Katherine Arcese was kind enough to scan and share with us this fabulous Willy Wonka postcard she received from Roald Dahl in the 1970s. She writes:
I was ten years old at the time, in the fourth grade, and recall asking in my letter if you pronounce the “G” in “gnoolies.” Sadly, I don’t have a copy of the letter I wrote to Mr. Dahl. I see the postmark has “Bucks.” on it, which I am assuming stands for Buckinghamshire. My home was in Buckingham Township, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, so a little extra thrill for me there. Also, the card was postmarked on July 4, which was an important historical date between the U.S. and England, aside from this fabulous note.
Thank you for sharing, Katherine!
4 July 1973
Dear Kathe,
Many thanks for your letter. To tell you the truth I don’t honestly know how one pronounces Gnoolies. I guess it is any way you want.
With love from
Roald Dahl