ThunderPeel2001 Posted November 16, 2012 Can anyone translate the following message for me? I can barely make out the hand-writing, so it's difficult to even feed it into Google Translate. The letter has an interesting history, and I'd love to know what it says. Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Justin Leego Posted November 16, 2012 (edited) A proof of address by the landlady on behalf of the tenant, perhaps? --- I the undersigned, Mme Barbarie Georgette, owner of 17 avenue du Belloy, Le Vésinet (5 and 6) certify that Mr Dean Joe, born 20 November 1926 in Robinson City, USA, lives in this property since April 20th 1947. Le Vésinet, May 8th, 1947 Barbarie --- I'm thinking the chap's name is presented surname, forename - typical French formulation even now to an extent. (edited to correct the village name - it's pretty swanky, ergo the 50f note was probably just a hankerchief or a bookmark or something) Edited November 16, 2012 by Justin Leego Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ThunderPeel2001 Posted November 16, 2012 Huh, interesting! Thanks for that. Along with the letter, a 50 Franc note from 1946 was included with it. It was found, hidden in a panel, in a wooden chest on a scrap heap. It'd be cool to find more on these people, but Google isn't coming with anything. Not even the address Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ben X Posted November 16, 2012 You should make a website or something to try and find the answer. It might be the next big internet sensation and get made into a Jim Carrey film! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ThunderPeel2001 Posted November 16, 2012 You should make a website or something to try and find the answer. It might be the next big internet sensation and get made into a Jim Carrey film! I can see it now, "L'Note de Francais" starring Jim Carrey. Directed by Wes Anderson. Yes, I admit that the contents of the letter are woefully underwhelming, however it was my female American friend who found this thing as a child in Massachusetts. I'm sure she'd be interested to learn more... if I could find something interesting about it to share with her. Hmmm. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nappi Posted November 16, 2012 I believe someone has gone to great lengths in order to make the letter appear so mundane. Study it more closely, however, and you will find a carefully crafted labyrinth of clues. For instance, 3 of the 9 numbers mentioned in the letter begin with 19 which is, of course, a prime number. Subtract 2, the first of the prime numbers and a number repeated over and over again in the letter, and you get 17, also mentioned in the letter. Now, 17 is also a prime number — the twin prime of 19! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ThunderPeel2001 Posted November 16, 2012 Actually, if you connect all the dots from the paper, they form... dickbutt? Hmm. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Justin Leego Posted November 16, 2012 Well, now you've gone and broken the code. Dickbutt's gonna getcha. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ThunderPeel2001 Posted November 16, 2012 You'd think either of these two people might have SOME sort of online presence. Even if it was just their obituaries...? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elmuerte Posted November 16, 2012 It's a recipe for a beef stew. An interesting recipe though... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
subbes Posted November 16, 2012 Oui! C'est un ragoût de boeuf! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ben X Posted November 18, 2012 Ooh, wait! Did you check the back? Maybe there's a PS telling you to take back one kadam for the Hebrew god whose ark this is! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ThunderPeel2001 Posted November 19, 2012 Ooh, wait! Did you check the back? Maybe there's a PS telling you to take back one kadam for the Hebrew god whose ark this is! Man, I just watched that movie yesterday. Spooky! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheLastBaron Posted November 19, 2012 L'ARG has begun. Gah you beat me to it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
