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Item specifics
Item: Original typed employment reference letter
Subject: Mrs. Ann Culver – Internal Revenue Bureau employee
Signer: Bruce Ligon, Chief Field Deputy, Internal Revenue Bureau, State of Oklahoma
Date: Undated (likely mid-20th century based on typeface and language)
Origin: United States, Oklahoma
Type: Government / employment reference letter
Format: Single typed page with original ink signature
Size: Approx. standard letter size (about 8½\" x 11\", folded)
Language: English
Era: c. 1930s–1940s (estimate)
Description
Original vintage employment reference letter from the Chief Field Deputy of the Internal Revenue Bureau for the State of Oklahoma, written on behalf of Mrs. Ann Culver. The letter is fully typed and then hand-signed by Bruce Ligon, who notes that Mrs. Culver served under his supervision for several years.
The text praises her as intelligent, alert, dutiful, responsive and diligent, stressing that she was co-operative, loyal, courteous and concerned with doing her work well. It further notes that she became familiar with all facets of the Field Clerical Force and would make a valuable contribution to any office.
Pieces like this offer a snapshot of U.S. federal employment culture in the early-mid 20th century, when personal character references were a key part of securing government work. The formal language, layout, and typewriter font all point to the Depression / WWII era, making this a compelling primary document for collectors of IRS history, U.S. bureaucracy, or women’s workforce history.
This would display well in a frame, added to an ephemera collection, or used as a teaching example of period business correspondence and professional expectations.
Collector value / story angle
U.S. federal government history – Internal Revenue Bureau / early IRS operations at the state level.
Women in government service – a rare contemporary reference letter detailing a woman’s performance, character, and advancement in clerical work.
Strong, readable content with classic “To Whom It May Concern” phrasing and long list of virtues, ideal for social history or research.
Original ink signature of Bruce Ligon as Chief Field Deputy adds authenticity and interest.
Condition
Original vintage document, not a copy.
Folded for mailing/storage; horizontal fold line visible.
Light general toning and age spots consistent with age.
Minor handling creases and slight edge/corner wear.
No large tears, losses or heavy stains visible in the images.
Overall, presents well for a document of this age and would look excellent flattened and frame
SEO keywords
IRS letter, Internal Revenue Bureau, Oklahoma government, Bruce Ligon, Ann Culver, employment reference letter, vintage job recommendation, government clerical force, women in government work, 1930s business letter, WWII era office ephemera, typewritten letter, vintage To Whom It May Concern, historical document US federal, collectible paper ephemera.
