keeping history

by | Feb 25, 2015 | All Things Home, Decorating, My House | 59 comments

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I have had a bin of family pictures, a box of matts and glass, a stash of frames and a mat cutter hanging out in my to-do pile for years.  YEARS!  And that is not an exaggeration.  It really is ridiculous.  Since I’m working on the finishing touches on my house, it is time to do some framing.

I have had dreams of creating a gallery wall in our stairway since the day we moved in.  Now that things are freshly painted, I’m ready to create the gallery wall.  (I think just on the wall to the right, so it’s not too overwhelming for the narrow space.)

That project starts with the pictures.

I get emotional going through old pictures.  I’m not sentimental about very many things, but pictures and handwritten letters, get me choked up.  I think it’s because I know what happens to old, nameless pictures.  They end up in the trash, maybe in an antique store or an auction lot.  They end up lost, forgotten.  I don’t want that to happen to these pictures.  I feel a weight of responsibility to frame them, label them, in the hopes they might hang in the homes of their descendants for generations to come.  I think that’s easier with large portraits, but what about little snapshots glued to paper that some bug snacked on?

These pictures of my Oma (who I was named after) are so precious.  I can recognize her smile, even though I only knew her as an old woman.  Along with her name, I inherited her blue eyes and unruly curls.

I selected my seven favorites snapshots and arranged them in a long and narrow frame I picked up from an antique store.  The smallest picture was 2″ x 2″, so I had to cut all of the windows in the mat to that size for the sake of uniformity.

It took a bit of math to figure it all out, but, despite my deficiencies in that discipline, it looks beautiful.

I need to have glass cut for it and several other frames, so I wrote down the dimensions and ordered them from the glass shop today.

mms-5146

I labeled the back of the mat, so future generations know who the people are.

Most frames only cost a few dollars at thrift stores, yard sales and antique stores, the mat board is usually about $5.00 for a large sheet and the glass is just a few dollars per sheet, so I’m able to do all of this custom framing for about $5 – 15/each.

Cutting mats is tedious work, but I did get four other pictures done yesterday and seven more done today.

 

While it is tedious, it feels like important work.  It’s a part of keeping the history of our family; preserving it for others to remember.  As I poured over the pictures, I loved seeing my youngest son in the childhood face of my mother-in-law and my oldest boy in the wiry frame of my Opa, who he was named after.

Yeah, I also see where I get my thighs.

Thanks for those, Eppes.  You work it, girl.

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    59 Comments

    1. Christina

      Me too! I LOVE finding old things, and making a new home for it.

      I wish I had more time to "hunt"

    2. Abby and Promila

      I adore stuff like that! Since my husband is in the military (and studied international history in college), I have a REALLY hard time not gobbling all the historical military stuff and stashing them away for who-knows-what! Hold on to stuff like that… those are important events and memories to keep alive!

      -Abby

    3. Maria

      Hi! I enjoy your blog very much ~ you always have incredible and amazing things going on here!

      Your kitchen came so beautiful. We are installing soft white cabinets in the fall ~ difficult to choose a countertop color – love soapstone, but we have a big peninsula, too much black?
      Yours is such a lovely color; what is it made of?

      Your recent find is indeed such a treasure! The places, names, numbers and dates make one pause.

      Have a wonderful week and thank you for sharing so many great ideas on your blog.
      ~Maria

    4. Corn in my Coffee-Pot

      Wow! I love old things too. And this… is such a cool piece. A record. You should write to the Antiques Road Show … I'm sure it's worth way more than $10

      …loved reading all the name choices for Adele. I like that old name as well.

      Pat

    5. gertie @ The Old Block House

      I'm sure that bag found it's way to you for a reason. Not just anyone would appreciate it.

    6. martinealison

      Il est toujours bon de découvrir des choses anciennes oubliées… et parfois les souvenirs de l'enfance nous reviennent en mémoire.
      gros bisous

    7. Low Tide High Style

      What an amazing piece of history you saved! And congratulations to Layla!

      Kat 🙂

    8. Raspberry Lane Primitives

      What a fabulous piece of history…I agree..Yesterday's treasures shouldn't be thrown away in the landfills or burned; unfortunately many things are…
      patti

    9. Cath

      No surprise, your work is inspiring and your personality comes through in each post.

      What a find! Maybe you could display the medical bag in a simple frame (no glass).

      You sure have great yardsales over at the West Side!

