PS.
je1954up_wifex_3246.htm
Publ. Wife exchange letter. Get 3246 women. One man broke
chain - got own wife back.
je1954u_wifex_pc_1276.htm
PC - unmailed. Commercial postcard from England. Wife
exchange.
je1954u_wifex_pc_1276_e.htm
PC - unmailed. Exactly as above, except US "dillies" is
"smashers" in England.
je1954u_wifex_pc_188.htm
PC - unmailed. Commercial postcard, no illustration - prtd.
text only. Get 188 women.
je1955p_wifex_625.htm
Publ. Get 625 women. Both: "got old lady back" and got 256
women, died with a smile.
je1955-03-02p_wifex_smile_16487.htm Publ. from
mimeograph. Get 16,4487 women. Like je1955_wifex - both concluding
jokes.
je1956-04-17p_wifex_pc_5814.htm PC - mailed 4/17/1956
from Oklahoma. Get 5,814 women. Commercial PC.
je1957-06-20p_wifex_undertakers_16740.htm
Publ. Get 16,740 women. Like je1955_wifex - both concluding
jokes.
je1959-05-23p_wifex_16478.htm Publ. Get 16,487
women. Only concluding joke: got old lady back.
je1962-04-14p_wifex_pc_5814.htm PC - mailed 4/11/1962
from Utah. Same card as je1956-04.
je1964p_RepublicanCL_pc_q10.htm PC - commercial,
unmailed. "the Republican Chain Letter".
Opposes Lyndon Johnson.
je1968-08-01p1_husbx_undertakers!.htm
Publ. Husband exchange - from Walter Winchell.
Undertakers erase grin.
je1971-12p_fertclub!_3267.htm Publ. Crap on lawn of
first address. Get 3267 same. Lucy Bowels on list. Earliest
fertclub.
je1974u_wifex_BirthdayCard_smile_16477.htm
Commercial Card Smile (but no undertakers). Joli
je1977-11-18p1_minister-exchange.htm
Publ. Substitution in wife exchange parody. Get 16,436
pastors.
je1979-05-27p1_husbx_16748_q5.htm
Publ. Husband Exchange - earliest collected. "...to
get smile off face."
je1980-05_husbx_16874.htm
Lt. > PhC. Early Husband Exchange. Get 16,874 men. Both
concluding jokes.
je1980-06-17_wifex_2000.htm
Lt. Get over 2,000 women. Slots for 8 names. One man ... got
his own bitch back."
je1985-03-02_wifex_16487.htm Lt. Get 16,487 women.
Undertaker joke is a PS. Collected by William Hansen.
je1985-06-08_husbx_16877.htm
PhC - typed original. "One woman ... got her own S.O.B.
back."
je1985-06-10_husbx_16740.htm PhC
- word processor original. Started as a commercial promotion of a
print shop.
je1985-09-23_fertclub_9218.htm
PhC - late generation. "... there will be 9,2218 people
shitting on your lawn."
je1985-10-29_fertclub_9216.htm PhC Landscape
format. "If you are constipated, pass
this on ..."
je1986up_husbx_legs!_16877_au.htm Publ. Circulated in
Australia. "It took ... two days to get her legs together."
je1993-08-06_husbx_16877_au.htm PhC "A Chain Letter
for Women Only" Collected by Michael Preston.
LUCK CHAIN LETTERS (619)
Luck chain letters appeal
primarily to superstition, promising good luck if the letter is
copied and distributed and bad luck if it is not. They are often
called "prayer" chains because many prior types
contained a prayer
or Bible verse.
l = luck, e = English, q =
copy quota, d = deadline in hours or days, ap = ancient prayer type, gl = good luck type, Fl =
Flanders
type,
pr = Prosperity type, Fl-pr = Flanders-prosperity type,
bym = luck by mail type, d20 = death20 type, ld = lottery-death
type,
dl = death-lottery type
ld1989u_dl-dutch_wlcj_q20.htm
PhC. File name: l = luck, d = Dutch language, 1989 = date,
u = uncertain date, dl = letter type.
le1906-01-06_ap!_lawrence_q9.htm Lt. Earliest known Ancient
Prayer type.
Blamed on Bishop Lawrence. q = copy quota = 9 days.
le1906-01-30p1_ap_recite_q9.htm
Publ. "He who recites this prayer ..." "At Jerusalem,
during holy mass ..."
le1906-02-12p_ap_Purify_mass_q9.htm
Publ. "Purify us from all sins by your precious blood
..." "At Jerusalem, ..."
le1906-02-14p1_ap-ap_4Prayers.htm
Publ. Doubled Ancient Prayer & 4 prayers. Catholic
circulation. "Bishop of Rome"
le1906-02-21p1_ap+_immunity_htm
Publ. Partial text. Early Catholic form. Promises immunity
from drowning, arrest. Italian?
le1906-03-08p1_ap_lawrence_accident.htm
Publ. Lawrence. Recite. "dreadful accident"
"At Jerusalem it was heard said:"
le1906-03-08p1_ap_Rome_assassination.htm
Publ. Two prayers. From Pope. Warns son assassinated.
Must recite.
le1906-04-21_ap_BishopOfLorain.htm
Lt. Recommended by the "Bishop of Lorain". Voice heard in
Jerusalem Mass.
le1906-05-09p1_ap'_Lenonce_voice.htm
Publ. "Bishop Lenonce" Twin prayers. "... a
voice was heard ..." Signed Winston oJurnal.
le1906p_ap_lawrnc.htm Publ. Bishop Lawrence denies
involvement. Chain letter text is probably partial. Full prayer.
le1906-06-28p1_ap_hedge_q9.htm
Publ. "... terrible accident, so the friend wrote
who sent this to me."
le1906-07-04_ap_lawrence_q9w9.htm
PC. Recite it and be "delivered from all calamity." Earliest
for many memes. Mary E. Erb.
le1906-07-13p1_ap_preface_q9_.htm
Publ. Partial text only. "I want you to
be a link in an endless prayer chain ..."
le1906-07-14p1_ap_Lawrence_q9.htm
Publ. "He who will not say this prayer, will be
afflicted with some misfortune."
le1906-07-16p1_ap_Tervice_q9.htm
Publ. Preface: "I send this prayer to you as it
was sent to me ..." "Bishop Tervice's"
le1906-09-21p1_ap_lawrence_q9w9.htm
Publ. Title: "Endless Prayer Chain" "Bishop Lawrence"
"...during the Holy Feast"
le1906-10-06p1_ap_accident_q9.htm
Publ. Standard text. "... one person who paid no attention
to it ..."
le1906-10-25p1_ap_lwrnc_try-it.htm
Publ. "...sent out by Bishop Lawrence of Mass.
..." "Try it and see. It will do no harm."
le1906-11-26p1+_ap-_lwrnc_heard.htm
Publ. No title. Bishop Lawrence. "He who rewrites the
prayer ..." Approving context!
le1906-11-28p1_ap_blood_q9.htm
Publ. "... we implore thee, the one eternal
God..."
le1906-12-03p1_ap_accident_q9.htm
Publ. "...met with a terrible accident..."
"precious blood" "holy feast"
le1906-12-04p1_ap-_heard.htm
Publ. "Bishop Lawrence of Massachusetts" "I
am quite sure this will interest you." heard
le1906-12-21p1_ap_Safford_q9.htm
Publ. "Oh Lord jesus we implore thee Oh Eternal
God ..."
le1906-12-24_ap_lawrence_notes_e.htm Lt. "This prayer was sent by Bishop Lawrence ..."
Fulfillment of prayer note. England.
le1907-01-10p1_ap_lawrence_q9.htm
Publ. "Keep my from all sins by Thy precious word ..."
"met with a terrible accident."
le1907-01-12p1_lwrnc_doorsteps.htm
Publ. Bishop Lawrence. "And persons who paid
no attention ..." LEFT ON DOORSTEPS.
le1907-01-19p1_ap-_BishopLeonard.htm
Publ. Bishop Leonard (actual person, denied signing).
"... receive luck in business and ..."
le1907-01-30p1_ap-_accident_Redeemer.htm
Publ. Bishop Lawrence. Linkage. "At
Jerusalem at the Holy Feast ..."
le1907-03-07p1_ap'_lwrnc_accident.htm
Publ. Bishop Lawrence. "Endless prayer chain"
"... great accident." "... will be afflicted."
le1907-03-26p1_ap+_linkage.htm
Publ. "Below is a prayer chain just as it was sent to
me..." ... "Now, please send it to others."
le1907-04-11p_ap_accident_.htm
Publ. Most of text just described. Negative testimonial - an
accident. "Bishop Lawrence" gone.
le1907-04-23p1_ap_Warren_q9d9.htm
Publ. "This prayer was sent by Bishop Warren"
"a terrible "
le1907u_ap_wish_q9.htm PC. Greatly corrupted and
simplified text. "... and make
a wish while writing" No dated postmark.
le1907-06-03_ap_noblood.htm
PC. Bears earlier features. No blood or calamity. The year
is uncertain - requires detective work.
le1907-06-05p1_ap-_lwrnc_q9.htm
Publ. Bishop Lawrence. "Dear Friend - I am sending you a
prayer, received by a request to ..."
le1907-07-29p1_ap-_lwrnc_LetNot.htm
Publ. Bishop Lawrence. "Let not this chain be broken. -
A Friend."
le1908-03-16p1_ap'_Trusting.htm
Publ. Bishop Lawrence. Title: "The endless chain
of prayer" "Trusting that the blessings of God ..."
le1908-03-19_ap_lawrence_malta.htm PC. From
Malta. "Endless Chain Prayer" "I will write as soon as
possible love Frank."
le1908-04-22_ap_lawrence_e.htm PC. From England. "Keep
us from all evil and take us to thy Home above eternally."
le1908-05-08p1_ap-_trusting.htm
Publ. "Bishop Laurence" "... copy as
soon as received." "Trusting that the blessing of God ..."
le1908-05-14p1_ap-_threat-.htm
Publ. Title: "The Prayer." Bishop Lawrence. "Trusting
that the blessing of God may rest upon you ..."
le1908up_ap_lawrnc.htm Publ. Fogel sees this is as
derived from a Himmelsbrief.
Here "commencing" was likely "starting" in others.
le1908-09-24p1_ap-_misfortune.htm
Publ. Bishop Lawrence. "terrible misfortune"
"Trusting that the blessing of God may rest ..."
le1909-02-04p1_ap_lawrence_q9.htm Publ.
"Endless chain prayer" "...please copy as
received..." No threat.
le1909-02-09p1_ap_NoLawrence.htm
Publ. No author given. No title. "...but you must make a
wish when writing."
le1909-02-21_ap_NoBlood_hap!.htm
PC. Leads with: "Please copy and . . . see what will happen"
(early). "... in Jesus' time" (early).
le1909-03-01p1_ap_wish_yours.htm
Publ. Title: An Ancient Prayer. "Oh, Love us
Jesus ..." Signed "X".
le1909-03-11p1_ap_wish_q9d9w9.htm
Publ. No Lawrence. "...make a wish while writing it..."
"Do not sign your name."
le1909-04-26_ap_blood_hap!.htm Lt. "Make a wish
while writing ..." Signed "Your friend in Christ"
le1909-05-04_ap_blood_hap.htm PC. "Keep us from evil by his
precious blood." Signed "A.
friend"
le1909-05-04p1_ap_wish.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "The above is an
exact copy ..." "Make a wish while writing."
le1909-05-05p1_ap_rewritten.htm
Publ. "Dear friend:" Much Linkage. "...thy
precious blood." Rewrites.
le1909-05-11p1_ap_wish_xforget.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer." "The above is an
exact copy of a strange mission ..."
le1909-12-05p1_ap_wish.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "Make a wish while
writing." Signed "A FRIEND" New York Times.
le1910-03-09p1_ap_wish.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "...some great pay on
the ninth day." "Male a wish when writing ..."
le1910-04-11p1_ap_exact-copy.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "...by thy
precious hand..." "This prayer was sent to me."
le1910-06-14p1_ap_heaven_wish.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "... take us to heaven ..."
"The ninth day ... get your wish."
le1910-06.29_ap_blood_e.htm
PC. From England. "... it is an exact copy of an ancient
prayer." "This must not be signed. A.C."
le1910-07-22_ap_happen_e.htm
PC. From England. "... sent to me to copy it & see
what will happen.."
le1910-08-17p1_ap_wish_q9.htm
Publ. "Read carefully and well the underwritten.
Make your wish while writing it."
le1910-09-16p1_ap_she_Palestine_ca.htm
Publ. Canadian Ancient Prayer type. For women. "An Answer
to Prayer."
le1910-10-12_ap_stating.htm PC. "Those who write it
... stating the day received ..." Previously "stating"
was "starting". "Jesus time".
le1910-12-17_ap_stating.htm
PC > transcription. Has "stating"
and "Jesus' time" - likely copying errors for "starting" and
"Jerusalem"
le1911-01-04p1_ap_wish_xsign.htm
Publ. Linkage. "Make a wish while writing."
"It cannot be signed."
le1911-03-06p1_ap_ailments.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" Many miscopies.
"... will be delivered from all ailments."
le1911-03-06_ap_hap.htm PC. Uses "starting the
day received" - the sense on le1908u.
But le1910-10 uses
miscopy "stating"!
le1911-04-08p1_ap_wish_q9.htm
Publ. "Make a wish while writing the prayer ..."
"It must not be signed."
le1911-05-30p1_ap_wish_q9.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "...make a wish and do not
fail to write to nine friends ..."
le1911-06-05p1_ap_ill_ailments.htm
Publ. From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
Promises delivery "from all ailments."
le1911-06-14p1_ap_she_anxiety.htm
Publ. Not clear if titled "An Ancient Prayer".
For women: " ... she who will copy this ..."
le1911-08-19_ap_hap.htm PC. "Received Aug. 11,
1911" at top. "O lord Jesus
we implore thee ..."
le1911-11-20p1_ap_OnlyDate.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "Sign no name,
only date."
le1912-02-28_ap_hap_date-recd.htm
Publ. "One Ancient Prayer" "...only date Rec'd"
"...see what happens." Picture postcard.
le1912-02-28p1_ap_q9d2w9.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "Copy it and see what
happens."
le1912-03-04p1_ap_world_Jamaica.htm
Publ. Ancient Prayer. "This prayer was sent
to me and all over he world." "Jesus' time"
le1912-03-05p1_ap_Your-joy.htm
Publ. Title: "Our ancient prayer." "Your
joy will come on the ninth day."
le1912-03-11_ap_hap_remailed.htm
PC in letter. Why did someone send R
the same postcard she had received 3 years previously?
le1912-04-02hw_ap_xsign.htm
PC. "...we implore thee To keep all mankind to keep us from evil
to keep us dwell with Him in eternity."
le1912-04-03_ap_hap.htm PC.
"Sign no name only date of receiving. May 26, 1912"
But PC is postmarked 4/3/1912.
le1912-04-04_ap_hap_xsign.htm
PC. Initial date received. Expectation. "Do not sign".
Pennsylvania.
le1912-04-07_ap_hap.htm
PC. "No name sign date only don't forget to copy nine
times." Provided by Robert Bezilla.
le1912-04-19_ap_xsign_hap_q9d9w9.htm PC - flowers.
"Sign nothing but day received." At top: "Received April
19th"
le1912-04-19p1_ap_world_Jesus'.htm
Publ. "This prayer is being sent all over the
world." "Jesus' time" "...state the day
received."
le1912-04-20p1_ap_xsign-early.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "Sign no name and
see what it will bring to you."
le1912-04-22_ap_xsign_hap.htm
PC. "This prayer was sent to me and must be sent all over
the world."
le1912-04-25p1_ap_sin_q9w9.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "Send to nine (9)
friends within nine (9) days, ..."
le1912-05-02_ap_hap.htm PC Short & near
canonical. "O Lord I implore thee to bless all mankind take us to
dwell with thee."
le1912-05-05_ap_LeakTheChain_Xhap_q9w9.htm
PC. "Do not leak the chain." No "see what happens". "Sign
only date received"
le1912-05-06_ap_letter.htm
Lt. "Sign no name and see what it will bring you."
Probably had a postcard ancestor.
le1912-05-13p1_ap_would_q9w9.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" Postcards.
"Sign no name, just date when received." Good .
le1912-05-26p1_ap_ToOneAndAll.htm
Publ. "This prayer was sent to one and all, over
the world." "... sign no name."
le1912-06-11p1_ap_indicate.htm
Publ. "Our Ancient Prayer" "... meet through
some misfortune."
le1912-06-12_ap_translated_ca
PC "Recieved this June 15th - " " ... all who
translated it ..." Ontario, Canada.
le1912-06-30_ap_happiness.htm PC "Copy it and
see what happiness comes to you."
le1912-07-02p1_ap_failed_severe.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "Start today."
