On April 4, 1924, the Lykens Standard picked up its editorial pen and issued a warning to individuals passing on chain letters – those who continued to do so would be liable for prosecution.
THE CHAIN LETTER NUISANCE
During the past few weeks the post offices of the valley have been flooded with anonymous letters, commonly called “chain letters” containing scriptural verses and a warning not to break the chain under dire consequences. These communications are unsigned and in a number of instances have caused considerable mental anguish and needless worry to superstitious recipients. Some have received postal cards, and a number of these have been sent to the postal authorities with a request that the senders be punished.
We have been informed that the sending of these unsigned communications, whether by letter or card are liable to punishment by law. Persons not familiar with this regulation therefore, should take this timely warning and if they should receive such communication, relegate it to the waste basket without further thought. To continue the “chain” would only place the sender in a position where he would be liable to prosecution by the postal authorities.
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From Newspapers.com.
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