I have my maternal grandfather's blackthorn shillelagh he brought with him from Ireland in 1904, given to me by my mother in 1988. I have my paternal grandfather's hand tools [drills, screwdriver's, wood plane, etc] given to me by my father in 1999.
There is nothing from my grandmothers. All our grandparents passed before any of us were born. I treasure these items.
G> When I started in building school, I received some of my father's
I was fortunate enough to get my g-grandmother's sewing machine table. My grandmother had it for years and 'refinished' it a couple of times. I'm in the process of having it restored now. Unfortunately I have no idea what happened to the machine head which had been electrified at some point. I know my mother had it at one point decades ago as I had sewed on it myself. After my grandmother died and we were picking up the furniture she left to me, my aunt asked if there was anything else I wanted. That's when I got the table. Her response was 'that's fine but there's no machine. If you want a sewing machine I have one you could have.' Told her I already had my own machine just wanted the table. She claimed to have no clue what happened to the machine either. She asked why I wanted that with no machine - obviously she had no clue as to the definition of 'sentimental'.
Kim in snow covered NJ
I did pick up a 15-91 a couple of months ago. Might have to do some retrofitting of the surround the fit into the opening...we'll see. The machine seems to be in pretty good shape. Haven't had much time to do more than a test run yet. Hopefully we'll get the house 'undecorated' today and then I'll have a bit more room to give it a good workout. Also recently found out that the person who found a FW for me for a mere $25, his SO is expecting. Thought I'd do a baby quilt on the FW for them. Between that, Kate's BOM, my local BOM and a few other projects, I should be sufficiently busy for a bit.
John, one thing you might think about is some of the living history/ historical re-creationist groups. Many people in those groups love having tools they can use, and are part of such organizations because that is what they like to do. I know that many people in these groups are not affluent, but love doing stuff "the old ways" and would enjoy and use your tools.
And one of the purposes of such groups is to keep the old traditions/ styles/methods alive.
Have fun, Pati, in Phx
I am friends with some folks who do that sort of thing. I used to do Civil War reenactment and I know the wealth of most of those kids. Not to much to spare, as you say. I might be able to find a home for some of these things, within that community, or the SCA which does medieval period things. I have thought about giving them a call to see about joining with them anyway, so maybe there is an outlet there. I could sew my wife's costume dresses and my own tradesman costumes, so there might even be the ability to create some furniture or period items for sale. Lots of possibilities if you think hard enough. John
It has been de-funded by the state and they have fired all of the interpreters. It used to be such an interesting place, to experience all of the bygone lifestyles, but sadly is not the same. There is are occasional somethings going on there, but no more resident re- enactors. John
What a shame. It used to be a great place to visit and take the kids. Funding seems to be doing in a lot of good stuff. Sorry to hear this.
AB
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