"Copy all I have written."
le1912-07-17p1_ap_happen_xname.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "This was sent to me to be
sent all over the world."
le1912-07-26
ap_OurPrayer_walk.htm PC Title: "Our Prayer"
"...bring us to walk with Thee." "Sign no name only
the date."
le1912-08-31_ap_d10q9w9_e.htm
PC (copied). Title: "An Ancint Prayer" Deadline 10
days. Quota 9, Wait 9 days. England.
le1912-09-12p1_ap_pc_q9.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "This prayer was
sent to me and is to go around the world."
le1912u_ap_who-it-passed-by.htm
PC Postmark mostly illegible. "who it passed by would
meet with ...". Michigan
le1913-01-19_ap_hap_wish.htm PC "This prayer was
sent to me Jan. 21, 1913 and is
to be sent all over the world."
le1913-02-10p1_ap_wish_anon.htm
Publ. "...pass it on and see what happens."
"... make a wish each day when writing ..."
le1913-04-04_ap_hap_e.htm PC From England. "Lord
Jesus I implore thee to have mercy on all men."
le1914-01-23_ap_hap.htm Lt.
"Received by me Jan. 20. Sent by me Jan. 23."
le1914-02-11_ap_hap_texas.htm
PC "It was at the time of Jesus that all
who wrote it would be delivered."
le1914-02-14_ap_hap.htm
PC "Your joy will come in nine days."
le1914-02-20_ap_hap.htm
PC "Copy it and send it to nine friends within nine
days and on the tenth day you will meet some great joy."
le1914-03-10p1_ap_Him_date.htm
Publ. "This prayer was sent to me and is to be
copied and sent all over the World ..."
le1914-03-14_ap_hap.htm PC "O Jesus our prayer
implores thee to bless all mankind."
le1914-03-26_ap_spelling_hap_ca.htm PC Canada. Lead:
"An Ancient Prayer March 26" Last: "Don't alter
spelling March 17"
le1914-04-04p1_ap_trial_9only.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "It was said in Jesus'
trial ..." "Write nine only."
le1914-04-05_ap_DateOnly_q9w9.htm
PC "An Ancient Prayer" "Date only."
Chicago.
le1914-04-27_ap_APrayer_hap.htm PC "A Prayer,
-Oh Lord we pray thee Bless us and keep us from all evil ..."
le1914-04-30p1_ap_bless-me_read.htm
Publ. "I pray Thee to bless and deliver me
..." " ... send it on the day you receive it."
le1914-05-10_ap_hap.htm PC - Flooded Mohawk 1913.
"This
prayer is to be sent all over the world."
le1914-05-28_ap_hap.htm
PC. "Send no name, do not alter any word in Spelling."
le1914-06-09_ap_jerusalem.htm PC > transcribed from
auction photo. "It was said in Jerusalem ..." - throw back.
le1914-06-09hw_ap_hap.htm
PC Postmarked in Montezuma, Iowa. "Ever Ancient
Prayer" Hard to read pencil.
le1914-06-20p1_ap_image_w10.htm
Published image of text. "... send to nine friends in
nine days, and the tenth day you will ..."
le1914-06-23p1_ap_happens_d9w10.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "This prayer was sent to
me and is sent all over the world."
le1914-12-08
ap_to-rest-with-thee_e.htm PC
"...bring them to rest with thee." Internal "Please do not
break the chain."
le1914-12-15_ap_hap_e.htm
PC from England. "Send no name only date when received don't
alter words or spelling."
le1915-01-31p1_ap_cleansed.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" " ... cleansed from all
evil." "Received by me Jan.
27, 1915."
le1915-02-04p1_ap_Thyself_ca.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "This prayer was
passed on to me on its way round the world."
le1915-03-15p1_ap_tenth-day.htm
Publ. 18 word prayer. "...being sent all
around." "Send no name: do not break the chain."
le1915-04-12p1_ap_and-on-that-day.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" " ... and is to be sent
to all the world."
le1915-04-24p1_ap_keep-it.htm
Publ. "This prayer was sent to me and is being sent all
around." "Copy it and keep it ..."
le1915-04-26_ap_American_q9w9.htm PC
Postmarked in Reading, PA. Title: "An American Prayer"
le1915-05-12_ap_hap.htm
PC > transcription. "Do not break the chain. Do not alter
words."
le1915-05-20_ap_system.htm
Lt. "... was sent to me by some friend and it is to be sent
by the chain letter system to all the world"
le1915-12-11p1_ap_Jerusalem_w10.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "It is said in Jerusalem
..." "This is not to be signed."
le1915-12-14p1_ap_DearMrsJ-letter.htm
Publ. "I have just received the following ..."
"Keep us to dwell with Thee."
le1915-12-20p1_ap_joking_n20!_ca.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" List of 20 names!
- almost all men.
le1915-12-23p1_ap_rewrites.htm
Publ. Literate rewrites. " ... all of those who
assist in its dissemination will be free from calamity ..."
le1916-01-09p_ap_nyt.htm Publ. Catholic
Archbishop denounces AP as "rank superstition" & a sin
"against the first commandment ..."
le1916-02-23p1_ap_DearFriend.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "Dear Friend"
intro letter: linkage & repeats instructions.
le1916-03-23p1_ap_xsign_q9.htm
Publ. Postcard. Title: "Ancient Prayer" "This prayer
was sent to be sent around the world."
le1916-04-17_ap_hap.htm
PC "An Ancient Prayer" "Sign no name only
address card:"
le1916-06-16p1_ap_explains_q9w10.htm
Publ. Has explanatory first paragraph: "Dear
Friend: --I have received the following letter ..."
le1916-06-22_ap_Linkage_promise_q9w10.htm
PC Extensive linkage before "Ancient Prayer"
title. "... realize its promise."
le1916-07-15_ap_hap_q7_e.htm PC > PhC. From England. "... bless our
Soldiers and Sailors ..." "... peace in our time."
Quota 7!
le1917-05-30p1_ap_victory_RCC.htm
Publ. "An Ancient Prayer" "
... bring victory to the allies." "... sent from Russia ..."
q9.
le1917-08-31_ap_WWI_q7.htm
Lt. "America Chain Prayer" "Lord I implore you, Bless
our soldiers and sailors, ..." Quota 7.
le1917-09_ap_good-cheer_1.htm PC Leads with "Be
of good cheer at all times." "Sign and date when you
receive it."
le1917-09_ap_good-cheer_2.htm PC Same text as
above, different view card. Prepared by same person, to send out.
le1917-09-27p1_ap-_q7.htm
Publ. No title on transcription. "It was said in
olden times ..." Copy quota and wait seven days.
le1917-10-05Hero_ap_victory.htm PC - to Miss H. "...we
implore thee to give victory to the allies." "... from
Russia and Scotland."
le1917_10-12_ap__RedCross.htm
PC "Red Cross Chain." "... we
implore Thee to bless all mankind and bring Victory to our
allies."
le1917-10-12Hero_ap_victory.htm PC "Lord Jesus we
implore thee to give victory to the Allies." "... from
Russia via Scotland ..."
le1917-11-13p1_ap_victory_RCC.htm
Publ. "...be merciful to all mankind, and bring
victory to all our allies." "...Russia..."
le1917-11_ap_victory.htm Publ. "Red Cross
Chain." "Do not forget this day for the next nine days."
le1917-11-21p1_ap_RedCross_Russia.htm
Publ. "Red Cross Chain" (Only in title). "... it was sent
from Russia via Scotland"
le1917-11-21p2_ap_RedCross_q9w9.htm
Publ. Russia - Scotland - San Francisco - Seattle
le1917-12-03_ap_victory_e.htm PC > transcribed.
From England. "Love. Grace, we implore the victory of the
Allies."
le1918-09-24p1_ap_RedCross_q9w9.htm
Publ. "Lord Jesus, we implore thee to bring victory to
the allies."
le1919-02-04p1_ap'_q7.htm
Publ. Titled "Endless Chain of Prayer" "...
blessing on all nations, soldiers and sailors." Quota seven.
le1919-04-19p1_woman-in-black_q6.htm
Publ. Outlier - "woman in black" informs all to
say "Blessed be Mary, Blessed be Jesus"
le1920-06-30_ap_cradle_q7w7.htm
Typed. "The cradel chain of Flanders." Asks
for full signature. Quota seven.
le1920-08-19p1_ap_Masonic_dq9w10.htm
Publ. "This prayer was said by Masons in ancient
times."
le1920-11-22_ap_q7w7.htm
Lt. "The endless chain of God" "Send this to
7 married women ..." "Copy and sign your name."
le1920-11-30p1_ap_ToCouples_q7d7w7_.htm
Publ. Fragment. "... if you
will write a letter to seven married couples ..."
le1921-03-03p1_ap'-gl_Flanders!_q7.htm
Publ. No prayer. Linkage. " Send to seven
married women ..." "... started in Flanders Field."
le1921-03-14_ap_whoismarried_d7q7w7.htm
Lt. handwritten. "The endless chain of prayer."
"...who is married." q7
le1921-04-06_ap_cradle_Paris_q7w7.htm
Lt. handwritten. "The English Chain of Paris". "...written
on the field of Flanders" "..sign your name."
le1921-04-25p1_ap_ToMarried_q7d7w7.htm
Publ. Found with newspapers.com
"Send it to seven married ladies ..." Quota seven.
le1921-06-09p1_ap_married_q7w7.htm
Publ. From a Missouri newspaper. "Send it to seven married
people..." "Flanders Field"
le1922up1_gl_original_q9d24w9.htm
Publ. Prototype for Good Luck letter. "This
chain was started by an American"
le1922-04p_gl!_pc_q9d24w9_e.htm
Publ. Earliest Good Luck type. No
list - postcard "A deluge of postcards has fallen on
England."
le1922-05-29p2_gl_Jamaica_q9d24w9.htm Publ.
"...started by an American officer 'Buddie' ..." Original on
a postcard. From Jamaica.
le1922-05p_gl_e.htm
Publ. Names present but none given - "mostly women."
As above but started by "Buddie".
le1922-06-05p1_gl_n20_q9d24.htm
Publ. List of 20 names - not given. No "smilin".
"...have some great good fortune."
le1922-06-06p1_gl_smiling!_q9.htm
Publ. Early "smiling". Standard text. May have had
list of prior senders.
le1922-06-08gs_gl_n30.htm Lt. - blue typing. Leads
with 30 name pairs. This from: Birmingham, Ala. June 8, 1922. See
next.
le1922-06-13gs_gl_n30.htm
Lt. - blue typing. From recipient of above. This from:
Felix, Ala. June 13. Separate: 9 addresses to send it to.
le1922-06-17p1_gl_smiling.htm
Publ. "Good Luck" "...you will have some
great good fortune." "Let's all go smiling though 1922."
le1922-06-20p1_gl_q9d24w9.htm
Publ. Standard 1922 Good Luck chain letter.
le1922-07-01p1_gl_q9d24w9.htm
Publ. Standard 1922 Good Luck chain letter.
le1922-07-06p_gl_lardner_q9d24w9.htm Publ. In
August, Ring Lardner has already received 12
Good Luck CLs since summer.
le1922-07-10p1_gl_q9d24n35.htm Publ. Typical 1922 Good Luck letter. Had list of 35
names (none given).
le1922-07-13p1_gl_postsript_q9.htm
Publ. Standard - redundancy. Transient postscript.
le1922-07-20p1_ap_married-w_q7_.htm
Publ. Ancient Prayer variation. To 7 married
women. Likely partial. Date questionable.
le1922-07-22_gl_pc_linkage.htm
PC. Early Good Luck - no list. Incorporated postscript: "The
above letter was received by me ..."
le1922-07-29p_gl_q9n50_e_.htm
Publ. Fragments from the Spectator. Quota 9
letter w. 50 names. Already circulating "a few" years.
le1922-08-04p1_gl_postscript_q9.htm
Publ. Typical except postscript (which will be placed
first later). Signed "A Friend"
le1922-08-16_gl_q9d24n0w9.htm Lt. Good Luck type
on 2 pages. Started by an "American Officer." "Let's
all go 'Smilin' thru 1922."
le1922-09-13p2_gl_France_q9d24w9.htm
Publ. "started by an American officer in France"
"...bad luck will follow."
le1922-09-25p1_gl_France_q9.htm
Publ. Standard Good Luck but exactly as
le1922-09-13 above.
le1922-10-02_gl_pc_q9d24w9_neth.htm
PC In English but mailed from the Netherlands,
10/2/22. No bad luck.
le1923p_gl_q9d24w9.htm
Publ. Lucas gives "instructions" (Good Luck CL) below
long list (A to B) of names.
le1923-02-23_gl_pc_e.htm
PC Title: Good Luck. "... wait 9 days &
you will have Great Good Luck."
le1923-02up1_gl_typical.htm
Publ. Letter received by actress Viola Dana "some months
ago" (from April, 1923). Typical.
le1923-05-12_ap_Flanders_q7w7_au.htm
Lt. > PhC. Post WWI ap - Australia. "God bless our
Sailors & Soldiers ..." Flanders.
le1923-07-21p1_ap_q9d9w10.htm
Publ. Nonstandard & late Ancient Prayer. "Lord
teach us to praise thy blessings ..."
le1923-12-03_ap'_A-friend_NO-QUOTA.htm
Lt. "O Lord be merciful to us ..." "all Nations"
No copy quota.
le1923-12-27p2_gl_ColonelCole_q9n52.htm Publ. Colonel
Cole, US Army, "started" the chain - to go 3 times around the
world.
le1924-01-19p2_+gl_n9_smart_china.htm Publ. "Some smart fellow has
started this plan ..." From Shanghai.
le1924-02-07p2_ap_q10d24w11.htm
Publ. AN ANCIENT PRAYER. "O Lord, be merciful to
me." "Received January 29, 1924."
le1924-02-28p1_ap_p-at-end_q10.htm
Pub. Ancient Prayer type - q10. Prayer at
end. "Don't sign your name."
le1924-02-28_ap_q10w11.htm
PC - Ellis Island. Post WW1 changes to ap: prayer,
quota, wait. "Oh Lord be merciful unto us ..."
le1924-03-04p1_ap_q10d10w10.htm
Publ. "Oh Lord be merciful to us." Short,
nonstandard Ancient Prayer CL. Quota ten.
le1924-03-11_ap_q10w11.htm Lt. Post WWI ancient
prayer. "... let blessings be among nations." Similar to
le1924-02.
le1924-03-18p2_ap_q10d24w11.htm
Publ. Ancient Prayer, quota ten. Post Office swamped
in Davenport, Iowa.
le1924-03-28p2_gl_list-comments_q9d24w9.htm
Pub. Standard Good Luck type - late. Article has senders
comments.
le1924-04-18_ap_calgc_q10w10.htm Lt. Written in fancy
style. Quota 10, wait 10. Prayer also changed after WWI. Links to
image.
le1924-05-10p1_gl_GeneralGale_q9n44_.htm Publ. Partial? List of 44 names.
"General Gale" Standard gl body. A few other officers.
le1925-02-08_ap_hap_q7_e.htm
PC > Scan "The endless chain of Prayer" From
England.
le1925-08-14p1_+gl_smart_q9n60.htm Publ. "Some smart fellow
started
this plan ..." 60 names on list, 13 given. X to Y.
le1925-11-19p2_ap-gl_q9d24w10.htm
Publ. Ancient Prayer combined with Good Luck.
Rewrites. Original was a carbon copy.
le1925-11-25p1_+gl+_list_q9.htm
Publ. Good luck encased in Linkage and Affirmation
& closing. List implied. Signed.
le1925-12-04p1_+gl+_q9n214w9.htm
Publ. Good Luck type w. linkage, affirmation and closing
statements.
LIST WITH 214 NAMES!
le1925_+gl_n57_smart_Japan-India.htm
Mimeograph (?). List of 57 names pairs. Circulated. in Japan
& India. "Some smart fellow ..."
le1926-01-15p1_gl+_affirm_q9.htm
Publ. Good luck type with typical affirmation and
1926 closing based on 1922 film title.
le1926-01-30p2_+gl+_q9w9_China.htm
Publ. Good Luck type letter w. linkage & affirmation
statements.
"Let us go smiling through."
le1926-02-24p1_gl_nine-dogs_q9.htm
Publ. Good Luck with extended Linkage and intro. "Count nine dogs
and you will have ..."
le1926-02-25p2_+gl+_q9w9.htm Publ. Good Luck
type with linkage and affirmation statements. "Keep it Going"
le1926-02_+gl+_q9n113_1.htm Mimeograph (?). List of
113 name pairs! International - incl. Japanese admirals. From
Vicente Finizio.
le1926-02_+gl+_q9n113_2.htm
As above. From Marie Gras-y-Fort, Barcelona. Who knew whom,
1922 - 1926 - incl. Hollywood moguls.
le1926-04-01p1_+gl_DearFriend_Brit_q9.htm
Publ. "Dear Friend" "...started by a British army
officer ..." Linkage, no Affirmation.
le1926-08-31p1_+gl+_q9n1w9.htm
Publ. Nested Good Luck. Expanded linkage.
