Wednesday, June 23, 2010

W is for 1927 Wedding Gift

Bonjour from Campagne Maison
"W"

Befitting the pages of a well written Danielle Steel novel, the love story between a high fashioned New York Model and a small town landowner/farmer, made its way onto the Society pages of NE AR history. Charles Wood swept Estella out of her high heeled shoes and shoulder padded silk lingerie straight off Fifth Avenue and into his arms and a new way of life when they wed in 1927 and moved to Luxora, AR. Big city gal, small town country boy....

Because I've had my hands busy helping with our annual Family Reunion, I haven't been able to get all the details of this weeks lesson together, so Ms. Matlock will probably make me sit in the corner this week. I do promise, however, to attend to all the details very shortly and write a REAL report of the account. I will have to give my mother time to "reflect" back on her memories and compare notes with me before I commit my writings to stone.

The friendship between Ms. Stella and my mom was unwavering. It resulted in my mom being banned from the local nursing home because she would sneak food and other contraband in to Ms. Wood. Like I said, fodder for Danielle Steel!
One of the things given to my mom upon Ms. Stella's death was a treasured wedding heirloom, the remainder of her Oneida Community Plate Silver Bridal Chest collection. After many years of wishing, hoping, begging and good fortune, Mama handed the heirloom down to me. I really think it was because the silver is engraved with the initial "W" and I am the only child of hers with that initial. Lucky me--or as I would prefer to say---BLESSED!



1921 Grosvenor Oneida Community Silver Plate Set
6 pc Place Setting sold for $ 34.25



My mom, Sylvia Gillentine and Ms. Estella Wood circa 1980


I am participating in Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. Please grab her button on my side bar and head on over to class. We are only a few weeks away from graduation!!
Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!
Au revoir,

21 comments:

Sarah said...

Jacque, what a sweet post! I'm so happy the silver set went to you. Wonderful pattern!
Sounds like your are busy. Hope the reunion is a huge success. My summer days are busy! Not much computer time of late. Hope all is well.
Thinking of you~ Sarah

Sea Witch said...

Oh dear Jacque, what a lovely story. And lucky you to now own this lovely silver set. You have the best family stories to share. Sea Witch

Unknown said...

beautiful silver...you lucky girl! have a great time at the reunion..we just left ours...boy are they fun!

Short and Sweet said...

Nice silver setting. I'm sure the wait was worth it.
Congratulations and good luck with the reunion.

Christy said...

Jacque,
I love a good story - hope to know more about Ms. Stella and your mom! How blessed you are to receive the silver silverware!
lovely post.

Pondside said...

I'm sure that Mrs Stella will be smiling to know that her silver cutlery is so well-loved!

Kat said...

What a great story. I wonder if the writer's of "Green Acres" knew about it lol. The silver is lovely, what a wonderful heirloom and keepsake. Great W post! Kathy

Betty said...

What an interesting story.

I have my great aunt's silver dresser set because her last name was Morris and mine is Martin. I guess my mom thought the same way as your mom.

Mary said...

Banned from the nursing home from sneaking food & contraband...they should have welcomed her with open arms for the morale it must have boosted! Enjoy the beautiful silver :-)

Unknown said...

I received my mother in-laws silver when I got married. We both got wonderful gifts.

Anonymous said...

The good story lines never end. Can wait to see X. I bet you think hard on that one.

Lorrie said...

This sounds like the beginning of a wonderful story. And how special for you to have that memento.

Hope you take some time to enjoy and relax in the midst of all your busy preparations.

Jenny said...

What a beautiful post, Jacque.

I suspect your family reunion is going to be an event to be always remembered. And heavens, girl, this post was wonderful!

I love the friendship and romance in your story.

Thank you for linking this week. You really help make Alphabe-Thursday an incredibly wondrous meme.

A+

mrs. c said...

I adore the fact that you have a story and history behind the silver, it makes it so much more meaningful. thank you for sharing and I hope your family reunion goes well.

Unknown said...

Wonderful story! :)

Cheryl D. said...

Beautiful story and beautiful silver! Thanks for the beautiful post.

Brenda said...

What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Jo said...

what a wonderful story! and the silverware must just be a treasure!

Viki said...

What a great story. Can't wait to hear the rest. That is lovely silverware. Great W post.

Ana said...

Hi Jacque,
Just dropping by to say hello my dear friend. Hope all is well with you. Oh and I can't believe it's that time again...Your annual Family Reunion...They sound like so much fun. Hope you and all your family have a wonderful time. Sending you tons of hugs and kisses~♥Ana

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

beautiful and practical wedding gifts..