And these are some of her things.
Anna was my great-great-grandfather's niece, or my great-grandfather's first cousin.
I have come to have a few of her things through a series of pleasant events which stemmed from researching my family history.
Anna's father, as well as my great-great-grandfather, came to this country from Pomerania, which was later part of Germany, then Poland. Anna was born in Wisconsin in 1868. She lived her entire life on the family homestead on the edge of the Horicon Marsh.
This was her sewing chair.
Sewing chairs were small rockers, usually with very low or no arms so that ladies could flex their elbows and hand sew without constraint (aside from the corsets they may have worn).I think Anna may have done some fine stitchery in this chair. Perhaps these linens.
A few years ago, I made a pillow for the sewing chair. I transferred a picture of Anna onto fabric and embroidered around it.
How about that fancy hat and fur coat?
Anna's father Herman made a living as a merchant, farmer, market hunter, and guide. Fur trapping was one of his revenue streams as well. I wouldn't be surprised if this coat was muskrat.Anna married husband Emil in 1898. They had no children. She was reportedly an excellent cook, using local ingredients that included wild game and fish. This is her hand-blown glass "vinegar jar," or cruet.
I hope you have enjoyed seeing a few of Anna's things. Thank you for stopping by, and be sure to visit Colorado Lady and the other Vintage Thingie Thursday participants for more treasures!
27 comments:
I love your thing, especially the chair. I didn't know that there was a special type of chair used for sewing.
I love your story, and now I wish I knew a little more about Anna. I have seen these chairs before, but did not know they were called sewing chairs.
I removed my last post. Too many spelling errors. Can't have that.
What I had said was the chair is cool and I love the embroidery around the photo on the pillow. I need to come by for a visit (someday) and see the other things you've managed to collect.
What a lovely collection of items and family story. I think I have a sewing chair too. Maybe I'll post it next Thursday on VTT and you can tell me if you think so. I love love love the pillow with the transfer!
As a woman without biological children, I especially appreciate you remembering your great great aunt!
Kathy
What a great post, the chair is amazing, and so is the linens....love how you included a picture with your post, that really is a nice touch. Have a great VTT!
What a lovely post. I love the chair and the beautiful picture and linens. Such a lovely story behind it too.
Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/
What a wonderful story and tribute to Anna. How nice for so many of her things to be together, too. The pillow you made is perfect for the era of the chair, as well as honoring Anna. For someone with no children, she is well-remembered.
Great post! I love when people are able to dig into their past and find things like this. Your pillow is a wonderful tribute.
Beautiful items and story!
My father's ancestors are from Pomerania, also. We might be related!
Very interesting heritage information to have. You are lucky to have learned so much about her and inherited some of her things. By the way you have cherished them and appreciated her~ I would say you're well deserved of these memories and momentos. A very fun post to read!
Such a beautiful lady! I'm sure you treasure each of these items. I scrolled on down your blog and the quilt from "What do you do now?" post is beautiful! I see nothing wrong with it. You can throw it my way if you don't want it:)
very lovely post and such precious treasures here.. I can't pick fave.. coz all are lovely! thanks for sharing.. happy VTT
Oh what a lovely post! I can imagine Anna in the chair, sewing those beautiful monograms on her linens.
Wow!! I really think your items are fantastic. I am a big Geneologist. I have inherited many photos and papers from my ancestors. Beautiful post. Thank you for visting mine and leaving a comment. Happy VT
I sure can't beat YOUR post today! Amazing linens and love that chair!!! You did a super job on the pillow creation - a lovely tribute!
What gorgeous linens!I love that you know the history.So many times...the ladies get lost in time, while their possessions are admired indefinitely.
That is a great post about a very special lady. How nice of you to tell her story here. The pillow you made is a wonderful memorial. Thanks. Peace, Stephanie
Anna is quite beautiful and her linens are lovely...and ooo,her sewing chair is wonderful. The pillow you made is beautiful,I've never seen one like that. Happy VTT..have a great weekend.
You did great piece of research. I loved reading the history and story behind all your treasures for today.
How wonderful to discover so much about your relative and that you are able to hold pieces of her life in your hands and keep them in your home. A truly special gift to treasure!
(ps- that cruet is beautiful!)
How lucky to have these family treasures!
This is so awesome. How special it is to have family treasures. I love the chair and the linens. Thanks for stopping by. Nice to meet you.
Back Porch Blessings,
Rebecca
What a treasure.
I love most vintage things, especially when I know the story that goes with the, but anything that is connected to family is even better.
When I see my Great-Grandpa's pocket watch, or use my Grandpa's hammer it almost feels like there is a little piece of me embedded in them.
These are wonderful treasures, thanks for sharing them.
You have some beautiful old items and they are such treasures because they have family history with them. It's amazing to have that kind of history to go with items. You must have spent a lot of time researching your family history to have so many details.
Love your story about Anna's sewing chair and the fancy linens. The pillow is fabulous. A most excellent post.
Post a Comment