Affirmation. Incipient lists. Closing.
le1926-12-14p1_ccc-gl_Safety_q9d24w9.htm Publ.
"Cross Crossings Cautiously" Safety letter put at top of
Good Luck letter w. list.
le1927-04-08p2_Fl_safety_q4d24w4.htm
Publ. "The Flanders Chain
of Good Luck." "Do not lose it ..." "Safety chain."
le1927-04-09p1_Fl_q4w4.htm
Publ. "The Flanders
Charm" "It is positively remarkable how the prediction has
been fulfilled."
le1927-04-21p2_Fl_q4d21w4.htm
Publ. Lead: "DO NOT KEEP THIS" "The Flanders
Chain of Good Luck"
le1927-05-04p2_Fl_xhouse_q4d24w4.htm
Publ. "The Flanders Chain of Luck" It is positively
remarkable how this prediction has been ..."
le1927-05-04p2_Fl_benediction_q4.htm Publ. Flanders
type chain with linkage, affirmation and remail statements.
A "benediction".
le1927-05-14p1_Fl_q4d24w4.htm
Publ. Flanders chain of luck. "Don't lose it or
you will have bad luck." "Is is positively remarkable ..."
le1927-06-04p1_Fl_q4d-w4.htm
Publ. The
Flanders Chain of Good Luck. "...sent by an American officer in
France."
le1927-06-16p1_Fl'_friend_q4_ca.htm Publ. From "A
Friend"
"The chain was started by a British officer in Flanders."
Canada
(?).
le1927-07-16p1_gl-_q9d-.htm
Publ. Good Luck type. No deadline statement. Late
circulation date for type. Note Flanders origin.
le1927u_gl_e_.htm
Publ. Fragments from England. "chains of luck" ...
worried nervous women. "Started on a Flanders battlefield."
le1928-03-22_Fl_q4d20w4.htm
Lt. The Flanders Chain of Good
Luck. Signed and dated. Copy and send to 4 others.
le1928-05-07p2_Fl_q4d24w4.htm Publ. The Flanders Chain of Good Luck. "This letter of
good
luck was sent to me ..."
le1928-07-04p2_Fl_-field_q3d24w4.htm Publ. "Flanders field chain of good luck." "Do not stop
it or you will have bad luck."
le1929-02-19p1_Fl'_Hindu_q5d1w10.htm
Publ. Said to be "Hindu". "It is positively remarkable
how this prediction has been fulfilled ..."
le1929-04-29p1_Fl_girdle_q5.htm
Publ. "The chain was
started in Flanders Field." Linkage, Affirmation,
Anticipation, Recycle, closing.
le1929-05-02p1_Fl_Germany_q5d24w4.htm
Publ. "This was sent to me as I am sending it
to
you." "Flanders, Germany"
le1929-05-02p1_FL
noLuck_q5d24w4.htm Publ. "...will have no luck."
"The fourth day should bring good luck."
le1929-05-16p1_FL_q5d24w4.htm
Publ. Starts:
"The good luck chain of Flanders was sent to me ...." "It
is wonderful how ..."
le1929-06-17p1_Fl_no24hrs_q5d4w4.htm
Publ. "The Flanders Chain of Good Luck" "Do not
keep this."
le1929-06-28_Fl_q5d24w4.htm Lt.>PhC. "Good Luck
Chain of Flanders". "Send this one and 4 others." No testimonials.
le1929-09-13p1_Fl_8circum_q4.htm
Publ. "The Flanders Field of Luck"
"Send this with three others."
le1929-10-26p1_Fl_remarkable_q5d-w4.htm
Publ. "The Flanders' Chain of Luck" No list
mentioned. "It is positively remarkable ..."
le1929-10-28p1_Fl_Holland.htm
Publ. "The Flanders Chain of Luck."
"...started in Holland ..." "Do not keep this. From
me to you."
le1929-11-19p1_Fl_q6d24w4.htm
Publ.
"Flanders Chain of Good Luck" "Send this and five more."
le1930-01-11p1_ccc-gl_q9n14+w9.htm
Publ. "Cross
Crossing Cautiously" above a Good Luck Letter. Celebrity
names. See 1926.
le1930-01-31p1_Fr-E_tWWWL_q9d24w8.htm
Publ. Four testimonials. Quota nine. "It
is translated in all languages."
le1930-02-25p1_Fr-E_masonic-ap_tWWL_q9d24w8.htm Publ. Ancient
prayer for Masons. Had list of names. Odd names on
testimonials.
le1930-03-03p1_Fl_PassItAlong.htm
Publ. "The Good Luck Chain of Flanders"
"Pass it along."
le1930-03-03p1_Fl_soldier_q5
Publ.
Standard text. Hard to read. "The Good Luck of
Flanders."
le1930-03-14p1_Fl_goodluck_q5d24w4.htm
Publ. "The goodluck chain was sent to me by someone."
"It's wonderful how the chain ..."
le1930-04-14p1_Fl_goodluck_q5d1w4.htm
Pub. "Send this and four others." "... will bring you four
goodlucks."
le1930-06-17p1_Fl'_reduced_q4d24w4.htm
Publ. "Flanders Chair of Good Luck" Reduced version -
quota 3 + 1. Verified kill? England.
le1930u_pr9_q9d29n1w9.htm Lt. Many pencil notations. No title. Quota 9.
Win-win-lose testimonials. Undated.
le1931-08-24p1_Fl_toHouse_q5d2w4.htm
Publ. The Flanders chain of good luck. Deadline 2
hours! "... around the world sixty times."
le1931-09-09p1_Fortune_Barres_q9n43.htm
Publ. "The Fortune Card" List: X to Y, 43 names.
"Mr. Barres of Victoria ..."
le1931-10-15_fortune_q9n13d24w9.htm
Lt. "The Fortune Chain". Likely translation of a French chain. Many testimonials, some
negative.
le1932-03-11p1_pr9_drake_q9d29n9w9.htm
Publ. Quota nine - like Prosperity. Different names
in testimonials. Drake estate.
le1932-07-17p1_pr9_list_q9d24w9.htm Publ. No title,
"prosper", copy quota 9, modified affirmation, testimonials, list
(undescribed).
le1932-12-10p1_pr!_ProsperityCircle_q5d24w9.htm Publ. "Have trust in God, who supplies all our
needs." - First quota 5 ( pr standard)
le1932u_Fl'+_humor_q5d24w4.htm
Lt. Possibly a parody of the Flanders chain.
"This Messenger of good luck ..."
le1933-04-01_pr9_q9w9n10.htm
PC "We truly trust in God to supply all our needs."
"Mrs. Barnes ... lost her possessions."
le1933-04-02p2_pr_q5d24n4w9.htm
Pub. Early
Prosperity type (q5). "We trust in God who ..." Testimonials.
Leading list of 4 names.
le1933-04-02p1_pr_meals_q5.htm
Publ. "We trust in God; the Father, who supplies
all our meals." Early Prosperity type.
le1933-05-03p1_fortune_q9d24.htm
Publ. Title: Fortune Chain. Many testimonials,
Pola Negri. Quota nine.
le1933-06-13p1_pr_.htm Publ.
- partial. Prosperity type. Circulated in Manitowoc, Canada.
"The story definite and positive ..."
le1933-08-04p1_pr_affirmation_q5_.htm Publ.
List omitted. "The Prosperity Chain" "... the power of those
repeated words ..."
le1933-11up_pr_Hyatt_q5d24n6w9.htm
Publ. The Hyatt letter. "We trust in God. He supplies our
needs." "Mrs. Sanford won $3,000."
le1934-04-12p1_pr_force_HWorth.htm Publ. Advice from Helen
Worth. List not given, other edits?. "This chain has a definite
force..."
le1934-04-20p2_fortune_q9d24n8+w9_.htm
Publ. The Fortune Chain. "If you take this as a joke, bad
luck will befall you." Testimonials.
le1934-12-18p1_pr_PrClub!_ca_.htm
Publ. - partial. Prosperity type. Canada
(pounds). Earliest title: "Prosperity Club"
le1935-03-13p1_pr_SixOthers_HWorth_q6.htm
Publ. Advice from Helen Worth. List not given. "Six others
have kept it."
le1936-02-06p1_blind13!_q13_.htm
Publ. Earliest "Blind13" chain postcard. Blindness
for making fun of letter. Partial.
le1936-06-05p1_blind13!_q13.htm
Publ. Early Blind13 type. "Chain of St. Anthony"
"Pay good attention to this ..."
le1937-03-08_pr(pc)_q10w9.htm
PC. Govt. issue PC. "We trust god for to supply our needs."
Reduced Prosperity type.
le1937-10-13p1_ap'_shine_q10.htm
Publ. Probably a postcard. "Shine over all the
nation!" "God bless the sender." q10
le1938-01-28p1_ap'_happiness_q11.htm
Publ. Ancient Prayer. On postcard. Copy quota 11.
"Don't let this letter die in your home."
le1938-02-04p1_ap'_happiness_q10.htm
Publ. Ancient Prayer. On postcard.
Copy quota ten. "Don't let this prayer die in your home."
le1939-03-01_Fl-pr_no-m!_q5n11.htm Lt. Good Luck type. Eleven names &
cities at bottom. Earliest no money. Has "defel pasm".
le1939-07-12p1_Fl-pr_no-m_Carnegie.htm
Published in Dale Carnegie column. List omitted. Earliest "Do not
send money."
le1939-08u_Fl-pr_no-m_q5n6.htm
Lt. Trailing processed list
w. 8 names & towns - 2 crossed out. "Do not send money" Notes
on back.
le1939-09-01p1_Fl-pr_q5n16w4_.htm
Publ. Edited. May have had recycle, etc. "The good
luck of Flanders was sent to me."
le1939-11-01p1_Fl-pr_q5d24n7+w4.htm
Publ. "Gay Field received $5,000 after mailing." "Do not send money." Internal Prosperity
title.
le1939-12-22_Fl-pr_GLofFl_q518nw4.htm
Lt. "Mrs. Fields received
$5,000.00 ..." "Do not send
any money." Names & towns: 18.
Muldoon, Tx.
le1940-01-31_Fl-Pr_GLofFl_q5d24n23w4.htm
Typed letter. Centered title: "Good Luck to You" 23 names
and towns.
le1940-03-14p1_Fl-pr_q5w4n21.htm
Publ. "Good Luck to You" "Mr. Mayfield received
$4000 four hours after mailing."
le1940-03-29p2_blind13_laughed_q13_.htm
Pub. fragment. "... woman laughed when she got the letter
and her daughter went blind."
le1940-05-06p2_Fl-pr_GLofFl_q5d24n18w4.htm
Publ. "Good Luck of Flanders" Three testimonials.
Controlled list, 18 names & towns.
le1940-05-23p2_Fl-pr_q5d24n6+w4.htm
Publ. Latest Prosperity type (if excluding Luck of
London). Controlled list.
le1940-06-06p1_blind13_made-fun_.htm
Publ. "One woman made fun of this and her daughter
went blind."
le1940-10-01p2_blind13_Psalm18_q13.htm
Publ. "One woman made fun of this and her daughter
went blind."
le1941-03-03_blind13_q13.htm
PC "This Prayer: Prayer of Safety must go all over the
world by card." "So Pray attention to this card."
le1941-03-13p1_blind13_q13d13w13.htm
Publ. Title: "This Prayer of Safety" "So pay
attention to this card and 'God will bless you'"
le1941-03-31p2_blind13_satisfy_q13.htm
Pub. "This prayer to satisfy ..." "So you pay
attention, and you will be blessed."
le1941-04-23p2_blind13_167_q13.htm
Publ. "O Lord, Be merciful to us and all Nations.
Make peace among all nations."
le1941-06-23p2_blind13_10thDay_q13.htm
Publ. "Oh, Lord be merciful unto us. Grace be unto all
nations."
le1941-06-28p1_blind13_Psalm16.htm
Publ. "Oh Lord be merciful unto us and all Nations."
"You will receive $49.60"
le1941-08-05p1_blind13_Psalm56.htm
Publ. "Lord be merciful to us" " ...a great
misfortune came to her family."
le1941-12-17p1_Fl-pr_luck_q5.htm
Publ. "This letter is only for good luck." "Grace
Fields won $400 after posting it."
le1942-03-16p1_London_q5d24w4.htm Publ. Luck of
London. "Grace Fields received $40.00 after posting it."
le1942-12-10p1_London_q5d24w4.htm
Publ. Title: "Good Luck of London" "Grace Field
won $4,000..."
le1942-12-19_blind13_q13.htm PC "A prayer for
our nation" "A woman made fun of this in 13 days her
daughter went blind."
le1943-02-27p1_London_q5d24w4.htm
Publ. "...around
the world 24 times". "... sent by an American soldier named Amos."
le1943-03-02p1_London_q5d24w4.htm
Publ. "Good Luck from London" "Dr. Emmons lost
$12,000 ..."
le1943-03-17p2_blind13_relative_q13.htm
Publ. PC. "...they said a relative went blind."
"Oh God be merciful to us and all nations."
le1943-04-09p1_London.htm
Publ. "The Luck of London." "Send no money."
Concludes: "Good luck"
le1944-01-13_London_q5d24w4.htm
Lt. > PhC. "The luck of London." Grace Field won $45,000
after sending it."
le1944-07-10_London_q4d24w4.htm
Lt. - V-Mail. APO letter from Sgt. Albert J. Bull. "It
must be mailed 24 hours after ..."
le1944-11-09_blind13_BoyLaughed_q13w13.htm
PC. "God bless our boys in service." "boy laughed at this
and on
the 13th day ..."
le1945-02-22p2_blind13_peace_q13.htm
Publ. PC. "Oh, Lord, be merciful to us all, And
let this terrible war end soon."
le1945-08-08p1_blind13_service.htm
Publ. PC. "... mercy on our boy in service &
bless our mother." "Do not let the prayer
die"
le1945-08-21p1_blind13_13postcards.htm
Publ. PC. "... have mercy on this nation." End:
"Thirteen penny postcards."
le1945-09-29_London_q5d24.htm
Lt. "Good luck from London." "Francis Field won $4,000
... T/4 Carr lost $2,000 ..."
le1948-03-13p1_London_AV-hdrs!_q5.htm
Publ. Flanders-prosperity type - Luck of London.
Aviation headers. "Its not a joke"
le1948-03-24p1_bym!_cards_q5.htm
Publ. Early Luck By Mail. "The luck of the cards has
been sent to you."
le1948-05-09p1_bym-_cards_q5.htm
Publ. "The luck of cards has been around the world four
times by army officers." X mail..
le1949-04-28p1_StThomas_q5d24w4.htm
Publ. "The luck of St. Thomas has been sent to
you." Quota five.
le1949-06-02p1_cogl_viaUD_q12.htm Publ. "via United
Dispatch" "...started in Africa by a French officer of
General de Gaulle..."
le1949-06-17_cogl_q12d72_burma.htm Lt.
Philippine testimonials - "... of Baguio who laugh at ...
met instantaneous death ..."
le1949-08-11p2_cogl_Villanova_q12.htm
Publ. Sent "via United S. Press dispatch". ",,, met
instantaneous death on June 11, 1948."
le1949-11-10p1_cogl_rnd-world_q12
Publ. Starts with circumnavigation. DELETED: Linkage
and origin statements. Transcription error?
le1949-11-21p1_bym!_ByMail_q5d24w5.htm
Publ. Earliest bym type (12/9/2013). "United Western Airlines Treasure"
le1949-12-20_bym_TreasureTel_q5.htm
Lt. - card. Early bym type. "You will receive it in the
mail in 4 days."
le1949u_cogl_q0_japan.htm
Lt. COGL
type. No copy quota. "It was started in Africa by a French officer
..." 20 names, most Japanese.
le1950-01-16p1_bym_treasure.htm
Publ. Lead: "United Air Lines Treasure" "The
luck of cards has been sent to you."
le1950-01-27p1_cogl_viaUPD_q12.htm
Publ. "via United Press Dispatch" "... laughed at this
chain ..., met instantaneous death."
le1950-02-25p1_bym-_q5d24w4.htm
Publ. "United Western Lines" "by mail" is not
present - missing, or too early?
le1950-03-06p1_bym_Treasure_q5d24w4.htm
Publ. "The United Nations Airlines Treasure" "The luck of
the cards ..."
le1950-12-30p1_bym_cards_plist_q5d24.htm
Publ. "The luck of the cards ..." Processed list (not given).