    10. Bonny@Spontaneousniceties

      Well, I guess Adele is a good name. Almost as good as Pie-Face. I must have been the goofiest kid ever.
      Funny story, we actually bought the cow for the meat, it got sick, my mom nursed it back to health and… she got cooked up anyway. The one and only time we ever had a cow. My parents got talked into it, I think. We are normally a family of bleeding hearts, especially when it comes to animals.
      The way my dad tells the story of that Pie-Face dinner, no one ate. My parents agreed to not mention that it was Pie-Face. But, right after dinner prayer, my mom looked at her plate, teared up and said, "I can't eat Pie-Face!" while dropping her fork. She left and my dad ended up having to give all of the beef away, and explaining to us kids.
      I grew up in Virginia, by the way. Mom's family was Jamestown stock. Brag. Brag. I love your old stuff, and your spare room has inspired me greatly!

    11. Amanda @geekdetails

      I can't help but want to frame it and put it on a wall. It seems a shame to turn it in to something else.

      I'm consistently amazed at the family history things people practically give away, especially military history ones. Maybe it's just the ex mil spouse in me (my husband left the military), but I can't understand it.

    12. Kelley

      I'm choked up. Really. History is precious. Thank you for valuing it. Someone paid a price for my freedom. Someone contributed to my life in history. I am deeply grateful.

    13. Anonymous

      Congratulations, Layla! Adele is a fabulous name! It happens to be my mother's name so I guess I am a bit biased.

      Sara
      thepetersen4@gmail.com

    14. Nutbird

      That is so interesting that he ended up at Camp Devens. Your father might know it. It is outside Boston. My father was stationed there in 1942 after he went to training in Fort Riley, Kansas. He was one of the last officers commissioned in the Horse Cavalry. A lot of the 101st Cavalry from New York City was sent there. Recently, Camp Devens was decommissioned. The residents in the area tried to make it a town, but the county or the state turned it down. Isn't amazing that so many people just throw their history away. Ann

    15. vikki

      I understand what you are saying. I bought the cutest little children's story book for $1 at a yard sale. The lady said it had belonged to her grandmother. How could she part with it, it was over 100 years old and in perfect shape. Also picked up a camera owned by the man's grandfather. I could never part with items from relatives. I have been designated the keeper of our families linens, yes lucky me. I am the only one who really cares about these things. My siblings always say, save that, Vikki will know what to do with it. Funny, and I usually do!

    16. Farmer's Wyfe

      Incredibly find. I'd love to follow you yard-saling. You sure seem to find the good ones!

    17. Dear Lillie

      Wow! I can't believe you got that for $10! Congrats to Layla! I love the name Adele!

    18. Erin

      I completely understand that feeling… I know it all too well. Now if only my husband new it, too… haha! Just kidding, he keeps me from going crazy and spending all our money, and I love him for it 🙂

      Anyway, awesome find! I love how you can feel so connected to a complete stranger who lived in another time.

    19. Sunnyside Dru

      My daughter just turned 24, old enough to get the gift given to her grandmother by her grandfather just after WWII. He was in Oklahoma and purchased a turquoise and silver belt..a piece the likes of which you never see! At least 70 years old and just as cool as when he bought it, we love old things too!

    20. SueAnn

      I love the name of the cow…perfect!!
      And that history cloth is amazing!! Wow!!
      Hugs
      SueAnn

    21. janet

      Morning Marian,

      Hey …what's wrong with it going to a thrift store….then I could have bought it!

      ;->

      I get very sad when I find old wedding photos or pictures of children. They must have meant something to someone years ago. I always feel the need to bring them home. My husband loves that about me….NOT!

      janet xox
      http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/

    22. Wagonwife Designs

      Me too! I find beauty in things most people do not. Can you imagine he held it and cared for it as he documented his experience. Amazing! I am so glad you rescued it.

    23. Anonymous

      I was once at an auction that had tons of old photos and art. There were four beautiful pencil portraits of the owner's four children- probably done in the early 1950's. None of the kids had wanted them. I couldn't believe it!!! The woman (mid-late 50's) in front of me looked at her daughter (30's) and said, "If you ever sell any photos after I die, I will absolutely haunt you for the rest of your life!!" I couldn't help but agree with her..

      That bag really should go to a historical society or museum. As cool as it is, it's too cool to be kept in a private collection. PLEASE contact the state historical society and consider donating it. With it being from WWI (and the 100th anniversary coming up in a few years), I am betting that the curators would be very grateful. WWI memorabilia is not as common as WWII.

      Sorry for the long comment!!

      Caia

    24. Jenn A

      Adele is a great name for your cow!

