In my family I am happy to receive the hand me downs that have a family connection. Old photo albums, dishes, furniture...alot of it trickles into my hands. I accept the responsibility of being the family keeper and enjoy these treasures. Let me share the story of my Aunt Ruth's chandelier.
My grandfather was one of 11 children and they lived in Ames, Iowa. He had a sister Ruth who married and lived in Des Moines, Iowa most of her adult life. She and her husband never had children and they owned a restaurant called "The Silhouette". They hosted a family dinner each sunday at their home which my Auntie Kathy has no fond memories of. She was the only child present and it was a long afternoon for her of boredom (and they never missed a Sunday). Aunt Ruth and Uncle Lou had quite a fancy home and had a lovely chandelier in the dining room. It was my Uncle Max who had to go and clean the chandelier at least once a year....crystal by crystal. When Aunt Ruth passed away the chandelier was willed to Uncle Max. He had no place for it so it sat in a box. It sat in that box for five years as no one in the family had a spot for it, but no one could bear to part with this reminder of Aunt Ruth.
When I moved into my tudor style house 12 years ago there were two chandeliers that came with it.
This one is in my dining room.
This smaller, funkier one is in the downstairs hall. I was not a huge fan of chandeliers, but they worked in my home and I believed them to be original to the house. However the living room ceiling sported a modern Lowe's style light fixture. It had to go...and my dad suggested perhaps Aunt Ruth's chandelier would work and would finally have a home. My parents picked it up from a cousins house in California and brought it back to me.
It fit perfectly. The funny thing was that is was so similar to the one that was in my dining room. This was a family hand-me-down that was meant for me...and I love the connection it has to my family and its memories.
It even came with some extra crystals with a note written in some old fashioned handwriting. I had to save that too.
I wish my Uncle Max was still around to come over a couple of times a year and clean it like he did in the good old days. Doing this post made me realize it is time to get out the ladder and clean it up again. It would make Aunt Ruth happy....and me too.
Your chandy's rock!
Posted by: Kim G. | September 17, 2009 at 02:26 PM
I have a beautiful chandelier that was here when we moved in--we moved it from what was the dining room into the guest room and it fits in perfectly with the antiques and pinky decor. PS--I have a couple pix of the mermaids I got from you up on my blog--they're eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Halloween dollies!
Posted by: Kate Spike | September 17, 2009 at 02:40 PM
So nice to think of your family every time you switch on the light. I bet you miss poor Uncle Max more than anyone else!!
Posted by: Lynn | September 17, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Love the story and the love the chandelier:) P.s. what is kates blog?
Posted by: elma | September 17, 2009 at 03:15 PM
What a wonderful chandelier! You are very fortunate to have such a "hand me down". I want a "hand me downs" like that!
Posted by: My Shabby Roses | September 17, 2009 at 03:31 PM
Hey Laurie...What a sweet family connection story. The chandy looks so happy & sparkley in it's new home. Here's to the keeper of the family traditions & memories! It's a very important job! *elaine*
Posted by: *elaine* | September 17, 2009 at 05:17 PM
It's really wonderful! Cleaning it sounds like quite a job, but maybe it's a labor of love - some cleaning jobs are like that.
Posted by: barbara | September 17, 2009 at 05:57 PM
It was meant to be. Stunning. Thanks for taking care of all the forgotten treasures. I am glad that you see potential in the items you find. That says a lot about you. Good night.
Posted by: twinkle beverages | September 17, 2009 at 07:21 PM
What a gorgeous chandelier and how wonderful that is has such wonderful family memories attached to it!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | September 17, 2009 at 08:38 PM
how cool..they do match...:)and if you need a set of earrings in a hurry..you know where to go...:)
Posted by: Gina | September 18, 2009 at 10:05 AM
I love stories like this, and I truly believe it was meant to be too! Honestly, I've never seen chandies like yours before. Only the really ornate ones. I like these, because they are very simple, yet beautiful and elegant!
P.S. I'm the keeper of all the family treasures that nobody wants too! I can't bear not to!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | September 18, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Yes, it was definitely meant to be. I LOVE that smaller one that came with the house. CUTE!
Posted by: Lynnae | September 18, 2009 at 06:06 PM