While dusting and rearranging this morning, I came upon this venerable old book. This is a family book that has traveled our family path from Pennsylvania...to Virginia...and then to Florida.
A slice of my family history is contained within its pages.
Noted citizens of this northwestern Pennsylvania county are recorded in this volume, along with a sketch of their life and a bit of their family history. Some of the entries include a photo of the subject.
And...right there on page five hundred and thirty seven is my paternal great grandfather.
It is a small thumbnail sketch of the his journey from Germany as a young child and a summary of his work in the mines of Pennsylvania. It begins with information about his father...my great great grandfather...
...and ends with a mention of my grandfather and his siblings. Three generations right there for me to read about...and remember.
I remember looking at this book with my father as a child. I am so grateful that I came from a family that saved pieces of their heritage. Pieces that could have easily been tossed out and lost.
I still have newspaper clippings that paid tribute to my great grandfather after his death. The language is quaint and paints a picture of a long ago genteel time.
Thumbing through this old leather book was a fun diversion from mundane Monday chores.
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I'm burning a candle today for my friend, Carole Holt. Carole passed away on Friday. The little red shoes in the photo were the first of many things I purchased from Carole's Country Store.
Rest in Peace, dear Carole.
Enjoy the day,
Robyn
Background Hicks style painting by Carole O'Neill
What a wonderful family treasure to have in your possession, Robyn!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for the loss of your close friend...I know she will be greatly missed.
Hugs, Linda
Both sets of my grandparents came to America shortly before beginning their families. My parents never spoke to or met aunts, uncles, grandparents or cousins. What a special piece of your history in that book. So sorry about your friend.
ReplyDeleteHi Robyn, wonderful family treasures in your keep........So sorry to hear about our friend, Hugs Francine.
ReplyDeleteThe book is beautiful! So sorry for your loss!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is so cool about the book! Wonderful to have that treasure to look at and love. How sad about Carole! I didn't hear -- I love to look at Carole's Country Store! Oh, I'm saddened. What a loss.
ReplyDeleteHow fortunate you are to be the keeper of that great family heirloom treasure full of family history. Not too many families can be so lucky. Knowing your roots is important.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences on the loss of your good friend Carole. Those little red shoes will become even more precious. May she rest in peace.
Hugs, JB
How lovely to have that book and to know your family history.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for the loss of your friend.
Morning Friend
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your friends loss.
What a sweet thing to do.
Love your treasure too.
And ya know I love red.
Woolie Blessings
Hi Robyn~
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure you own!!! What am amazing thing to actually SEE those names recorded!!! Precious indeed!!
I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Carole....I have so loved visiting her store via the internet and also corresponding with her too about several things, and will miss her blog as well! I know many feel the same!! May her family find strength to go through this difficult time!! I so appreciate your posting this as well!!
Heart Hugs to you~~
Julie
Robyn,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about the passing of your friend as well. I will be praying for her family. Such dear little shoes to remember your friendship!
I loved seeing your family history! It is so wonderful that your family values that! My husbands family does too. They are from Franklin County, Pa. I love to hear the history! I wish my family had kept more keepsakes of our history.
Hugs and Love,
Heather