Klem family letters

Unlike today where we can communicate with others instantly anywhere in the world, in the recent past letter writing was the main form of communication. Before telephones became commonplace in homes, and at a time when traveling was an exhausting, time consuming practice, letters, postcards and telegrams served as the most effective way to communicate. 

Telegrams were generally considered expensive for everyday communication so letters and postcards were used to share news, events, announcements and so on. Consequently letters give us an incredible insight into the everyday lives of people and the impact of local, national and even international events. We can learn about the use of common everyday language, attitudes, values, diet, travel, weather patterns, the price of goods, education, the topics are limitless.   

The following is collection of letters exchanged between the Klem family living in the town of Owego, New York between 1898 and 1910. The correspondences exchanged between them give us a glimpse of life at the beginning of the new century, the dynamics between family members and the values emphasized.