      I have been given very interesting gifts at times because my family knows that I like "weird old stuff." =) That is a really cool piece of history you have there! My grandpa has a bunch of stuff left from WWII in his attic – even his uniform is up there. I hate the thought of it just being tossed. My dad isn't sure what to do with it, so there it sits right now. I love that you rescued one soldier's record of his experience.

    25. Alice

      What great finds! I love to save old things too, but don't have the time, money or space for them.

      I always wonder what, if anything, of our current throw-away society will be special enough for future generations to feel the need to keep….

    26. Goldie

      We picked up a piece of military memorabilia at an auction this weekend as well. Some how we bought a box with over 50 newspapers in it from the 1940's. There is an article about how Hitler is "dead" in it. It was so interesting going through them. All of them for $10. It is amazing to me what people will get rid of, you have a very great piece of history in your hands!

    27. Cindi @ Rustique Art

      It almost makes you wonder what people will find of ours someday. Will we leave lovely things for future generations to shop for at garage sales, thrift stores and flea markets? That's why to me, handmade designs are so important in today's culture, we need to leave something for these young'ns to collect and blog about when they're our age 🙂

    28. tina

      It would be so cool if you were able to find (somehow?) a member of his family. I can't imagine parting with something like that!!!

      What is that silver mesh looking item?

      tina

    29. ramsam

      I agree with other commenters, I think that WW1 piece is looking for it's proper home and you were there to rescue it and find it's place. As a girl that loves those things in museums I bet there would be home (either with the family, a museum, or even a spot in the Smithsonian) where that piece could touch many many people. WHat a gift!
      Love your blog!

    30. Dana

      First of all Love the name!
      That piece of history is a great find! I always wanted to be an archeologist. Junking is kind of like going on a Dig, for me anyway.

    31. June@I will craft

      How sad that the family of this soldier didn't want to keep the bag. I just saw a custom made 50th anniversary quilt with personalized squares of what looks like each child and grandchild at Goodwill. I wanted to cry looking at it that the family decided to donate it rather than keeping it in the family.

    32. Tami

      I have about 200 postcards from the early 1900's from my relatives. They are fascinating. In the midst of them were a few letters from relatives in Europe during WWI, accompanied by pictures (some graphic) of bombed out buildings and troops. They're amazing.
      I've been scanning the post cards and framing them and they look super. I plan on making something for my sister, who is quite nostalgic. I think she will be thrilled.
      Fondly, Tami
      http://www.thisandthatfromtami.blogspot.com

    33. Ilke

      I do think you have an eye and gift of just knowing that it is valuable. And I agree with others above that it should go to the military museum. I visited a museum of artifacts from a battle in WW1 in Turkey, Gallipoli war, and I was crying when I left. There were even love letters of soldiers!

    34. PsycChicMegaWatts

      My name is Adele! So I am so happy with this choice.

      Love from Canada!

    35. Jane @ Jane's Junk and Treasures

      Oh my gosh that is incredible!!
      Everything happens for a reason, and I'm glad you found that military bag.
      It found a good home with someone that understands and respects where it came from.

    36. Beth

      Naming the cow contest was fun and it was fun to see all the interesting names that were suggested. I love coming here to find all kinds of inspiration and even be a little educated on objects that I didn't even know existed.

      I do like the suggestion posted earlier about donating it to a museum. I believe it's that special.

    37. The Paupers Castle

      What a great piece of history. I am sure you will find a fabulous way to honor this gentleman and his historic notes! Thanks for sharing.

    38. Anonymous

      Maybe you should donate it to a museum. It is quite a piece of history. I would hate to see it become a pillow or a chair seat~ something extra special about this piece.

    39. Valerene Matthews, Malaysia

      We were just clearing away stuff as my mother has sold off her house. I found a souvenir postcard of….Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Ceremony!

    40. Sharai Lay

      What an awesome piece of history you have!

      AND my daughter's name is Adelle Marie,
      So I love the name you chose!
      Adelle is french meaning "honor"
      🙂 enjoy your beautiful painting!

    41. Anonymous

      I agree with some of the other comments. It belongs in a museum, or maybe a non profit organization that helps military vets would like to display it (my husband used to work for such an organization, they helped homeless veterans, provided a shelter and services for them as long as they stayed clean from drugs and alcohol, they didn't have NEAR enough bedsm the veterans were VERY proud of their service to the country even though the country didn't treat them so well in many cases upon their return from war) anyway, I am digressing . . I just think it should be displayed somewhere appropriate where LOTS of people can see it.

