My Grandmother had phoned us one day and requested that we make the
200 mile drive to her home. She had been saving some items for us and felt
that now was the time for us to bring our van and pick up some boxes. I
told my Grandmother that anything she had saved was still certainly hers
and she should keep 'what ever' with her and enjoy it. But Grandma insisted.
We made the drive the following weekend and had a wonderful visit. Loaded
our van with many mystery boxes and returned home. We did not have the
opportunity to unpack all of the boxes right away, just a few that contained
old family photos, books, and documents.
We received word soon thereafter that Grandma had suffered a stroke and
passed away. After all the arrangements and inevitable sadness, I began to
seriously unpack those boxes that Grandma thought so important for us to
have. I found Grandma's complete collection of Victorian silver pieces. The
chocolate set, the butter dishes, the salt cellars and most importantly the
beautiful ornate and exquisitely detailed napkin ring collection.
We also unpacked Grandma's entire Edison phonograph collection. All of
her lovely and very entertaining cylinder record players and their music rolls.
Grandma and I used to wind the phonographs, select a favorite record like,
'Casey Jones', and sing along and laugh out loud.
I hadn't thought about any of these items since I was a small child.
Grandma had packed her collections away, years before, and I hadn't
given it another thought.
Grandma had entrusted her treasures to the right person. I proudly display
her beautiful silver pieces and listen to the Edison phonographs nearly every
day. Grandma has inspired me to continue on with her collection, learning
more and adding items. Becoming a true 'collector' and not just an 'acquirer'.
Thank You, Grandma, for your treasures, and all of the wonderful memories!
--Julie G. in California
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