Uncle John's wallet

Aunt Jinx and Uncle John in 1974

In 2009 after Aunt Jinx died and we had her home to clear and sell, we found Uncle John's last wallet.  He died in 1994 but as I have mentioned before, my family were the original savers, recyclers and never tossed anything that "you just might need to use someday."  The wallet, a magnificent  tooled leather piece, was still usable, so no way would it be discarded.  What is perhaps more comical is that we merely had it shipped to MN in the drawer of the antique dresser where it resided.  Uncle John's wallet is still there today along with my Granpap Teofil's wallet and several others. that Jinx saved.  To the mix, I have added a few of my purse style wallets and check book holders that I no longer use but, well, true to my genes, "might want it someday." 

Wallets in the drawer

Surely, "maybe someone will need a wallet someday and these are all like new."  The way things are going, if  our government keeps taxing us and taking our money, maybe wallets will become the next rare collectibles, antiques.  I am almost at that point myself, regarding a wallet as an antique.  I  seldom carry cash, only a few dollars that fit neatly into a small what used to be a "coin purse" into which I can slip my driver's license and ATM/debit card.   I don"t like the purse size wallets that hold  checkbook and all the cards.  I do not carry a checkbook with me at all; who needs that when we have our debit card?  Who writes checks?  We write few now a days.  We do most of our bill paying direct on line and Jerry, still a man with cash, withdraws and spends his money while there is nothing I need that will not be bought with debit card.  When we travel I do tote that along, but it has become passe.  I don't even like to carry much of a purse and find around home less and less need to, so I have a very small shoulder sling, although I do own a wide collection of purses too.  But this is about wallets, and this one of Uncle John's.

Uncle John's last wallet

I can visualize people in  2112 sitting wherever their congregating places might be and discussing this, (if they are still talking then and not texting each other or sticking their fingers in the air and merely exchanging brain waves), "Wow, you have a wallet!  Let me see that!"  To which another would comment, "A wallet---what was that?  What did they do with such things?"  And the eldest in the group might say, "I have read that once men and women carried wallets in which they kept their money and credit cards.." "Money?"  and to all this exchange of wonder, my future descendants could say, "I got this from the estate of my great great Aunt Pat who said it belonged to her uncle who died in 1994, that makes this wallet at least 118 years old.  It is made of something they called leather and the men carried them in their pockets."   Concepts like wallets, money, and even credit cards will be ancient to them and maybe they will not even know what a pocket is.  After all if one has nothing to carry along but an implanted earbud plugged in why would clothing have pockets?  You can continue this conversation along in your imagination and perhaps I am on the breaking edge of a new short story.  But all this thought comes from Uncle John's Wallet.

Somehing else was saved in his wallet that I have been waiting for the appropriate time to share here on the blog.  This is a newspaper clipping from what was the Daily Dispatch in my old hometown of New Kensington, PA in 1951.  Neither the gentleman nor the boy were identified.  I know it was none of my family because of the ages.  Uncle John may have known  the culprits or more likely he  found this amusing.  We laughed at this and thought of several things, first that the man is referred to as "elderly."  Really?  Hey that's not that old! And that would not have been so easily resolved today--the parents would have been litigious and so it would have gone.  But here is the 1951 newspaper clipping--say, that's another thing that is going the way of the wild goose, printed newspapers.  Many of us read online and no longer subscribe to home delivery.  We are hold outs here because Jerry likes the morning paper, sparse as it is, with his morning coffee, but I confess to going online and some days never touching the paper.  Nevertheless, here is what happened in 1951 in Arnold, PA. 

And all this is brought to you today courtesy of Uncle John's wallet in the antique dresser. 

Upper right drawer hold wallets

This dresser came from England and was owned by John's grandfather, the wealthy John R Irwin.  It is stunning and one of four huge heavy pieces to that bedroom set. 

Castor condiment holder and antique looking

Last Saturday, August 21,  we spent a  very full day at the fair grounds in Rochester, MN home of the Gold Rush Antique and Flea Market.  It's about 70 miles  from where we live and is an event worth attending for anyone even slightly interested in anything antique or collectible, one of the largest in this region and one that really should be done over two or three days.  But, thinking how tough we are, we confined our adventure to  most of  Saturday; oh our aching feet at the end of a long  hard day upright on that pavement. There are simply miles of buildings full of all sorts of offerings  from all sorts of vendors and then there are miles of  booths outside, more offerings, more vendors.  And this year there were ever so many wonderful food booths that it was had to choose what to eat, though Jerry stuck with a brat and I had a pulled pork sandwich at lunchtime. That was the only time we got to sit, and briefly too. 

