This collection of letters is not comprehensive, yet it provides a clear view of the times and of domestic and family life in the early 1870s. Most of the letters were written by Ellen to her parents and sisters Bertha and Birdie. Jefferson Miller wrote a few of the letters. Most of the detailed information in the collection relates to the subjects of everyday life such as the weather, flower gardens, travels back to New York, and family health. In many instances, however, these mundane details are related to more far-reaching events such as epidemics, floods, religious revivals, and hard frosts. The state of agriculture in the area also received detailed treatment, with a discussion of land prices, commodity prices, credit terms, and crops raised. The Grange farm organization also is mentioned briefly. In addition, the letters contain information regarding tenant housing, specialized health care, general economic conditions, and operation of the Eau Claire Lumber Company. Unfortunately, many letters lack complete dates.
