Editor, Gazette-Journal:

This is an open letter to the staff of the Gazette. As executive director of MCVIC, I have had the pleasure of seeing the looks on the faces of people when they first see photos of their relatives on a placemat and then to hear the wonderful stories that these pictures tell.

Mathews residents love reading about the history of the county, but to be able to see the actual photos of the people and places that they grew up with is a treasure.

Thank you for opening your archives and printing off these long-forgotten photos and putting them in the hands of those who would never have the opportunity to see the photos.

I have gotten several requests for a photo of a particular person, place or event, and the staff has searched the files and generally has been able to come up with the information.

I have reordered placemats almost weekly because so many are being sold. They are being used on dinner tables to teach grandchildren about the history of Mathews. ...