History A Neighbor’s Plea: John Gwinn and the Iron Horse M Gwinn, February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 “I dont wash to do aney thing to inger the progrese of its Bilding but I onley Look to my Just rights & intrust” Come sit a spell and let me tell you about a piece of history I found tucked away. It is a letter from May of 1872,… Continue Reading
History The Mystery of Lot Number One: A Glimpse into Our Shared Past M Gwinn, December 31, 2025January 15, 2026 “would you please to let me know what has been done with the pattents and Copys of Patents that your Father used (Southgates and Heny Banks) while Lawing with Mann” Pull up a chair, friends, because I’ve found something special in the archives today. It’s a humble letter from November… 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 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 Brotherly Hand from Elton: A Glimpse into 1893 M Gwinn, December 27, 2025January 20, 2026 “I would like to get you to tend to my land for me as I am not able to go to cort” Hello there, neighbors! Come on in and pull up a chair. I have a special treat for you today—a little piece of our history that feels just as… Continue Reading
History A Ticket to the Fair and a Sisterly Favor M Gwinn, December 27, 2025January 31, 2026 “now Ella do have her Come and I will Just do any thing for you and Cynthia in the future.” Pull up a chair, friends, because I’ve found something truly special in the archives today. It’s a letter from October 8th, 1893, written by a woman named Belle to her… Continue Reading
History Justice in the Timber: A Small Scrap of History from Sewell Depot M Gwinn, December 27, 2025January 9, 2026 “Guinn: as I understand the Law had then no right to Saw the logs, Without the Cosent of the owner,” Gather round, friends, because I have a little piece of our history to share today that is as worn as a favorite pair of work boots. It is a letter… Continue Reading
Civil War Era A Helping Hand in Hard Times: A 1864 Tale from Fayette County M Gwinn, December 27, 2025 “as soon as you receive these few lines please destroy them as we dont know who our friends is these days” Well, hello there, neighbors! Come on in and sit a spell. Today, I’ve got something truly special to show you, pulled straight from the dusty corners of our local… Continue Reading
Civil War Era A Soldier’s Hope for Spring: A Message from 1865 M Gwinn, December 27, 2025February 19, 2026 “I trust that the tim Will Speadly Com that I Can return and injoy a Citizens life again” Pull up a chair and let me share something truly special with you today. I have got a letter here that has traveled over a hundred and fifty years to find its… Continue Reading
Civil War Era Brush Sheds and Bravery: A Hot Summer Afternoon with Andrew Millburn M Gwinn, December 27, 2025 “i will send you som cedar from ala” Pull up a chair, friends, because I have something truly special to share with you today. Nestled in our archives is a humble piece of lined paper, yellowed by time and worn thin along the fold lines where it was once tucked… Continue Reading