For those who have never seen one, an aerogram is an airmail letter in the form of a lightweight sheet of stationery that folds into its own envelope for mailing at a low postage rate. In those pre-cell phone days, aerograms were the primary way that one kept touch with family and friends when flying abroad. The letters took at least two weeks to arrive at their destination.

There were no direct international calls until the 1970’s. In 1957, it was almost impossible for people to make long distance calls, especially students on a summer trip. Such privileges were reserved for VIP’s and government officials.

Nowadays, people rarely write letters, resorting to short texts and emails. But texting and emails can never replace the thrill of waiting for a letter, receiving it, and reading it.

Despite the fact that aerogram paper is thinner and a lesser quality than regular stationary, these 1957 aerograms written by Bob Jacobs to his family remained in perfect condition, with the script on these pale blue aerograms still perfectly legible. Even the stamps remain in perfect condition.