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Constitution and Minute Book of the Ladies Lydian Society of Winchester Centre. Details the group's religious impulses for forming and organizing principle of raising "funds for religious charitable purposes and also to aid needy individuals among ourselves." Includes a member list with notations of membership over a decade's span, as well as meeting minutes noting officer elections and decisions on disbursement of funds. Mentions needlework and supporting missionaries.

Partially printed presentment for assault and battery, modified for "bastardy." "The Jurors of the United States for the County aforesaid, do, upon their OATH, PRESENT Charles P. Sengstack for begetting an illegitimate child upon one Mary Kirby." [Note: Original located in the Duane N. Diedrich Collection].

Letter originally sealed with a "Till we meet" sticker. Letter only reads "April Fool."

3 versions of Esther Stanly's will, made on April 24, 1849, March 3, 1861, and March 1862. Describes how she would like her personal belongings distributed to friends and family "in token of my remembrance," including clothing and outerwear, jewelry, hair and mourning jewelry, quilts, portraits, silverware, and more. Bulk of individuals named were female and Stanly entrusted women to handle the rest of the unlisted "promiscuous things, to be disposed as to their judgment."

Trouble of taking boarders and training servants. Cholera epidemic and how it is affecting her life.

Has recently removed to a new house, describing her reception from N[ancy] and Dr. [Sylvester Bulkley], and the work being done to ready it. Remarks on the re-shingling of their roof, their gardening, and setting up house. Goes into great detail on furniture, its placement, and decorating rooms. Notes heavy shipping on the river. Addressed to Mrs. Charlotte Grimes, Matagorda, Texas.

Newsy letter. Description of wedding. 4th of July fireworks. Other topics: socializing, a preparatory lecture, communion, and a musical concert.

Accepts an invitation to visit.

Trying to pressure the recipient into visiting. "I'll introduce you to the prettiest gals, the tallest fellows, and the greatest cases generally, that you ever sneezed at or cast sheep's eyes [after]." Cousin Tom Joyner from Virginia is currently visiting and "has won the hearts of all the gals and some others." Was promenading Washington Street where encountered Fanny Willard and received news from Hopkinton, including "wedding scrapes" and details about the Lyceum, its president, and the recipient's paper. Asks for details about the upcoming wedding. Comments on local women as well as a lady visiting Cambridge, calling her "a new star," discussing her social refinement and how she waters her wine. Includes a small scrap of paper with a post-script telling of a visit with "the star," where she gave a humorous account of "Harriman's Exhibition in the old schoolchurch."

Description of family sitting in dining room, room layout and furniture. Mentions books, sewing circles.