52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks: Adventure

Recently in two of her podcasts, Amy Johnson Crow discussed downsizing and treasuring genealogical goodies that may be found. She told about her parents’ home and the level of feelings one might experience when going through this process. I could relate to many of the observations she made. So…I am presenting a companion piece to her work.

More than five years ago, I downsized my widowed mother’s house after she had suffered a major stroke and relocated to assisted living. Each day that I spent in her home became an adventure and a treasure hunt of sorts. Each time, I uncovered an item that I had not previously seen, touched, and enjoyed. Since she had given me permission to take what I wanted, I took her up on that.

My mother had been a decorative tole (French for tin) painter for 30 years. She sold most of her wares at craft shows and kept some things for herself. At the back of her pantry, I found five unique pieces that were exquisitely painted. Why were they hidden away? Bringing them to our house, they were lovingly placed in an antique baker’s cabinet with glass doors. These are treasures that tell the story of my mom’s artistic talents.

In the linen closet, there was a heavy plastic case. I could see a purple and white quilt. Through the window of the case, I saw a stitched signature of the creator. Since my mom loved purple and frequented craft shows, I assumed it was a purchase she had made. Taking the quilt out, I saw that each white square had a woman’s signature. Oh my goodness, there were my grandmother’s and great grandmother’s signatures! They belonged to a sewing circle during the Depression…this was a project that was made. Each lady would have a signature quilt. Why was this hidden away? This was a treasure that told the story of my grammy’s sewing talents. It now rests on a quilt rack in a bedroom.

In a dresser drawer, I discovered two of my father’s treasures: his wallet and his high school graduation yearbook. I had never seen this yearbook! My dad was a senior in 1941-1942. His class would be the first to graduate after Pearl Harbor. Inside, classmates had written messages like “See ya in Tokyo” and “Let’s go get them”. I discovered what clubs and sports he participated in. I saw his friends and read their messages. Why was this hidden away? It was a treasure that told the story of an immigrants’ son who was the first to graduate from high school.

One of the last goodies that was uncovered was almost thrown away. Down in the basement, I had sifted through junk that needed to be pitched. I was exhausted and just wanted to trash it all so this could be over. In an old dresser was a long manila envelope…more trash? My husband told me to open the envelope…I almost said “no”. Inside was a panoramic picture of my great grandparents’ Kansas farm. Outside in the yard, my great grandmother had piled the little kids in the family Model T. My great grandfather sat on his tractor. My grandfather was holding the bridle of one of the horses. The teenaged children had gathered up the dogs and cats. The picture was dated 17 February 1917. Six months later, my grandfather would enlist in the Army for World War I. (Five years later, my grandfather would marry my grandmother.) Why was this hidden away? It was a treasure that told the story of family pride and love. Since its discovery, the picture has been framed and hangs proudly in our home.

What an adventure this task of cleaning and organizing became! Why were all of these hidden away? They were hidden away so they would be venerated by the family historian…that is where I come in!