Is it ever correct to use a semicolon in the salutation of a letter? 
I am just certain I was taught that it was permissable or correct in
typing classes many years ago but my coworkers vehemently disagree. Is
it simply wrong or is it a matter of puntuation that has changed over
the years?

Hi manau,

I have found no indication that using a semicolon in the salutation of
a letter was ever correct. According to my findings, it is apparent
that this usage is improper.

"Use the colon to follow the salutation of a business letter even when
addressing someone by his/her first name. Never use a semicolon after
a salutation. A comma is used after the salutation for personal
correspondence."

The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation
http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/colons.asp

===============================

"What is the correct punctuation after the salutation of a letter--a
colon, semicolon, or comma?

Either a colon or a comma may be used, depending upon the degree of
formality desired.

A colon follows the salutation in formal letters:
A comma follows the salutation in informal letters
The use of a semicolon after a salutation is improper."

KCI Training: Punctuation
http://www.kcitraining.com/styleguide/book/punct.html

===============================

SEMICOLON:
While the comma is frequently used, the following are the general
accepted rules for the use of the semicolon.

a) To separate two independent thoughts in a sentence that otherwise,
would have been separated by using a conjunction such as and or but.
b) To precede the words ?for example,? ?for instance, ?as in,? etc. in sentences. 
c) To separate items in a long list, especially when commas have already been used.

Library Online
COLON and SEMICOLON
The proper use of the colon and semicolon as punctuation in written works. 
http://www.libraryonline.com/default.asp?pID=32



Search criteria:
semicolon in the salutation of a letter

I hope this is helpful. If you have any questions regarding my answer
please don't hesitate to ask before rating.

Best wishes,
Rainbow

---

Request for Answer Clarification by manau-ga on 21 Feb 2006 09:55 PST

Don't suppose you could get your hands on a typing manual circa 1966? 
I am not usually so hardheaded but I swear that is what we were
taught.  Oh well, I am going to attribute it to selective though
incorrect memory.

Thank you, no need to do more research but I appreciate your efforts.  Many thanks.

---

Clarification of Answer by rainbow-ga on 21 Feb 2006 09:58 PST

Thank you very much for the rating and tip.
Best regards,
Rainbow

Thought it wasn't the answer I wanted it apparently was the correct
answer.  This is pretty cool.....I may try again.  Thanks!