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
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
History A Ledger, a Letter, and a Lesson in Lumber M Gwinn, December 27, 2025February 1, 2026 We dont want Lumber as the cooperage Co will not take lumber for their part. Pull up a chair, friends, because I’ve just unearthed a little slice of our shared past that’s as crisp as an October morning in the mountains. This week, I’ve been leafing through a letter dated… Continue Reading
History The Merchant’s Ledger and the Strength of a Handshake M Gwinn, December 27, 2025February 7, 2026 “beside the advantage a man gets, of having the reputation of being prompt which always enables him to buy goods closer than Slow parties” Gather ’round, neighbors, and let me tell you about a little treasure I found from our town’s past. It’s a letter written way back on April… Continue Reading
History A Winter’s Worry in West Virginia: A Note from Mr. Cooper’s Desk M Gwinn, December 27, 2025January 15, 2026 I thought best to remind you of Same as I will need The Money on Same badly Soon as due Pull up a chair and let me show you something special I found tucked away in the archives. It is a humble piece of paper dated February 6th, 1884, sent… 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