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
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 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 The True Corners of Elton: A Brotherly Letter from 1897 M Gwinn, December 27, 2025January 27, 2026 “I Hope this will find you all enjoying good Health” Gather ’round, neighbors, for a little trip back to the spring of 1897. Imagine holding a piece of history that’s as fragile as a dried leaf—a yellowed, lined sheet of paper covered in the flowing, elegant cursive of a century… Continue Reading
History A Brotherly Plea from the Hills: The Gwinn Letter of 1880 M Gwinn, December 27, 2025January 31, 2026 “i will just say to yo that i am hard up for money at this time” Pull up a chair and let me share a little treasure from the archives with you. This is a personal letter written by Samuel Gwinn to his brother Laban on a summer day in… Continue Reading
History Mountain Greenery and a Hopeful Heart: A Letter from 1887 M Gwinn, December 27, 2025January 13, 2026 “Now Laban please dont fail to send them as directed & if there proves to be money in the business you shall be a sharer in the Business as before stated” Come on in and pull up a chair, friends. I have found something truly special in the archives today… Continue Reading
History A Little News from Meadow Creek: A 1887 Winter Greeting M Gwinn, December 27, 2025February 17, 2026 “I did them good work in that case; and if Flanagan did not notify them in time to give bond I could not help it.” Gather ’round, friends, because I’ve found something special in the archives today. It’s a humble letter written way back on a chilly February day in… Continue Reading
Civil War Era A Letter Through the Snow: Cousin Flanagan’s 1864 Dispatch M Gwinn, December 27, 2025 “I hope how soon this wicked war will end so what few people the are living could get home” Pull up a chair, friends, because I’ve got something truly special to share with you today. It is a letter written way back on a snowy April morning in 1864 by… Continue Reading