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The Great American Pin-Up Series: Mandy LbNA #37906

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Feb 14, 2008
Location:
City:Ivanhoe
County:Lake
State:Illinois
Boxes:1
Planted by:Lock, Shock & Barrel
Found by: SkyGal48
Last found:Oct 27, 2018
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Feb 14, 2008
Letterbox Name: The Great American Pin-up Series: Mandy
Location: Lake County, IL
Distance: Approximately 0.25 miles

Once upon a time, there were eight lovely sisters. They were born in Lake County, Illinois, and were raised in an old farmhouse. They grew tall and strong and, though they loved the home in which they’d been raised, each knew that there would come a time when she would need to go out and find her place in the world.

Mandy was elegant and lively, the second-oldest of the sisters. More than anything else in life, she loved to sing, and dance, and act. She was charming and entertaining, and looked forward to the day she would bring others joy with her talents. She also hoped to be married one day, and dreamt of the little old white church, with the lovely stained glass windows where she and her beau would tie the knot. And, like her sisters, she knew deep down that she would make those dreams come true.

So Mandy began to think hard about where she might go in Lake County to follow her dreams. She longed for the stage, but felt drawn to the sort of place that felt like something from a bygone era. She loved the history of Lake County, and felt that, by learning a bit more, she would find her answer.

Of course, it didn’t take Mandy long to figure out whose help to seek. Her younger sister, Evelyn, had only a day before found her place in a lovely bookstore in downtown Grayslake. And if anyone could help her find a book about Lake County’s history, it would be Evelyn.

Mandy made her way to the bookstore, and found Evelyn there on a small ladder with a pile of books in her arms. Evelyn beamed with happiness at the sight of her sister, and hugged her excitedly.

“So how’s the new place?” asked Mandy.

“I love it!” replied Evelyn. “Just look at all of the books, and the old photos, and there are antique maps in back. It’s everything I hoped it would be.”

“I’m so glad to hear that. I really am. Have you met any cute guys in here?”

Evelyn laughed at her sister’s rather predictable question. “No, not yet. But I’ll keep my eyes open. So what brings you here?” she asked eagerly.

“I want to learn more about Lake County’s history. I’m starting to think about where I want to be, and I just can’t shake the idea that I want to be connected to the past.”

“Hmmm,” murmured Evelyn pensively. “Have you thought about looking at the Lake County Discovery Museum? It’s a great place, and they have some great historical exhibits. I can also recommend some books, but the museum could be really useful.”

“That does sound great,” replied Mandy. “Would you want to go with me?”

“I know this is going to sound strange, but I have this feeling that you’re supposed to go there on your own.” Evelyn smiled to herself. “Maybe talking with Raven so much over the last few days is starting to rub off on me.”

“Well, maybe we can at least grab a bite to eat before I go,” said Mandy. “How’s that place across the street?”

“It’s really good. Let’s do that.”

And they walked across the street to the Last Chance Saloon, and had lunch together, talking about old times and wondering about their sisters’ plans for the future. And, not surprisingly, Mandy flirted with every guy in the place. As the afternoon faded into evening, Mandy and Evelyn walked back across the street and said their goodbyes. Mandy thanked Evelyn for the push in the right direction, made her way to Route 83, and began traveling in a southerly direction.

Now Route 83 is a long and winding road, and Mandy carefully followed the road signs that guided her from Grayslake into Mundelein. She followed Route 83 to Route 176, and turned right to head toward the Lake County Discovery Museum. But she never quite got there, because shortly after turning onto Route 176, she found her place.

There, on the right side of the road, stood the exact church she had pictured in her dreams. And out in front was a sign which confirmed that it was, indeed, a part of Lake County’s history. As she walked across the parking lot toward the back of the church, however, Mandy found the happiest surprise of all. There, in the yard behind the church, was a wooden stage. Mandy walked to stage right and, underneath the eleventh floorboard, found a place to call her own.

And there she waits, beneath the stage, behind a place where there is always a minister handy.

NOTE: Be discreet! The box is a secret, and there may be folks about…

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The Great American Pin-up series is, first and foremost, a celebration of the style, femininity, and fun of pin-up art over the years. While great care was taken to select images that would not offend, it’s worth noting that some letterboxers, including those traveling with younger children, might find the images to be “rated PG”. That said, we hope that you enjoy the images as much as we’ve enjoyed selecting and carving them.

Please note: The stamps are a bit large, and will require a 4”x 6” space for stamping. We also strongly recommend inking pens, to bring out the full detail of the stamps.