A Heartfelt Note from the Days of Yore

“Many thanks for your prompt attention.”

Welcome in, friends. I’ve got something special to show you today—a little slice of life from December of 1900. It’s a single sheet of paper from the law offices of St. Clair, Walker & Summerfield over in Fayetteville. It has that beautiful, warm yellow glow that only comes with age, and you can see the creases where it was folded long ago. There is even a little upward fold in the bottom corner, like it was tucked away in a pocket or a desk drawer for a long time. The handwriting is a lovely, right-leaning cursive that just looks like a labor of love.

This letter was sent by Mr. W. S. Davis to Mr. L. S. Guinn down in Prince, West Virginia. It’s a simple business note, really, just letting Mr. Guinn know that his letter and money had arrived safely and enclosing a receipt for the payment. It might seem like a small thing, but back then, these letters were the threads that held our community together. In a time without instant messages, a prompt reply and a simple thank you meant everything.

Looking at this piece of our history, it reminds us that even when we are doing business, there is room for kindness and gratitude. It’s a snapshot of Fayetteville and Prince from over a hundred years ago, showing us that our neighbors have always valued doing things the right way. It’s a lesson for all of us today: no matter how much technology changes, a simple, sincere acknowledgment never goes out of style.

Original Transcription

St. Clair, Walker & Summerfield,
Attorneys and Counselors at Law,
Fayetteville, W. Va.

December 4th, 1900.

Mr. L. S. Guinn,
Prince, W. Va.

My Dear Sir:

I am in receipt of your
favor of a few days ago, and herewith en-
close receipt for money sent me.

Many thanks for your prompt attention.

Yours very truly,
W. S. Davis.