"General Watson"
le1951-09-19p1_-bym_friends_q5.htm
Publ. "The Luck of friends has been sent to you."
"Mrs. Allen won $300 and lost it ..."
le1952-02-07p1_cogl_Note_q12.htm
Publ. "...sent to me by Ronald Service." Special Note:
"What will happen after mailing?"
le1952-04-18p_bym_prvrbs!_q5d24w4.htm
Publ. by Herbert Halpert. Early "Luck
by Mail". Postal date given. Early Proverbs 3: 5-6.
le1952-04-25p1_cogl_q12d_.htm
Publ. Partial text. "...started in Africa by a
French officer ..." Controlled list (not given).
le1953-03-07_bym_list-deleted_mt18_q5.htm
Lt. > PhC. "Read Saint Matthew
18, Verse 20 ..." From the Billy Graham Archives.
le1953-04-01p1_peace_q4w4.htm
Publ. Pray for World Peace by reciting Lord's
Prayer and 23rd Psalm 9 days. Outlier.
le1954-03-30p1_bym_GeneAlden_q5d24w4.htm
Publ. "Gene Alden received $78,000 three
days after ..."
le1954-04-16_bym_masons_mt7_q5n14.htm
Lt. "Read Matthew, Chapter 7. verses 1 to 20." "Limited to
Masons." "General Dean ..."
le1954-08-16_bym'_prvrbs.htm Lt.
> PhC. Quotes Proverbs 3:5-6. "Its a known fact ... one man
received $7800 ..."
le1954u_bym_n8_mt17-20.htm Lt. > mimeograph
"Read Matthew 17:20..." "General Austen got $6600.00 only to
lose it ..."
le1955-03-04_bym_n16_Mt17-20_q5.htm Lt. "Read Matthew
17:20..." "Gene Austin received $6,000
only to lose it after breaking ..."
le1955-04-10p1_bym_LuckyPrayer_q5.htm
Publ. Title: "The Lucky Prayer" "You will
receive it by mail" - a postscript?
le1955-11-04p1_bym_q5d24w4.htm
Publ. Title; "Good Luck" "The luck of it has
been sent to you."
le1955-11-06p1_bym_xByMail_q5d24w4.htm
Publ. Proverb 3:5-6, "...brought around the world." No
"by mail". Favorable comment.
le1955u_bym_n17_prvrbs.htm
Lt. "Good Luck Prayer" "Gen Atten received $12,000
..."
"Gen. Patton received $18,000, but ..."
le1956-04-13p1x_bym'_BigMoney.htm
Publ. Newspaper is dated July 16, 1956. Holland. "big
money" replaces "by mail".
le1958-05-03p1_bym-_c-list_htm Publ. Partial text.
Title:
Good Luck Prayer. "Trust in the Lord ..." Controlled
list
(not given).
le1958p_bym_n15_prvrbs.htm
Publ. "Good Luck Faith" "U.S. Officer General
Atkins received $17.000 in days after receiving it."
le1959-03-13p_bym_.htm
Publ. NY Times, 4/11/59. Fragment. "Good Luck Prayer"
Sent to Boris Pasternak.
le1959-04-02p1_bym_q5d24w4.htm Publ. Starts:
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart." Processed list (not
given).
le1959-05-21p2_bym_xkeep_q4d24_.htm
Publ. Good Luck Prayer. Some text omitted. Not
known if list present.
le1959-10-13_d20!_n26_thpr!.htm
PhC "THINK A PRAYER" "The luck has been
sent to you." "Send 20 copies ..." Early Death20.
le1960-03-026p_bym_n28_.htm Publ. America,
Fragments. "General Bratton received $8,000 but lost it after
breaking the chain."
le1960-10-31p1_d20_q21d97w4.htm
Publ. Title: "This is a prayer" "In the
Philippines General Learn and the late president,
Magsaysay..."
le1961-05-13p2_bym_Patton_q5d24n-w4.htm
Publ. "Good Luck Prayer" Generals Atkens and Patton.
Quota 4+1. Processed list (not given).
le1963-08-05p2_bym-_xtestmnls_q5n33.htm Publ. By Mail type, but missing that. No
testimonials. Title: Good Luck Prayer.
le1964-02-24p2_bym_q5d24n-w4.htm
Publ. "It has been around the world four times by
United States Officers." Cf. Colonel Cole 1923.
le1965-09-03p1_d20_seam_q20d96w4.htm
Publ. "This is a Prayer" "In
the Philippines, General Yoram, former president of Newcave..."
le1965-09-08p1_d20-_xnegative_q20d24w4.htm
Publ. Like d20 but all negativity removed (threats,
testimonials).
le1967_bym_heston_q5n10.htm PhC "The copy of
this letter came from the Netherlands." "Charlton Heston
received $60,000 ..."
le1967-09_d20_thpr.htm
Publ. Saturday Review, 9/30/69. "While in the
Philippines a general lost his life six days after receiving his
copy."
le1967u_bym_n24.htm PhC "The luck of it has been around the world four
times (sent by U.S. Officers)."
le1968-02-16p1_d20_n27_q20d96w4.htm
Publ. Think a Prayer. "Send 20 copies of this
letter to friends you think need good luck."
le1968-03-01p1_d20_n20x_q20_.htm
Publ. Think a Prayer. "While in the Philippines,
General Hapak lost his life ..." Partial.
le1968-07-02p_d20_q20w4.htm Publ. Perceptive
commentary by Marilyn Bender. "General Wapah lost his life
in the Philippines ..."
le1969-05-31p1_death20_.htm
Publ. Very likely partial (no testimonials or
list). Trust title.
le1969-11-05p1_pgplus!_q4+1.htm
Publ. Early example: chain letter attached to office
humor combination. Most described.
le1969_d20_n25_thpr_euro.htm PhC. Collected by Prof.
Wm. Hansen in Copenhagen. "THINK A PRAYER" 25 names, many
Danish.
le1970-01-21p1_miracles_NoSt_q7_ca.htm
Publ. From Canada. Sick girl "performs
miracles." "6CFC" instead of a stamp. Quota seven.
le1970-07-25p_d20n60_.htm Publ. Fragments of a
Death20 type letter with 60 names. Col. Napak variations.
le1970-09-09p1_d20_q20d96w4.htm
Publ. "This prayer has been sent to you for good
luck." List (24) not given.
le1972-02_pgplus_q5_euro.htm PhC Office humor
item ("... go play golf") with Good Luck CL added plus
instructions & names.
le1973-01-08p1_d20-q4_Holy-Land.htm
Publ. Death20 with quota four. "One man in Hawaii broke
the chain ..." Trust title.
ABBREVIATIONS for Death-Lottery
(dl) type letters: n21 = a list of 21 names, b = Belief
Title, t = Trust Title, k = Kiss
Title,
l = Love Title, w = It Works postscript,
w0 = truncated It Works postscript, j = Saint
Jude mention, c = Car testimonial
le1973-01-26p1_d20-q5_Holyland.htm
Publ. Death20 type but quota 5. "...original
came from the Holyland."
le1973-03-13p1_bym_names&nos_q5n21.htm Publ. "Send four copies plus this one."
Name & number processed list.
le1973-05-07_d20_thpr_q20n21.htm PhC - received by
DWV. "(THING A PRAYER)" List of 21 names despite processing
instruction.
le1973-11p_dl!_prvrbs_q20n21.htm Publ. Earliest DL type. Colombo. "Not believing
it, he threw it away. Nine days later he died ..."
le1973up_d20_thpr_q20.htm Publ: Urban Folklore
from the Paperwork Empire, Dundes & Pagter. "THINK
PRAYER"
Name variants.
le1974-06-04_ld!_fere_YokoOno_q20.htm PhC of hand
printing. Earliest example of LD
type. Quotas 24 & 20. "Yoko Ono" appears on list.
le1974-06-29_ld_sece_q20n18.htm PhC. "Dear Friend"
"...written by St. Antoine de Cadi." Internal title:
THINK A PRAYER
le1974-08_ld_e_.htm Publ.
Fragmentary quotes. Letter asks for good or bad luck
accounts.
le1974-10_dl_n27.htm PhC
from the American Folklife Center. "...written by St. Aptine
de Cade." "A B.S. Officer received $70,000."
le1974-10_ld_e_.htm Pub.
Fragments including testimonials. Mailed from Spain,
received in England.
le1974-10_ld_n20_2pp.htm
PhC Lottery block testimonials expanded &
incorporate Death20 block testimonials - in response to request.
le1975-02-06_ld+_StAntonia_n23.htm PhC Close: le1974-10_n20. "Let our
heads not make fools of us into thinking in terms of duality."
le1975-03_ld_n28.htm PhC
Like. "You may add information
about
what happened to you if you ever received this chain before."
le1975-04_ld_n16_1.htm PhC Like
Parent of le1975-04_ld_n16_2.
le1975-04_ld_n16_2.htm Mimeograph? Like.
Retyped from above & mimeographed by
Charles Meadows. Format changes.
le1975-12_jennings_xmas.htm PhC
Non-traditional composition by Timothy Jennings. Mentions 8
X 10 exp 35 copies.
le1975_d20_n23_preston.htm
PhC & Publ. Published by Preston - this based on
original photocopy. Preston's #1.
le1975p_dl_n_sherman.htm
Publ. Fate, 8/1975. "Senator Walsh lost his
wife six days after he received this letter ..."
le1975_dl_n23_a1.htm
Publ. & PhC. This from degenerate PhC. Internal
list of 23 names. Zarin Barrachilli dies. Preston's A1.
le1975_dl_n26(17cpls)_wife!_a2.htm Publ & PhC. 26
names - 17 couples. Zarin Borracbilt dies. "You will get your
surprise." Preston's A2.
le1975_ld_n27_2pp_b1.htm
Publ & PhC. "...you must make 20 copies*"
Footnote: "* may xerox" Preston's B1.
le1975_ld_n27_b2.htm
Publ & PhC. Like Senders list includes: "Lord Ashcombe Lord
Wilson Lady Jane
Rayne" Preston B2.
le1975_ld_n28_b3.htm
Publ & PhC. Like - reformatted. First 14 names same as B2. Source
has variable width characters. Preston B3.
le1975_ld_n30_b4.htm Publ & PhC. Like.
All different names on list. Zerem
Berreball died. "Ned Freidspm, an artist, ..."
Preston B4.
le1976-07-26p_dl_fege_xlist_q20.htm Publ: Primo
Times, Bloomington. "Write F.E.G.E on upper corner of the
envelope next to stamp."
le1977_pgplus_.htm Publ.
in Esquire, 8/1977. A shortened form of 1972-02. Published
version omits chain letter at end.
le1977-05-21p1_d20_q20n_.htm
Publ. Short Death & Money testimonial. "Send 20
copies and after you do, ..." Controlled list.
le1977-06-08_dl_fgge_q20.htm PhC "Think a
Prayer" "Write F.G.G.E on the upper corner ... next to
stamp" Envelope so marked.
le1977-09-22p1_dl_TrustLast_q20.htm
Publ. Proverbs moved to end of letter. Carela
Cradvit lost job - no better job.
le1978-04_dl_q20n0.htm Mimeographed handwriting. "The
luck has been brought to you." Caren Wichile died.
le1978u_dl-_n19_pratt.htm
Original handwriting. Response to a solicitation.
Degraded lottery block. "General Wglak lost his life ..."
le1979-01_dl_xmoney(2)_q20.htm PhC "It must
leave your hands ..." : "For no
reason whatsoever ..." "DO NOT SEND MONEY!"
le1979-05_dl_tw!.htm
PhC Concludes: "Remember no money. Please
don't ignore this. It does work." and "Mahalo (Thank you)"
le1979-06-21_dl_t_q20n0.htm
PhC No "It Works" postscripts. "Darinn Meirchild
received the chain."
le1979-06_dl_ignor_wt.htm
PhC With good luck note. "Delon
Fairchild ... died." "Please do not ignor
this. It works." - Early postscript.
le1979-07-30p_dl_w't.htm PhC Has postscripts,
concludes: "It does work." Collected in Colorado by Cathy
Preston.
le1979-09-17_brill_n66_retypeDate.htm PhC
Entertainment industry parody of the DL type. "Trust in
yourself with all your heart."
le1979-12_brill_n79.htm
PhC Brill type. Some names: Roberta Flack, Van Morrison,
Herb Alpert, Lonnie Donegan, Eric Clapton.
le1979u_brill_n38.htm
PhC Another Brill letter with different and fewer
names. Collected by Wm. Hansen in Bloomington, IN.
le1980-12-23_dl_wt_dates.htm PhC "Trust in the
Lord with all good faith". Has list of dates. Added: Analysis of
date disordering by DWV.
le1980_dl_wt.htm
PhC "Trust" title. Postscript: "Remember: No
Money!! Please don't ignore this. It does work!!"
le1980u_brill_n68.htm PhC Late generation copy.
Few names I recognize - starts with "Tom Sholz, Shawn LaBarra,
Herb Alpert".
le1980u_dl_B-L29_wb.htm
PhC of typed lt. Online image. Bennett's L29. Early
Belief title (just last word). Unbeliever's death.
le1980_dl_wb!.htm Typed. "Early Belief title
(Mt. 21:22)" Has Unbeliever's Death.
Documents Bennett chain letters used here. This L4.
le1980u_dl_wt.htm
PhC Trust title. "...luck has been brought..."
"...Welch lost wife..." "Please do not change this."
le1980uup_dl_wt_gold.htm
Publ. DL with postscripts, Trust title. Could be connected
with Circle of Gold. Date very uncertain.
le1981-01-28p1_dl_wb.htm
Publ. Belief title. No list? It Works postscripts. "General Aeles lost
his wife ..."
le1981-04_dl_wt.htm PhC
"It has been brought around the world nine times."
"... the rite has no price on it."
le1981-09-03_dl-_wb.htm
PhC. "Belief" title. No unbeliever's death. "Constartin Xus"
Signed "A Friend"
le1981u_dl-_wb.htm
PhC "Belief" title. Placed on windshield.
"Twelve-Million dollars." "Soul Anthony DeVoid"
le1982-01-28_dl_m_t.htm
PhC Postscript: "Remember no money" (m). Trust title (t). "Written
by Saul Anthony De Cadif"
le1982-02-28_dl_wt.htm
Transcribed on WWW - from PhC. Trust title. "before his
death" "It works" postscript.
le1982-09-20_dl_wt_dates.htm PhC List of 34
dates of receipt. Venezuelan author
deleted. Retype and then 7 generations.
le1982_dl_wb.htm
PhC Mt. 21:22 title ("Belief").
"Constantine Xus". "It works" postscript. No unbeliever's death.
Signed "A Friend"
le1983-02_dl_w(k).htm
PhC Late generation. No title - may have been
truncated. "w(k)" means no title but Kiss
title riders present.
le1983-04_dl_w(k).htm
PhC Late generation, spotty. No
title - Kiss riders. "It Works"
postscript. "Saul Anthony deCroof".
le1983-05_dl_w(k).htm PhC - dark on left. No title - Kiss riders. "Saul Anthony de Cruof".
le1983-06-13_dl_wl!_e.htm PhC Earliest collected
title "With love all things are possible" (l). Mailed
from Sweden to England.
le1983-06-30_dl_wt'.htm
PhC Title (t'): "Love the Lord with all your heart and
he will acknowledge and he will light the way."
le1983-09-22_dl-_wb.htm
PhC - late. Matthew 21:22 title. "It works" postscript. "Constatin Yus".
le1983-10-04_dl_wk!.htm PhC Word processor
original. Earliest Kiss
title collected. "It Works" postscript deleted. Notes.
le1983-11-09_dl-_wb.htm
PhC Matt 21:22 title. "__FATHER
21'-22". "It Works" postscript.
"Constantation"
le1983_dl_wl.htm
PhC Early Love title. "Constantine Know received ..."
Likely fall, 1983. Supplied by American Folklife Center.
le1983_dl_wt.htm PhC - late
generation, 2 pages handwritten. Trust title, It Works
postscript. "Bolier Fairchild".
Supplied by AFC.
le1984-05_dl_wk.htm
PhC Kiss title, It Works postscript. Constatino Diaz.
Collected by Prof. William F. Hansen.
le1984-05_dl_wl.htm
PhC Love title, It Works. Constantine Diaz. "Gene
Helch" "Saul Anthony DeCroup". Collected by DWV.
le1984-05-05_mx_tagalog_q24.htm PhC "Saint Jude
Thaddeus" "Isabel Buena lost
her copy and lost her life." "Novena to our mother ..."
le1984-06_dl_wl.htm PhC.
