An Envo-Gram Sent Love From 1987
My Dad, Bing, wrote me a heartfelt letter just after I started college at Auburn. I remember smiling when it arrived as an Envo-Gram at my freshman dorm. An Envo-Gram is a unique and entertaining way he used to communicate because his handwriting is so hard to read. Creating an Envo-Gram, dating back to the 1980s, involves typing a letter on a computer that results in printed carbon copies with perforated edges.
This communication was more advanced in 1987 than, for example, a telegraph, which makes the Envo-Gram from my Dad even more special.
I keep precious memorabilia like the Envo-Gram and appreciate its message now more than ever. My kids leave “voids of chatter” as they graduate from school, get married, and even buy their own homes. I want more noise, chaos, activities, and surprises that they brought. I've retyped the letter below the image to make it easier to read.
I love you too, Dad.
An Envo-Gram carbon copy letter sent to me from my Dad, Bing. He might have some stashed away from the 1980’s.
FROM:
Bing Johnson
Daddy Still In Training
Roswell, GA 30077-1184
MESSAGE AREA
September 13, 1987
It's a Sunday and Brett is at work. Mom is showing houses, and I am at work. Please forgive the "computerized" form of communication. I guess I am hopeless. Pretend that I have very precise, clear handwriting that is so good it looks like computer printing!!
I bought a dubbing cassette deck for the house yesterday at Radio Shack. I needed the ability to play my strange music to make noise around the house to fill the void your chatter so warmly provided!
I loved Auburn, and know you will, too! I'm amazed that such a large school has been able to create such a warm, small-campus atmosphere. And they have great first football games. Get my extra, extra large sweatshirt quick so I can wear it to Roswell games—a Roswell sweatshirt won't be so popular this year based on Friday's massacre, and I want to brag that my daughter is at Auburn and even got a scholarship!
Out of room. Enjoy yourself and have a great adventure! LOVE, DAD.
TO:
Stacy Johnson
Auburn University
Owen Hall - Dorm 310
Auburn, AL 36830
