Accidental Treasure: A Soldier’s Postcard Reunited with Family

Dylan Mermis found himself on an unexpected adventure when he was invited to search through buildings in Russell, Kansas, slated for demolition. Among the vast collection of antiques, he uncovered a significant historical relic.

Mermis’s friend, Bobby, learned about the buildings due to be demolished for safety reasons. These structures were overflowing with antique items, spanning over 10,000 square feet. Bobby arranged with the owner to explore the buildings before their destruction.

Intrigued by this unique opportunity, Mermis and his girlfriend joined the quest. Over two days, they spent around 19 hours sifting through the treasure trove.

“I focused on gathering magazines,” Mermis explained, “finding many like Cosmopolitan, dating from 1887 to 1920. Among them was a box containing photographs.”

Most photos were unsalvageable, but one postcard photograph from 1917 was different. It featured a soldier, Hugh H. Hoff, writing to his cousin. Hoff had declined a first lieutenant role for a second lieutenant position in the active-duty Army during World War I.

Motivated by curiosity and a sense of responsibility, Mermis retained the postcard, hoping to trace Hoff’s modern-day family through its details.

Back home, Mermis searched online for Hoff’s name. He found Hugh “Huxley” Hoff’s profile on a genealogy site, learning about Hoff’s life in Edmond, Oklahoma, his survival of World War I, and his life timeline up to 1944.

Crucially, Hoff had descendants. Though Hoff’s daughter passed away, her profile led Mermis to Hoff’s grandchildren, including the great-granddaughter he contacted on Facebook.

“She responded, astonished by the story,” Mermis shared. “She connected with her aunt, and I mailed them the photo.”

The story concluded satisfyingly, with the postcard reaching its rightful owners. Mermis reflected, “Despite the challenge, it couldn’t end up in a landfill. The postcard deserved better.”

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