Love title, It Works. "Saul Anthony De Croup" "Constantine Kias"
Collected by Michael Preston.
le1984-07_dl_wl_1.htm
PhC From Newark. Close to below. Differences: faith
vs. fate, Constatine vs. Contatain, get a surprise, vs. receive
...
le1984-07_dl_wl_2.htm
PhC From Newark. Close to above, especially in format.
Keystrokes preserved.
le1984-07_dl_wl_handwr.htm
PhC of handprinted original. Two pages. Many errors - by a
child (?). "Saul Anthony Decrap".
le1984-08_dl_w'l.htm
PhC - late. "It Works" deleted (w'). "While in the Philippines" transferred to previous
testimonial (Elliot).
le1984-08-12_dl_wl_q5.htm
PhC. Copy quota changed to five. "Saul Anthony DeChomp",
First
dl or ld letter offered on eBay, closed 3/23/2020.
le1984-12_dl-_wl.htm PhC of handprinted original. One
page. Lottery source of
money and "lost job - better job" testimonial omitted.
le1984-12_dl_wl_1.htm
PhC Close to ...2. "Joe Ellit" "DeGroup"
"aked" for "asked".
le1984-12_dl_wl_2.htm
PhC. Close to ...1. "
"
"psper" for "paper".
le1984-12_dl_wl_dot.htm
Dot matrix printer > PhC. Title and postscript in
large font. Dated Dec. 31, 1984. Collected by Preston.
le1984u_dl-dl_wt-wk_comb.htm PhC Two DL letters
combined on one page. (i)
"A Good Luck Prayer" & Proverbs. (ii) Kiss title.
le1985-03-17p_dl_w0_.htm
Pub. Denver Post - Woody Paige. No unbeliever's death
testimonial (edit?).
le1985-04_d'l_wl_e.htm
PhC From England - collected by Paul Smith.
Philippine location shifted forward.
le1985-04_dl_wl_reduced.htm
PhC Original was typed,
reduced, then photocopied in pairs. Love title offset to right.
le1985-06_dl_wk.htm
PhC Very standard text. "Calo Dodos, an office
empolyee" Reduced and cut to 6.5" by 7".
le1985-12_dl_wl_h2pp.htm
PhC of handwritten 2 pages (h2pp). Lottery winner unnamed.
"Send no money ... just good luck."
le1985_dl_wl.htm
PhC of handwritting. "Saul Aminea De Coup" " ...
received The Letter nine days later he died."
le1985p_dl_wl_au.htm
PhC (?) Published: The Hidden
Culture. Collected in Perth, Australia. Standard text.
"Remember, no money."
le1985u_dl_w0_pounds_e.htm PhC
Hand written from England. Dated by comparisons. Title may
have been cut off.
le1986-04_dl_wk.htm
PhC Kiss title. "Please send no money." Six dates of
receipt at end: 3/18/86 to 4/14/86.
le1986-04_dl_wk-.htm PhC
"Kiss someone you love when you receive this letter."
"Noland Fairchild"
le1986-05_dl_wk_she!.htm
PhC Original carefully typed. "...before her
death she had won $50,000.00 in a lottery." From Alan E. Mays.
le1986-05-08_dl_w-k'.htm
PhC Spotty. Title: "MISS SOMEONE YOU LOVE ..."
Landscape format. No final "It works" (deleted?)
le1986-12_dl_wk.htm PhC
Annotated "12-86". "The original copy is in New England."
"She won $50,000 in a lottery."
le1986_dl_wk.htm PhC.
Charles H. Bennett's L6. Stuck under windshield wiper. "Carla
Daddin ... she lost her job." Sunnyvale, CA.
le1987-02_dl_wk-.htm PhC
Title: "Kiss someone you love when you get this letter"
"..before her death he received $7,755,000."
le1987-06_dl_wlj!.htm
PhC - all caps. End: "St. Jude / It
Works" - Earliest St. Jude! From American Folklife Center, Library
of Congress.
le1987-09_dl_wk.htm
PhC Annotated "9-16-87 / Redwood City, CA / Parking Lot."
Only text caps: title, "This is no joke", "It Works".
le1987-12_dl-_wk.htm
PhC No unbelievers death testimonial (l-). "Please do
not ignore this it works."
le1987u_dl_wk_q10!.htm
PhC - late, reduced. Penciled clarifications, these also
photocopied. Changes "20" (copies) to "10" in 4 places.
le1988_pgplus_q5w4.htm
PhC Starts: "Are you stressed out? Read on!"
May have circulated as office humor. Memo: "\MH/LUCK"
le1988-03_dl_wk_e.htm
PhC - faded. Postmarked in Sheffield, England.
Only caps: "This is no joke." Penultimate "Good Luck"
le1988-04u_dl_wk.htm PhC
Collected by Alan E. Mays in Millersville, PA, spring of
1988. Standard text. "Good luck. It works."
le1988-07_dl_wlc!j.htm
PhC Earliest Car testimonial (c!). Ends: "Remember me
always. It works. ST. JUDE" in two lines.
le1988-11_dl_wk.htm PhC
Bold script font. "This is true even though you are not
superstitious." "...after finding the letter again..."
le1988-11_dl_wk_retype.htm
PhC Large font title. Unbeliever's Death testimonial
omitted. Retype note. Collected by Alan E. Mays.
le1988_dl_w(l)cj.htm
PhC No title. Bennett L11. "...and lost that too ..."
(& his wife) "she, too, put it aside" (& Carlo
Dadditt).
le1988_dl_wl.htm PhC
Charles H. Bennett's L9 from web page. "... providing you in
turn ..." "Constantine" has only that name.
le1989_dl_w-k.htm PhC
"This is true even if you may not think so right now."
Truncated postscript: "It Works" Dated just to year.
le1989_dl_wk_rewr_notes.htm
PhC > Publ. Major rewrites & omissions. Asks
that messages be added. "May you be blessed with love ..."
le1989_dl_wlcj.htm PhC
Dated to year only. "South Africa"
le1989-03_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC Placed on windshields in parking lot. Starts:
"Dear Friend," Lottery block testimonials indented.
le1989-04_dl_wk.htm PhC
Both mentions of 96 hours have "(4 days)". Gene Welch loses
his wife but gets no money.
le1989-07_dl_wlcj_rec-fate.htm PhC "Do not
accuse people of sending have
received this letter by fate!"
le1989-12_dl_wk.htm
PhC Distr. in Oxnard College staff mail boxes, 12/8/89. "A
few days after the mailing he go a better job."
le1989p_dl_wk.htm PhC
Published but have original Standard text. From England (?)
"Please don't ignore this. Good luck. / It works."
le1990-01_dl_w'lcj.htm
PhC "Saul Anthone Be Coup" "Send 20 letters"
within postscript. Script font. From Klemme, Iowa.
le1990-03_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC All caps. "John Hilliot did receive ..." "Reminder
... Send no money." "It Works / St. Jude"
le1990-04_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC Charles H. Bennett's L27. "This paper has been
sent out to you for good luck."
le1990-05_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC Word processor font. "...must tour the world, to
friends ..." omission. "It is still true" duplication.
le1990-05_dl-india_q30.htm
PhC Title: "SRI GANESHJI" Ends: "With Prayer and
Good Luck / SHIRDI SAI BABA KI JAI / OM"
le1990-05u_dl_wk-.htm
PhC "Kiss someone you love and make magic". "She won
... in a letter." From De Kalb, Ill.
le1990-06-14_media(37)_q5w4.htm
PhC The Media Chain Letter. Memos start with Pierre
Salinger and Art Buchwald. Not sequential.
le1990-06_media(48)_q5w4.htm
PhC > The Media Chain Letter.
Celebrity
participants: Pierre Salinger - Jane Fonda - Goldie Hawn.
le1990-07_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC "...fat has no pride." "Constantly Dias"
"reusable" instead of "readable". All one paragraph.
le1990-08_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC Tilted cut at lower left. "--provided you, in return"
"...he won lottery" "Carlo-Dadditt, an office employee
..."
le1990-10_d-l'_wjlcj_rewr.htm PhC - cut on right.
Major rewriting. No testimonials of death. Begins and ends: "St.
Jude!"
le1990-10_media(21)_q5w4.htm
Typed or WP > PhC. Luck chain letter - the "Media chain
letter". With 21 attached memos.
le1990-10_media(34)_q5w4.htm
Same ^ "Just have a wonderful
efficient secretary make four additional copies and send it to
five ..."
le1990-11_media(17)_q5w4.htm Same ^ "Feb. 15, 1991: If Tip O'Neill and Pierre Salinger need
luck, who am I to toss this dumb letter!"
le1990-12_dl_w+lcj.htm PhC Well written. Near
end: "So please think abot this. / Good luck!!!" Image of
dog.
le1990-12_dl_wjlcj.htm
PhC Starts: "TO: ST. JUDE" Ends: "THANK YOU ST.
JUDE / IT WORKS" Gene Welch gets $7,775,000.00
le1990-12_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC "The chain came from Venetian" "Constantine
did receive" (did for Dias).
le1990u_dl_she-died_wlcj_B-L28.htm
PhC - typed. From web page - Bennett's L28. Female
unbeliever's death. Date estimated.
le1991-02_dl_wjlcj.htm
PhC. Starts: "TO ST. JUDE" "The luck has now been sent to
you." No RAF officer testimonial.
le1991-02_dl_w'lcj_dates.htm PhC
- 16th gen. "Send no money
and do not sign this. / St. Jude / It does Work" 63 dates
from 28/2/91.
le1991-03_dl_w'lj_rewr.htm PhC Rewrites. At
start: "Peace be with you. And Peace ..." "You will receive GOOD."
No unbeliever's death.
le1991-03u_dl_wjlcj.htm
PhC Starts: "TO: SAINT JUDE" Ends:
"THANK YOU ST. JUDE / IT WORKS" Welch gets
$7,755,000.00
le1991-03u_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC Omits: "Send copies to people you think need good
luck."
le1991-04_dl_wlcj_au.htm
PhC - posted on USENET. "Original in England" "Fate has no
pride." "Carole Dadditt" "St. Jude / It Works."
le1991-05_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC Reported on alt.folklore.urban No
unbelievers death. Ends with: "St. Jude / It works, / Pray for
us."
le1991-11_dl_w0cj.htm
PhC No title (Love omitted). "...faith has no price."
From Middletown, PA.
le1991-11u_dl_wk.htm PhC
Standard text. "Saul Anthoney Detroit" "Aria Daccit"
le1991-11u_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC Standard text. All caps. "WITH LOVE ALL
THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!" "ST. JUDE / IT WORKS!!!!!!!"
le1991u_dl_w-(kc)!.htm
PhC. Date estimated from text. Early KC transfer of Kiss
title (?). Andy Dodd gets better job. "It
works" deleted.
le1991u_dl_w-kc.htm PhC No
date - estimated from text. Close to le1991u_dl_w-(kc)! .
le1992_rg_q4d4.htm
Lt. > Email. Romance Game. "On
the 4th day drink a glass of milk and say his name 5 times (the
guy you like.)"
le1992-02_dl_w0c.htm PhC Vertical streaks. "It
has been around the world
nine times and the luck has been sent to you."
le1992-02_dl_wk.htm
PhC Charles H. Bennett's L23. Italic font. "Fate
has no price." "Andy Babbit" does not get a better job.
le1992-02_dl+_wlcj_j-devot.htm PhC "May the
sacred heart of J. be loved adored glorified and preserved
throughout the world ... "
le1992-04_dl_wlcj.htm PhC
All caps. "A.R.A.D. officer" "Carol Daditt ... her
..." "Remember ir really works."
le1992-05_dl_wlcj.htm PhC. "Saul De Grou"
Standard text. From Reading, PA. Collected by Alan E. Mays.
le1992-05-27_dl_w-lcj_dates.htm PhC - gen. 15+. "He asked his secretary ... A few days later she won a
lottery ..." 15 dates of receipt.
le1992-06_dl_w'lcj.htm PhC fully justified by spacing.
"...must tour the world, you will get a surprise." "...do
not sign this" in postscript.
le1992-07_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC Charles H. Bennett's L16. Some phrases in
bold. Standard text.
le1992-10_dl_w'lcj_e.htm
PhC from England. All caps. Original in "New Zealand"
"Send no money and do not sign this" in postscript.
le1993-04_dl_w-(kcl)!.htm PhC. Early KCL transfer.
Like KC trans. but Love retained. South Africa. Andy Dodd. "It
works" deleted.
le1993-05_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC Landscape format. Body of letter in script font.
"Saul Anthony DeGivu". Penultimate "GOOD LUCK"
le1993-06u_dl_wlcj_retyp2.htm PhC. "...fate has no
peace." "... in Sydney who re-typed it again as it was to be
clearly readable."
le1993-12_dl_wlc_j3-16.htm
PhC Keystrokes preserved. "John: 3:16" in extreme
lower right corner. Collected by Theresa Preston.
le1993u_dl_wjklc(!).htm
PhC Earliest JKLC transfer. Titled "SAINT JUDE" This
one has no proviso and no doubled money ban.
le1994-03p_dl_wlcj_nature.htm Publ. Goodenough & Dawkins.
"This is love even if you are not
superstitious."
le1994-03_dl_wlcj+.htm PhC "David Fairchild"
St. Jude expansion: "Patron Saint of the Impossible" "Pray
for Us ..." "Amen"
le1994-05_dl_wk'.htm
PhC UCLA campus mail. "Kiss ... and make music"
"Samuel Anthony Pierce" "Mr. Fairchild ... died ..."
le1994-06_dl_w-kcl.htm
PhC KCL transfer. South America. Don't send money -
doubled. Andy Dodd. "It Works" deleted as on all KCL.
le1994-10_dl_wlc_mhdies.htm
PhC "Melissa Horton received
the letter and not believing, she threw it away. Nine days later
she died."
le1994-11_dl_wlcj.htm PhC "...faith has no
price." "Daian Fairchild" Provided by Anna Guigne.
le1994-12_dl_w(klc)!.htm
PhC Earliest KLC transfer. Kiss to Love letter. "he
received ..." - H$ as on Love. "Pan American" officer.
le1994_rg_q4d4.htm Handprinted, this a
copy. Romance Game classroom note. "copy this letter (by hand)" 4
copies in 4 days/
le1995-01_dl_w-kcl.htm PhC KCL transfer.
"provided you in turn send
it on." South Africa. Andy Dodd. "It works" deleted.
le1995-01_dl_wk+.htm
PhC Pre-title "MAGIC" then standard Kiss. "...fate has
no control." "...by Samuel Adams Pierce" UCLA
le1995-03_dl_wk.htm
PhC "Gene Wolfe" "...even though you are not
..." No unbeliever's death. From American Folklife Center.
le1995-06_dl-_wk.htm
PhC "Gene Wolfe" Very close to le1995-03 & others.
"Constantine Dens"
le1995-07_dl_wl+cj_retype-dates.htm PhC. "It works" "St. Jude" Love-Car.
Fourteen
dates when retyped. US, 1995.
le1995-08_dl-_wk.htm PhC of handprinting. "Gene Wolfe"
"South Venezuela" "So note the following:" No
unbelievers death.
le1995-08_dl_wklc.htm
PhC Standard KLC transfer. "Pan American officer"
"Carlo Baddit" - no belated copying, no better job.
le1995-08_dl_wlcj.htm PhC "Darlene Fairchild" -
she died nine days later.
. "I have retyped it again today in 1995."
le1995-09_dl_wk_rewrite.htm
PhC "MAGIC" - usual kiss title is first sentence.
Rewriting. "Mr. Fairchild ... Nine years later, he died."
le1995-09_dl_wklcj.htm
PhC KLCJ transfer (first of 2). "Saint Jude" added at
end of a KCL letter. "Pan Am officer" "Cairo Badain"
le1995-09_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC Elliot and Philippine testimonials transposed.
"Dont ignore this letter."
le1995-09_mex_s5c_q24.htm
PhC "Before anything, I would
like to tell you that St. Jude Thaddaeus will help you in
everything ... "
le1995-10_dl_w+lcj.htm PhC "...since passing it
on, he has received $7,750,000." "Three days later ..." "Send love
instead."
le1995-10_rg_q7d5.htm
Note (?) > Email. " ...
say the first and last name of a boy or girl and ... he or she
will ask you out or say ... "
le1995-12-01_dl_w-kcl_Africa.htm
PhC. Kiss-Car-Love transfer. De Groff from South
Africa. No "It Works". from Jean Reherman.
le1995-12_rg_q8d4.htm
Printed in pencil. Classroom note from 12 year old
girl. Drink a glass of milk, say his name 5 times.
le1996-01_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC Received 1/15/96 in PA. No death-money
testimonial. "an ARF officer."
le1996-01_dl+_wlcj.htm
PhC All caps. "Joe Elliot" gets $7,775,000. No
Philippines. "Expect a miracle. God bless you."
le1996-01_dl-india_q30_e.htm PhC Cognate to DL type. Late images (3). " ... send them after worshipping Shri Saibaba in your
house."
le1996-02_dl_wjklc.htm PhC JKLC transfer.
