JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind.—A purse containing a prom invitation, photos, and other items from 1950s America will be returned to its now 82-year-old owner after workers found it while demolishing part of an Indiana high school.
Martha Everett lost the black stitched purse more than six decades ago. Workers found it in January behind science classroom cabinets in the old Jeffersonville High School, where Everett was a senior in 1955.
Greater Clark County Schools spokeswoman Erin Bojorquez says the district was able to track Everett “thanks to the power of social media” after one of her relatives saw a Facebook post about the purse.
“Lost and Found Alert: Martha Ina Ingham’s handbag from 1954 has been found in the Franklin Square demolition. We would love to return it to her or her family! Please contact Erin Bojorquez, Public Information Officer, at [email protected],” said the Facebook post.
The district plans to mail the purse to Everett’s home in Florida.
The News and Tribune reported that its contents included a wallet, a Jeffersonville High School basketball schedule from 1953-54, a letter inviting her to the prom, lipstick, photos, and Juicy Fruit gum wrappers.
“I hope this little piece of history brings back fond memories of her year at Jeffersonville High School,” Bojorquez told the News and Tribune. “I also hope to answer the community’s burning question about who took Marty to prom.”
The purse has generated lots of curiosity on Facebook. “Just curious where was this found? In a wall?? I’m sure the Jeffersonville Township Public Library would to have any of the interesting artifacts you may find,” said a Facebook user, Jen Weidner.
“My grandfather Cecil Erwin was principal of Jeffersonville High School from 1950 to 62, please let me know if you find anything of his,” said another user, Shara Haq.
Greater Clark County Schools also shared a picture of Everett on their Facebook. “Martha Ina Ingham has been found! Thank you to everyone who shared our original post,” it said.
Users wanted to know how Everett responded to seeing the purse she lost in the 1950s.
“Just look how beautiful she is! I wonder what she said when she found out? All those memories in one tiny little purse! I would have loved to have been there for the reunion. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the person who wrote the prom proposal letter was located too! Thank you so much for this Greater Clark County Schools,” posted Missy Ferrell.
NTD News reporter Sarrah Harrison contributed to this report.
