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Post by penguy on Dec 1, 2018 1:24:03 GMT
What makes for a good letter writing social? Any hints or suggestions are welcome. If you have participated in one, what worked or didn't. I thought it would be fun to work with the local historical society and have one in February, looking for ideas! Since I have never participated in one myself I am looking for some experienced letter writers for help.
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Post by Mia on Dec 4, 2018 1:42:26 GMT
Not been to one, but have seen details about some. They usually have stationery, and even typewriters, to hand and some even provide stamps. One based in Seattle theletterfarmer.com/.
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Post by although on Dec 4, 2018 4:51:29 GMT
Well, if there were adult beverages involved, that would probably be the only way I could be tempted.... Maybe thats why ive never been to one
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Post by Mia on Dec 4, 2018 17:53:18 GMT
I suppose it would be more cheerful than sitting exams together, however, in both, you'd be busy writing. One social is actually about reading aloud letters - fictional or real in Leeds, UK - this sounds interesting. Perhaps a mix of reading aloud letters, and then writing your own would be good. The volumes of Letters of Note (compiled by Shaun Usher) would suit the local historical society.
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Post by radellaf on Dec 4, 2018 20:09:56 GMT
I've seen journaling meetups at coffee shops around here. Not really sure how that would be social, and it's always been all women, so haven't gone to one yet but I'll probably try it out. I'll be the guy with the weird pen.
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Post by penguy on Mar 29, 2019 1:54:59 GMT
The February letter writing social didn't come about, to many things going on at the Historical Society. But, it is happening April 6th. I am putting up a fountain pen display, and the history center is providing refreshments, and the history center will put out letters from their collection.. We are trying to make it a family event, getting both parents and children involved, we'll see. Also asking people to bring any letters they feel might be of historical interest: letters from the old country, WWI and II, etc. It will be the first time so we are hoping we get some takers.
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Post by filpot on Mar 29, 2019 12:58:13 GMT
The February letter writing social didn't come about, to many things going on at the Historical Society. But, it is happening April 6th. I am putting up a fountain pen display, and the history center is providing refreshments, and the history center will put out letters from their collection.. We are trying to make it a family event, getting both parents and children involved, we'll see. Also asking people to bring any letters they feel might be of historical interest: letters from the old country, WWI and II, etc. It will be the first time so we are hoping we get some takers. Sounds like an excellent event in prospect. Fingers crossed that you get lots of people turning up and becoming enthused.
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Post by mailartist on Mar 29, 2019 14:06:26 GMT
The February letter writing social didn't come about, to many things going on at the Historical Society. But, it is happening April 6th. I am putting up a fountain pen display, and the history center is providing refreshments, and the history center will put out letters from their collection.. We are trying to make it a family event, getting both parents and children involved, we'll see. Also asking people to bring any letters they feel might be of historical interest: letters from the old country, WWI and II, etc. It will be the first time so we are hoping we get some takers. You might want to include stamps/stamp collecting, as well.
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jejemunk
Crayons
Posts: 15
Country I live in is: Canada
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Post by jejemunk on Mar 31, 2019 2:09:31 GMT
I've been to a couple letter writing socials: I liked one that was held at a fountain pen shop monthly, the owners offered up free stationery, tea and egg tarts. They also had an array of pens and inks you could try/ use for your letter. everyone sat at tables together and generally had a show and tell about their pens, there were quiet times for writing and a general ebb and flow of conversation. I went a few times and saw some of the same people, the shop owners mingled and it had a great community vibe. another one which I only went to once, but occurs monthly in the city I still live in, happens at a paper shop. They allow you to use their 8 or so typewriters...this draws in a different crowd of people that seem to generally: stand in line - wait to type their novel letter - and leave. the owners don't mingle and the clickity clacking of the typewriters makes for difficult conversation for the few I did attempt. The shop also provides free stationery...if I lived closer it would be worthwhile to go just to grab a few bits and bobs... but the environment is so uninviting that I haven't bothered to go again. There was another one help recently in my city but they charged $25 and were just supplying some tea I did not attend. I think the open format of the fountain pen shop works really well, everyone can sit at once and write or chat, and the free tea means that people have little social breaks. I used to bring shorter letters to that social and I really enjoyed myself, just having a chat with others who enjoy a quiet evening of letters
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Post by penguy on Mar 31, 2019 4:42:38 GMT
I have been working with the Director of the Nicollet County Historical Society and we will be having a Letter Writing Social at the Treaty Center April 6th from 1-3 p.m. It is in St. Peter, MN just in case any of you want to come. I just set up a fountain pen display today. This one is free and there will be cookies, coffee, envelope templates, stationery, and I hope good attendance. I don't know of any others that have taken place in this area. Have also asked attendees to bring any letters they might think of historical interest; letters from the 'the old country', WWI and II, the depression, etc. I think the history center may put out some letters from their collection.
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Post by distractedmom on Apr 8, 2019 0:51:24 GMT
Can’t wait to hear how it went!
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Post by penguy on Apr 14, 2019 2:45:24 GMT
The result was no one came. There was a mother and two children that came through. They didn't write letters but I gave them the handouts and talked about letter writing. This week I got a photo of two zebras and on the back a thanks for helping her realize how in a hurry she was. So maybe she will slow down and become a letter writer. I just wrote a thank you note telling her how much I appreciated her note.
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Post by stompie on Apr 14, 2019 7:11:22 GMT
Oh dear. I think Barbs at ritewhileucan gives advice on these type of socials but as to how to draw people in, it might just be a matter of plugging away until folk do start to get used to seeing the socials and start to take an interest.
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Post by filpot on Apr 14, 2019 8:55:32 GMT
Oh, poop! That's a real disappointment.
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Post by penguy on Apr 15, 2019 1:17:53 GMT
I've looked at the ritewhileucan website and got some ideas. I even sent Barb a letter. I guess for the next one it will be a matter of talking it up and getting the information out there far enough in advance and then a real push just before the event.
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