"...provided you send it out."
Love titled letter text features.
le1996-02_dl-_wk.htm PhC
Kiss title. "he broke that chain." "from South Venezuela."
No unbeliever's death testimonial.
le1996-02_dle_degroda.htm
Email > PhC. Circulated as email, then as a photocopied
letter. Concludes: "You must not sign this message."
le1996-03_dl_wklc.htm
PhC KLC transfer. "Pan Am" officer. "Saul Manthong
Degroug" "Delan Fairchild"
le1996-03_dl-_wl'c'j.htm
PhC. "If we love, all things are possible." "So note
the following ..."
le1996-04_dl-_wk.htm
PhC. "...from South Venezuela." No unbelievers death.
"It does work." Ornate font & border.
le1996-04_dl_wl'cj.htm
PhC. "Do not do the following:" "She finally typed the
letters promised ..."
le1996-05_d+l-_wklc.htm
PhC Kiss title incorporated
into body of letter. Some additions. "This
is the universal law of energy exchange."
le1996-05_dl_w+lc.htm PhC KLC transfer. Added:
"This is a universal law of energy - exchange. ... " Ends:
"Good Luck" after IWP.
le1996-07_dl_w-kcl.htm PhC KCL transfer.
No proviso to receiving good luck. South Africa. "It works"
deleted.
le1996-08_dl_wjklc.htm
PhC JKLC transfer. "...provided in turn you send it
out" "an R. A. H. officer" "St. Anthony Degroup"
le1996-08_dl_wklc.htm
PhC KLC transfer. "Pan Am" officer. "Sal Manthony
Degroug" "It really works" No "better job"
le1996-08_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC Very standard text. "A United States Air Force
officer .... whereas John A. Elliot ..."
le1996-09_dl_wklc.htm
PhC KLC transfer. "Pan American" officer. "Saul
Mahoney Degroup" "Carlo Baddit" - no better job.
le1996-09_dl-_wlcj.htm
PhC "Carlos Daddits" testimonial combined into
unbelievers death. "Do not send money, do not sign this."
le1996-10_dl-_wklc.htm
PhC KLC transfer. Deleted: "Since the copy must tour
..." "Carl Baddit" only loses.
le1996-11_dl_wjklc.htm
PhC JKLC transfer. "Saint Anthony DeGroup"
"Constatidens received ..." "Carl Dadil"
le1996-11_dl_w-lcj_miracle.htm PhC - reduced. "It
Works" dropped. Ends: "God Bless you.
Expect a Miracle. St. Jude"
le1997-01_dl_wklc_h2pp.htm
PhC KLC transfer. "While in the Phillippines, Cane
Walsh ..."
le1997-02_dl_wjklc.htm
PhC JKLC transfer (last) - all
have "Gene Walls lost his wife ten days ..."
le1997-02_dl+_w'(lkc)!.htm PhC Outlier LKC
transfer (only 1). "A.R.F officer" "Cairo Daddo" loses job -
no better job. Pep talk at end.
le1997-03_dl_wlcj.htm
PhC Handed to a teacher (Maggie Wells). "95 hours"
"This is true" shifted. Car won in a "raffle".
le1997-07_dl_wk+c_gift.htm
PhC Title: "A Gift From Above" KC transfer (like
KLC - her L deleted). Note "faxed" for "faded" in Car.
le1997-07_dl_wk'cl.htm
PhC Outlier KCL transfer - Love onto Kiss letter.
Extra title: "Magic". No proviso. Lost wife 6 days after
(not 51).
le1997-09p_dl_w+lc_au.htm
Pub. Letters to Ambrose Merton. Death & Money
test. rewritten. "For some strange reason it works."
le1997-10_dl_wklcj.htm
PhC KLCJ transfer (#2 of 2). "Saint Jude" at
end. "Pam Am" officer - as KLC letters. This: money ban doubled.
le1997u_dl_wlcj_rewr.htm
PhC Extensive rewriting. "Royal Mounted Police" He/she
switch in Philippines. "It really works. / Saint Jude."
le1998-02p_rg_q7d5.htm
Publ. Romance Game. "You
touched this letter so you have to keep it! Send this to 7 people,
no boys."
le1998-04_htotem1.htm Email>PhC>... Email
to paper! "This Totem actually exists ... in Refuge (near Kona),
Puuhomua o Homaunau."
le1998-07_dl_wlcj.htm
USENET Post (alt.christnet). From paper. "Gaul
Anthony DeGrou ... from South Africa". "It Works. / St. Jude"
le1999-03_dl_w'lcl_fr.htm
PhC Love title repeated at end. Much non-standard
text. Amounts in pounds. Collected by Jean Bruno Renard.
le2003-02_dl_w-lcj.htm
PhC "Do not ignore this. / St. Jude". "This is true"
& "not superstitious" misplaced.
le2004_dl_wlc_eritrea.htm
PhC - word processor. "St. Anthony Decron". Lost job
truncated. Provided by Alexander Okbai.
le2004-04u_mary_tagalog_q24.htm PhC of handwr.
Half is untranslated Tagalog. Title: "A True Child of Mary
Can Never be Lost"
le2004-07_dl_xsign_w-lc.htm
PhC Like 2005-08.
"Do not sign this. / It works." "Saul De Crop" "...
she .... won lottery"
le2004-10_dl_wklc.htm
PhC Late KLC transfer. "Carl Baffi" loses job. No
better job. Titled "Untitled" - probably incorporated file name.
le2005-08_dl_xsign_w-lc.htm
PhC. Sent to DWV. "Genio Welsh". "Sal Dee Croop a missionary
from South Africa." Wins car in raffle.
le2008-09_dlf!_wcj_xsign
PhC "The Financial Blessings Letter. Based on the dl
type. "God is asking you to help by blessings others too."
lf1928a_glf_q9.htm Publ. in French. English transl. "Chain of
happiness, Good health, Good luck." Close to Flanders type.
Testimonials.
lf1928b_glf_q9.htm
Publ. in Fr. Engl. transl. Close to Flanders.
lf1955u_algeria_q13.htm
Publ. "Saint Anthony of Padua, I have confidence in you."
Cognate to Blind13 type.
lf1979_dl_n6t_q20.htm PhC Death-Lottery type.
"Trust in God with all your
heart and everything will come to pass and reveal your path."
lf1979u_lottery_q24.htm
Publ. "written by a leper" "... his children find death in a fire ... is in a
hospital for the mentally deranged ..."
lf1987_lottery_q24.htm Publ. "... chain comes from Venezuela where it had been found by a
legionnaire ... make the circuit of the world."
lf1991-03_lottery_q25.htm PhC "This letter was written by a Missionary. She comes from
Venezuela." " ... put it aside and
lost his job."
lf1995-01_dl_wlt_q20.htm PhC Close to a standard
US dl letter, incl. Car testimonial.
lf1995-03_lottery_q28.htm
PhC "Be kind, continue this chain, Saint Anthony
grants luck."
lf1997-12_dl_wlc_q20.htm
PhC Close to standard US. "Thanks to someone you love
good luck is going to be sent to you."
lf1998-01_lottery_q29.htm
PhC Lottery type - only combined in US. "Even if
you are not a believer, pay attention to what follows."
lf1999-09_rf_q(8+1)w4.htm
Publ. "This letter is coming from a little boy who is
cancerous..." "This little boy accomplishes miracles, ..."
lg1913-04-23_ap_austria.htm
PC - German language with English translation. "We
Germans fear God and nothing else on this world."
lg1994-08_dl-german_wlc.htm
PhC - German dl type, no translation. Bennett
collection, his L81.
lh1983-01_lot(3)_q10&20.htm Publ. Three
related Hungarian chains. "A
girl in East Germany won ... but destroyed the writing and died."
lpl1983_antony_q20d4.htm
Publ., Polish, trans. by Y. . Tishchenko "St. Anthony, pray for us, ask for a benediction for our
family and ..."
lpl1984_antony_q13d13.htm
Publ., transl by Tishchenko. "A
Pole from America tore this letter and his son vanished
after 13 days."
lpl1986_dlp_q20.htm
Publ., Polish, transl by Yana
Tishchenko. "Send it to people who are unlucky, who do not
know or follow God."
lpl1988_vanish_q13.htm Publ., Polish,
translated by Tishchenko "Read an 'Our Father' and an 'Ave
Maria" and pray to Saint Anthony ..."
lpl1992-04_dl_q20.htm PhC. From Preston, Polish,
translated by Natalie Kasprzak. "Read it as soon as possible, kiss
some one you love."
lpr1994-10_brazil_q24w9.htm
PhC. Portuguese (Brazil). No translation. Title: ORAÇÃO DE SANTO ANTONIO
lr1989_dlr_q20w4.htm Publ.
(Russian). English translation only. DL cognate - reduced.
"Don't tear the letter under any circumstances ..."
lr1990_holyl_q12-22w30.htm
Publ. (Russian). English translation only. "God gave him the holy letter and said: 'Re-write it
twelve times.'
lr1990_homily_q72d36.htm Publ. (Russian).
English only. "Only the kindness and
beauty of our souls
can save us and this world."
ls1936-06-29p1_blind13_StAnthony_q13.htm
Publ. "Chain of St. Anthony" (blind13). English
translation - mostly narrative. No blindness.
ls1980-11_mex_q24.htm
PhC. Spanish - no translation. The original copy had a dime taped with Scotch tape on
the letter below the text.
ls1996-05_dl_wklc.htm Email (< paper). Spanish
v. of KLC - no transl. "Besa a alguien que ames cuando recibas esta carta y
haras magia."
MONEY CHAIN LETTERS (103)
Money chain letters urge the recipient to
send money to one or more prior senders, claiming that one can
likewise benefit in the future if sufficient copies are
distributed.
This category also contains pyramid schemes, which by definition
do not use the mails for recruitment.
m = money, e = English, sd =
Send-a-Dime, D = Dollar, q = copy quota, nx = list with x
names, d = deadline in days
me1935-04-19p_sd!_q5n6d3.htm
Publ. Denver Post, 4/19/1935. "This charm was
started in the hope of bringing prosperity to you."
me1935-04-20p_sd_trgt!.htm Publ. Denver Rocky
Mountain News. "PS. Be sure to
send this to people who will not break the chain."
me1935-05-04_sd_ill-ny.htm
Lt. Standard text - handwritten. "Note: Is this
worth a dime to you?" Scan
available.
me1935-05-07_sd_angel_kans.htm
Prtd. With angel logo. "... send the
person ten cents ... as a charity donation."
me1935-05-07_sd_prtd_AlJolson.htm
Prtd. Ad for Al Jolson at Knickerbocker theatre. 2,000 printed for
$7.00. Printer's
invoice.
me1935-05-07_sd_texas.htm
Lt. All hand written. Standard language. Circulated in
Texas, then to Indiana.
me1935-05-08_sd_texas.htm
Prtd. by Talley Printing Co. Wrap dime in paper. Used
as illustration
in Clevo (TIF). JPG scan
available.
me1935-05-08_sd_Waterloo.htm
Lt. Waterloo, Iowa. "as a prosperity prize", "be
broken.....". Entered 9/23/2020.
me1935-05-09_hifdlty_kc.htm
Lt. High Fidelity Pyramid. No common names with other
KC. Correct spelling of "carrying".
me1935-05-09IA_sd_prtd_5Tips.htm
Lt. Part of the "Iowa" Send-a-Dime hoard.
Printed letter including five tips at bottom.
me1935-05-09IA_sd_I-did.htm
Lt. #2 in "Iowa" hoard. Handwritten in pencil.
Postscripts.
me1935-05-09IA_sd_xbreak.htm
Lt. #3 in "Iowa" Send-a-Dime hoard.
Handwritten in ink. Postscripts. Ends asking not to break
chain.
me1935-05-15p2_HighFidelity_q2n10s1.htm
Publ. "This guaranteed chain letter ..." Ante $1, ten
names, sell two copies.
me1935-05_hifidlty_kc.htm Lt. Early Pyramid Scheme. "High Fidelity / Guaranteed
Prosperity Fraternity". Kansas City.
me1935-05u_hifidlty_nj.htm Lt. Like Kansas City above - this New Jersey. Note
common sp. error "carring". "Don't mail this letter ..."
me1935-05-10p_cert_denver.htm
Pub. Denver Post, 5/10/35. The "certified" letter. No
notarization. "The party who gave me this letter ..."
me1935-05-10_guaranteed_s$1n6.htm Lt. "The Guaranteed
Prosperity Club" "In God We Trust But Not Each Other"
With insider letter.
me1935-05-10_sd_blanks_n5.htm Lt. Typeset with spaces
to fill in names, no. of copies to send, ante to send, etc. Filled
in typically.
me1935-05-10br!_sd_note.htm Lt. Handwritten.
"Prosperity Club" "Please hand this to another friend if you
do not wish ... " "br" note.
me1935-05-10br_sd_n7.htm
Lt. - handwritten. From Bergrud hoard. "This club was
organized in the hope of bringing prosperity to you."
me1935-05-11_sd-$1_col.htm
Lt. -typed. $1 ante. "...hand to five of your friends."
Edgewater, Co. and Denver, Co.
me1935-05-12br_sd_ndak.htm
Lt. Standard SD poorly typed. All names is N. Dakota.
"Within three days make five copies of this letter ..."
me1935-05-13_sd_msncity.htm
Prtd. Standard SD. 5 addresses in Mason City, Ia.
Original to James. H. Patterson "Unmailable" Collection.
me1935-05-15p2_HighFidelity_q2n10s1.htm
Publ. "This guaranteed chain letter was started ..."
"... you must personally witness..."
me1935-05-15_s25c_q5_+rec!.htm Lt.>PhC. "Women's
Friendly Exchange" 25c ante. Includes "secret
recipe" for "Gift of God's Cake".
me1935-05-15_sd_printed-title.htm
Lt. - image. Large printed title. Names handwritten
at bottom. No "In God we Trust"
me1935-05-16_sd_charm_pick-friend.htm
Lt. Neatly typed. "This charm was started..." "Pick friends
who understand..."
me1935-05-17_sd-25c-10c_ct.htm
Lt. -typed, landscape format. Send
dime - cost 25c. 10% to charity. Complete rewrite.
Added postscript.
me1935-05-17_sd_wNote-Dime.htm
Lt. - handwritten. With note and dime for recipient to use
for chain.
me1935-05-17p1_telegram_WashDC_s5Dq5.htm
Publ. Chain telegram circ. in Washington DC. Five
dollar ante, quote five. No list given.
me1935-05-19rr!_sd-$1_ret.htm
Carbon copy. $1 ante. Florida. Part of the ACL hoard (rr).
Note on back to Captain Hall.
me1935-05-20br_sd_club.htm
Lt. "We are sending you a
membership to the prosperity club ..."
me1935-05-22_sd_AlabamaTx.htm Lt. "This chain was
started with the hope of bringing prosperity to you within three
days."
me1935-05-22br_sd+_ndak.htm Lt. - handwritten . Ends 2
pp. with: "Read carefully, and take a chance I did."
me1935-05-23_sd_ret+.htm
Lt. - handwritten. Long note - return if not complying.
Concludes: "Let's go America. Increase employment."
me1935-05-29A_SD_Detroit-Canada.htm
Lt. - handwritten. Title: "Prosperity Chain." With next letter.
Detroit - Canada.
me1935-05-29B_SD_card-board_Canada.htm Lt. handwritten. "...bringing back prosperity for you."
10c "in cardboard or paper."
me1935-05br_sd_trgt+.htm Lt. - handwritten. "Read this
carefully and enjoy prosperity." "...pick out Five friends
that will continue ..."
me1935-05p_sd_give_newrep.htm Publ. New Republic, May 22.
Standard. No wrapping instructions.
me1935-05rr_sd_ret_+copies.htm
Prtd. text, typed names. "Speed it up by enclosing five of
these printed copies with each letter."
me1935-05rr_sd_ret_hap_sav.htm Carbon copy.
Standard SD with return instr. Concludes: "Follow
instructions and see what happens."
me1935-05rr_sd_ret_n5_wayc.htm Column of prtd. text.
Five names at bottom by hand. All Waycross, GA. Return
instructions.
me1935-05rr_sd_ret_nc.htm
Carbon copy. All North Carolina. Concludes: "Follow these
instructions and watch the dimes roll in."
me1935-05rr_sd_ret_sav.htm
Carbon copy of typing. All , Savannah GA. Return
instructions. Like wayc
above.
me1935-05rr_sd_ret_wayc.htm
Prtd. form. All Waycross, GA. Return instructions. Like wayc above.
me1935-05rr_sd+_ret_hap.htm Lt. - typed. Columbia S.C.
