World War II Envelope Artwork

The National Postal Museum has a current exhibit on illustrated mail that includes several examples of Jack Fogarty's letters sent from 1944-45. Fogarty served with the Army's 98th Evacuation Hospital in the Pacific and became lifelong friends with a fellow soldier, James MacDonald, and his wife Mary who was home in Queens, NY. Fogarty sent letters to Mary with envelopes showing scenes of life at the camp. In Smithsonian Magazine, Fogarty describes the letters as "an expression of love for the MacDonalds." Jack Fogarty is now 92 and lives in New Jersey. Both the MacDonalds have passed away but their daughter donated 33 illustrated envelopes to the museum. Check them out if you get a chance; really wonderful stuff.