Write a Letter to Your Ancestors
Trains replaced stagecoaches for mail delivery in Vermont by the mid 1800s. Rail service made delivering the mail quicker and cheaper. Through mail or telegrams, Vermonters kept in touch with their relatives who had left to serve in the Civil War or make their way out west. We know of at least 10 post offices in Vermont that operated in the train depot. In these instances, the postmaster often did triple duty, serving also as the station agent and telegraph agent.
Roll your mouse over the mail boxes below and click to explore some examples
of Vermont letters.
Then write a letter to your ancestors in the guestbook
below. How would you describe yourself?
What news would you share with
them? Where do you think they lived?
North Carolina
Amy
Dear Coffee John,
Remember your little grandson Glenn? Well he is my grandfather. I have heard lots of stories about you- how you worked in the coal mines. Why did people call you Coffee John? Glenn is doing well-he has had agreat life and traveled all around the world. He has 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. What was he like as a little boy? He said that he used to get in trouble for being a bookworm and not working in the coal mines. We all call him Papaw. Did he call you Papaw?
Say hi to Sudie,
Love,
Amy
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