1932 Lighthearted Depression-Era Customer Service Letter to by a Grocery Chain Secretary
10175On offer is a letter from a grocery wholesale firm during the Great Depression in America.
The letter, dated Nov 1932, was written by Douglas B Beattie, the Secretary of a Richmond VA grocery wholesaler. Staples Grocery Co was in business near the beginning of the 20th century. It operated until 1943 when it was bought out by a larger competitor.
Our informal research on Beattie found very little information. He was born in 1881 and lived until 1966. It appears that, at age 84, he was murdered by several young men.
His letter was addressed to a Miss Vaughan. It is a reply to her letter concerning some items she was purchasing. He assures her everything should be alright. Amusingly he notes:
“Our cachet is not very satisfactory, but it is a “cachet” and that’s what counts”.
For a social historian, the letter captures a pleasant moment in time during an otherwise time of grinding economic turmoil.
The letter measures 11.0 inches by 8.5 inches. It is printed with a company letterhead. The letter itself takes up one page. The paper is in good condition and the handwriting is legible.
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