Skip to content

Letters

From the Back Row of History

“You send out letters, you get back letters, that’s for sure!”

— Don Novello, The Lazlo Letters

Request a Letter from the Back Row of History

From the Archives

Sometimes Weekly occasionally corresponds with notable individuals. Consider reading On Writing Letters and browse some archived responses below.

Tom Hanks:

A type-written letter from Tom hanks to Nick Butler dated February 24, 2025. It reads, "Yes, Dr. Butler... Sometimes Weekly may be the best schedule for the reportage of news and memory. The sunset and sunrise of the Acropolis fueled by Alpha Beer -- my particular Greek Lager -- or by a perfect coffee -- which I carry my own, thanks. Santorini with no tourists is the ONLY way to see that place. With the visitors it's 20 minutes, tops, then hole up in a tavern for the evening - with Alpha. On now, and into '25, my newsletters could be called Sometimes Weakly," with "Weekly" spelled by Mr. Hanks as W, E, A, K, L, Y. He goes on to say, "I prize the membership. Throw Deep. Tom Hanks"
View this letter fullscreen.

Mr. Hanks’ typewritten reply reads in-part: “‘Sometimes Weekly’ may be the best schedule for the reportage of news and memory . . . I prize the membership.”

Warren Buffett:

A type-written letter from Nick Butler to Warren Buffett that asks, "How have you stayed in touch with your humanity?"
View this letter fullscreen.

Mr. Buffett’s handwritten reply reads: “Nick – by having wonderful friends, beginning with my dad – Warren.”

On Display in Athens

You can visit an official Letter from the Back Row of History in Athens, Greece! The letter was recited during a weekly gathering of The Symposium at the Athens-based restaurant Σόουλ Κίτσεν (Soul Kitchen) in early 2026. Subsequently, it was framed and placed on display where it remains exhibited today. Members are encouraged to visit the Athens Letter on pilgrimage.

Read the Athens Letter here or watch Nektarios’ performance above.

A photo of the type-written letter hanging on the wall in an Athens resturaunt.
Photo courtesy of Σόουλ Κίτσεν (2026)

WEAPON OF CHOICE

Letters featured on this page were primarily written or prompted with a 1948 Royal Quiet De Luxe acquired for $15 in June 2024 at a yard sale in upstate New York.

A photo of the aforementioned Word Hammer.

Read Abraham Lincoln’s 1838 Lyceum Address…