Helen Pettit's 1830s Friendship Album, Partially Filled (Diverse Handwriting Examples, Charming Bird!) old wooden blocks set There was a label taped

There was a label taped onto the top of this whimsy rattle

with initials RK carved

and Keene State College

a young inventor from Oberlin

Helen Pettit's 1830s Friendship Album, Partially Filled (Diverse Handwriting Examples, Charming Bird!) old wooden blocks set There was a label tapedIf we still kept friendship albums, perhaps we'd all feel a bit more grounded two examples listed today divided by nearly 100 years, which to read now is to feel like the two young women who kept them were surrounded by people invested in their well being and future selves. This one, kept by a young Helen (sometimes Hellen) Pettit, given to her on the 8th birthday, is not at all full, but it's a sweet early one, 1830s, with an interesting mix of