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JarieLyn's avatar

I do recall placing stamps upside down for romantic correspondence. Though, I'm not sure how I knew that back then.

This was a fascinating read. It would be interesting to learn more about stamp placement during the war and what the secret language was.

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Elizabeth H. Cottrell's avatar

That is definitely on my list to write about very soon, JariLyn. Thanks so much!

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Craig A Williamson's avatar

I recall being young and smitten, sending a love letter with the stamp upside down

50 years later I now know why.

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Elizabeth H. Cottrell's avatar

Indeed! I've been touched by how many people over 60 can recall such a thing. :-).

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Felice Cohen's avatar

First, thank you for the shout out in your post. Second, I always put stamps upside on letters to people I was dating!!! Who knew its history? Love this post! Thank you Elizabeth!

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Elizabeth H. Cottrell's avatar

Wow, you're quick. I was going to send you a link, but I'm delighted you saw my shout out of your newsletter before that.

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Lisa Lee Mills's avatar

I can't help but wonder how many people thought I loved them through the years (the electric company, the phone company, my internet service provider) because back when we mailed checks to pay for services, I regularly placed postage stamps upside down, only to realize it once they were affixed!

You absolutely had me at spy craft (I'm a huge lover of John Le Carre novels), so I wait with bated breath on that post. Thank you for introducing us to @FeliceCohen. I just subscribed!

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Elizabeth H. Cottrell's avatar

I'm looking forward to writing that post -- probably it will go up on the first Tuesday in May. I started to include in this post and realized it was worthy of its own article.

You'll love Felice's work. And when I spotlighted her, I didn't even know she had included my book in a list of books she wrote about that that promote letters! "Ink and Impact: The Books Keeping Letters Alive." https://felicecohen.substack.com/p/ink-and-impact-the-books-keeping

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Lisa Lee Mills's avatar

How extraordinary and well-deserved! Thank you for the link. I’ll read it right now. I’ve actually been perusing her website and Substack account and I’m already enamored. Another kindred spirit for sure!

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Jill P Strachan's avatar

Elizabeth -- I really enjoyed this post and admit to the upside-down stamp, although I looked for it far more than I used! Thanks for poking at some memories.

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Elizabeth H. Cottrell's avatar

"...poking at some memories." That phrase nails the feelings I had writing this piece and remembering my own upside-down stamps. Thanks for sharing!

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Lydia Ramsey's avatar

Elizabeth, this is absolutely fascinating. Who knew all the secrets a post could hold. I did know, but had forgotten about, placing the stamp upside down to indicate romantic feelings when I was writing letters to my high school sweetheart. It was a long distance romance. He lived in Savannah and I lived in Augusta. Twelve years later we married. He’s gone now. I still live in Savannah and have since the day we married. Your post was a poignant reminder of days gone by.

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Elizabeth H. Cottrell's avatar

Oh my goodness, Lydia. Poignant indeed, and I'm so honored that you shared this memory with me. I'll bet there are thousands of women our age who have early love interests tied to letter writing.

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