Henry Leon Boilard (1909-1967) was the father of my father. I never met the man. What’s more, neither did my dad. Grandpa Henry shipped out in the merchant marine just days after dad was conceived, and Grandma Ruth never saw him again. His name was never spoken around our house, as Dad could never forgive his father for abandoning the family.
That’s pretty much all I knew about Grandpa Henry until the winter of 2014. That’s when I was contacted out of the blue by someone in Vermont named Bonnie. Bonnie had come into possession of a letter that my grandmother had sent to Bonnie’s grandfather in the 1980s. Bonnie’s grandfather was none other than Henry Boilard.
By sending her letter Grandma Ruth was trying to track down the man who had once been her husband and who was the father of her son. What she did not know was that Henry had died years earlier, and the letter she sent was received by Henry’s widow, Margaret. And Bonnie, who is Margaret’s granddaughter, found that letter and contacted me. Perhaps a family tree is in order:
As far as I know, no one among the west coast Boilards knew that Henry founded a second family on the east coast.
So, Bonnie and I are cousins. Her mom, Mary, is my aunt (and my dad’s half-sister). Bonnie knew Grandpa Henry until he died in 1967. She has shared stories and even some mementos with me.
At almost the exact same time that Bonnie contacted me, I came across a dusty old stack of typewritten pages that turned out to be my grandmother’s unpublished memoir. In it she describes the early years of her life in great detail, including her courtship and brief marriage to Henry. I edited that manuscript and had it published. If you’re interested, more information is here.
But then, in 2024, Grandpa Henry came back into the picture. For the second time in a decade I was contacted from out of the blue by someone who discovered long-forgotten mail related to my family. This time my correspondent was a man named Jason, who came across a handful of hundred-year-old letters in the attic of his childhood home in Champlain, NY. The home had once been owned by a family named LaFountain, and somehow they left behind a sheaf of love letters that had been sent to their teenage daughter, Angela. Can you guess the author of the letters?
It was of course Henry Boilard.
Once Jason had discovered the letters in the attic he was kind enough to try to track down Angela’s descendants. In this effort he was unsuccessful, so he refocused his effort on the descendants of the letter’s writer. And that’s how I came into possession of a stack of brittle, yellowed, termite-chewed letters that Grandpa Henry had written to Angela LaFountaine almost exactly a century ago. There’s something very powerful about holding those letters written by a man I never met, who nevertheless is responsible for my very existence. They provide some insight into what I’ll call The Boilard Curse.
I’ve scanned and transcribed all 17 of those letters, and I append them below. To me, Grandpa sounds a bit calculating in those letters, showering Angela with pet names (“Sweetheart,” “Dear,” and, confusingly, “Beau Bec”) while constantly accusing her of not loving him back. He also offers an endless stream of apologies and excuses about his vaguely acknowledged misbehavior. But maybe all teenage boys sound that way when they write to their first love. I sure remember some cringe-worthy letters that I wrote in high school to my girlfriend Susie.
Anyway, here are the letters in chronological order:
“Come up to my place”
Champlain, N.Y.
Nov. 16, 1925
Dear Sweetheart
This is the first chance I have to answer your lovely letter, which I just received and I was very glad to get it too. You speak of troubles but what troubles do you mean? I don’t remember any. If I knew you folks wouldn’t have kicked me out I would have went after you last Saturday to go to [Malene?]. I went with Uncle Leon and [Trefflie?] to the auction on car’s [sic]. You asked me to tell you if I cared for you “Dear” you know well I care more for you than you do for me Sweetheart.
Well are you going to that card party tonight if you do look for me around there. I wish I could see you more often “Dear.” But you want to come up to my place some day it’s very lonesome here alone.
Sweetheart if you show this letter to anybody as you did the last time I’ll never [write] again. Leslie told me you showed it to him that very night so be careful this time or you won’t receive another, Darling.
Well I’ll have to close as this is getting late now.
Good night dear angel.
From your very best friend,
With love and kisses, Henry Boilard
About a million xxxx
P.S. Don’t show this letter.
“I was only fooling”
Champlain, N.Y.
