Empty envelopes

Group of nine envelopes, many of which include addresses, stamps, and notes.

Rebel John

Handwritten poem about "Rebel John"

Letter from Eloy Rufs to Henry and Willis Van Riper

Letter from Eloy Lane Rufs to Henry and Willis Van Riper discussing family life, farming, price of food and inquiring about the well being of other family members

Letter from John Van Riper to Alexander Van Riper

Letter from John Van Riper to his Brother Alexander inquring about various members of the family and discussing day to day life

Letter from Alexander van Riper to Henry and Willis Van Riper

Very brief letter from Alexander Van Riper to Henry and Willis Van Riper

Letter from Alexander to Henry Van Riper

The letters that date from the Civil War era discuss the daily realities of solider life such as illness, homesickness, and camp life. Also of topic are battles and other important Civil War events, including the burning of Atlanta and the assassination of President Lincoln. Letters written during these years by family members who did not join the infantry reveal the impact the war had on those at home. In these letters they discuss their concerns and feelings surrounding the war as well as r…

Listen to the Mocking-Bird

Ephemera, printed version of Listen to the Mocking-Bird by Alice Hawthorne

Letter from Alexander Van Riper to Henry Van Riper

Letter from Alexander Van Riper to Henry Van Riper inquiring about family members at home and discussing camp, when he might be home and news about the war, including that Grant has taken Vicksburg.

Letter from John Van Riper to Henry Van Riper

Letter from John Van Riper to Henry Van Riper inquiring about the well being of various family members and sharing news of Macy Marshall.

Letter from Old, Bach to Friends

Letter from Old Bach to his friends talking about never marrying and advising his audience to marry young

Letter from Alexander Van Riper to Henry Van Riper

Letter from from Alexander Van Riper to his uncle from Camp at 47th Regt., inquires about his bounty

Vest, 1850-1880

Bogwood Brooch, about 1865

Bog wood is petrified wood, usually oak or pine, found in Irish bogs. It was carved into trinkets and jewelry in the mid-late nineteenth century.Because of its association with Ireland the jewelry often includes Celtic or early Irish Christian references.Bog wood jewelry was shown at most of the exhibitions of the nineteenth century. This piece is part of a large collection given to the institution by Susan Stark of Lansing, MI.

Bogwood Pendant, about 1865

Bog wood is petrified wood found in Irish bogs, and is generally pine or oak. Jewelry made of bog wood was exhibited at every major exhibition in Great Britain throughout the nineteenth century.Such pieces generally include Celtic or Irish motifs, like the Irish harp or lyre in this piece, or symbols or monuments found at early Christian sites in Ireland. They areparticularly popular with those of Celtic or Irish descent. These pieces are similar to the Scottish pebble jewelry that was popular i…