Seeing the article about Verne Morton’s photos (Winter 2010) and follow-up about the desk (Spring 2011) I am compelled to contact you.
My family were farmers in Groton for over 100 years. When the first book of Morton’s photos came out my father and grandmother were ecstatic because they both knew many of the people and places.
Also within the book are photos of my father, grandmother, grandfather and great uncle. Also among the photos is the Metzgar school. Leo Metzgar, my great-grandfather, donated the land for the school.
My Dad died last year. I have no children. So I am the last living male of the line of these Metzgers. I have most of the photos and paraphernalia of the Metzger past. As you see, your article conjured up quite a bit of my sentiments.
–Chris Metzger, Middlesex
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I read with great interest “My Own Words” in the Spring 2011 issue.
I have over 100 letters written by my ancestors the Spauldings during the Civil War. In 2005 I started reading and transcribing these letters into a notebook form. My grandfather, Francis Spaulding, had preserved them for many years in a desk made by one of the Spaulding men.
That has led me on a 5-year journey of discovery of my heritage which began in Jamestown in 1619. Without these letters I doubt that I would ever have delved into the past and learned a great deal about my ancestors.
You are so correct when you wonder how history will look at us. What can replace a handwritten letter from an historic time?
–Terry Holt, Newark
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I love the new electronic version of your magazine! Great format, easy to use, fairly quick to load up and to navigate. Plus I can share it with friends around the country who don’t subscribe at the moment.
–Phillip Bonn, Fayetteville