Nov 27, 1925
Dear Sweetheart
I hope you will excuse me if not answering your sweet and joyful letter before but this is really the first chance I have “Dear.” I just got home from the hall. I hope I didn’t stop you from having a good time “Sweety.” But forget what what I said or did because I was only fooling, Anyway I was crazy to think you cared for [me?]
I’m glad you enjoyed dancing “Dear.” I suppose you know why I didn’t dance well it’s because I can’t. But I may learn if I find a teacher. I’ve asked several already. But they’ve always got an excuse. I started to ask you last
[p. 2]
night. But when I saw you enjoyed dancing with someone who could dance I changed my mind. “Dear” maybe you wouldn’t want to anyway.
I though {thought?] your partner knew enough to take your check and get your coat!
Wasn’t that a nice ride we had yesterday afternoon “dear.” I enjoyed it. But I don’t know if you did. I awfully sorry if I said anything to make you feel bad. But just the same I sorry Lester and I didn’t strike that tree just a little harder.
Please answer this letter (Pet) and tell me if you really care for me if you don’t well tell me anyway. Because I really care for you.
[p. 3]
I heard that someone took Lester and Ernestine home in a car and Ernestine went as far as [Ashlines?] and came back with the fellow that wrote you a letter Wednesday about those letters you want. I wouldn’t think of giving or even selling them “Sweetheart.”
I’m awfully sick so don’t be surprised not to see me around town for a couple of days. So write and cheer me up “Darling.” So you see I didn’t loose faith in you yet. Please answer this letter right away “Dear.” Well I’m getting sleepy. It’s near four o’clock. I came in
[P. 4]
about half past one. So you see I did some thinking till half past three. Good Night “Dear.”
From Your Friend
With Love and Kisses XXXXXXX Henry Boilard
Loves Angela
Henry Boilard=Love
Angela LaFountaine=Hate
Hates Henry
Excuse my writing and errors
Henry Boilard
Angela LaFountaine
“I was S.O.L.”
Champlain, N.Y.
Jan 13, 1926
Dearest Angela
I am answering your sweet little letter which you gave me Monday and I was glad to read it (dear). It makes it more lonesome now that there is snow on the ground. You said you went skating Sunday after noon well I did go to the village but didn’t see you. Dear I was only fooling Monday when I said I was with Evelyn Cook. I was going to the Canada Hotel but you asked me to please you
[p. 2]
just once so I went to the hotel but I was sorry afterward because you see Homer was there and I knew he hates me so I didn’t enjoy myself at all (Beau Bec). You looked so sweet. You know why you never saw me dance well I’m going to tell you why (Dear). It’s because I’m in mourning till Saturday. That will make a year my mother is dead. Then I can dance and I think I’ll try hard enough to learn (Beau Bec). I would have went and sat with you only for Homer.
[p. 3]
Then I saw [Hish? Fish?] go and take my place and I thought I was S.O.L. – you know what that means if you don’t ask Lester. I hope you enjoyed yourself very much (Sweetheart). Why wouldn’t you ride with me Monday afternoon Is it because some one told you something or is it something I said. If it is I awfully sorry (Beau Bec) You see I don’t like to hurt your feelings (Pet).
Lester was here all day with me. I just came back from the village and I know you
[p. 4]
were mad because I didn’t write. Angela Dearest I wish you did mean all you said on that letter, even one subject you know what it is. If I had you with me now I know I wouldn’t be lonesome (Dear). I don’t only care for you but I (L – – – ) you. Do you know what that means. (Beau Bec) well I guess I’ll close. Hope to see you soon (Darling).
(P.S.) Excuse my writing and please don’t show this to anybody (Dear)
Good Night (Dearest)
Love and Kisses XXXXXX
(From One Who Loves You)
(Beau Bec)
“I meant to steal only one little kiss”
Champlain, New York
Jan 25, 1926
Dearest Angela
I am answering your sweet little letter which you gave me Friday and I was very glad to read it too. “Beau Bec” please write more often please. Dearest I’m very sorry [if I?] suprised [sic] you Wednesday night. I didn’t mean to but you suprised me by [illegible] (Beau Bec). But Saturday night I couldn’t stand the temptation any longer so if you would have given me just one. I meant to steal only one little kiss.
