Sunday, June 13, 2010

Really cool old stuff




The family and I drove down to Birmingham yesterday, which is where hubby grew up. Unfortunately, his mother passed away last Fall, so we've been going through the houses (she had two), cleaning out stuff, and getting it ready to have the extended family choose things they'd like to keep. Well, I've always adored my mother-in-law. We hit it off the instant we met, which I realize is super lucky compared to some relationships with mothers-in-law. My husband is very well aware of the fact that a large part of the reason I married him was because I'd get her.

Anyway, I didn't know it was possible to adore her even more until I started going through her belongings. It's almost as if she read my mind, and filled her house with all kinds of cool stuff I love. I brought home three VERY LARGE Hefty bags full of vintage fabric (her mother was an exceptional seamstress). And that was only half of what was there. The other three gigantic bags are going to the Goodwill. Mostly because the fabrics weren't that unusual or fun.

There are tons of glass, metal kitchen gadgets, tins, etc. Check out this pile. The book is entitled "A Fortune In The Junk Pile." How appropriate - the irony makes me almost giddy.

Speaking of books, I had no idea of the extent of her cookbook collection. We could open a book store devoted solely to old cookbooks from her collection.


Here they are all sorted and semi-organized on the dining room table. They range in publications dates from 1926 to the early 2000s. This photo only shows the ones on the table. The floor on the opposite side of the room is covered with full boxes, as well.









If I had to pick a favorite of the treasures I brought home yesterday, it would have to be this little collection of tins and glass. I especially love the ancient Noxema glass jar (on the right behind the clear glass soda bottle. It brings fond memories of mornings at my great grandmother's house.
I forgot to mention the dozens of vintage sewing patterns. Does anyone know if there is a market for them? Judging by the clothing styles, I'd say they're from the late 60's on.

Oh, and one thing that made me truly laugh out loud... Wait, did I say laugh out loud? What I meant was laugh my ass off. And I'm allowed to laugh, because I personally remember when coats had lapels this wide!

3 comments:

  1. Farmgurl ~

    How ironic...we, too are cleaning out my grandparents house and even worked on it yesterday! I am loving the treasures that we have found - including my great-grandparents' high school diplomas (from 1898). There were tons of other treasures as well. It is amazing how well we knew them when they were alive but in some ways get to know them even better after they are gone.... :)

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