Heartfelt people knew to write thank-you notes. Here’s a singular one, showing just how much love a man of feeling could fit on a penny postcard (mailed from St. Louis, May 12, 1947):
I’ve tried to trace the doctor but with no success. However, 440o South Drexel Boulevard still can be seen on Google Earth — a pleasant small apartment building or multi-family house.
I wonder what Louis and Dr. Teplitz and family had for dinner. May 12 was a Monday; had the Teplitzes invited Louis for a Shabbos feast? Not improbable, and Louis would have loved it.
This was the wondrous early heyday of Louis’ All-Stars. The other side of the postcard is a studio portrait of Jack Teagarden, which leads to this delightful illustration of gratitude. To me, PENNIES FROM HEAVEN is a thank-you note to the cosmos, especially in this performance:
Don’t you, even for a moment, wish that Louis had come to your house for dinner? I know I do.
May your happiness increase!
