Hi Laurie,
In answer to at least some of your questions:
1. I've read of mailed coconuts (and other
items) from time to time - it was uncommon but not unusual during the late
1920's and 1930's. It was a souvenir from Florida, just like shells from
the ocean or a postcard or whatever.
2. IMP - DO NOT REMOVE THE ADDRESS LABEL! Leave it
attached. It will lose the uniqueness and interest. An address label
is no big deal and certainly not archival - neither is the nut - if
separated.
3. Palm Beach Public Library reference dept. should have
city directories and may be able to do a look-up for you.
4. Why would you want it in the archives? Take the
photo is you must - leave the rest with the owner.
5. Using any search engine, query
the American Philatelic Society in State College, PA, and/or Linn's Stamp
News in Sidney Ohio. They will give you a reading on value and
preservation, should you need such information. These are two authorities
you can trust.
Hope this helps.
Marilyn Finke
NARA-Central Plains Region
Kansas City, MO
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>> "Langland, Laurie" <LaLangla@DWU.EDU> 01/16/02 12:51PM >>> I have a few questions aimed primarily at Florida archivists, historians and librarians - but others are welcome to chime in - about a coconut we have here at our university. It may sound ridiculous, but it's no joke - honestly. We have a coconut that was mailed to one of our professors some time between 1928 and 1940. An address label was written up, stamps were affixed to the label, the label was nailed to the outer husk (I don't know if that's the correct term) of the coconut, and it was mailed from Palm Beach, Florida, to Mitchell, South Dakota, without any extraneous packaging. Here are my questions: 1. Was it common to mail coconuts as souvenirs in such a way, or is this truly bizarre? 2. Are there reverse directories, such as Polk city directories, for Palm Beach that someone could use to tell me who lived at this particular return address between 1928 and 1940 or what was at that address? (I'll provide the address to anyone who would be willing to help me with this.) 3. The person who has the coconut has offered to give me a photograph of it along with the address label and stamps for the archives. Would it be better to leave the label intact on the coconut and hope that it eventually will make its way to the archives? Or would it be better to have just a photo and the address label? I'm enjoying the humorous aspect of this research project, but I'm also taking it seriously and would appreciate any suggestions and advice. Thank you. Laurie Langland Project Archivist Layne Library, Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell, SD lalangla@dwu.edu |