David Chaltas

Brandywine's Billet-doux David Chaltas

Brandywine's Billet-doux is the story in postcard and picture form of American families united by blood or bound by marriage. With over one hundred thirty postcards and numerous pictures, the early 1900s are vividly painted and portrayed in transcribed form. Each card represents a piece of American history and carries forth love of God, Country and family with each word. These love letters of sorts represents the best of American in the worst of times. They span the Great War, the roaring twenties through the Korean and Vietnam conflict. Sometimes the cards are simplistic in sharing news of the farms, home, gossip and events. Other times they are complicated in their descriptors. Truly they are part of the great American tapestry that must be preserved so future generations will know and appreciate their love and sacrifices. Brandywine's Billet-doux could easily be your ancestors' postcards and pictures locked up in a truck somewhere in an attic. You could be a descendent and hopefully through this endeavor rediscover your place in history. You could begin your own Billet-doux for your children's children and beyond. This is the legacy of Brandywine, West Virginia's lost postcards and photographs. This is a rare opportunity of owning a piece of American history. DPC