“There’s no such thing as a bad boy.” So opined Ireland native Father Edward Flanagan in his selfless endeavor at Nebraska’s “Boys Town” orphanage. This vintage typewritten correspondence was composed and signed by Flanagan (d.1948) in 1940. Measuring 8-3/8 x 10-13/16”, the letter is typed on a sheet of orphanage stationery with a heading of: “Father Flanagan’s Boys Home – Boys Town, Nebraska.” Dated “March 27, 1940,” the letter reads (in full):

“Dear Mr. McGlynn:

Thank you for your very kind letter, and for your interest in Boys Town.

I am enclosing the autograph which you requested, and I assure you I am more than happy to comply. Under separate cover, I am going to send you some literature of our Home, which I know will serve to give you a better general understanding of our work with these homeless or abandoned boys, who have been deprived of every advantage or opportunity in life.

With kindest regards and best wishes, I am

Sincerely,

(signed) E.J. Flanagan

Rt. Rev. Msgr. E.J. Flanagan”

Flanagan’s blue-ink steel tip fountain pen scripting projects (“9”) strength and clarity. The crisp page features normal compacting folds, none of which affect the signature or content. Full photo LOA from JSA.