In early January, VISD Superintendent of Schools, Quintin Shepherd, received a letter that would transport him and the entire community back in time – all thanks to a 95-year-old Californian known as the "Postcard Man."
Mr. Lowell Joerg, also known as the “Postcard Man,” resides in California, spending his golden years in an extraordinary pursuit: finding and returning vintage postcards. A self-proclaimed enthusiast of the "re-distribution of happiness," Lowell takes it upon himself to reconnect these timeless messages with their intended recipients. And this time, the lucky recipient was none other than VISD.
In a stroke of serendipity, the arrival of the vintage postcard couldn't have come at a more perfect time, coinciding with a momentous milestone in the history of Victoria ISD. As the district celebrates its 125th year of providing education and fostering community bonds, Lowell Joerg's unexpected gift added an extra layer of nostalgia and meaning to the festivities.
The story began when Lowell Joerg stumbled upon a charming relic of the past at an antique store in California. It was a postcard featuring a picturesque image of the Victoria Junior High School, now known as Patti Welder Middle School, dating back to the 1930s. A remarkable piece of history, the postcard showcased the school's elegant architectural design and brought forth memories of a bygone era.
With the excitement of a treasure hunter unearthing a long-lost gem, Lowell decided that the postcard deserved to find its way back home, across the miles to Victoria, Texas. His letter to Superintendent Shepherd carried not only the precious postcard but also a heartwarming message of community and the joy of rediscovering a piece of the past.
Lowell expressed his genuine delight in reuniting the postcard with its rightful home.
Upon receiving Lowell's letter and the vintage postcard, Superintendent Shepherd was both surprised and touched. "It's not every day that you receive a piece of history in the mail, especially one that is so deeply connected to our community," he exclaimed. "We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Joerg for his dedication to spreading joy and connecting people through these beautiful postcards."
As for Mr. Lowell Joerg, he continues his mission of spreading happiness, one vintage postcard at a time. His story serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact, transcending generations and creating lasting connections.