Despite her anticipation, months passed without any response. Starn assumed that her eggs had been cracked into omelets long ago and that she would never hear from anyone. A year later, she married Paul Starn and started a family, often recounting her mischievous egg-packing story to her two daughters. Her desire to receive a response persisted throughout her life.
Finally, after 72 years, the long-awaited moment arrived. Last month, Starn's daughter, Jacque Ploeger, received a Facebook message from one of her cousins in Iowa, informing her about a post regarding an egg with her mother's name on it. Ploeger shared the news with her mother, who initially found it hard to believe. Eventually, Starn accepted the reality and humorously acknowledged her youthful act.
The autographed egg had been discovered by Richardson, an artist and antique collector. He had found it in a carton of eggs he purchased in 1951 and had kept it wrapped up in a small box. Amalfitano, Richardson's friend who helped him search for something one day, stumbled upon the egg and inquired about it. Intrigued by the writing on the egg, Richardson had preserved it all those years, amazed that it had not decayed completely. He eventually gave the egg to Amalfitano, who kept it safe in a silver egg cup inside his china cabinet for two decades. Although he had tried to find Mary Foss online, Amalfitano was unsuccessful.
In mid-August, Amalfitano was searching for something interesting to share on the Weird and Wonderful Finds Facebook page when he remembered the egg. He quickly took a few photos and composed a post, highlighting the rarity of the egg from 1951 and including Mary Foss's name and message.
Amalfitano expressed his curiosity about the possibility of the woman still being alive. He attempted to locate her but was unsuccessful in his search.
Shortly after posting about the 72-year-old egg, Amalfitano received numerous comments from people eager to help solve the mystery. Many individuals shared their own experiences of discovering decades-old eggs. One woman mentioned finding a 50 or 60-year-old egg in her grandparents' chicken house, which is now displayed in her mother's hutch. Another woman discovered a basket in a closet containing eggs that were over 50 years old. When she cracked one open, she found that everything inside had dried up.
Despite being a lifelong bachelor, Amalfitano is now preparing to get married at the age of 93.
The Facebook post also garnered several puns, such as "Egg-cellent story" and "It's too cool to eggnore."
On August 17, Amalfitano was contacted by Ploeger after her cousin saw his post. He called Ploeger and was surprised to hear another voice in the background. The person introduced themselves as Mary Foss.
After years of preserving the egg, Ploeger's efforts had finally paid off. Amalfitano expressed his disbelief at hearing her voice, and Ploeger felt the same way.
Amalfitano and Starn had a conversation, and he found the experience to be incredibly satisfying.
While an egg may seem like a simple object, this journey has been uplifting for Amalfitano. He is impressed that the person who signed the egg is alive and has been found. He hopes to meet Starn in person, potentially in Iowa, where he can find a museum or historical society interested in sharing Starn's story and displaying the egg.
Amalfitano expressed his willingness to donate the egg if such an opportunity arises, as it feels like the next natural step.
Starn is open to this idea and is happy to have a new friend. She is delighted that she finally has her pen pal after 72 years.
