Hidden History #13 Sealed with an “F”

Sealed with a Kiss

The letter at the post office is sealed with a wax seal.

In Medieval Times, betrothals were prearranged-therefore true words of love were secretly written and the envelope’s contents secured by a wax seal, so that the recipient could be assured that their passion would be unknown to others.

As literacy increased, seals were used less frequently and with the introduction of the gummed envelope in the 19th Century the need for privacy was reduced. Seals became a more personal expression as well as a decorative embellishment.

Click here to read about the history of wax sealing.

This particular wax seal is an “F”, (hidden detail).

The seal was a gift the year I was married – 1972 (hidden history)

Click here for Hidden History #14

Have a wonder-filled day,

Donna Flanagin

Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service

Random me: New things are always brewing.

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Hidden History #12 – 8mm Childhood Memories

Not just any movie reel, this one held our memories.

I am grateful my dad took movies of my childhood.

Didn’t (at the time) realize their importance.

The 8mm film has long since been converted to DVD.

The original movie reels have been converted to hidden history #12

Click here for Hidden History #13

Have a wonder-filled day,

Donna Flanagin

Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service

Random me: Love to vacation in the tropics.

Hidden History #11 The Toy Pickup Truck

1937 Pickup replica

Among the items for sale in the general store window is a child’s toy pickup truck.  

Complete with door decals of Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service’s logo. (attention to detail)

The hidden history is that it represents the truck that our business uses in the annual Valparaiso Popcorn Festival Parade.

2011

2010

2009

2006 We’ve come a long way since then.

 

Click Here for Hidden History #12

Have a wonder-filled day,

Donna Flanagin

Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service

Random me:  I feel like time is flying by.

American Heart Association Fundraiser – Team Kelli

2012 Fundraiser

We just completed our annual fundraiser.  This year we chose The American Heart Association – Team Kelli.

Kelli was a friend of my daughters and she passed away at the young age of 33 from a rare heart disease called SCAD.

We raised $775.00

A sincere thank you to everyone that donated, helped or promoted this event.

My brain realizes this is good, but my heart wanted to do more.

If you would like to help us raise even more you can donate (here)

Previous recipients:

Pines Village

Ronald McDonald House-Indy

Boys & Girls Club of Porter Co.

Have a wonder-filled day,

Donna Flanagin

Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service

Random me:  The older I get the more I want to accomplish.  The pressure is on 🙂

TOP 5 Searches that Led to my blog

Photo via bing images

I find this interesting.  The 5 top searches that led to my blog.

disney institute	73
eddm	44
every door direct mail	37
duckburg activity	36
what does good customer service look like	36
duckburg exercise	25

Have a wonder-filled day,
Donna Flanagin
Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service
Random me: Don’t feel I do enough in my life to make the world a better place (yet).  But I am going to keep trying.

Hidden History #10 Spot of Tea Anyone?

Not just any tea-cup.

Nestled in the bakery window is a tea-cup and saucer.

This actually belonged to my Grandma Johnson.  I never had the privilege of meeting her, she died before I was born.

I estimate it to be at least 80+ years old or more.

To the customer, it’s just a tea-cup. To us it is a part of history.

Click here for Hidden History #11

Have a wonder-filled day,

Donna Flanagin

Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service

Random me:  I feel more creative the older I get.  Is that possible?

Hidden History #9 The Disney Institute

What is that little symbol in the corner?

The Disney Institute was instrumental in changing how we view our business, our employees and our customers.

It was only fitting that they be a part of our company’s hidden history.

It may not be recognized by many, but the symbol on the lower right hand corner of the chalkboard represents the Disney Institute.

Our daily subtle reminder.

Click here for Hidden History #10

Have a wonder-filled day,

Donna Flanagin

Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service

Random me:  I’m grateful for summer morning sunrises.

Hidden History #8 When Opportunity Knocks, Open the Door

And so it begins

It really all began when opportunity knocked and I opened the door. 

I owned a secretarial service and an existing customer called and asked if I would research bulk mail software.

I knew absolutely nothing about bulk mail but I said “sure”!

Who knew where that blind faith would lead me?

So Hidden History #8 is a letter in our mailbox from that customer. 

A very important part of our history.

Click here for Hidden History #9

Have a wonder-filled day,

Donna Flanagin

Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service

Random me:  Sometimes I am overwhelmed and today is one of them.

Hidden History #7 The Color Yellow.

Her nickname is Martini and her favorite color is yellow. 

Debbie Thiel, our sales rep has been with the company since day 1.

Of course she has a special place in our hidden history.

Click here for Hidden History #8

Have a wonder-filled day,

Donna Flanagin

Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service

Random me:  I am grateful for many things including garbage pickup.  Imagine life without it.

Hidden History #6 Seemingly Insignificant

Observe the book on the park bench.

It’s open to page 134

Notice the book on the park bench.  Seemingly insignificant random item.

Not to us.

It is open to page 134 which represents our USPS postal indicia number.

Actually not insignificant at all, it is a very important number to our business.

Click here for Hidden History #7

 Have a wonder-filled day,

Donna Flanagin

Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service (click here)

Random me: I enjoy a good garage sale.