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 of thanks for poetry book from Florence Nightingale to T.G. Appleton

This letter was written to Thomas Gold Appleton, brother-in-law of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, regarding a book of poetry that he sent for Florence’s enjoyment. She goes on to speak pleasantly of Longfellow, stating how much she enjoyed his works. Florence also mentions a couple of common acquaintances and events they were dealing with at the time.

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

Large Ivory Shawl

Large square shawl, Ivory in color with long, silk fringe, woven fabric. Large floral embroidery in two corners with a narrow hem. Circa 1850-1959.

Long Black Ruffled Skirt

Long silk and lace skirt, black with layers of pleated ruffles at hem. Trimmed with velvet and ribbons, hook and eye closure. Circa 1850-1859.

Dress, about 1860

While this appears to be a day dress at first glance, it was more likely used around the house in the morning as it opens entirely from waist to hem at center front. It may have had boning in the bodice, however the bodice has been altered so it is difficult to determine.Worn by Betsy Ann Cowles Palmer around 1860. Betsy Ann Cowles Palmer was born in 1822. In 1839, she married Charles Henry Palmer, a pioneer investor and developer of mines and railroads in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Palmer'…

Vest, 1850-1880

Brooch, about 1855

Sentimental brooch which incorporates a lock of hair of a loved one.The inclusion of black enamel around the hair indicates that the loved one was likely deceased."MBL" may be the initials of the deceased.Half mourning called for jewelry that was not flashy or showed too much shiny gold metal, so many pieces used in half mourning include dark stones or enamel.This was likely made simultaneously with the plaited hair jewelry popular in the 1850s and 1860s.

Bonnet, about 1850

Women's Shoes, about 1860

These shoes, commonly called slippers in this period, were likely made to match a specific outfit. They may have been made to match a wedding gown. Flimsy fabric shoes such as this were very popular, but provided no support and quickly were soiled and damaged. They were purely decorative and worn by women who were expected to stay primarily indoors and not required to do any work.

Cameo Bracelet, about 1860

Cameos were traditionally carved from stone as carvers carefully worked in layers of agate, cutting away lower layers of color and leaving, in relief, layers of white or ivory colored strata.It is difficult and expensive work.In the early nineteenth century Italian carvers began carving cameos from shell, working the strata to leave white layers in relief on the cameo.This shell cameo carving reduced the price of cameos somewhat. The fineness of some of the best shell cameo cutters rivals those …