{"product_id":"antique-1880s-nh-ephemera-lot-insurance-policies-handwritten-letter-legal-doc","title":"Antique 1880s NH Ephemera Lot: Insurance Policies, Handwritten Letter, Legal Doc","description":"This collection of original late 19th-century documents provides a unique historical snapshot of life in New Hampshire. The lot includes:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInsurance Documents: Two \"New Hampshire Fire Insurance Co.\" policies from Manchester, NH, issued in 1888 for Joseph P. Frost of Jaffrey, NH, covering a two-story frame house and barn.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePersonal Correspondence: An intimate, handwritten letter dated March 24, 1889, addressed to Mr. Frost. The writer discusses family news, mentioning relatives traveling from San Diego, and provides vivid details about the weather, noting \"nearly 20 inches of rain to date\" and local roads rendered impassable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLegal Documents: A \"Know all Men by these Presents\" bill of sale from Caleb Winch of Jaffrey to Joseph P. Frost, listing personal property including horses, carriages, and harness equipment. Additionally, a legal writ issued by the State of New Hampshire for the Supreme Court in Keene, NH, signed by Charles Doe, Esquire.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Significance:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese documents capture the essence of rural New England life in the post-Civil War era. The insurance policies detail household goods of the time, such as \"musical instruments,\" \"crockery and glassware,\" and \"printed books,\" reflecting the material culture of an established home. The correspondence provides a rare, anecdotal view of regional travel and the environmental challenges—like severe rain—that directly impacted daily operations in 1889.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAntique condition with expected age-related wear, including folds, potential minor tears, and staining consistent with storage over the last 135+ years.","brand":"The Vintage Paper Vault","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58733636812960,"sku":null,"price":109.7,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1056\/6284\/0992\/files\/bc545b61-79a8-4162-95a8-88e01246c5dc.jpg?v=1787012304","url":"https:\/\/vintagepapervault.com\/products\/antique-1880s-nh-ephemera-lot-insurance-policies-handwritten-letter-legal-doc","provider":"Vintage Paper Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}