(Darling). I was to my Grandfather’s last night and I’m the one that sent Stella to get you to come over.
Dearest, I’m dying to be with you once more to give you one more kiss like Saturday night (ha ha).
Wait til next time I go to a dance. If I don’t dance it won’t be my fault.
Angela dearest you want me to ask Lester to get [Pet?] to come to my place well I’ll ask him next time I see him. I wish you were with me now (Beau Bec).
You ought to see the letter some one [over?] to my Grand[father?] wrote to Fish a real (love) letter Beau Bec. Well I made out that word you crossed off and wanted me to make out well I hope it comes true don’t you (dear).
Well Beau Bec I haven’t much more foolishness to write so I guess I close hoping to get an ans soon.
(Lots of love and Kiss)
Good Bye dear
From One who loves you (Dearly)
P.S. I hope you’ll excuse my writing as I’m in an awfully hurry (Dearest Beau Bec)
Your future H.B.
“Why wouldn’t you kiss me?”
Champlain New York
Feb 2, 1926
Dearest Angela
I am answering your sweet letter while I have time because I may have to work the rest of the week drawing wood;
Well sweetheart. I guess you’ll be able to go skiing because you’ll have snow enough if it keeps on. You know you asked to call you up Sunday at 1:30 and I did why didn’t you answer the phone; was it because you didn’t want to come with us (Beau Bec). You don’t know how lonesome it is here today.
[p. 2]
I wish you were here to keep my company (Dearest).
Angela Dear won’t you tell me why you wouldn’t kiss me Saturday night? You know you said you would.
Did you mean what you said yesterday afternoon? About me making you sick; If you did please tell me and I’ll [try] not to make you sick again (Beau Bec)
About showing your letters I didn’t show them to anyboddy but one night George was at the old man’s and when I took my [illegible] out of my pockets they came out also he only saw the
[p. 3]
envelopes and Leila said they must come from Angela and I said No (Beau Bec) you wouldn’t take them away from me would you (dear). I hope your [sic] not mad at me for the (Sweetheart). If you know what one of your cousins said about you and I Angela you’d faint. Sure it wouldn’t have been so bad if it had been said to me alone but mind you to that of the [illegible] the Arcade (Beau Bec)
Well I guess I’ll close and go down town (Beau Bec) Please answer soon don’t wait so long as I did (Dearest).
Good Bye Dear.
With love and Kisses
From one who loves you always
(Excuse my writing because I’m in an awful hurry (Darling))
[p. 4]
To My Future W – – –
I hope you think the same
“Give me a real one”
Champlain, N.Y.
Feb. 12 1926
Friday Morning
Dearest Sweetheart
I hope you will excuse me for not answering your sweet little letter before this but I didn’t have time (Beau Bec).
Angela Dear you said it wouldn’t be so lonesome at my place when I work at the shop. But I’m not going to work this May or June (Beau Bec). But I won’t be lonesome because spring is coming. I’m not lonesome when I think of you anyway (Dearest).
You asked if I received a letter from Evelyn but you know it isn’t true. You remember the letter you gave me
[p.2]
(Beau Bec) when I was with Henry [J?} Well he was going to tell your uncle about it and say you gave it to me so I showed him what you wrote. You know you wrote Evelyn’s name at the end (Dear).
I hope you had a good time at the dance last night. I didn’t go because it was storming to much (Beau Bec) gosh but I was suprised to see you at my grandfather’s place last Saturday but I hope [illegible] with me tomorrow night [illegible] to the show (Beau Bec).
You said you wondered if your wish would come true. I wonder if mine will. I think mine is the same as yours though (Beau Bec).
[p. 3]
Because mine is that you’ll [illegible] my little ______.
I hope so anyway. Don’t you (dearest)? Still I guess that’s about enough of my foolishness don’t you? So I close hoping to receive an answer soon. Good by (Darling Angela).
Excuse my writing and blots Hurriedly.
From One Who Love You,
Love and Kisses,
XXXXXXXX
(Beau Bec)
P.S. Don’t only feel like giving me a kiss next time but give me a real one I’ll not refuse.