(5). Return instructions.
me1935-05rr_sd-25c_ovrprnt.htm Printed form -
overprint in 3 places changes $1 ante to 25c ante. Return instr.
Orlando & Waycross.
me1935-05rr_sd-25c_ret.htm
Lt. - typed. 25c ante. Return instructions. Concludes:
"Follow instructions and watch the quarters roll in."
me1935-05u_sd_denver.htm
Lt. (3). Early? One form with one name at top, two
forms with no names. A restarter!
me1935-05up_sd_postmag.htm
Publ. Postage and the Mailbag, 6/35. Standard
SD.
me1935-05u_sd_return_ny.htm
Carbon copy. Standard SD. Received anonymously in response
to an ad for chain letters.
me1935-05up_sd_wickets.htm
Publ. Liberty, 6/20/35, "Chain Letter Madness" by
Donald Wickets. Much rewriting.
me1935-06_telegr_s$2n6q2.htm
Publ. New York Times, 6/21/35. Text : Western Union
chain telegraph. Lawsuit for 1/2 of fines - old law.
me1935-07_s6d_n5q5_e.htm
Lt. - England. Only five names on list. "P.S. If you've been
had, well I've been to but I've great hopes."
me1935-07_s6d_n5q5_publ_e.htm Publ. Clipping with
above. Another 6d chain from England,
probably edited.
me1935-07-09_s6d!_n5q5_e.htm Lt. From England. "Send
... SIXPENCE" Ends: "There
is no further assessment or catch ... in this ..."
me1935-10-07gd_sd_charm.htm
Lt. All hand written. "Prosperity Club" "... send that
person ... a prosperity donation."
me1935up_sd_norman.htm Publ. by Esther Norman. "Be
careful! Choose friends who can be trusted." Other
nonstandard language.
me1936uup_sd-badluck
Publ. by Norman. "One Woman was in a car accident when she
broke the chain." Pos. & neg. testimonials!
me1936_pyr_sqdeal!_s$5n8.htm Prtd. "The 1936 Square
Deal Automobile Club". "A new car for $5.00". Images.
me1937-03-07p1_LakeSC-membership_q5.htm
Publ. Chain memberships in Lake San Cristobal
Club Resort, Inc. Descr. only.
me1937u_Pyramid-India_Q4S3x1R_India.htm
Prtd. Pyramid scheme from India. Printed form: The
Money Circulating Company.
me1937uu_GasolineClub_a38c-n5-q2.htm
Original document. Hoadley's Cities Services gasoline club.
No date, 1937 estimated.
me1938-07-05p1_vacation_s25n5q4.htm Publ. "Act quickly and get your
vacation money." Implies 5 names. Quota 4. Send 25 cents.
me1940-07_warst_s1n4q4_can.htm Lt. - typed. Canadian
war stamp scheme. Send a 25c War Saving Stamp to top name on
list of four.
me1941-01_defend_s25c'n5q4.htm Typed lt. & 4
carbons. "The Defend America Drive." With dated note.
me1941-10-28p1_warst!_s25n5q5.htm
Publ. Pre-Dec. 7, 1941. Promises "approximately
$781.25 in Savings Stamps ..."
me1941u_warstamp_s25c'n4q5.htm Lt. - handwritten.
"Let's Buy Stamps" Debatably pre-war.
me1942-11-09_warst_n5s2_s10forward.htm Lt. -
typed. Ten copies each w. war stamp. Two stamps to
top name.
me1942u_warstamp_s25cn5q5.htm Lt. > PhC
Handwritten. "War Stamp Plan" "The chain has been
approved by the
U.S. Postal ..."
me1943-01-14_warst_s2n5q10_+s.htm Lt. > PhC. W. 25c
stamp. "Select ten of your friends and send them each a 25c
War Saving Stamp."
me1943-03-12_warst_s1n5q5.htm
Lt. Sent from a private at Ford Ord, Calif., 1943. Send
stamp to top name. Five names, five copies.
me1944-03-28_warstamp_s1n5q5_pc.htm PC. " ...
receive $781 in 25c War stamps." "Lets Help
The Boys"
me1944_warst_s2n5q10_rv.htm Carbon copy, war stamp
affixed. Send a war stamp with each of 10 copies. Two to top name.
Rudy Vallee.
me1944u_warstamp_s1n5q5.htm
PhC of typed letter. "War Stamp Plan" "Approximately $781.25
will be sent you if this chain is not broken."
me1945-03-17_warstamp_
s1n3q5.htm Handwritten. "War Stamp Plan" Send on
25 cent war stamp. Three names, five copies.
me1947-08-09p1_pyr_s2n10q2.htm
Publ. Descr. of an abundant Springfield type
pyramid scheme. 10 names, $2 ante, 2 copies.
me1949-02-28p1_pyr_doughnut_s1n11.htm
Publ. Description only of "Doughnut-Dollar"
pyramid scheme. $1 ante, 11 names.
me1953-10-10p1_pyr_PyramidClub_q2n10.htm
Publ. Pyramid - house parties. Couples: $2 ante,
ten names. Description.
me1954-12-06_pyr_WealthC_s5n11q2.htm Typed
lt. Pyramid scheme - Wealth Campaign. Ante $5, 11 names, 2 copies.
W. article.
me1956-08-30p1_auto-referral_q6.htm
Publ (2). Descriptions of an auto referral plan. $100
and $50 commissions.
me1966-05-17_MoneyOrder_q2n10s5Dx2.htm
PhC of typing. Springfield type pyramid scheme. With $5
postal money order.
me1968-5-13_vacation_s$6n6q3.htm Lt. "Executive
Vacation Quickie" Mailed pyramid scheme, like 1975, but 3 letters sold
instead of 2.
me1975-03_pyr_s$3n10q2.htm
Lt. Buy (Lt. and $3 MO) for $6;
send MO to top; sell 2(Lt & MO) for $6 each.
me1975-11_nelson_s$1n4q20.htm
Lt. "Do you need $8,000?" Conventional MCL. "...
initiated by William Neham from Nashville ..."
me1975_nelson_s$1n4q20.htm PhC -
spotty. "Do you need $8,000?" "Let Bill
Nelson tell you how I have run one of these ... letters ..."
me1975_pyr_s$5n5.htm Lt. Pyramid scheme. Buy letter
for d; ante 5d to top; make 25 escalated copies; sell for d each,
by hand.
me1978-07p_cgold_s$50n12_.htm Publ. Parts of the
"Circle of Gold" plan. Like the
Springfield process, but
no downline supervision?
me1978-09-06_robards_s$1n3.htm PhC WOULD YOU TRADE
$1.00 FOR $125,000? DO IT . . . . IT
REALLY DOES WORK
me1980-02-17_newage_s$1n4.htm PhC "A New Age
Promotional Letter" "Jill Nelson tells how she has run three
promotional letters ..."
me1980-08_eagle_s$5n4.htm
Prtd. on blue paper. Eagle graphic on top right. "initiated
by Nelson Robbards of Boston." Uses "reports".
me1982u_CircleOfGold_sP20n12_e.htm
PhC. Complete English version of "The Circle
of Gold" pyramid scheme. Ante £20 x 2.
me1984_women_s$1n4q10.htm PhC - late gen. "To the
women in my life who know how to dream and create their own
reality."
me1986-04_rhodes_s$1x5n5.htm Mimeograph. David Rhodes.
"In September, 1983 my car was
repossessed ..." "Today I am rich."
me1988-02-29_rhoda_s$1n5_ring.htm PhC. "My name is
Rhoda Miles." "In November, 1984
my car was repossessed ..." "Mercedes".
me1991-01_attorney_s$1x5n5.htm PhC-3pp. "Philip A.
Brown, Attorney at Law" Testimonial:
"My name is David Rose." Plugs a book.
me1993-01_women_s$1n4q10.htm PhC "To the Women
Friends ..." One page only - no names or uses.
me1994-02_women_s$1n4q10.htm PhC "Jill Nelson
ran these prompt letters ..." W. handwritten names,
addresses, uses of money.
me1996-09_puzzles_s$5n2.htm
Lt. Two hard puzzles - link to
image. "You must pay for the solutions
before ..." Stochastic factor.
me1999-05_rhode_se_s5x$5.htm Lt. "My name is David
Rhode." "Immediately mail a five dollar bill to each of the five
names below." see PS.
me2002-11_loan_s$10n2q50+.htm Prtd. A $10 ante is
called a "loan". P.R.I. mailing list.
me2005-08_retired_s6usd-n6q200.htm Lt. "Greetings! I
am a retired attorney. " "... a man came to me with a letter
...". Analysis - DWV.
me2009-02_oprah_s1x6q200_5pp.htm Lt. Popular money
chain letter. "As seen on Oprah". Analysis proves main testimonial
is fictional.
me2014-04-30_RetAttorney_n6sDx6q200.htm
PhC Oprah, 20/20 headers. From "retired attorney". Buy
list online. My comments.
me2014-08-07_RetAttorney_n6sDx6q200.htm
PhC Oprah 20/20 headers. From "retired attorney".
Quota 200. My comments.
RELIGION (12)
Religious chain letters promote
religious beliefs, causes or practices, but do not ask for money.
If they do they are classified as Charity chain letters.
See also Himmelsbrief.
re1898-05-06_st-joseph_q5w9.htm Lt. "A Prayer to St.
Joseph". Send five copies, pray for 9
days.
re1899-01-13p1_Milwaukee_q5.htm
"Endless chain of prayer for a revival of religion in
Milwaukee, Wis. Quota five.
re1899-03-28p1_st-joseph_q5.htm
Publ. "Prayer to St. Joseph". Said to have been composed
by school girls but like above. Pray for 5 days.
re1905-07-30_prayers_q5.htm Lt. Prayer request for
missionaries. No. 152.
re1906-03-01_prayers_q10.htm PC. Prayer request for
missionary work and for new missionaries. No. 679/1000.
re1937-03-04
FlowerOfJesus_q3n1w4.htm Lt. "Say three Our Father's and three Hail
Mary's" "...approved by the Sisters of St. Francis."
re1945-02-11_novena_q4d4w4.htm
Lt. "... a prayer for peace." "... say Hail Mary or
Our Father once a day for nine days."
re1951-03-17p1_Novena_q9d4.htm
Publ. "... a novena to Our Lady of Fatima."
"for peace." Judged communist in 1951 article.
re1953-04-01p1_peace_q4w4.htm
Publ. " ...join me
in a Prayer for World Peace by repeating ... for nine days."
No threat, mild promise.
re1985-10-13p_px_s5q5.htm Publ.
Like an exchange letter but w. prayers. "WARNING: Disaster is
likely to
strike if you break the chain."
re2000-12-23_novena_q4d2_ca.htm
Lt. (text emailed). "... a NOVENA from Mother Theresa." "Say
4 Our Fathers and 4 Hail Marys."
re2010-06-28_anon-christian.htm PhC Book page on
windshield. "The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man,
the way of ..."
WORLD RECORD (9 + 14)
The world record chain letters motivate
replication exclusively by claiming distribution of copies will
likely set a world record and that participants will be
acknowledged. They circulated primarily
among children after the
new millennium, having developed from a lineage of postcard
exchange letters.
The list below contains both the earlier exchange letters
(x-) and the subsequent world record letters (w-).
ABBREVIATIONS FOR THE "kids" TYPE CHAIN LETTERS.
From the file names: x = exchange, w = world record, e = English, pc
= postcard, kids = a type of
postcard exchange and world record chain letter
that explicitly declares its intent to circulate among
children, nost = no stamp
required for delivery, s = send,
nx = a list with x names and addresses is
present, n0 = list is absent,
q = copy quota.
Abbreviations used in the annotations.
Germany = The letter originated in Germany. Also Australia,
Record Breakers = The letter was mentioned on this
TV program.
PO-apr = The Post Office has approved the letter. Often
the US Post Office. Usually approved for children, or as
a "game" for children.
NevBr = The chain (letter) has never been "broken".
DelBr = Delay Breaks. To delay, that is, exceed
a stated time limit to send copies, constitutes breaking the
chain.
SendPC = Send a post card to the top name on the list.
GBWR = If the chain is not broken by a certain date, the letter
will appear in the Guinness Book of World Records.
GBWR-N = The names of all the participants will
also appear in Guinness, often that the recipient's own name
will appear.
KidsOnly = Send the copies of the letter exclusively to
kids, or to friends 16 and under, or 18 and under.
9Yrs = If you break the chain, all the participants will
have to wait 9 years before they get another chance for
a world record.
Decl = Declaration. Sender must write on the envelope:
"Guinness Book of World Records for Children", often where stamp
goes.
PO-track = The post office is tracking the chain letter,
as by determining if it is broken, or who broke it, or whose
name should go in Guinness.
NamesVis = Names Visible. The list of names is to be
written on the envelope, usually on its back, often to
facilitate PO-track.
RecLet = You will receive a letter documenting your
participation, or a thank you, or verification that your name
will be in the record book.
"!" (after an abbreviation) = this is the
earliest example of the corresponding statement among the kids
type chain letters.
The abbreviations in the annotations following each letter file
are in the same order as the corresponding statements in the
letter.
xe1976-06_pc_kids!
s1n6q6.htm PO-apr!, SendPC,
NevBr!, DelBr! "... approved
by the USPS as an educational game
for children."
xe1985-09_pc_kids_s1n6q6.htm Germany!,
GBWR!, NevBr, SendPC, DelBr, PO-apr. "Do this within 4 days or the
chain will be broken."
xe1987-05_pc_kids_s1n6qf.htm Record Breakers!, SendPC, DelBr, GBWR.
"This is an international chain children's letter ..."
xe1991-02_pc_kids_s1n5q6.htm Germany,
GBWR, NevBr, SendPC, PO-apr. "Please
do not spoil it for the rest of us."
xe1996-02_pc_kids_s1n4q6.htm
SendPC. "Within a few weeks you will receive 36
postcard from all over the world."
xe1996-08_pc_kids_s1n4q6.htm
Germany, GBWR-N!, SendPC, DelBr, 9Yrs! "... we would
have to wait another nine years ..."
xe1996-08_pc_kids_s1n5q6.htm
Germany, GBWR-N, NevBr, SendPC, DelBr, 9Yrs, PO-apr.
"... started by 6 kids in Germany in 1996."
xe1996-10_pc_kids_s1n8q6.htm
Germany, GBWR-N, NevBr, SendPC, 9Yrs, PO-apr.
"If it can keep going though 1996, it
will be in ..."
xe1999-01_kids_s1n-q6.htm Germany,
GBWR-N, NevBr, KidsOnly!, SendPC, DelBr, PO-apr.
"Copy this word for word and ... to six kids."
we2000-11_kids_nost!_n5q6.htm nost!,
GBWR-N, NevBr, PO-track!, DelBr, NamesVis!. "... no stamp is
needed ..."
we2001-04-18_kids_n4q6.htm Australia!, GBWR, NevBr,
KidsOnly, PO-track, NamesVis, Decl!, DelBr. Says it is not
a "stupid chain letter".
we2001-05-21_kids_(n5)d4q1+.htm
Austr., GBWR, NevBr, PO-track, Decl, NameVis,
DelBr, KidsOnly. "... post offices are keeping track..."
we2001-07-26_kids_n0q6.htm Austr., GBWR, NevBr, KidsOnly, PO-track, Decl,
NamesVis, DelBr. "... kids will do the longest chain lt."
we2001-08-17_kids_n4q6.htm
Austr., GBWR, NevBr, KidsOnly, PO-track, Decl, NameVis,
DelBr. "We are trying to break a world record!"
we2005-04-23_kids_nost_n0q7.htm GBWR, NevBr, Decl, PO-track, KidsOnly,
RecLet!. "Please do not be the first one to break it!"
we2005-07-19_kids_stamp_n6q6.htm GBWR-N, NevBr, Decl,
PO-track, NamesVis, KidsOnly. "P.S. Lots of kids are counting on
you!!!"
we2005-09-06_kids_nost_n0q7.htm GBWR-N, NevBr,
PO-track, KidsOnly, RecLet. "... to
help kids who started this letter in 1996?"
we2006-01-24_kids_nost_n6q6_auu.htm
GBWR-N, NevBr, PO-track, Decl, DelBr, NamesVis, RecLet. "In a
month ... receive notification ..."
we2006-03-08_kids_nost_n0q7.htm
GBWR-N, NevBr, Decl, PO-track, KidsOnly, RecLet. " ... the
post office knows who broke the chain."
we2006-10-28_kids_nost_n0q7.htm
GBWR-N, NevBr, Decl, PO-track, KidsOnly, RecLet. "... 4 days
to send it to 7 people under ... 16."
we2007-02-06_kids_nost_n6q7_de.htm GBWR-N, NevBr,
Decl, PO-track, KidsOnly, RecLet. "... receive a thank you
letter." Note: mother.
we2007-04_kids_nost_n0q7.htm GBWR-N,
NevBr, Decl, PO-track, ,KidsOnly RecLet. "... be cool to see your
name in the Guinness ..."
we2007-05-04_kids_nost_n0q7.htm GBWR-N,
NevBr, Decl, PO-track, KidsOnly, RecLet. "DON'T THROW THIS
AWAY!!!!!"
