Passed Time - It Is the Little Things: Giving Thanks in 1938

It Is the Little Things: Giving Thanks in 1938

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Van Houten Norval Thank you notew As we near the season of giving thanks, I found myself racing frantically to accomplish something. Anything. I need a win. As many of you can empathize, my time is spent juggling too many activities in days which seem to last about an hour. Recently, in a more surprising twist, I also struggled to find material to write about. For someone who finds the smallest scrap of paper interesting, this was a new one. Luckily, this gem fell into my lap. As a primary source, it my favorite source material. It is a thank you note and I am sure its timeliness is not lost on our audience.

In this day and age (the era of "throw it away and buy a new one"), the gift of a bulletin board might seem inconsequential. In 1938, Americans still struggled with effects of the Great Depression. Like many small American towns across the country, Mt. Rainier, Maryland was on shaky financial footing and many of its citizens were in need.* As such, small gestures made a great impact.

Norval Van Houten generously made a bulletin board for Miss Magalotti's schoolchildren at Mt. Rainier School. Because of that bulletin board the kids proudly displayed their best efforts on Patrons' Night. The kids enjoyed a small shining moment in a decade known for its dreariness.

In acknowledgment of Van Houten's efforts, Gladys James wrote a simple thank you on behalf of the class.** The Norval Van Houten family was touched--so much so they kept this relic safe for 78 years.*** It is the little things in life that mean the most. Best, Pat

*For more reading on Mt. Rainier, Maryland, here is a link to a website, 1930's and the Great Depression. It provides old photos, articles, and is well worth a read.

**An Angeline Magalotti shows up in a couple of searches as a nursing instructor around 1944. It might be the same woman, but more research needs to be done. As Gladys James was only a child at the time this was written she probably married later. In any event, a cursory search did not reveal any candidates.

***Although, Gladys James addressed her letter to "Mr. Van Halton" other letters indicate the name is Mr. Van Houten. The following information was readily available. SUDLERSVILLE - Marie Louisa Van Houten of Wye Mills died Saturday, Feb. 14 at Kitty's Nursing Home In Sudlersville. She was 75. She was born In Washington DC. on March 10, 1911, the daughter of the late Hans Peter Nielsen and Anna Anderson Nielsen. She married Norval Van Houten of Gary, Ind., on Sept. 20, 1929. He died May 7, 1969. She is survived by a daughter, Linda Joyce Travers of Wye Mills, a brother, Alfred Nielsen of Pompano, Fla.,..... Her son, Norval Van Houten Jr., died Oct. 30, 1986 Found on Newspapers.com. It is from the February 16, 1987 edition of the Star-Democrat of Easton, Maryland. Page 8.

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