In a heartwarming tale of nostalgia and discovery, a couple’s chance encounter with vintage autograph books led them on a mission to reunite these cherished items with their original owner.
While exploring an antique shop in Cambridge, Ohio, a pair of autograph books – one green and one red – caught the attention of a couple from Akron, Ohio. These books, filled with handwritten verses, seemed too precious to be left behind.
During a spontaneous weekend getaway, my wife, Susie, and I discovered these 4 ½-by-6-inch treasures nestled among a collection of forgotten memorabilia. As we flipped through the pages, we were captivated by the whimsical notes from a bygone era.
The charming verses, inscribed in ink, resonated with my wife. Although uncertain of their purpose, she felt compelled to purchase them, especially at the modest price of $1 each.
We placed the books on a shelf in our home, occasionally revisiting them to enjoy the sweet and innocent entries. These autographs, collected by a child from friends, family, and classmates 70 years ago, offered a glimpse into a simpler time.
Unraveling the Mystery
Inside one of the covers, the name “Rita Jean Kandel” was scrawled, with most entries addressed to “Dear Rita.” The initials “LHS” appeared frequently, a clue that puzzled us until we stumbled upon a particular entry:
Jan. 20, 1942: “Susie Sturgell is my name / Louisville is my station. / I go to school / To act a fool / For an education. – Your old pal, Suzy Q.”
Could “LHS” refer to Louisville High School? It seemed likely that these signatures were gathered in Stark County. But what became of Rita Jean Kandel? Further inspection revealed two entries from nearly two decades later:
Aug. 22, 1958: “Dear Rita: True friends / Like ivy on a wall / Both together stand / Or together fall. – Your mother-in-law, Mrs. Edna Oyster”
Aug. 22, 1958: “Mother: Roses on my shoulders / Slippers on my feet. / I am your little daughter, / Don’t you think I’m sweet? – Your daughter Carolyn, 9 years old.”
Reuniting with the Past
Through genealogy research and assistance from the Rodman Public Library in Alliance, Ohio, we pieced together Rita’s story. Her husband, World War II veteran LeRoy G. Oyster, passed away in 1994, leaving behind Rita J. Oyster and their children, including Carolyn Gabric.
I reached out to Carolyn Gabric, sharing our discovery and offering to return the autograph books to her family. To our delight, she was thrilled, and we arranged a meeting.
At the Bel Air Care Center in Alliance, we met Carolyn Gabric and her mother, Rita J. Oyster, who was 84 and had been residing there since 2010 following a stroke.
Reviving Old Memories
When my wife handed the autograph books to Mrs. Oyster, her eyes sparkled with recognition. “Oh, my gosh!” she exclaimed. Carolyn explained that the books had been mistakenly sold at an auction about a decade ago.
Mrs. Oyster reminisced about her childhood, recalling her life on an 80-acre farm near Louisville and her school days at Scenery Hall and Louisville High School. She fondly remembered collecting autographs from classmates during study hall.
As we read through the entries, Mrs. Oyster recognized several names and shared stories about her friends and family. The books contained heartfelt notes from relatives, including a touching message from her mother, Lettie Kandel.
Preserving a Family’s Heritage
Rita Kandel married LeRoy Oyster in 1947, and together they built a family. Today, Mrs. Oyster is a proud mother of five, grandmother of 14, and great-grandmother of 18. Carolyn Gabric expressed her excitement about revisiting the past through these treasured autographs.
As we departed, we felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect a family with their history. These autograph books, now back in the hands of their rightful owner, will continue to bring joy and laughter to the Oyster family for generations to come.
