Treasured keepsakes make for an interesting meeting
Women of Worth (WOW) members enjoyed an interesting morning at their October 20 meeting, as they learned the stories behind “old relics”, which each member had brought along to the meeting.
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – A brass pestle and mortar, which was given to one of the member’s as a gift, came all the way from Russia and a Walt Disney soap character (Thumper from Bambi) which is about 70 years old and in its original box, was given to another member when she was a little girl from her parents. “I really wanted a ‘Snow White’ soap character but loved Thumper when I got him!”
Another interesting item was a cotton reel holder which was given to one of the member’s mothers as part of her trousseau.
Taking the group way back was a Kodak Brownie camera. “We bought this when we were on holiday in Clacton-on-Sea in England about 60 years ago. Needless to say it poured with rain the entire holiday and we never used the camera,” laughed one of the member’s.
A beautiful silver cake lifter was another item of interest, and this travelled the world with its owners until it came to South Africa.
Another member showed a tiny gold bracelet she was given by her grandparents when she was a young girl.
A figurine of a lady holds special memories for another member as it was given to her by her late daughter. “I also treasure a scrapbook of many letters and cards which my children gave me over the years,” she said.
A member’s late grandmother’s prayer book from 1882 and bone handled cutlery are special keepsakes she treasures.
An antique plate which is about 100 year’s old, holds special memories. “The plate has an inscription on the back – In loving memory of Violet who died in 1919.”
A beautiful filigree brooch decorated with 21 garnets was given as a gift. “My fiancé took me for dinner to the Carlton Hotel in Johannesburg and told me he didn’t want to marry me anymore. Then he gave me the brooch!”
Last but not least, a member showed a lamp holder which her son discovered on a small island off the Bahamas many years ago. The story goes it belonged to a slave during the American Revolution in 1887.
The morning ended with a delicious tea and lots of reminiscing.
