A woman has uncovered the story behind a “juicy” love letter sent by a WW1 soldier to his sweetheart in 1917 – and Instagram users are obsessed with the romantic story.
Chelsey Brown, 28, from New York City, US, explores flea markets, antique shops and online marketplaces to find old documents and tries to reunite them with the family of the people behind them.
One of her most recent discoveries was the correspondence between a man called William and a woman called Lily, where he talks about his love for her.
Entranced by his beautiful handwriting, Chelsey did some research to find out if they ended up together and was delighted to find census records showing they got married and had a family.
Although she tried to reach out to their descendants, she is yet to hear back.
“I felt like I was in a movie reading this letter! I couldn’t believe it was real,” Chelsey told Jam Press.
“These happy-ending stories are what I strive to find and share with the world to show that no matter how dark and evil this world gets, it’s worth fighting for that bit of light and kindness.”
Chelsey picked up the letter from a vendor in Texas who she has worked with before.
Initially, she was attracted by how it looked but soon got caught up in the story.
She said: “What instantly drew me to this item was the penmanship. I have never seen anything like it before.
“These two people were obviously very in love with each other – and missed each other greatly.
“It was also a bit saucy for the time – which is something I always love when I pick up letters like this.
“The two big questions I had were, ‘Did he survive WWI?’ and ‘Did they end up together?’
“Unfortunately, there are times where I find love letters and the sweethearts never ended up together. This happens more often than not.”
Writing to his “dearest Lilian”, William tells his sweetheart how much he misses her, but there does seem to be a little tension as he has not heard back from her.
He says: “I would give anything just to be in that dear old Southland today for I know it is a deer country for in it dwells roses of which I have selected for you.
“The fairest of all my heart aches with our following joy and pleasure when I think of being with you again, but alas fate surely must be against me still there couldn’t be anything like trying.
“You should be here for a while just to see some of these people sometimes they are sure strange especially when they go out to the movies.
“What’s the matter with that mailman doesn’t he deliver of my mail Lily and it certainly couldn’t be that I didn’t write for I’ve written every week and then some I think you’re just trying me now ain’t you.”
William ends his letter by telling her that he hopes to be back with her soon, but he encourages her to write back to him while they wait to be reunited.
He continues: “I am liable to come home anytime now but I suppose I will remain until someone asked me to come which might not ever come.
“Lillian how’s everybody at home are you still enjoying the school, I suppose you have already learned to love your teacher.
“G I feel tough I’m supposed to be working today now be a sweet girl and answer real soon for I’m crazy to hear from you.
“Will now bid you ado with the very best of love from one who really cares from you yours most devotedly William.
“Lily and I have something to tell you when I see you will you please make mention if I forget.”
After reading through the letter, Chelsey got to work trying to find out what happened to the pair.
In a video posted on her Instagram page, she shows records detailing how William was honourably discharged in 1918.
She then finds a copy of a census record from 1930 showing he married a Lilian and they were living with a sister-in-law with the surname Ford, which matches the maiden name included in the letter.
The post racked up more than 3,500 likes, with viewers taking to the comments to share their thoughts on the sweet tale.
One person wrote: “Oh my gosh look at that calligraphic writing, it’s absolutely beautiful and such a lost art.”
Another user commented: “Such a lovely story! I wish I had a love letter lol!.”
“You are so amazing. The stories always warm our hearts and give us hope the penmanship is incredible. I wonder if he was an artist,” said someone else.
Another user added: “Love your stories n look forward to them. Proving love is important.”
“I love that you do this!!!” agreed another fan.
Chelsey was delighted to find that the loved-up couple had such a happy ending – which can be a rarity in her line of work.
She said: “I know I only share the uplifting stories behind the heirlooms I’ve returned (like the love letters and uplifting stories), but what people don’t realize is that I’ve handled hundreds of devastating first-hand accounts of letters and documentation from soldiers, refugees, and war victims.”
