The News has received a nearly 100-year-old letter of recommendation for Lucien (Lou) Bodichon, who worked as a printer at the paper in the early 1920s. -- NEWS PHOTO RYAN MCCRACKEN
rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com@MHNMcCracken
More than 99 years ago, a man named Lucien (Lou) Bodichon earned a letter of recommendation from the business manager of the Medicine Hat News.
That letter remained in safe keeping for nearly a century until Bodichon’s grandson, Robert Menist, found it in the estate of his late grandparents. Realizing this letter meant something to his grandfather, Menist wrote up an accompanying description and sent it back to the News this week.
“This letter given to my grandfather must’ve served him well in his lifetime,” Menist wrote in a letter to the News, which included photos of his grandfather as a young man.
“I thought it was especially cool that the letter is dated nearly a century ago and appears to be a very warm and sincere testimonial to my grandfather’s work ethic and skill set.”
The letter, dated Feb. 6, 1922, states it “is to certify that the bearer, Lucien Bodichon, has been in our employment for the past year and a half, during which time he has given excellent service, having found him energetic and willing at all times. He leaves our employment of his own accord, as his parents are leaving the City. We regret his loss, as we feel that he has the makings of a good printer, and would have been a valuable asset to us. Anything you may be able to do for him will be greatly appreciated, and should you desire any further information, we would be very glad to supply some.”
Menist – who addressed his letter from Liberty Hill, Texas – says Bodichon moved to the States after he left his printing job in Medicine Hat, and settled in New York City with his parents.
“He was mechanically inclined and worked a variety of skilled jobs such as bus mechanic and building maintenance man, and ultimately became the lead engineer for a construction company,” Menist writes. “He lived a good life in America, raised a family, and was loved by all who ever met him. After retiring at the age of 65, he took his daughter Eileen (my mom) back to visit his childhood home in Tours, France. Sadly, after the trip, dementia appeared to set in quickly. He passed away in a nursing home in Pennsylvania in May 1995.”
Menist adds his mother has kept a great deal of Bodichon’s personal items in her possession, however he only recently came across the letter of recommendation, and felt it appropriate to return it to the place it was penned nearly 100 years ago.
The News thanks Bodichon, and his family, for their contributions to the success of the newspaper and community.