There  is no seating at all in the booths or buildings, so one gets a good workout walking and browsing.It is not for the person who does not walk well, although we did see some handicapped riding their scooters, they could not get into some of the buildings; that's a good thing because some aisles would not accommodate those scooters.  There were families with strollers and I felt sorry for the little ones being down there at leg height among  crowds.  And of course there were  women who dragged along their  chopping carts, an easy way to haul loot.  

All sorts of decorative outdoor metal work available from this vendor.

We parked in  a lot near many RV coaches and asked a man who was dumping his trash if he was staying there, he said, "It's the only way I'd do this."  He pointed to his motor home and said he'd been sitting there watching TV and reading the paper while his wife was off at the booths.  They were from Brainerd MN and would spend  five days there taking it all in. Well next year, we agreed,  if we go, we are taking our Motor home and making a long weekend  out of it. 

One  booth of the miles of dishes displayed

By the way, if this is not enough, the tiny village of Orinoco, about 20 miles or so north of Rochester, but with a population of  less than 400 normally, magnifies it's size more than ten fold this same weekend.  The citizens of Orinoco rent out space in their  yards and the entire town is covered with  vendors offering  something for everyone.  We did not get to Orinoco this year.  Rochester hosts this antique show three times a year, but August is the premier show with Orinoco joining in and  ever so many more vendors.  When I first heard of it as Gold Rush, I laughed because we lived in California near real gold rush country, the  49'ers and all that.  But evidently this event is rightfully named because the area fills up and people come from all over to find just what they  were looking for and maybe even something they didn't know they wanted!  It's a time to look and certainly the place to find whatever might be missing from a collection.  I think this year there were  fewer of the vendors we normally have seen, a reflection in the down market, they say.  At this event, though people were buying.  In the past I have purchased things too, including what is a piano bench but serves as a side/end table in one of the bedrooms.  It was a darn bargain a few years ago at $45. 

This is our silver castor holder

We had a couple items to look for, including  maybe something Snow White related for granddaughter in CA who is a Snow White collector and maybe condiment bottles for our inherited antique silver castor set that speaks of a wealthier lifestyle and high society. It came from the Irwin mansion, my uncle John's' grandfather and family.  I've mentioned them before, source of many antiques we proudly own.  This particular item, has held our interest and it was not until this year that we even identified it by name.  We found an excellent high quality vendor who had some magnificent full sets available at $350+ but who spent a long time talking to us about ours.  He was so helpful and promised to contact us should he ever locate condiment bottles.  If I were in the market for  anything in the way of crystal or silver, I could have found it in spades at his booth.  

Notice the ornate heads as feet  and the solid silver bell

Condiment bottle

So this week I have spent time online looking where he advised and learned more about these items.  Ours is a solid silver gorgeous piece, which Jerry is now polishing.  The Irwins used it and the bell would be rung  by  depressing the small ball shaped lever atop the circular part of the stand, to summon servants to wait on them or refill condiments that might have been running low.   It is made by Reed and Barton and likely during the late 1800's and is likely American, so the vendor said.  He said the ones from England did not come with bells,  an adaptation here by Americans of means.  Reed and Barton have been in business since 1824 and  started putting earmarks of the year on their pieces in 1928.  Ours has none so we are confident it is earlier than 1928.  The silversmith who worked on this was an ultimate craftsman, judging by the quality and intricate scroll work and the magnificent heads, used as feet.  It is about 19 inches tall and a little over 8 inches wide at the circular holder for the condiment bottles.   We were sorry we did not take it along, but it would have been heavy and too much to lug around all day.  The  vendor pulled out a book which had a big section about these and was happy to talk with us.  He warned us that there are  cheap models  turning up lately but that we would be able to spot them as we had at other booths.  We know silver plate and  cheaper tinplate are no comparison  to solid silver.  It is interesting that he advised bottles are being duplicated but he  knew of no source.  This week I found some on ebay; one seller from Indiana  readily admitted the bottles were new. Another ebay seller out of FL  has a cheaper plated set but with  five bottles which we need; I am considering bidding on the bottles but they are of a different pattern than this  frond leaf scroll  on ours that matches the silver etching.  We have only one bottle with a crystal stopper, but the lid of the bottle is chipped, photo above.  The other bottles are tightly wrapped in plastic, don't know by whom and we hesitate to unwrap them because they look like they are shattered.  Then again, this gives us an excuse to  continue to search antique shows and markets and we are in no hurry.    

