Some of you might remember when I shared the story of this little chair in my entry hall with you. Well, in a niche across from this chair hangs a clock and it has a story as well...
Many, many years ago my Grandfather brought this clock with him when he immigrated to the United States. It came to me along with the chair after my Aunt Ann, his oldest child passed away.
How they managed to get it here is a bit of a mystery to me. But it must have had a great deal of value to them because not only do I have the clock, but the receipt of purchase as well; amazingly though tattered and worn it is still complete. The clock was purchased in Whitechapel, England in 1904 for just over two pounds...on payments.
I never met my Grandmother she died several years before I was born. But my Grandfather lived to a great age and was a significant part of my childhood. When I look at this marriage photograph it is hard to imagine the courage and strength it took this young couple to immigrate all the way from Poland... first to England, and then to America...all to seek freedom from persecution, and a better life.
But this is not all, because along with the clock I have my Grandmother's wedding ring, which she is wearing in the previous photo. Today many people wouldn't care for it because of it's design: two snakes intertwined, but in Edwardian times it signified eternal love and was very common.
It is very heavy gold and...fits my ring finger perfectly! I don't wear it because with all of the gardening my hands take a lot of abuse and I would hate for anything to happen to it.
I am so fortunate to have these tangible things from the past linking me to bygone years
of family now gone but still remembered.
Thank you for spending this time with me. May the minutes and hours of your day be filled with joy, happiness and fond memories of bygone days.
This post has been linked to: http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/, http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/
Ciao cara amica,bellissimo questo post,pieno di ricordi!!
ReplyDeleteMi piace l'orologio ed anche l'anello è particolare!!
Quante cose possono raccontare questi oggetti!!
Sei stata fortunata ad avere una parte di loro che terrai sempre nel tuo cuore!!
Un bacio
Sabry!!
Such beautiful family treasures! The clock is priceless as is the photo of your grandparents! I've never seen a wedding band with snakes intertwined...it's beautiful! You are lucky to have them. :-)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your pics and the story behind it. How lucky you are to have these wonderful items to cherish with your memories of your family history. I love genealogy and family history... Hugs, Cindy
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely clock all on its own. How wonderful to have the connection to it that you have, and to know the story. Lovely keepsakes.
ReplyDeleteHello Adrienne:
ReplyDeleteWe found thus utterly fascinating. And how amazing it is that you still have the original receipt for the purchase of the clock, now well over 100 years ago.
The wedding ring is lovely, and very much a period piece. We can well understand why you do not wear it for fear of losing it in the garden.
What beautiful family treasures that have lasted a lifetime. Such a handsome clock and chair. The wedding ring is just fabulous. I can definitely understand why you appreciate and treasure these beautiful items.
ReplyDeleteAdrienne, do the clock still keep time? I would think so, but you didn't mention. Also, the store where the clock was purchased seems to have been in London, on Whitechapel Road rather than in Whitechapel.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you have all of these true treasures, each a wonderful chapter to their lives. I particularly like the chair. Are you going to make a cushion for it?
So beautiful, you are very fortunate. My parents have a similar clock in their home and I have always loved it. Thank you so much for welcoming me back to blogging-it meant a lot.
ReplyDeleteAnn-Marie
thanks for sharing... now when I visit I'll remember this story! Have you written this down for your kids & grandkids?
ReplyDeleteHow could someone not like this ring? It's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhile reading your post I also wondered how they managed to bring this clock, and why. It's really interesting what one brings when you move to a different country. I also brought a lot of "family stuff" when we moved to the US. These are very precious to me and one day will be my daughter's.
It is an absolutely moving post for me Adrienne, because my grandparents immigrate also from Poland in France in 1920 and I keep with me like a tresory from the past a little engraving watch....
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week ✿◕ ‿ ◕✿
Hello Adrienne,
ReplyDeleteI love the story a out your grand parents and you are very lucky to have so beautiful souvenirs. They were very courageous people to leave their country.
Kindest regards,
Catherine
Thank you for sharing
How wonderful. It is amazing you have these treasured pieces. My friend Maria is trying to figure out how she can bring some of her grandmother's furniture from Cuba to her home - I hope she can and like you have wonderful stories and beautiful treasures to share - I will be featuring your post in this week's Home and Garden Thursday - I appreciate you sharing,
ReplyDeleteKathy