Peter Pan's Post Bag
‘Peter Pan’ is one of those stories with an enduring appeal. Everyone loves to hear stories about the ‘boy who never grew up’ and his battles with Captain Hook. There is something special about the story that has captured the imagination of children throughout the ages.
Pauline Chase (photo credit: Vintage Lulu)
Today I came across the book “Peter Pan’s Postbag : Letters to Pauline Chase”. Born Ellen Pauline Matthew Bliss, Chase was an American actress who was best known for playing Peter Pan on stage from 1906-1913. The book contains a sample of the letters that were written to her as Peter throughout her run.
A worrying number ask for tips on how to fly like Peter, whilst others comment that “Tinkerbell was very rude sometimes!”. There are also many letters asking for an “ortograf”. Finally the book includes a map of Never Never Land so that any lucky children who make it there could find their way to tell Peter in person how much they love him.
Map of Never Never Neverland
Below is a selection of the best (possibly cutest!) letters in the book (spellings reproduced):
Dear Peter
I am frightfully anxious. I am still quite young & don’t ever want to grow up. I always want to be a little boy (I mean girl) and have fun. Please don’t show this letter to Tinkerbell or she might call me a silly ass! Love and thimbles from Lesley.
A letter from Mary
Darling Peter
I should love to be you. I like you better than Wendy but don’t tell her because it might make her jealous & I like her nearlly as much as you. Madge
A letter from Ronie
Dear Peter Pan
You said that every time somebody said “I dont believe in fairys”, a fairy dies, so would you please tell me if every time somebody says “I believe in fairys”, a fairy comes. Love from Mabel
"Please teach me to fly!"
Love it. The map especially.
I just came across this and and this book (“Postbag,” that is. Not “Peter Pan.” Although that one is, too.) sounds fantastic!
Does anyone know how I can get a copy??
Hi Nadia
If you are a library user you can come in and have the book fetched for you. If access to the library/Cambridge is a problem I would recommend contacting our Refernce Department at: reference@lib.cam.ac.uk . They will be able to advise you about the best way to access our copy of the book.