Florence's Autograph
Traces of Honey
I recently visited a vintage warehouse and took a stroll through the aisles of forgotten items of the past. My attention was captured by an unassuming book nestled between orange lamps.
Its weathered cover read "Autographs," A glimpse into an era where collecting signatures was a cherished pastime. I was drawn into a world of faded ink and forgotten names as I flipped through the pages.
Among the strangers, a single name repeated: Florence.
Intrigued, I purchased the book for $8.00.
Honey
After bringing the book home, I wondered if I could find a family member to give this book to or at least learn more about Florence.
Clues were scarce, only revealing that Florence may have been a 17-year-old graduate of Commence High School in Yonkers, New York, when she collected these autographs.
Yonkers, only 45 minutes from me, I decided to start my search.
It led me to an online discovery - an obituary—Florence Hargraves of Poughkeepsie, Born on January 21, 1929, and raised in Yonkers. She was affectionately known as Honey.
Poughkeepsie, only 20 minutes from me, I became 100% invested.
A realization- the book I was holding could have belonged to Florence Hargraves. Born in 1929, she would have been 17 in 1946, aligning with the autograph book's timeline.
I delved further and stumbled upon a connection—a name on Facebook, Hargraves - a local photographer who shared Florence’s last name.
It turned out that the book led me to Florence’s daughter-in-law.
Who was Honey?
Affectionately known as "Honey" by those close to her, Florence was the youngest of seven siblings. She married in 1953, and after having her children, she returned to work as a switchboard operator at Yonkers General Hospital. In 1977, after 30 years, she retired as the head of the switchboard.
Florence raised her eight children single-handedly, instilling a strong sense of confidence in them. Her children grew up to pursue careers as athletes, teachers, social work, and two even became pastors. Her sons also found careers in law enforcement.
How did the book end up in a vintage store?
I had the same question.
Somewhere between 1970-1975, life took an unexpected turn for Florence and her family when they lost their home- leading to the heartbreaking moment when she and her children had to leave their home with whatever they could carry.
Leaving behind this autograph book.
Somehow, 40+ years later, it showed up in a vintage store. Where the book was for all these years is unknown.
Here are a few of my favorite notes:
Dear Florence,
Not being a poet,
And not having any fame,
I have simply decided to sign my name.
Your Pal,
Muriel McGuinness
Dear Flo,
I wish I was a bunny.
With a big tail of fluff
Then I could sit on your dresser
and be *you’re powder puff.
Love, Jane
(*you’re- yes I know. I wanted to leave the spelling as is. An indication that even with paper and pen, mistakes were made)
Dear Florence,
Poor Little Florence sitting on a fence
Trying to make a dollar out of 48 cents.
Tommy Hitchock
Dear Florence
The higher the mountain
The stronger the breeze
The younger the couple
The tighter the squeeze
Your Friend,
P. Helwick
Personal Note
I have about eight journals sitting in a box, with at least 20 years of pages filled with memories. After coming across Florence's book, I wondered where my journals would live after I was long gone. To be honest, do I want people to see what's in them?
I was feeling a lot of feelings.
After purchasing the autograph book, I felt guilty. Who am I to keep Florence's book? It lasted this long because it was important to someone.
If I couldn't find a family member, I would hold on to it and care for it.
I never thought I would be connected to someone on Facebook to whom I could give this book. For once, Facebook did something right.
I was beyond elated to learn more about Florence and her story and see her face- as if from somewhere far away, she was looking to say hi to her family.
And so, a simple visit to a vintage warehouse unveiled a captivating tale - a journey through time and connection, guided by a woman known as Florence, or perhaps simply Honey.
What’s next for Honey’s book? Off she goes to be with family. It’s all packed up and ready to be mailed out.