Diaries, journals, and letters provide a glimpse into the realities of life among the early miners and settlers. Hiram G. Ferris came West at age 24 in 1846 and settled in Yreka, Calif. His letter home on Dec. 29, 1850, read like this:

Letter Home Details Tough Life Out West

Colorful vignettes dedicated to the regional history of Southern Oregon and Northern California. As It Was is an all volunteer effort -- produced by Raymond Scully and narrated by Shirley Patton in partnership with writers from the Southern Oregon Historical Society.If you have a writing background and would like to submit an As It Was essay for consideration, email your written piece to mrkrt@ashlandhome.net.A collection of As It Was essays is available in a high-quality paperback book at the JPR Online Store. Each episode is also available below.

Share Letter Home Details Tough Life Out West

Sign up to save your podcasts

Letter Home Details Tough Life Out West

Letter Home Details Tough Life Out West