Antique Stores . . .

This past Sunday my kids and I took a ride to one of our favorite antique malls. It takes about a little over an hour to get there depending on traffic, and when you travel on main roads that go to Washington, DC, you can expect a lot of traffic.  As we traveled we talked about what we wanted to look at.

Charlie loves old paper and in the mall is the best antiquarian paper dealer Whiting’s Old Paper. Charlie has been collecting ship memorabilia, especially about the great ocean liners. His collection of books, menus, post cards, etc. is mind-bogging. As soon as we entered the mall, off he went in search of more.

Tif and I meandered from glass case to glass cabinet filled with antiques and collectibles galore. Such as these old toys. Some we recognized as either knowing someone who had the same thing or sadly, that someone in our family had one just like it, but it is gone. This leads me to feeling melancholy at the same time annoyed to see what people have discarded. I am sure they had their reasons: the item was no longer useful, it was unwanted, tossed out. And so many of these things are absolutely beautiful, charming, and in my opinion, still useful. The things that really get me upset are items of historical importance, especially military possessions, vestiges of remainders from past wars and battles proudly fought and sacrificed made.

For example, why wouldn’t a family want to keep these swords, guns, helmets, badges of honor, even diaries telling the soldier’s story? Still yet there were photographs, autographed Yearbooks from military academies, medals, ribbons of distinction, and uniforms.

Moving on after we had enough grief, we find looking at old furniture very enjoyable. We marvel at the construction and materials used, imagine the house and room where the grand dining set proudly waiting for holidays meals and special occasions. Tif loves old Hoosier cabinets with their commodious compartments.
I enjoy looking at fashion items; fancy purses, jewelry and hats. Again, we ask each other why didn’t someone want that leather purse, rhinestone pin and stylish hat. You see many of these items in antique clothing stores and so much more online.

Oh well, as they say, one person’s trash is another’s treasure.

Yet there is one very good attribute that comes out of these emporiums of memories, and that is they may have what you may be looking for. Something to replace the one that was lost, given away or trashed. You can find just about everything and when you do you can place it in your family museum to either tell or enhance your story. And another feature these antique merchants give are lessons in how to display. Study the cabinets, the shelving, and the lighting. The careful placement and eye-catching presentations. Have fun going down memory lane, even though you may feel a bit melancholy. That feeling can make you actually feel grateful for the things you did save. So go on. Visit an antique store or mall, talk with the dealers. Appreciate the service they provide and then go home and fill your family museum with memories.       

What is a Family Museum?

Let us first start with the definition of a museum: a large or even larger building filled with exhibition halls, both small and large galleries displaying everything from Art works to Zenith TVs. Though they are magnificent institutions, they are impersonal.  Displays are measured ever so carefully; their objective is to inform and educate with cool detachment. You would love to get a closer look, even cherish the idea of touching the artifact. But this is not allowed and for good reason . . . it is not yours to do so. The artifacts and antiquities are presented in succession leading from the past to the present for the future for perpetuity and for all human-kind. And that’s wonderful.

Now let’s define a family museum: a place(s) in your home (even your place of work), where objects of interest or significance are exhibited and preserved, and at any time can be visited, looked at and touched. Your heirlooms, keepsakes and awards offer the continuation of your family’s (and/or business) events occurring from the good- ole-days to days-gone-by to present-day events, to hold and protect for your future.  

Everyone has objects of interest. Some more than others. Regardless of what you have, if the objects are important to you, to your family, to the family’s next generation, then those objects should be preserved, protected, and put on display for everyone to see, enjoy and respect. A Family Museum may be hard to visualize, so here are some suggestions that will help you to form a mental image – to see it in one’s mind. First, let's take a look at two of the finest museums in the USA.

Art Institute, Chicago, IL

Museum of Natural History, Washington. DC

 

 

 

 

 

 

With all of their artistic, historical and scientific objects, there is much to see. However, those artifacts will not give you as much pleasure as your own heirlooms you put on display in your Family Museum.

        http://www.mnh.si.edu/                                   http://www.artic.edu/

The space in any museum cannot be compared with your space. To get a better picture, visit smaller museums that focus on a specific era in history or personal collections of an eminent person. Antique shops are great places to visualize the concept of display. The proprietors take pride in how they present collections to encourage you to take a closer look and possibly purchase the item. Smaller places mean you can be more intimate with the viewing experience because the displays are imaginative, giving you a better idea of what you are looking at. 

Your Family Museum will showcase, define, edify and entertain those who look upon the lovingly displayed pieces, becoming acquainted with your family’s history. Welcome, one and all. It is my pleasure to introduce you to my family . . .

             “For what is the present after all but the growth out of the past?”                                                                                          Walt Whitman

Note: What museums have you visited lately? Which would you recommend?

Next Post: Why a family should have a museum in their home?   

Wednesday Wishes

What do you wish you had but no longer do?

There is a common expression in English usually in response to someone making excuses all the time, meaning you cannot change the past. Yes, you could've done something, but you didn't... or you should've done something, but you didn't... or you would've done something, but you didn't. "Should've, would've, could've," but you didn't... now you have to pay the consequences.

That pretty much sums it up. I could have been more astute when things were being given or thrown away. I should have asked more questions about family members before they or the ones who knew about them passed away. I would have been more attentive if it were not for being distracted by things that turned out to be not important after all.

So now what do I do?

Start over!

Make a long list of the things lost. Reach into your memory and try to remember that time ago when you had it, what did you do with it, where could it be now. Stop longing to do something and do it now! Go to antique stores, secondhand shops, garage and yard sales, and find those missing things you long for. Bring it home, clean it up, and incorporate it with the other things that you cherish.       

Now, can this thing tell a story . . . your story? Make it special. Welcome it into your heart and don’t feel bad that it is not the original. As the idiom says, one person’s garbage is another’s treasure. And once you have given the new treasure a provenance . . .  the source and ownership history of your find . . . you will be proud to show it off and tell your story. What fun! Go for it! Enjoy the discovery!

And guess what? Your Wednesday wish came true.

 Next Post: Thursday Toys