History Saving the Home Place: A Helping Hand from Lewisburg M Gwinn, December 29, 2025January 13, 2026 “I send enclosed a writing which if you get the heirs to sign so that I may file their answers to the bill we will save a great deal of cost.” Pull up a chair and take a look at this little piece of our local history. It’s a letter… Continue Reading
History A Seven-Dollar Handshake from 1886 M Gwinn, December 29, 2025 “The decree does direct the costs of the suit to paid out of the estate of John Gwinn to the plaintiffs Laban & Brackenridge – So I must look to you for my fees & you have recourse on the estate -“ Come on in and pull up a chair,… Continue Reading
History A Handshake and a Lined Page from 1885 M Gwinn, December 28, 2025January 17, 2026 “Be sure to meet me as I can not be there after Tuesday,” Pull up a chair, friends, and take a look at this little piece of West Virginia history from the spring of 1885. It is a simple letter written by J.C. Peters to Laban Gwinn, penned on April… Continue Reading
Civil War Era Coming Home to the High Ground: A Brotherly Call from 1865 M Gwinn, December 28, 2025December 30, 2025 “yess Laban leave that Horrible mud Hole and go to your farm In Virginia to a Country where corn matures and Wheat does not dround out” Gather ’round, neighbors, because I’ve got something special to show you today. It’s a letter from the summer of 1865, just as the dust… Continue Reading
History A Winter Word from Sewell Depot M Gwinn, December 27, 2025December 27, 2025 “Please so arrange as to let me have the amount due Wm Cook for timber at that time.” Pull up a chair, friends, because I’ve found a real treasure tucked away in the archives. It’s a humble little letter, dated January 22, 1883, sent from Sewell Depot, West Virginia. A… Continue Reading
History A Breath of Fresh Air After the Storm: A Soldier’s Letter Home M Gwinn, December 27, 2025February 20, 2026 “The war is Over thank god and peace rains in Our land” Pull up a chair, friends, and take a look at this treasure I’ve found. It’s a letter from just after the Civil War, written on paper that’s turned the color of a dried corn husk. It’s got a… Continue Reading
History A Neighborly Word Across the Laurel Branch M Gwinn, December 27, 2025January 7, 2026 “if it is the Case I am very Sorry it occurred and Stopud my men at once from Cutting any more untill I know I am right” Gather round, friends, because I’ve found a real piece of our local history tucked away in the archives. It’s a handwritten letter from… Continue Reading
History A Race Against Time in Fayette County: A Glimpse into Our Shared Past M Gwinn, December 27, 2025 “It is really of importance that you go at once, as I understand that other parties are trying to get the land from Dicks heirs.” Gather ’round, friends, because I’ve found something truly special tucked away in our archives. It’s a handwritten letter from way back in 1873, penned right… Continue Reading
History A Bit of Neighborly Advice from 1889 M Gwinn, December 27, 2025December 27, 2025 “Squabble those fellows out of all you can.” Well, hello there, neighbors! Pull up a chair, because I have stumbled upon a real treasure in our archives today. It is a letter dated March 14, 1889, written by J.W. Davis to his friend Laban Gwinn. This little piece of history… Continue Reading
History A Handshake and a Hearth: A 1892 Message from the Gwinns M Gwinn, December 27, 2025January 29, 2026 “it is with great pleasure I take to write you a few lines to let you know that we are all well and hope this will find you all the same” Pull up a chair, friends, because I have something truly special to share with you today. Imagine holding a… Continue Reading