“I meant most of it”
Champlain N.Y.
Feb 25, 1926
Dear Sweetheart
I am answering your sweet little letter which I was very glad to read. Dearest I awfully sorry I didn’t bring you home Sunday. I wanted to but I didn’t dare. I would have been very happy to be alone with you sweetheart maybe some time I will I don’t care what kind of a cook you are you can’t be much worse than I am (Beau Bec). You said you were anxious to read that paper Angela promise not to be mad at me and I’ll show it to you Dearest.
[p.2]
Your not the only one to anxious to get a kiss. Maybe you think I’m not. Oh Boy just wait till I [can?] its going to last an hour (Beau Bec).
You made a mistake if you think I got a kiss from Ernestine because your the only girl in Champlain I ever kiss (Bar None). You know what that means (Beau Bec).
I would have been glad to go to [bed?] with you Sunday [honey?] but you’ve got a chance yet. My father and Uncle Leon are going away to Malone starting to night and coming back tomorrow night. Please try and
[p.3]
come by tomorrow with Lester and Kit.
I’m writing and I don’t know if I should because of the way you treated me last night. I know your mad because I took your [History?] But honest (Beau Bec) I didn’t read anything out of it. I love you to much for that. Angela I didn’t know what it was [to] fall in love with anyone till I did with you Dear.
I hope I’ll be repaid some day don’t you Sweetheart?
Why don’t you stay to your Aunt’s tonight I’ll take you home after supper if you’ll meet me at the village at eight o’clock
[p.4]
Well I guess I close my letter and stop my foolishness but I [meant?] most of it Dearest Beaubec. I love you with all my heart.
(I’ll love you till hell freezes over.)
Good Bye Darling,
Real Love and Kisses
Yours Forever
XXXXX H.B.
“You’ll have to hide”
Champlain, N.Y.
March 17, 1926
Wednesday Morning
Dear Sweetheart
I was more than pleased with the letter you gave me a week ago and I hope you’ll excuse me for not answering before but I couldn’t (Beau Bec). I saw you at church last night but I guess you didn’t care to see me did you? Dearie I came up almost right after church because I thought I might catch up with you. But I didn’t (Beau Bec). Angela Dear you must tell me if it’s Sunday night you’re going to stay with [Pet? Pat?] and because
[p. 2]
you’ve asked me real pretty well. I guess I go but don’t forget to tell me. You said (Sad case) well can you make it (sadder). I hope so. If you can’t I can sure.
Well I guess I’ll agree [illegible] darling [illegible].
Darling, Lester and I have it fixed if you want to come to my place Friday. I came down and get you but you’ll have to hide [illegible] any get past the school hours (Dear)
Well (Beau Bec) Spring will soon be here the the Old Oakland [We’ll ?] be out.
[p. 3]
Sugaring time is pretty near now. You know Victor Bechard. Darling well he wants to make the syrup an half over to Uncle Leon’s. If he does or if he doesn’t we’ll all go over and get some [illegible] anyway (Beau Bec)
Well I guess I’ll close as it near noon. Darling
Good Bye (Beau Bec)
From one who loves you always
Love and Kisses XXXXXXX B.H.
(Here Scarce)
Excuse my writing and delay
“You know I don’t mean all I say”
(Tuesday Night)
(I’ll expect an answer soon)
Champlain, N.Y.
March 23, 1926
Dearest Angela
I read your short letter which Lester gave me tonight. Angela how can you say that I don’t care for you when I do with all my heart. I’m shore no one ever loved you as much as I Do and always will. I loved you since I first met you last summer. I beg your pardon if I hurt you when I threw
[p. 2]
that snowball but god knows that I didn’t mean to. If I said I didn’t [care] you know I surly didn’t mean it [Dear?] You know I don’t mean all I say.
Please tell me what else you heard and who said it and I’ll bet he or her will never say anymore about anyboddy.
Angela Sweetheart please to speak of parting you don’t know how much it hurts to hear that. If you leave me you’ll see what happens!
Please dear give me just one more chance.
[p.3]
Angela if you love me half as much As I do you you’ll give me one chance only one please.
As for giving up those letters I wouldn’t think of it that you would finish [me? one?] sure giving them away.
