Letters, 1903 - 1912

The collection of manuscripts of William and Maude Wylie consists primarily of correspondence between them from 1897 through their courtship and throughout their married lives. Whenever William was traveling, the couple would write back and forth. Some envelopes reflect this with addresses indicating William's location at various churches or meetings. The content of the letters is very personal with many descriptions of Will's and Maude's activites, family, friends and acquaintences. The courtship letters are particularly revealing of the depth of feelings they expressed, leading up to their decision to marry. Maude was often concerned with Will's workload, but felt sure that she could be a help to him if they were together. This undoubtedly led to their decision to marry before he graduated and was established in a church appointment. There are humorous anecdotes described by both as well as sad, unhappy and even tragic incidents. Overall, the letters provide a rich description of the lives of Maude and Will and are representative of a Methodist minister and his wife and family in late nineteenth and early twentieth century Indiana. Please note: Maude signed her name and Will addressed her as Maude, with an "e." Later letters and signatures have dropped the "e." The Archives has kept the "e" on Maude's name throughout this collection description.

Besides the letters, which occupy two thirds of the collection, there is a series of photographs and of subject files. The photographs show William as a young man of 19 and continue through his entire life. The earliest photograph of Maude is at 25, shortly after their marriage. The children are pictured at various time periods along with beloved cousin, Mabel Wylie. Many candid photographs are included of churches served and parsonages within which they lived. Many of these are rural churches and may not exist today. There are even two photographs of church "basket dinners" in the 1890s and a baptism by immersion. The subject files consist of biographical information, primarily, and licenses to preach for both William and Maude.

A list of the churches represented in the photographs follows: Bethlehem (Morgan Co.), Bloomfield, Capitol Avenue (Indianapolis), Central (Evansville), Corydon, Cuba (Owen Co.), Ebenezer, Erie (Lawrence Co.), First (Bloomington), Hamilton, Memorial (Princeton), Mill Grove (Owen Co.), Monrovia, Mount Pleasant also known as Buckskin (Owen Co.), Pleasant Run (Lawrence Co.), Saint Paul (Rushville), Riley, Vandalia (Owen Co.), Vincennes, Walker Chapel (Monroe Co.), and Wesley (Lawrence Co.).

Letters were removed from their envelopes, but the dates and locations have been included with the letters. Some envelopes were saved with the corresponding letter when the information would be helpful as to location of the recipient. Sometimes an address was crossed out by the post office and forwarding address written on the envelope. A small sample of envelopes was saved as examples. Stamps had all been removed prior to the collection arriving in the archives.