From Randy over at Genea-Musings:
it's Saturday Night -
time for more Genealogy Fun!!!
Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to:
1) The NEHGS Weekly Genealogy newsletter asked an interesting question this week - let's use it for our SNGF this week.
2) What "family heirlooms" did you inherit or obtain? What are your most cherished possessions that were owned or created by an ancestor or relative? They could be photographs, letters or documents, a diary, an audio or video recording, books, jewelry, clothing, quilts, needlework, drawing or painting, toy or doll, collectibles, musical instrument, furniture, something else?
3) Share your cherished heirloom(s) in your own blog post, on Facebook, and leave a link to it in the comments.
Here's mine:
2) What "family heirlooms" did you inherit or obtain? What are your most cherished possessions that were owned or created by an ancestor or relative? They could be photographs, letters or documents, a diary, an audio or video recording, books, jewelry, clothing, quilts, needlework, drawing or painting, toy or doll, collectibles, musical instrument, furniture, something else?
3) Share your cherished heirloom(s) in your own blog post, on Facebook, and leave a link to it in the comments.
Here's mine:
Oh my goodness! I am blessed to have so many of my family heirlooms. Since I am the unofficial family historian and my parent's only child, a lot of things have come my way.
From my father's side of the family:
Jewelry, watch, jewelry box, and Bible from my Grandmother Nealie Drake Tapley. I believe I have told the story on this blog of how these came into my possession.
My father's Masonic ring. His handmade quilt.
One of my most cherished possessions is an 8x10" picture of my Uncle Russ and Aunt Elizabeth that always sat on my parent's dresser. After my father passed, it came to live with me.
A set of etched glasses Aunt Elizabeth gave my parents.
My bedroom suite was left to me by my Uncle Dempsey Tapley. It's not hundred of years old or anything, but it's at least 30 years old.
From my mother's side of the family:
My grandfather's cameras. I have an entire case just for them. Three Polaroid cameras and a Falcon.
My grandfather's teacup collection. Yes, my grandfather loved teacups! They are displayed in my china cabinet with their matching saucers.
Several of my grandfather's books, such as Pilgrim's Progress.
My grandfather's genealogy research notes. Yes, he is who inspired me to do all this research into the wee hours.
My great-grandmother's, Bessie Carter Ranney, china head doll. I had it cleaned and repaired many years ago, and it is definitely a prized possession. The story goes that she had scarlet fever when she was a child, so all of her toys had to be destroyed. The china head doll is the first toy she received after she recovered.
I have both my great-grandmother's and grandmother's diaries.
Some jewelry that belonged to my great aunt, Alice Ranney Thornburg. Plus her name tag from her time employed at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino, California. I also have her children's size rocking chair.
I have a U.S. Navy locket that my grandfather gave my grandmother during World War II. I also have the military flag from my grandfather's funeral. It is framed and displayed in my home.
My great-grandmother's dining room table, which I had refinished and use as my scrapbooking table.
I have paperwork, too. Reports cards, high school and college yearbooks, funeral books, marriage licenses, death certificates, even some divorce decrees.
And course, lots of beloved pictures from both sides of the family. I just wished they had all come labeled!
Is there anything I wish I had? Only more pictures, I think. With notes of who and where they were. I can dream, can't I?
