Scope and Contents:
This collection contains one letter from Rockford, Illinois, farmer David Goodrich written in 1838 to a friend. Goodrich's letter describes the Rockford area, farming practices, prices for goods, and the results of his labor. He gives directions on how to get to Rockford as well.
Goodrich also describes the kinds of vegetation farmers in the area produce. He specifically talks about their Thanksgiving and the produce they had, including potatoes, pumpkin, squash, melon, and corn. The letter also includes average pricing their produce would sell for. Goodrich closes his letter by indicating how much land his friend could purchase in Rockford.
The Library purchased this letter in the spring of 2016. It was acquired with printed ephemera purchased for the Van Norman, Clarendon, Jr., Collection of Lincoln and Illinois Ephemera (MS 852).