"Family Heirlooms......"

Don received a large package from his sister Heather yesterday.  She has recently retired and is "downsizing" in preparation for a move.  She was the "keeper" of some heirloom pottery, made by their Great Great Grandfather, George W. Chandler.  He owned and operated the Moingona Pottery Works, in Moingona, Iowa, with his partner, Sylvester H. Deering, in 1875- 1877.  The "keepership" has now willingly become Don's.   ;)

The photograph below shows 4 generations of Don's mother's family.  George Chandler, on the left, his daughter, Mamie (Chandler) Miller, holding either her granddaughter Mary Eloise or Evelyn, and her daughter (Don's Grandmother), Eloise (Miller) Anderson.  Don's aunt's were born in 1916 and 1917, and Great Great Grandfather George Chandler passed away in 1918, so the baby in the photo could have been either girl.  This photo was taken on the steps of Mamie's home in Des Moines, Iowa.

The package contained 2 large pieces of pottery, a handsome, sturdy pitcher, and an angel food cake pan.  There was also a handwritten note (although at this time Don hasn't yet found out who wrote it) about the pitcher being used for milk from Mamie's cows.  :)

Heather also sent 3 small pieces of pottery, too, but unfortunately, 2 of them had broken handles.  "Small" being the key word here.  ;)  In my opinion, and my opinion only, I think they may have been made for someone's dollhouse.

They look really good in our updated kitchen.  :)