Well I guess I will close because I can’t write anymore now. So please answer as soon as possible and Remember I’ve always love you and always will. So please forgive me Darling.
Good Bye (Sweet)
With Love and Kisses
From one who loves you always
H.B. (Forgive Sweetheart)
[p. 4]
“Please Forgive Me”
“You can keep my ring”
Champlain, N.Y.
May 13, 1926
My Dearest Sweetheart
This is the first chance I have of answering your most loving letter which Lester gave me. I thought My Little Wife would give it to me but she didn’t.
I think you can keep my ring until I ask you for it. I don’t know when that’ll be but it’ll be some time anyway.
[p. 2]
Beau Bec you said you thought something was going on because I didn’t go down in the afternoon. But it wasn’t for that [illegible]
Someone had told me that you wanted Paul L. Not me. So I believed it till Tuesday night. Then I think I changed my mind.
Sweetheart if we would have known it was only them damn fool comeing up we could have been together a while longer.
[p. 3]
It was just like heaven to have you in my arms Angela if you only knew how much I love you Beau Bec and how much [it hurt?] me when I heard you didn’t want me.
I didn’t receive[sic] any letters Beau Bec and I don’t remember having any girls around me a week ago Sunday. Who were they
Little Sweetheart there’s nothing the matter with the Oakland only they want to trade it for a Sedan.
[p. 4]
But the way they talked last night I might be out of luck or S.O.L. because they won’t let me drive because I go to fast. But never mind Sweetheart.
[Illegible] want you Beau Bec. Of course we’ll have to take the back seat. But so much the better. You said in your letter that we would waste minutes or seconds and that we wouldn’t sit very far apart. I say the same except it’d be [not?} sit but – – – very far apart.
Good Night Beau Bec
From Your Husband
With Love and Kisses
Like Tuesday night
(ans soon)
Excuse my writing and errors
I’m writing in Bed
I wish you were here
Oh Boy
“You looked just like Puss N Boots tonight”
Champlain, NY
2:30 am June 15, 1926
Dearest Angela
I am writing and I don’t know if I should – you know you didn’t answer my letter last time Dearest.
Won’t you please tell me what Lester said (my Pet) you think I’d be insulted but I won’t, what do you suppose I care what they say about me?
Gosh Angela you looked just like Puss N Boots tonight. I could have kissed you if it would have been a little darker. I might have tried something else–who knows, you know what temptation will do!
I noticed your eye was better also and I wondered if it wasn’t [Boire] who kissed it–that’s why you stopped there to thank him. But I was there and so you didn’t.
I’ll bet you enjoyed that ride you took with him more than any you ever took in the oaklands with me. Well is he fast or slow as I am (Beau Bic)?
But if you don’t answer this letter I’ll know you don’t care any more.
That’s some ring your [sic] wearing. Please stay at your aunt’s one night this week so I can see you. I’d like to try what Lester told you (Dear) whatever that is. Won’t you let me try just once? Well C.U. next Tuesday, shure
Good bye (Dearest)
From one who
Loves you always,
H.B.
(Excuse my writing and [love?])
Love and Kisses
XXXXX
I love you a [illegible]
“Four nice girls all to myself”
Champlain, N.Y.
July 9, 1926
Dearest Sweetheart,
I am taking time to ans[wer] your sweet and lovely letter. And [I] was more than glad to hear all the good news you had to say Sweetheart.
As for my car it’s as fine as the other one now. But I supposed if you would have been here you would have cured it much quicker Pet.
You say you were lonesome. But you couldn’t beat me on that. God I was lonesome here alone. I could have eaten you up Sunday without any sugar. Oh Boy.
You say you kept the Garage with Pet. If I would have known that I would have surely stoped [sic] because I was down town all day from morning til night. Wouldn’t I have had a time though. Just think of it four nice girls all to myself (Oh Kid) what a time just think of it (Beau Bic Dear)
You say Paul L is going out with Pet. I wonder if Lester knows about that. You say I won’t tease you any more about him but I know that he’d much rather have you because I’ve been told.