EXCHANGE CHAIN LETTERS (112)
The exchange chain letters ask that
an item of small value be sent to one or more prior senders,
promising that if a specified number of copies are distributed the
sender will in turn receive many
such items.
x = Exchange, quiltp
= quilt patch, handk = handkerchief, pc =
postcard, wrag = wash rag, turktwl = Turkish towel, rec =
recipe,
pbbook = paper back book, ch-book = children's book
xe1935-05-15p1_GolfBalls_sgb-q3.htm
Publ. Joking exchange of a 75c golf ball. List
not provided, nor number of names in list.
xe1935-09-18br_quiltp_s1n5q5.htm Lt. "Happy Day Quilt Block". With 3
annotated polygonal paper patterns. "Happy Days for You!!"
xe1935-10-05br_quiltp_s1n5q5.htm
Lt. "World Friend Quilt Chain" "Do
you want your fortune told? I enclose a coupon."
xe1935-10-07gd_handk_s1n4q4.htm
Lt. Small format. "In turn, as your name comes to the top
of the list, you will receive 256 hankies."
xe1935-11-08_quiltp_s1n3q5.htm Lt.
"Happy Day quilt block chain" With three annotated
polygonal paper patterns.
xe1935u_handk_s1n4q4.htm Lt. "If
you have the faith your friends have, this chain will not be
broken."
Found in a book.
xe1935u-gd_handk_s1n4q4_long.htm
Lt. Send-a-Dime text! e.g. "Isn't that worth a
hankie?" Intermediate example.
xe1935u-gd_handk_s1n4q4_quick.htm
Lt. Some Send-a-Dime influence. "Do as quickly as
possible."
xe1936-11-04z1_stamps_s10n6q5.htm Typed Lt. "How to increase your stamp
collektion" (sic). With German version in Swiss cover.
xe1936-11-08z2_stamps_s10n6q5.ht
Typed Lt. From same as above. With German
version (not transcribed). Swiss cover.
xe1937-02-26p_teatowel_s1n3q3_.htm Publ. (Pittsburgh Press) fragment.
"...just for the fun of it."
xe1937-05-07_handk_s1n3q3.htm PC "Pin your name and address to the
handkerchief you send."
xe1938-03-17p1_hankie_n3s3q5.htm
Publ. Deadline 3 also. "You should get 135 ...."
(or 155). Postmistress compares to Send-a-Dime.
xe1938-04-19_handk_n3s1x3q5 PhC > PC.
Copy
of eBay lot. 3 names, one to each, quota 5. Kentucky.
xe1938-08-24_pc_s1nn5q5.htm
PC > Copy. Taken from eBay auction
photos. "This chain was started to help U see more view cards."
xe1939-03_pc_s1n3q5.htm
PC =CARD CHAIN= "You may send
one or more card to the above name."
xe1939-05_pc_s1n5q4.htm PC
(Indianapolis). Exchange postcards. "Mail four copies to
friends."
xe1939-06_pc_s4n4q4.htm PC
Exchanges Postcards. "Card shower."
Send 4, 4 names, 4 copies.
xe1939-07_pc_s4n4_dates.htm PC "To add new and interesting cards to you collection
send a view card to each name below."
xe1939u_pc_s1n4q5.htm PC
Send one view card and five copies.
Four names. US, 1939?
xe1939u_pc_s4n4q5.htm PC "4. Mrs. E. H.
Morton,
Box 103, Blue Rapids, Ks. (Capitals + Churches only)".
xe1940-04sb!_hanky_s 1n3q4.htm PC sb=Sebacher
horde (9). Photocopied pc's from James Patterson. "Would you
join my hanky club?
xe1940-05_dishtowel_s1n2q6.htm
Lt. > PhC "Get ... 36 dish towels at the price of
one within three days." Mailman's note on legality.
xe1940-06sb_handk_s3n3q5.htm PC>PhC-sb
"Send a handkerchief to the above names (3). You should
receive yours at once - 155 in
all."
xe1940-11_pc_s1n5q5.htm PC "P.S. Please write.
Haven't heard from you for a long time."
xe1941-02_apron_s1n2q5.htm PC-USPS Apron Club.
"From the James H. Patterson "Unmailable"
collection."
xe1941-02-13sb_apron_s1n2q5.htm
PC>PhC-sb "You will have fun when your aprons begin to come in."
xe1941-02-18sb_wrag_s2n2q5_note.htm PC>PhC "... I thought
you
& Doris said she had enough wash rags in her cedar chest?"
xe1941-02-18sb_wrag_s2q5n2.htm PC>PhC "... you will receive
30 wash rags immediately instead of waiting till your name
reaches the top."
xe1941-02-26sb_apron_s1n2q5.htm PC>PhC "This club is
to increase your apron supply."
xe1941-02sb_wrag_s2n2q5.htm PC>PhC
"Do not break this chain for it is fun to see where they come from."
xe1941-04sb_apron_s1n2q5.htm PC>PhC
"Omit top name and send her an apron.
Add your name to the bottom."
xe1941-04sb_towel_s1n2q6.htm
PC>PhC "You should receive 36 towels."
xe1941-05_pc_s1n3q5.htm PC All text: "Send a Card to top name. Omit and add Your name then
make 5 copies and send to 5 friends."
xe1941-07_pc_s3n4q4.htm PC Rodeo Card: Alice Sisty,
Mexico
City Cowgirl, in Roman Jumps.
xe1942-06-11_pc_s1n5q5.htm
PC Greenfield Lake, Wilmington, N. C. with short note.
xe1942-08_pc_s3n3q5.htm
PC - "Negro - 'heben' - a watermelon feast in Dixie." "Make 5 copies of this card to send to 5 pals ..."
xe1942-10_pc_s3n3q5_future.htm PC "Future Card
Club" "Send a card to all names on this card. And receive
over 100 cards."
xe1943-03_pc_s1n6q5.htm PC "Send card to top
name
discard their name add yours to bottom. You will receive 160
cards."
xe1944-03_hanky_s3n3q5.htm
PC > PhC. James H. Patterson "Unmailable" Collection.
Stamped:
"Received For / Trial / From K. C. Kans"
xe1944-11_pc_s5n5q5.htm
PC "View Card Club"
xe1945-04_pc_s5n5q5.htm
PC "Mail one view card to each
of the following."
xe1945-06_pc_s1n5q5.htm PC - PB2-Y-2
Navy Plane in Flight, over San Diego. Town address: "Rowe Miller / Nikep, Md."
xe1945-11_pc_s5n5q5.htm PC > Transcribed from an
auction
photo. "Postcard Club"
xe1946-08_pc_s5n5q5.htm
PC "Send each name a scenic
card." Town address, sent to: "James Bartels Revere, Mo"/chain-letter/archive/information.htm
xe1946-10_pc_girls_s5n5q5.htm PC Gender
specific: "Send a post card to each of
these girls.
then make 5 copies and send to 5 girls."
xe1947-01_pc_s5n5q5.htm PC>PhC (copy lost).
"Send
to each a card below." Provided by Rev. Michael M. Strong.
xe1947-03-02_pc_s5n5q5.htm PC>
Transcribed from auction photo. Sender used
blue address stamp - from Brooklyn.
xe1947-03_pc_s4n4q5.htm
PC No predicted amount. Town address: "Mrs. Mae Frey /
Stewartstown PA"
xe1947-08-18_pc_s5n5q5.htm
PC> Transcribed from auction photo. List & address
has seven different states.
xe1947-09-02_pc_s6n6q5.htm
PC View card exchange. Erie, Pa. beach. Six names,
send six, quota five.
xe1948-02_teatowel_s1n2q6.htm PC "The Tea Towel
Club"
xe1948-03-13p1_TeaTowel_q6d3n2.htm
Publ. Denounced by local Postmaster.
xe1948-04_turktwl_s'1n2q6.htm
PC - USPS. Instructions could mean to send Turkish
towel to top name on list after revised for sending.
xe1948-05_hanky_s3n3q5.htm Lt. Send to 5 of your
friends in 3 days." Letter: "Did Jo send you a 'Hankie Club'
letter?"
xe1950-04_hanky_s3n3q5.htm
Lt. "This club is different because
you start receiving hankies at once ..."
xe1950-05_teatowel_s1n2q6.htm Lt. "If you do not want
to do this, send to the last name
on the list. Thank you, Towel Club."
xe1951-02-13_hankies_s1n4q4_e.htm Lt. England. Have a
response to same
person, same chain letter.
xe1951-03-28_TeaTowel_s1n2q6.htm
Lt. "Dear Friend" "Our club has started a tea towel Chain."
xe1951-07-17p1_panties_q6n2_.htm
Publ. Pantie Club. Partial. Quota six, two names.
Article describes high volume mailing.
xe1953-06_earrings_s1n2q6.htm
Lt. - handwritten in green ink.
"This is legal as no money is involved."
xe1954-02-18p1_Fish-plugs_q6n2d3.htm
Publ. Exchanges fishing "plugs" (lures). 6 c., 2 names,
deadline 3 days. Abundant.
xe1954-06_pc_s1n4q4.htm PC "International
Friendship Game" " ... and send them to 4 of your friends
(especially young people)."
xe1959-09_rec_s1n2q4.htm
Lt. "This is not illegal as no money
is involved - - just good cooking."
xe1959-09u_rec_s1n2q4.htm Lt. "Please mail one
of your favorite recipes to the top names."
xe1961-02_stamps_s25n5q5.htm Lt. - typed. Kenya,
Tanganyika & Uganda cover. "We are all stamp collectors
..."
xe1965-07_qslcard_s6n6q6.htm
Lt. QSL = confirms reception of signal. List works in reverse -
drop bottom name. QSL card enclosed.
xe1968u_qslcard_s9n10q10.htm Lt. List of 10 names
works in usual way. "In twenty
days you should receive 250 cards."
xe1972-04u_rec_s1n3q6.htm
Lt. "This is a recipe club!"
xe1972-08_pc_s1n4q6_jap.htm
Lt. from Japan to US. Innovations. "Please send a picture post card to the first person on
the
list."
xe1974-10_pc_s1n2q6.htm PC - typed & writing.
Spokane
World's Fair. "We will trade one for one with you if you
like."
xe1975_rec_s2n2q6.htm
Lt. > PhC Preston. " ... please send a copy
of this letter to six friends and a recipe to the two names
above."
xe1975-03_rec_s1n2q6.htm
Lt. Two names left & right. "Please don't
spoil the fun for those who have joined."
xe1976-01_rec_s2n2q6.htm
Lt. "This is a recipe club ..."
Note (part): "I sent one to Trice too, so don't put her on
your list."
xe1976-06_pc_kids! s1n6q6.htm Lt. "This is a chain letter approved by the US. Postal
Service as an educational game for children." Kids!
xe1979_rec_s1n3q6.htm Lt. - red. "This is a
recipe club; no money is involved."
xe1979-07_rec s1n2q4.htm
Lt. Blank slots for 2 names, but may have been more. "You
should receive 124 recipes."
xe1981-03_pc_s1n5q8_discr.htm PhC For
"discriminating collector". Freud, whales,
cemeteries, pre-1948 Palestine, retro-futuro aesthetics.
xe1981-03_pc_s1n6q8_folkl.htm
PhC For folklorists as below. Interests: anything
involving visual humor, anything obscene, jokes, graffiti.
xe1983u_pc_s1n5q8_folkl.htm
PhC Said to be for folklorists. Preferences: Old cars
& trucks, people eating, architecture, animals, women.
xe1983u_rec_s1n2q4.htm
Lt. Two names left & right. "My apologies for the
.imposition"
xe1985-09_pc_kids_s1n6q6.htm PhC - late, handwr. Kid's
PC exchange. "... if it goes on till 1985 it will be in the
guiness book of records."
xe1987-05_pc_kids_s1n6qf.htm PhC of typing. "This letter was started in Switzerland and even Prince
William is on the list."
xe1988-03_potholder_s1n2q6.htm Lt. "This is not
a chain letter, but a pot holder club."
xe1988-06_rec_s1n2q6.htm
Lt. > PhC "Please send a copy of your favorite
recipe to the person listed as #1."
xe1989-03_rec_s1n2q6.htm
Lt. > PhC From note: "This is what married people
do for fun."
xe1989-07_dishtowel_s1n2q6.htm Lt. > PhC.
"This is not a chain letter, but a dishtowel club."
xe1989u_troutfly_s1n5q6_uk.htm PhC "The
Trout-fly Fun Club." "It's a real surprise to see the
assortment you receive."
xe1991-02_pc_kids_s1n5q6.htm Lt - Word Processor. " ... started by children in Germany as an educational
experience, began in 1985."
xe1992-04_dishtowel_s1n2q6.htm Lt.
- WP. "This is a dish towel club, not a chain letter,
although it may look suspiciously like a one."
xe1992-12_panty_s1n2q6.htm PhC "This is a Panty
Parade" "You
should receive 36 paris of NEW (let's make that clear), NEW,
NEW ..."
xe1993-08_panty_s1n2q6.htm Lt. "This is a pretty
panties exchange" "Remember to include your size ..."
Collected by Paul Smith.
xe1995_pbbook_s1n2q6.htm
PhC "Used Paperback Book Club" "There should be
only 2 names on the list at all times."
xe1995-08_dogtoy_s1n2q6.htm
PhC "Believe it or not, this is a DOGGIE TOY
EXCHANGE."
xe1995-08_tshirt_s1n2q10.htm Lt. - formal headings
from a Dean at UC Boulder. Note from Vice Chancellor. Two names
side by side.
xe1996-01_rec_s1n2q6.htm
Lt. > PhC Names deleted. Described in 3 numbered
steps. "It is fun and legal."https://carryiton.net/chain-letter/!content.html
xe1996-02_pc_kids_s1n4q9.htm PhC
"This game has been organized by young persons all over the
world." No mention of world record.
xe1996-02_stamps_s30n8q5+.htm Prtd. (table) > PhC
"The Forever Stamp Exchanger" " ... one to the person
you are sending stamps to."
xe1996-08_pc_kids_s1n4q6.htm
PhC of handwr. from spiral binder. "This is a chain letter from Sil in Germany."
xe1996-08_pc_kids_s1n5q6.htm Lt. - handwr in blue ink.
"I sure hope you don't break the
chain."
xe1996-09_collctbl_s1n13.htm PhC. "Super Exchange" 12 addr.,
10 Xed, all women. For: phone cards, stickers, postcards w.
rabbits or clouds.
xe1996-10_coupon_s1n2.htm
PhC. Exchanges grocery coupons. "Make
lots of copies and send a copy along with all your trades."
xe1996-10_pc_kids_s1n8q6.htm PhC of Word Pr.
"This game has been approved by the Postal Service as an
education game for children."
xe1996-10_stamps_s50n4.htm PhC - smudged. "The
Forever Stamp Exchange" "Send as many copies as possible to
others ..."
xe1996-10_stamps_s50n4q20+.htm PhC "The Forever
Stamp Exchange" (above). "Feel free to
include collecting interests under your name."
xe1996-12_button_s1n2q6.htm PhC "This is a Button Tree. There is no money involved, so it
can be fun"
xe1996-12_lottery_s1n2q6.htm Lt. Came with one
scratcher - note said send back for cashing if a winner. You send
1+6. Said to get 36.
xe1999-01_kids_s1n-q6.htm
PhC - names cut off. "We want to break the record."
"Copy this word for word and send it to six kids."
xe2006-07_ch-book_s1n2q6.htm PhC. Two level
exchange of children's books. Claims "cleared by the US Post
Office."
xg1936-11z1_stamps_s10n6q5.htm Typed Lt. German
version of xe1936-11z1_stamps_s10n6q5.
Accompanied same.
xpr1995-08_pc_s1n4q6.htm
PhC Portuguese (Brazil) - no translation. "Esta corrente foi iniciada
por crianças alemas."
TOP OF THIS FILE
Daniel W. VanArsdale: email Index
Page
The Paper Chain
Letter Archive - information Chain Letter Evolution
The Paper Chain Letter Archive - Annotated Index is
THIS FILE. (https://carryiton.net/chain-letter/CONTENT.html)
Go to TOP