Penpals for 70 Years

This collection of photos along with a letter came into the archives yesterday. It all started in WWII with letter writing between a soldier (Ray Rappel)’s cousin Ethel (Foote) Buck and his girlfriend Jean Goff in England.
Ray Rappel from Spirit River asked his cousin Ethel to write a letter to his girlfriend Jean, and although Jean and Ray didn’t marry the friendship between the ladies survived. I am happy to report that they are still writing letters over 70 years later but they have never met face-to-face.
These are the items and stories that mean so much and we treasure here at the Archives.
Below are photos of the collection that were brought in as well as Ray and his war-bride Rosina from London, England.

Collection of photos and letter.
Collection of photos and letter.
2014.082.02
Ray Rappel with wife Rosina.

Share this post