Tuesday, February 12, 2013

"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.  :)

4 comments:

KarenInTheWoods said...

What an absolute treasure to get to be keepers of the family history. What wonderful pieces!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Karen and Steve
(Blog) RVing: This Country Is Our Big Backyard
http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com

dc said...

Beautiful pottery! And yes it goes great with your new kitchen make over. I know you will treasure it for many years and then pass it on to that cute little grand daughter you keep taking pictures of. :)

Suzanne said...

My husband is also descended from George (2G-Grandson). Do you know anything of his grandparents?

Unknown said...

Suzanne: Pop an email to my partner Don at the email address shown when you click the yellow envelope at the bottom of:

http://www.madcitydon.com

Chandler is Don's great great grandfather. His daughter Mamie (Chandler) Miller is his mother's maternal grandmother. Info on George (but only back one generation) at:

http://www.madcitydon.com/family/tree/i17.html

Don would love to hear from you.