Well I hope you didn’t mean all you told Caroll, Sweetheart. I guess my love for you kind of blinded me that’s why I was so slow but I hope to be faster some time.
Next time please don’t give Stella or any of them dam fools any of your letters to give me because it was opened before I got it but it does not matter now (Sweetheart) because you know I love you (Beau Bec).
I don’t think you will see me often after this month because I [sic] going to work but I don’t know where yet. Well I guess this will be all for this time. Good night (Sweetheart).
With love and kisses
From one who loves you always
A million XXXX Real Ones
Your’s forever
H.B.
Hope to see you soon (Dear)
(Now please ans as soon as I did. You don’t go to school now so please)
“There surley would have been a fight”
Champlain, NY
Aug 24, 1926
Dearest Sweetheart,
This is the first chance I have of answering your sweet letter which you gave me a while ago, but you see I saw you so often that I did not think of writing. I thought only of you Beau Bec.
I suppose you never thought of me .[Gee?] I enjoyed those rides I don’t know if you did but I’m sure I did. Did you have a hard time to get in to the garage Sunday night? I didn’t work Monday because I needed rest–I hadn’t
[p. 2]
slept since Friday night.
I didn’t see you down town last night. I suppose you went to bed at seven o’clock. Well I didn’t, believe me.
I hope you’ll forgive me for being [?] the night you went riding with them fellows. I suppose you enjoyed it very much?
If I would have seen you then there surley would have been a fight and I wasn’t alone either. I had my [scropers?] We were all feeling pretty well to
[NO ADDITIONAL PAGES]
“Why don’t you please stay”
Champlain, NY
Sept 9, 1926
Dear Sweetheart
I am answering your sweet letter which you gave me yesterday morning and I was so glad to read it and here [illegible…] going away next fall. You see the road will be closed all winter and I want to be able to see you. Why don’t you please stay if not for your sake for mine. You know how much I love you sweet heart. Just think all
[Remainder of letter is too water damaged to read]
“Gosh I enjoyed them kisses last night”
Champlain, New York
Nov 14, 1926
Dearest Sweetheart,
I read your short but sweet letter which you gave me last week and I was very glad to hear all the Good News you had to tell me. I had a [??] for you last night but I forgot it home Sweet heart.
Gosh I enjoyed them kisses last night. But I might have enjoyed something different if we would have had our wish, what do you think Sweetheart? I hope you think the same.
After we left youse last night [Pimeo?] had a call to the border so I went along also. [Hamer?] was there [??] when I got home. I hope you won’t get hell for staying out so late dear. But you know what your aunt said about young love last[s] forever, some the times.
Angela, I want to know if your good to go out with me or Lester and Paul. Gosh it hurts when I think of you going out with them Damn fools. I don’t know if I’m jealous or what but Gosh just think how much I love you and neither of them care very much for you. Because if they did you would have staid out longer listening.
Well Beau Bec you wanted to know when I was going down to the Rapids. Well I might go down Tuesday about eight oclock. Hope I’ll see you Sweetheart.
Well I shore would like to write more but I’ve got to go to Church.
So Good Bye Sweetheart.
(excuse my writing and errors)
WIth love and kisses from one who loves you allways,
Yours forever,
Hubby
“The same place as the sailor”
Champlain NY
Nov ??
Dear Sweetheart
I am writing thinking of receiving [sic] an answer. I should leave this job for Leon H. You promised to be down town last night but I didn’t see you.
[p. 2]
If you love me as I love you well you know the rest. I’d like to be with you in the same place as the [Sailor?] on the front page. Dear well I’ll see you in my Dreams if you want me too.
See you tomorrow Sweetheart XXXX
With love,
From
[p. 3]
Answer Tomorrow Night after school
“Mabey you’d care for me a little”
Are you going to the picnic Saturday? I’m not. I got to work, and I suppose you’ll be going to the fair this week. Well I hope you will enjoy your self. If you could only imagine how much I care for you Angela Dear, mabey [sic] you’d care for me a little. Well Goodbye.
Beau (Bec) hope to see you soon Sweetheart.
With love and kisses XXXXXXX
From one who loves you always,
H.B.
Excuse my writing and pencil and soon
Chasing Phantoms 