Carmel Clay Historical Society presents ‘The Art of the Love Letter’

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(Submitted photo)

“I just want thee to brighten up & come over to our school the last day & see me blush, & stammer & yes I want to see thee there looking just thy prettiest.”

– A love letter from Maria Mendenhall to William Kinzer, 1862 

History tells us that certain human experiences transcend time – including love and the art of putting pen to paper to express terms of endearment to a loved one.

In that spirit of love and in conjunction with Valentine’s Day and the IU Health North Gallery Walk in the Carmel Arts & Design District, the Carmel Clay Historical Society will open a new exhibit dedicated to “The Art of the Love Letter.” Kicking off with a sweet opening night party on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 6-9 p.m. at The Depot on the Monon, the exhibit will feature about a dozen beautifully written love letters from the collection of personal artifacts of one of Carmel’s pioneers, William Kinzer.

Kinzer grew up in a cabin on Main Street, just east of Keystone Avenue. Most of the letters were written around 1859 and the early 1860s and they offer lovers – and lovers of history – some insight into the ways we expressed our affections in another era.

“There is something special about handwriting; a hand-written letter says more than the just the words on the paper,” said Whitney Dennis, executive director of the Carmel Clay Historical Society. “The slant of the letters, the pressure of the pen, the size of each character … handwriting inserts a personal element that cannot be separated from the message on the paper.”

The exhibit, Dennis adds, “relishes in the aesthetic quality of hand-written letters, made even more beautiful by their sentimental content, and celebrates the irreplaceable love letter that, while fading in practice, still touches us in a very real way, just as it did nearly 200 years ago, right here in Carmel.”

“The Art of the Love Letter” exhibit will be displayed at The Depot on the Monon from Feb. 14 to mid-summer.

“I suppose all will admit that it is time for me to marry if I ever do.  But I won’t beg at any one to marry me, I have urged you further than I thought I would, I tell you I was some disappointed.  – From William to Maria, 1862

(William and Maria were married a year later, in 1863)

The Depot is located on the Monon Greenway one block south of Main Street at 211 First Street SW. Parking is available in the public lot just east of the museum along the Monon Greenway or in available parking spaces throughout the Arts & Design District.

The Monon Depot Museum is open Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and on Gallery Walk Saturdays, 6 to 9 p.m.; and on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. The museum can also be opened for tours by calling 846-7117 or e-mailing [email protected]

Admission is free, although donations are accepted.


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