"Tapespondents"

December 29, 1963, Appleton Post-Crescent

While we're all familiar with the concept of pen pals, this took the concept one advanced step further. One wonders what Harry Kurowski would think of today's world where we can habitually (and mindlessly) connect electronically with friends via telephone, computer, or cell phone via emails, texts, social media, Zoom calls, etc.  Looking back at something like this is even more amazing when one considers all the steps involved- compile interesting notes and music, record the tape, mail it off, wait for a response, document the transaction, etc.  Today we get replies in seconds and, sadly, these communiques have as much depth as the seconds used to create them.  With all the record keeping involved, Harry's hobby reminds me a bit of ham radio where devotees would exchange postcards to commemorate their interaction and prove their connection.  While I marvel at his dedication to his avocation, I also mourn the loss of the whimsy of this activity, in a simpler era, where letter writing was a necessary skill and, by today's standard, is a lost art, indeed.