From the Don Rhodes Archives: The Power of the Thank You Note

For most of us, the phrase “Thank You” flows easily in conversation. When someone says you smell nice or look nice, it’s easy to express gratitude verbally. It’s just something we do. 

That said, the art of the written thank you note seems to be a thing of the past. 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been going through several boxes of items that belonged to the late Don Rhodes, who at one time was the entertainment reporter and columnist for the Augusta Chronicle. 

While looking through these boxes, examining ticket stubs, autographs, photos with artists, and articles written by Rhodes, something stood out to me.  

There were a ton of thank you notes. Some of these notes were handwritten, and some were actually typed on a typewriter.  

Publicity prior to the internet was not as easy to get as it is today. You had to have people like Rhodes request interviews or backstage meetings so he could write stories about an artist. This was how the information about new music and concerts coming to the area would be disseminated and how, by extension, tickets to shows were sold. 

Looking through the collection, I found thank you notes from Richard Sterban of the Oak Ridge Boys, country comedian Jerry Clower, Sylvia, Becky Hobbs. There were a lot from Polly Lewis of the Lewis Family, based locally in Lincolnton. 

I also found notes from the Country Music Association, artist managers, booking agents, and tons of others who respected Rhodes and his work. 

This made me think about how I write thank you notes to people for gifts and things of that sort, but when was the last time I sat down and wrote a thank you note – not a text or email – for someone’s time and effort? 

While contemplating the Rhodes archive of appreciation, I took a break to look for something in my desk, only to be reminded that I have also been keeping thank you notes from my more than 20 years in broadcasting here in Augusta. I would get a note or a card and stick it in the drawer. 

Looking through the stack, I found notes from the Augusta chapter of the American Red Cross, the Police Benevolent Foundation, and many other charities. There were also old-fashioned postcards from people who visited Las Vegas, Texas, Nashville, and other ports-of-call. I also found birthday cards, notes of encouragement, and thank you notes from the likes of Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Brett Young, and Dustin Lynch.  

Seeing how Rhodes used albums to save his notes, I’m motivated to spend a few weekends on my own archives. It certainly makes me want to put effort into doing more than just a thank you text or email.  

There was one thank you note that stood out more than the others. Getting a card on stationery from Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood is very cool, but this was truly special. 

The postmark reads July 23, 2019. It’s from the band Parmalee, known for hits such as “Carolina,” “Just the Way,” “Gonna Love You,” and many more. This one was written by Josh McSwain, a member of the band. It was full of gratitude for us playing the band’s music and appreciation for our friendship and years of working together. The best part, the part that made it feel personal, is that it was written on a white piece of paper torn from a composition notebook, exactly like the ones carried to and from school for generations. 

Notes do make a difference. It’s why I have a drawer stuffed with notes and cards – all memories worth preserving. 

Don Rhodes understood that, and so do I.