Cranbrook Academy of Art stationary has witnessed some very interesting correspondences,  but we’ve yet to see anything more adorable than this: Charles Eames’ 1941 marriage proposal to Ray Kaiser, delivered on CAA letterhead.  Charles and Ray met at Cranbrook, of course, and moved from Michigan to Los Angeles after their marriage.  We can’t take credit for the object or the article about it – that goes to the Library of Congress and Maria Popova at brainpickings.org respectively.  Still, there is something lovely about seeing a bit of Cranbrook play a role in this legendary design – and romantic – partnership.

Charles Eames’ marriage proposal to Ray Kaiser, by way of Cranbrook Academy of Art stationary. 1941. Library of Congress, via Brain Pickings

Full text of the letter, also via Brain Pickings, below:

Dear Miss Kaiser,

I am 34 (almost) years old, singel [sic] (again) and broke. I love you very much and would like to marry you very very soon.* I cannot promise to support us very well. — but if given the chance I’ll shure [sic] in hell try –

*soon means very soon.

What is the size of this finger??

as soon as I get to that hospital I will write “neams” well little ones.

love xxxxxxxxxx

Charlie

Library of Congress, via Brain Pickings