Richard Dawson – Building A New Frontier
Letters from Richard to his wife. Richard is on the frontier of the Canadian west, building the new western Canadian Railroad
What Is Included:
- Free Shipping
- Story Told Through 24 Letters
- Delivered 2x Per Month
- Includes Post Cards, Posters And More!
Out of stock
The Story introduction
Set against the backdrop of the Canadian Pacific Railway's construction in the 1880s, the story chronicles the love and survival of Richard and Eleonora Dawson, told through their 24 letters to one another. Forced by financial hardship, Richard leaves their farm in Kingston, Ontario, to endure the brutal labor and dangers of the Canadian West, including a corrupt and negligent foreman.
Meanwhile, Eleonora must single-handedly fight a two-front war at home: fending off an aggressive neighbor trying to steal their land and battling the looming threat of a bank foreclosure. Their parallel struggles escalate until they reach a desperate climax, with Eleonora receiving her final foreclosure notice at the exact moment Richard uncovers his foreman's plot to use faulty materials on a critical bridge, endangering dozens of lives.
In a final act of courage driven by his love for his wife, Richard exposes the corruption, earning a substantial reward which he sends home just in time to save their farm. The story concludes with the completion of the railway and Richard’s triumphant journey home, culminating in a heartfelt reunion that affirms their love has not only survived the trial, but has been forged into something as strong and enduring as the railway itself.
Current Mailing Schedule

Letter #1
Ships in 3 business days via Canada Post with tracking. Delivery takes 2-5 buisiness days after shipping. (5-8 business days total)

Letter #2
Sent via regular Canada Post mail . Delivery takes within 2 weeks for Canadian orders or 6 weeks for international orders.

Reamaining Letters
Letters mailed on 2nd and 4th friday of each month
The Experince
Rediscover the Magic of Storytelling, One Letter at a Time
Your Story Awaits in the Mailbox
An Unforgettable Journey of Heart and History
What Our Customers Have Been Saying



Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Our prepaid story subscriptions are priced at $120 plus tax, while monthly subscriptions are available for $12 plus tax per month.
In regard to shipping, we offer free shipping within Canada.
For our international customers, shipping is calculated based on your location and the current exchange rate. We recommend proceeding to checkout to view the exact cost of shipping to your country.
Please note there are no duty fees associated with our letters, with the exception of the first letter, which is shipped as a package rather than standard mail and may incur customs fees depending on your country’s regulations.
For the most up-to-date pricing and special offers, please visit our website.
Other Items In the Letter?
Each story consists of 24 letters sent over a period of twelve months. In addition to the letters, each envelope includes additional items such as postcards, telegrams, posters, newspaper clippings, stickers, and more. All items are carefully designed to provide you with a truly immersive story experience.
You will also have access to our online Extended Learning articles, which give you historical context and additional insights into the era associated with each story. These articles contain no spoilers and are not a continuation or extension of the story and its characters. We hope they inspire you to dig deeper into the history and learn.
Are our letters family friendly?
Yes! All of our stories can be enjoyed by the entire family. We aim to provide a wholesome story experience for all.

These Letters Have Truly Brightened My Days
“I don’t get out much these days, so receiving these letters has been such a joy. Each one feels like a personal visit, bringing a little surprise and excitement to my day. It’s amazing how something so simple can make me feel connected, entertained, and looked forward to. These letters have truly brightened my days.”
April T.

I Miss Checking The Mailbox
“As someone who devours books and loves getting lost in stories, these letters were such a unique experience. Instead of binge-reading, I had to wait for each piece of the WWII story to arrive, and honestly, that made it even more exciting. It felt like I was part of something secret and special, almost like fan mail from history. The characters stayed with me long after I finished, and now I kind of miss checking the mailbox for the next letter!”
Rachel V.

Great Job Guys
“I originally got involved helping promote Once Upon A Letter because I loved the concept, but once I actually experienced the WWII story for myself, I was hooked. Every letter felt like opening a window into another time, and I couldn’t wait for the next one to arrive. The storytelling is heartfelt and real — it’s not just history on a page, it’s an experience you live through piece by piece. Even after the last letter, I found myself thinking about Edward and Maggie like they were old friends. This is something truly special.”
Justin M.

Just Finished The First Story
“I just finished the WWII story, and I’m honestly blown away. Every letter pulled me deeper into Edward and Maggie’s world — I found myself eagerly checking the mailbox like a kid again. The writing was so vivid that I felt part of their journey, and the letters themselves are beautifully crafted keepsakes. It’s rare to find something that combines storytelling, history, and the simple joy of getting real mail so perfectly. This experience has stayed with me long after the last letter arrived.”
Sarah G.

My Wife And I Love It
“I have to admit, I was skeptical at first. My partner signed me up, and I thought a ‘story by letter’ subscription sounded a bit gimmicky. I was completely wrong. From the very first letter, I was hooked. The writing is sharp, and the plot is genuinely gripping, with clever twists I honestly don’t see coming.”
David L.

Waiting For The Next One
“I originally signed up for this story letter subscription out of sheer curiosity, and I’m so glad I did. In an age of constant screen time, receiving a beautifully crafted letter in the mail feels like a small act of rebellion. It’s a tangible piece of art that I can hold and reread at my leisure.”
Emily R.

Loved Every Letter
“As someone with a demanding schedule, I rarely have time to dive into a full novel. A friend recommended this story letter subscription, and it has completely reignited my love for reading. It’s the perfect solution for me. The story arrives in manageable installments, allowing me to savor every detail without feeling overwhelmed.”
Donna L.

Great Letters To Read
“I eagerly await the arrival of my letter each month. In a world saturated with emails and instant messages, there is something so incredibly special about receiving a physical letter. The quality of the paper, the thoughtful design, and even the scent of the ink create an immersive experience before I’ve even read a single word.”