    42. Leighann

      I am putting my tick on the wall for contacting a museum. I'm our family's historian and can't bear to see you make that into anything other than what it is. To think that soldier carried it around with him and documented the lives of his brethren. I'm speechless.

    43. Jeanne

      OK I will just have to trust you on the Adele name….she really looked like more of a "Tillie" to me ;).

      Jeannebell@AOL.com

    44. Lynn@ The Vintage Nest

      I can't believe they were selling those treasures at a yard sale and I am thrilled someone like you that loves old stuff bought it. I am really happy you called the museum and I hope they take it! On another note, I love the letter addressed to Petersburg, Va. My Mom met my Dad there in 1946. He was a pilot and she was a telephone operator at the time. I was born just down the road in another small town where they settled…about 5 miles away and lived there until I married. Thanks for the memories. 🙂

    45. DebbieG

      It really is a gift God placed in you to have a heart like that. You value the past and you turn it into treasure. I know I could not throw that cloth away either and if I showed my husband he would get teared up.

      If you get the chance could you tell the story of how you got the name from your brother "Miss Mustard Seed" – it must have something to do with "faith"….

      Thank you for making my day brighter,

      Debbie

    46. KatheeVZ

      Congrats Layla!
      **********

      What a great find. The bag!

    47. Lettered Cottage

      HOLY COW!!! 😀 (no pun intended)
      Thanks for hosting such a FUN contest!
      There's nothing like a bunch of e-friends getting together to name a pretty, painted cow! LOL!
      😀

      Layla

    48. Anonymous

      You are one lucky girl scoring big-time on the WWI find!!! It always amazes me when I see things like that in a junk/antique store, yard sale, etc….who would get rid of treasures like that????? I could sit for hours and look at something like that, imaging the story behind the names….

    49. Roxanna

      I have been away for a few days & missed out on your "name the cow" but wanted to share this with you. I always told my grandma that my great grandma named her & my aunt's after cows. What can I say out of the mouth of babes, lol. My grandma's name was Lilly Bell & my aunt's names were Bertha & Bessie. Layla submitted a great name for your cow.

      The military bag was a great find…..what a shame it may have ended up in the trash.

      Roxanna

    50. Jennifer Stern and Angela Gilman

      I just found your site today and I just love what you do-I'm a muralist, so I really like to see what other artists are up to. Those are very beautiful thingsyou create!

    51. SuzyMcQ

      You read all 850 entries…bless you.

      As for the wonderful bag, your purchasing it to save it from a questionable future and your thoughtfulness and concern about it's true importance and relevance are why you have so many loyal followers, Marian. You are so special and one in a million!

    52. ~ Laura

      Adele is a very sweet name!!!

      Thank you for putting into words what I feel around old things!! Next time I'm trying to explain (once again!) to my dear husband why I _need_ to buy _that_ I think I will get my point across much more understandably!! 🙂

      You have done a great public service!!!!

    53. Barb Nichols

      We just went to the WWI Museum a few weeks back. It would fit right in to so many of their displays. It was an amazing place. What a treasure to find. I'm showing this post to my hubby. Thanks for sharing!

    54. andrea

      The fact that that man wrote all of that down, journaled it,in his own handwriting as the world was turning…just gives me the chills. it is truly a remarkable piece. I'm glad you found it. Keep it safe; it's a personal record of great tragedy and depair. Andrea @ townandprairie

    55. laureen

      I'm very late to the party about the cow name…but I had to post! When my son was little, he had a fisher price toy cow that he took everywhere with him. He LOVED it! Her name was annamoomoo…I thought it was such a cute name – one day I asked him how he came up with the name – and he said "you know mommy…the song – annamoomoo here annamoomoo there" – I had almost forgotten this until I read your cow post – so thank you!

    56. Megan

      wow. that has to be THE COOLEST THING ever. My dad, my mom, both grandfathers and my great grandfather were military. as well as my husband. this really touches my heart. wow.

    57. Liz

      I am also behind on my reading but had to take a moment to cast my vote-this treasure belongs in a WWI memorial. These men sacrificed everything for me & my freedom and deserve my thanks. I feel I would be considered ungrateful if I didn't speak up on their behalf. I agree with the others; you got this amazing document for a reason. Thank you for preserving it.
      Sincerely,
      Liz

    58. BirdRicer

      You may want to contact your local American Legion to see whether they have a museum. Our Legion in Greenville SC has a war museum and would love a piece like yours!
      Cyndi

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