Parody chain letter (published). Wife exchange. US, 1955.

Dear Friend:

This chain letter started with the hope of bringing relief and happiness to tired husbands.

Unlike most chain letters, this does not cost. Simply send a copy to five of your married friends who ar equally tired. Then bundle up your wife and send her to the man whose name is at the top of the list, and add your name at the bottom of it.

When your name comes to the top of the list, you will receive 16,487 women, and some of them will be dandies.

Have faith, don't break this chain; one man broke the chain and got his old lady back.

Sincerely,
A Tired Friend

P.S. At the time I wrote this, a friend of mine had received 356 women. They buried him yesterday and everyone said he had a smile on his face for the first time in years.

In Western Folklore, 1956, Herbert Halpert reports being given a mimeographed copy of the above on March 2, 1955.

je1955-03-02p_wifex_smile_16487

The Paper Chain Letter Archive - contents Chain Letter Evolution.