History A Handshake Across Time: Mr. Plumley’s Lesson in Paw Paw M Gwinn, December 27, 2025 “tel Tham to git Some one to Show Tham how to splite The Staves as i dont Want Any timber Wasted” Well hello there, neighbors. Pull up a chair, because I have stumbled across a little piece of our history that feels just like a firm handshake from the past…. Continue Reading
History A Measuring Square and a Business Letter from Old Paw Paw M Gwinn, December 27, 2025February 10, 2026 “I dont want not any more such Stone When can be helped of as the dont pay fright to market” Well now, pull up a chair and let me tell you about a little piece of Paw Paw history that found its way to my desk. Back in March of… Continue Reading
History The Busy Road to Sun Flower: A 1876 Tale of Staves and Speed M Gwinn, December 27, 2025January 3, 2026 “I would like to git 5 m or Six thousand staves on inside of 2 weeks as there is a man who i have a contract with is he is going a way about that time and if the staves is on the Road he will take the staves and… Continue Reading
History Hopes and Heartaches from Oak Hill M Gwinn, December 27, 2025December 27, 2025 “I would like to know if you and the others wish to employ me” Come pull up a chair, neighbors, because I’ve come across a little treasure in the stacks that I just had to share with you. It’s a letter dated October 5, 1877, from right here in Oak… Continue Reading
History A Little Blue Scrap of Love and Consent M Gwinn, December 27, 2025January 4, 2026 “This is to ceertify that we are willing for Labin Gunn to Mary our Sister Jane Birdett” Hello there, neighbors! Come on in and gather ’round the archival table. Today, I’ve got something truly special to show you, a tiny piece of history that feels as personal as a whispered… Continue Reading
History A Century-Old Standoff: When Lawyers Needed a Little Earnest Money M Gwinn, December 27, 2025December 27, 2025 “If you people want that case tried again, you will have to put up $200.00 to pay Atty’s fees, i.e. $100.00 to Dillon & Nuckolls, and same amount to our firm.” Now, pull up a chair and let me show you something I found tucked away. It’s a single sheet… Continue Reading
History A Little Window into 1932: Mr. Gwinn’s Mail M Gwinn, December 27, 2025February 9, 2026 “We are inclosing herewith coupon No. 8 in connection with the above loan, showing interest of $44.25 and principal of $150.00.” Come on in and pull up a chair, friends. I’ve been sorting through some old files today and found a little treasure I wanted to share with you all…. Continue Reading
History A Heartfelt Note from the Days of Yore M Gwinn, December 27, 2025January 30, 2026 “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… Continue Reading
History A Morning Note and a Heavy Heart M Gwinn, December 27, 2025January 25, 2026 “I am not feeling good this morning I had a bad dream last night & It makes me feel uneasy” Pull up a chair, friends, and let me show you something special I found tucked away in the archives. It is a tiny slice of life from July 11, 1900,… Continue Reading
History A Handshake Across Time: Keeping the Road in Bissell M Gwinn, December 27, 2025January 25, 2026 “I failed to Come over to See you But Hope you will take the Road” Gather ’round, neighbors, and let me tell you about a little piece of our history I found tucked away. It’s a humble scrap of paper dated July 25, 1898, written by a fellow named W…. Continue Reading