1983, August: Two notes from Jay to G&H

Two brief notes from Jay, written on 4"x5" “From the desk of Joaquin Hartman” paper.

Helen added a date of “Aug ’83” to both of these. (Which matches the postmark on a torn piece of envelope.) I’m guessing that the first one was written shortly after Jay got home from his trip. I’m not at all sure that that date is right for the second one, but could be.

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

Thank you for everything it was very fun. Thanks especially for the clothes! Everythings going pretty good with me. I just got another paper route (morning) and our Japanese exchange student is pretty nice

Thanks again,

Joaquin


Dear Grandma & Grandpa,

Thank you very much for the check. I put it towards buying a new, ten speed bike. I hope that you have a great time on your trip to Europe.

Love,

Joaquin

Notes

“Japanese exchange student”
Aha. There had been a previous mention of a possible Japanese exchange student, but that seemed too early for the exchange student who I remembered; 1983 makes more sense. So I now think that the earlier possibility didn’t work out.
“trip to Europe”
A later letter suggests that they were leaving on a trip to Europe in early 1984. It’s possible that Jay was just wishing them well in advance, but I suspect it’s more likely that this note was written a few months later and Helen just put the wrong date on it.

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