A Neighborly Note from 1891: Saving a Penny and Mapping the Land

“will save Expence as the one Trip will do all the Work.”

Pull up a chair and let me show you a real treasure I found tucked away in the archives. It’s a simple letter from February of 1891, written on lined paper that has turned the color of a well-loved book. You can see the horizontal fold lines where it was tucked into an envelope and the little brown spots of age, or ‘foxing,’ that tell us just how long this piece of paper has survived. It’s a physical piece of Meadow Creek history that you can almost feel the weight of just by looking at it.

The letter was sent by W. J. Lee to his neighbor, Mr. Laben Guinn, and it’s full of that good old-fashioned practical sense. Mr. Lee had arranged for the county surveyor to come out and look at the ‘Robinson land,’ and he reached out to Laben to see if he wanted his own surveying done at the same time. He wasn’t just being organized; he was being a good neighbor, pointing out that coordinating their efforts would save them both the expense of an extra trip. It’s a wonderful reminder of how folks in our neck of the woods have always looked out for each other’s pocketbooks.

When we look at a document like this, we’re seeing more than just business; we’re seeing the growth of our community in Greenmount and Meadow Creek. Even the mention of the Robinson family land gives us a glimpse into the many different lives and stories that make up our local history. In those days, land was everything, and having your boundaries properly marked was a vital part of building a future for your family. This letter captures a moment where paperwork and neighborliness met on a cold February day.

Today, we might send a quick text or an email to coordinate with a friend, but the sentiment remains the same. This little yellowed note teaches us that being part of a community means thinking about how our actions can help those living right next door. It’s a heartfelt legacy of cooperation that’s just as important now as it was back in 1891. We’re all part of the same map, after all.

Original Transcription

Meadow Creek W Va
Feb 9 1891

Mr Laben Guinn
Greenmount
W Va

Dr Sir
I have Written the County Surveyor to
have the Robinson land (the darkeys) Surveyed.
Will let you know when he will be able to come
and can have yours done at the same time
will save Expence as the one Trip will do all
the Work.
Trust you are Enjoying good health
I am yours very truly
W. J. Lee