My sister is coming and I'm cleaning the kitchen. Actually I'm past needing a sparkling clean house when guests arrive. I like tidy, but I'm learning to let things be as they are a bit more.
I do appreciate an impetus to get something badly needed done. And the occasion of her visit was just what was needed to give me a nudge into my kitchen.
A little dust had collected on our beautiful cut glass "banana boat." I carefully washed it and dried it to a beautiful shiny gleam
And at that moment I felt close to a woman I could never
have known, my great-great grandmother. I got to
thinking about it being in her hands as she wrapped and packed
it somewhere--a trunk possibly--for their voyage to America.
A recent widow, and not unfamiliar with tragedy
(their family business, a large factory, had succumbed
to a fire and they lost everything before her husband died.)
I wonder what made them come to the new world--
125 years ago now--a lone widow with her
two teen-age daughters.
I also wonder what made her choose this piece to bring.
Did it hold special meaning for her? It's still in perfect
condition, and it surely holds special meaning for me.
How lovely! I did not know that there were dishes designed to hold bananas. Your great-great grandmother's story sounds so intriguing. Have you been able to flesh it out more? She must have been an incredibly brave woman.
ReplyDeleteI felt a tug at my heartstrings reading this. She was a very brave woman and to think if she hadn't come? You are really lucky to have this piece, and it's beautiful. I would be afraid to hold it!
ReplyDeleteJane xx
How wonderful that you know a bit of the story behind this family treasure...and an interesting and inspiring story it is!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the special time with your sister!
What a beautiful story!
ReplyDeleteI can understand your link to your great great grandmother through this piece. I have a beautiful biscuit barrel that belonged to my grandmother. I wish I knew the story behind it. Her parents and grandparents were pioneers in Australia. Amazing lives and hardships. Have a lovely week and thank you for coming to my blog this week.
ReplyDeletePodso,
ReplyDeleteLove the story behind the heirloom banana boat.
Have a wonderful visit with your sister, dear friend!!!
Fondly,
Pat
It is beautiful! And the memories, even though they are not yours first hand, are precious. Where did she come from to America? My grandfather came to America from Hungary in 1906. My grandmother's parents came from there also in the late 1890's. My grandparents didn't meet and marry, though, until 1920. She was 17. He was 34! He died before I was born so all I have are my mother's reminiscences of him and his WWI medal of service and his eye glasses.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brave woman your great great grandmother was! I love it that so many brought a little piece of home with them to the New World - something special. And I love it that you have that beautiful piece.
ReplyDeleteI love finding pieces in my home that invoke lovely memories. I've seen that piece of crystal before and didn't know it was a banana boat.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your sister.
Best,
Bonnie
I love family heirlooms. I'm like you thinking about the person who owned it and used it. How special to have something that belonged to her.
ReplyDeleteDeanna
So many unanswered questions about such a beautiful piece. I love how you prize this treasure from great, great grandma.
ReplyDeleteDotsie...this is so beautiful and no doubt very precious to you. I couldn't figure out what the photo was when I was looking at the close-up! I also really like your new header photo...I was trying to read the road sign but couldn't make it out...it looks like the Smokeys...am I right? Have a great time with your sister!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful, and to have something your great-great grandmother cherished, used and cared for is truly wonderful. These days not many of us can enjoy that particular pleasure I think.
ReplyDeleteNow, I'm wondering, too, Dotsie... I do so love how you appreciate and treasure your family and the pieces that hold their memories. hugs and blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteps enjoy your sister's visit!! =)
Family pieces with stories are wonderful jump offs to reminiscing and thinking about the past. It's a beautiful dish and a beautiful story. Such bravery.
ReplyDeleteI suppose when you've lost everything,starting fresh in a new country can offer hope. The dish is nice and I'm sure there are happy vibes attached to it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a treasure, Dotsie! My maternal grandmother came from the Ukraine in the early 1900's. It was the first time she saw the ocean! The only thing I have to remember her by is sweet memories. Enjoy your sister's visit!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story ..
ReplyDeleteYou indeed have a treasure there Podso..
It could tell many a tale, of what it was used for.!
Enjoy your time with your sister. Its precious time.!
happy summer days
val
Those women were truly courageous - and had seemingly endless faith. I wonder what the significance of the bowl was for your great-great-grandmother - perhaps a combination of beauty and the convenience of size.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful...
ReplyDeleteone of the most beautiful story i have ever read!!!
ReplyDeleteTrout Lures Australia
Truly an inspirational post. I know how you must treasure the banana boat. It's beautiful. :)
ReplyDelete