Hidden Messages in Leave it to Beaver

The fine folks over at Shorpy (great blog) have done some major footwork on an important investigative piece. In an episode of the second season of Leave it to Beaver, Ward Cleaver receives a note from the Beav’s principal, Mrs. Rayburn. Thanks to Shorpy, we now know the truth of what was in that letter.

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Mr. Ward Cleaver
485 Mapleton Drive
Mayfield, State

My Dear Mr. Cleaver:

This paragraph has absolutely nothing to do with anything.
It is here merely to fill up space. Still, it is words,
rather than repeated letters, since the latter might not
give the proper appearance, namely, that of an actual note.

For that matter, all of this is nonsense, and the only
part of this that is to be read is the last paragraph,
which part is the inspired creation of the producers of
this very fine series.

Another paragraph of stuff. Now is the time for all good
men to come to the aid of their party. The quick brown
fox jumped over the lazy dog. My typing is lousy, but the
typewriter isn’t so hot either. After all, why should I
take the blame for these mechanical imperfections, with
which all of us must contend. Lew Burdette just hit a
home run and Milwaukee leads seven to one in the series.
This is the last line of the filler material of the note.
No, my mistake, that was only the next to last. This is last.

I hope you can find a suitable explanation for Theodore’s
unusual conduct.

Yours truly,
Cornelia Rayburn

Comments (4) to “Hidden Messages in Leave it to Beaver

  1. Hahahaha! Awesome. I was hoping for something Satanic… or political… or pornographic… but that’s pretty awesome anyways.

  2. This is so great. Thanks Chas!

  3. Lew Burdette hit a home run in Game 2 of the 1958 World Series to put the Braves up 7-1. So we know this letter was typed on October 2, 1958.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1958_World_Series

  4. The Cleaver’s actual address was 211 Pine Avenue, Mayfield, Ohio