Browse Items (415 total)

This letter, from Cousin Annie to Mary, was written in the early years of the Great Depression. The second paragraph depicts how Louisa was the victim of both terrible drought and frosts; the agricultural-based facets of Louisa’s economy suffered…

This form reveals a little bit about the political and economic setting in the Mineral District of Louisa in 1934. J.A. Kent was the Treasurer of Louisa County; he was to receive these tax forms back from the citizens within the Mineral District. …

This receipt, from the Virginia Public Service Company, is dated January 1930; Mrs. L.W. Massie of Louisa, Virginia paid 2.00 for her electrical energy consumption. Calculating for inflation, this would be approximately $26.13 by today’s…

This 1940 Schedule of Farm Income and Expenses, known as Form 1040F by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), was utilized by farmers to calculate their income. The livestock, produce, and services listed – as well as their respective amounts –…

This price comparison sheet from 1931 provides some insight into the value of items of the period. Below is a list of what these items would cost today, calculating for inflation: 100# Sugar $ 71.77 1 Bbl. Flour $ 50.24 10# Meat $ 11.48 1#…

This letter, written in 1936, from the Virginia Compensation Board was copied to Louisa County’s Treasurer, Mr. Russell C. Crank. It outlined the expenses allotted to the office, including Crank’s $3,720 salary, at a total of $5,995. Crank’s…

These instructions, provided to teachers for the 1932-1933 school year, detail important information related to the effective functioning of the schools within the Louisa County Public Schools system. On the third page of this outline, a section…

This hastily-written five-page letter is the first in a series of letters from Alice to Lizzie in December 1937. This particular letter sheds some light on the topics of family and death during the Depression. While little is known about the…

In this follow-up letter, Alice attempts to alleviate some of the tension by explaining how the previous letter's contents were based upon a misunderstanding. It is claimed that Lelia, the "she" referenced in both this letter and the previous one,…

In this final letter from Alice to Lizzie, dated December 17, 1937, the financial issues surrounding the arrangements for Uncle August's expenses have been settled. Just as a reference point, today's equivalent for the $10.00 check given to Alice by…

This letter, written to Louisa County resident Josephine Neal by her mother during the Great Depression. It tells of the unusually warm weather's effect on the family and the many visitors passing through; she also tells of eating melons, family…

This metal sign, posted just a few miles outside of Louisa, was intended to lure tired travelers with the promise of meals and a night's lodging for $2.00 (plus the added attraction of a garage for those who arrived by automobile).

The Louisa…

In spite of the Depression, large scale community events such as parades and fairs were among the most popular entertainments in communities large and small.

The Firemen's Fair was held each July 4th in the Town of Louisa and included…

This handmade Valentine's Day card, addressed to Cousin Elizabeth, mixes rhyming poetry and a sense of humor.

Cousin Elizabeth

on the 14 day of February
it was our lots to be merry

lots was cast and tickets was drew
kind fortune said it…

These individual coupons are found on the lower portion of Number 92 bond of the Confederate States Loan, enabled by "An Act of Congress approved February 20, 1863" (cited in the original bond).

The bond was issued for $500 at 8% per year. Two…

On October 16, 1776, the four illegitimate children of Sarah Martin became apprentices to Mr. Sackville King, who operated an Ordinary known as Cuckoo Tavern. The Tavern became famous as the departure point for the Jack Jouett on his famous ride to…

This building was known as Miner's Chapel in which the miners worshiped. A movement led by the women of Mineral City, many of whom were members of the Anti-Saloon League of Virginia, founded many churches in the town by 1920. The churches sought to…

This hardware store was operated by Wallace Graves. When young, Graves was a clerk for the Arminius Mine company shore when he was threatened one might by a group of ruffians coming from a local tavern. Graves shot and killed Hollis Estes that…

This photo demonstrates the Pyrite Mines of the Sulphur Mines. A spur from the mail railroad line (constructed by the Virginia Central Railroad before the Civil War) ran to the mines in order to transport the large quantities of valuable ore they…