Julia Sneden writes: These letters from the mid-1800s are from and to my great grandparents and were saved by relatives who passed them along. They give a vivid glimpse into how different a woman's life was, in the mid-nineteenth century, but they are also testimony to the universality of human relations.

The company of Mr. & Mrs. Paul Stowell and daughter is respectfully solicited at the house of C.S. Kelsey to attend a social visit...

There may be music and running of children. Talking of the old folks to be held under consideration. Riding on land and perhaps water. Looking into the woods and not seeing anything but woods, going to the grist-mill, saw mill, and such like places, will form a part of the entertainment...It won’t be best for the company to offer excuses for not coming, as no such thing is allowable....