Priceless
Ari, from Beyond My Slab, is the hostess of this week's Fun Monday, and has chosen a topic that gives me immense pleasure: Old Things.
Other than dust, I have nothing in my house more weathered and aged than Augusta's photo album. I wrote about my great grandmother (Augusta, Grace, Evelyn, Me) this summer. She was born in 1855 and died in 1937.
I can only guess when she acquired it. I like to think that she was a young teen when she chose to include a photo of the late President Lincoln. Some other printed photos may be of other famous people of that era.
Apparently, Grandmother Grace took possession of it when her mother died. She kept it in a chest of drawers and would bring it out on occasion to share with relatives. My eldest brother remembers back in the fifties, sitting next to her while she pointed at and talked about each person. Grace was 99 years old when she died in 1978.
When Birdie, Grace's eldest daughter, died in 1993, my cousin called and offered the album to me. I was very thankful for her generosity. What I didn't know at the time is that my cousin was gravely ill and seeking preservation of our family's historical treasure.
A little white envelope containing two more tin types remains folded inside the cover - likely placed there by Grace. One of the photos is her husbands parents: my great grandfather and grandmother, George and Bernetta. For sure it was taken before 1863 - the year George died of typhoid fever while a soldier in the Civil War.
He played a lively tune in the early 1900s, and was well known in the thriving community of Touchet, Washington.
It looks like I'm going to have to do some detective work and find out more about Papa George...AND his violin. I also must find an honored position on the wall for its display.
Join me and other's linking at Ari's Slab! Find out what's new in old stuff.
Other than dust, I have nothing in my house more weathered and aged than Augusta's photo album. I wrote about my great grandmother (Augusta, Grace, Evelyn, Me) this summer. She was born in 1855 and died in 1937.
I can only guess when she acquired it. I like to think that she was a young teen when she chose to include a photo of the late President Lincoln. Some other printed photos may be of other famous people of that era.
 | My glasses give you an idea of the album's dimensions. The leather binding is embossed. It is in dire need of gentle repair. I have no idea how much that will cost. |
Note the interesting clasp. The other one is in worse condition. Do you want to see the inside? Below are tin types of Augusta, her first husband Chester, and her father - my great great grandfather Norman, 1821-1903. Normans photo is terribly scratched and tarnished. |  |
 | There are tin types of her babies , of her mother, and of her brother and his wife and child. I am careful not to allow the tin types much exposure to light. They really need to be professionally restored. I hope that I find the money and the service before passing them on to my daughters. |
Apparently, Grandmother Grace took possession of it when her mother died. She kept it in a chest of drawers and would bring it out on occasion to share with relatives. My eldest brother remembers back in the fifties, sitting next to her while she pointed at and talked about each person. Grace was 99 years old when she died in 1978.
When Birdie, Grace's eldest daughter, died in 1993, my cousin called and offered the album to me. I was very thankful for her generosity. What I didn't know at the time is that my cousin was gravely ill and seeking preservation of our family's historical treasure.
A little white envelope containing two more tin types remains folded inside the cover - likely placed there by Grace. One of the photos is her husbands parents: my great grandfather and grandmother, George and Bernetta. For sure it was taken before 1863 - the year George died of typhoid fever while a soldier in the Civil War.
| * * * * * * * * * And then there is this -- something that came into our possession this week: my husbands Great Grandfather's (Papa George) "fiddle." This is a different George then mentioned above. (1873-1966) |  |
He played a lively tune in the early 1900s, and was well known in the thriving community of Touchet, Washington.
It looks like I'm going to have to do some detective work and find out more about Papa George...AND his violin. I also must find an honored position on the wall for its display.
Join me and other's linking at Ari's Slab! Find out what's new in old stuff.
Comments
keepsake to be treasured forever.
It looks beautiful and in good condition. And the fiddle is another
although I prefer the photo album.
Glad you enjoyed the Happy Butt joke,
and hope your friends like it too.
Take care, Love, Merle.
I love to hear how people lived in different eras, I recently learned a bit more about my grandfather but in learning more about his work life, it gave me more of an idea of the earlier generations and what conditions they worked in.
I hope you'll share what you learn about 'Papa George'. I must look for more on your great grandmother now :)
I had my Great-grandmother's rolltop desk restored - nearly 15 years ago - and it cost more than a new one would have - but it was well worth it - I'd never let it go.
i'm always afraid to find tin types from my family hanging in a Cracker Barrel somewhere. (don't know if ya'll have cracker barrels up there or not)
And I love it more when you write about your family!!
We have a lot of fun, the Egyptians are such nice and friendly people, always in good mood and making fun.
And the stoire that go with your pictures are as priceless as the pictures themselves!
Love,
Sue
x
History is pretty dang cool. Especially when it's our own.