Prints like these are selling for excess of $50 and there were many available.  We have one of these.  It's always interesting to see prices on items we have.  But then again they are only worth that if someone pays for them.  One vendor had aluminum stirrers such as I have thrown out in PA; she wanted $60 for a box of  six!  I really gasped to see that!  You just never know!

This vendor had furniture and prints

Snow White dolls  by Krueger of New York  1930's

  

Vendor in photo with doll

As to Snow White, there were a few interesting items, but we opted to not purchase.  I considered a gorgeous huge cookie jar, but because grand daughter is only going on 20 and not out of college, who knows what could happen to it.  We found a 33 1/3 record album with a great illustration of Snow White and a story book included,  for only $10, but then, Jerry figured, what would she do with it.  And since  our DIL her mother,  is  a minimalist and not a saver of items,  I would hesitate to send it and have it tossed.  One  lady had  the most interesting set of dolls that I have ever seen though and she allowed me to take a photo, here  from her own collection, made by Krueger in New York in the  1930's, they are worn, but magnificent...The entire set was $2650 and we were not going to spend that for Granddaughter either.  Notice the photo of the little girl with pipe  curls; that was the vendor as a little girl. Such a treasure for someone who would appreciate it! So very cute!  She shared that she is selling off lots of her collections because, (this is a song I can sing) her children are not interested, do not appreciate the items and so she is selling now so she can get the money and use it as she chooses rather than leaving the planet and  allowing family to discard or sell off cheaply.  I have thought this same thing myself and have had this same conversation with others, who say sell it, and spend your money.  But right now, I am enjoying  our possessions too much to part with them.   

We did acquire a Snow White glass which I have put away to be sent to CA another time, maybe around Christmas.  I had  just completed and sent off to her  a Kinkade print of a Snow white throw and just last week finished a pillow to match the Snow White quilt I made  for her over a year ago now.  We also acquired a couple Olympia Beer glasses for Jerry's  bar, here at home.  That was the brand Jerry consumed forever in CA and is no longer made. 

 And the  piece de resistance was his purchase for all of $3 of an Air Force hat that fit him. He pondered this the entire time and finally at the end  when we were leaving decided that for $3 how could he go wrong.   It has no insignia, however, but he is searching for his and or will look at other venues to purchase it.  There were other military memorabilia booths, but at very high prices.  

Jerry with his naked Air Force Hat

Defying omens in spite of myself.

I have recognized for a long time that I do should not ignore the providentially predictive omens from “my people” and their direction to me. But today was one of those days when I defied that which I know.

The sun shined off and on making today less winter like than other days. I did not need my heavy coat and could wear only my faux fur vest over a sweat shirt, more than adequate for running in and out of car to places inside. First venture this morning was to the local Farmer’s Market at the community center room, advertised to chase the blahs. I was not expecting farm fresh produce at this time of year, but just wanted to assuage my curiosity. Who knows what would be for sale. Jerry declined to accompany me saying it might be just a flea market or produce from Chile or Mexico. I am pleased to report that was not so, our local farmers do not have the CA crassness; they only sell what they grow.

The offerings were sparse, as expected but included jewelelry, cards, buffalo jerky, honey, canned goods, lots of baked items and apples. I visited with several acquaintances, visited with Esther, a local grower and purchased some wonderful morning glorious muffins which saved me from spending some time baking. I also purchased pints of homemade (and home grown) pickled beets and sauerkraut. I love pickled beets but being the sole consumer of these in this household, there is no need for me to attempt them. The venue was as limited as expected, but worth the diversion.

Yesterday’s missed mall visit beckons me. This was a big mistake. I have no need to shop on weekends and certainly not to visit the mall. I know better, but there I went. It took me a long time to find a parking space, up and down the aisles I drove becoming more and more determined to get into Herberger’s. Once parked and inside I barely browsed the 70% off racks, same junk that has been hanging around the racks all season. I didn’t like, want need it at full or reoccurring sale price and even at 70% off another sale price it was not appealing. Finally I made my way to the Clinique counter the original object of my intention. The PA system had been avidly enticing shoppers to visit the Clinique counter for a free gift with purchase.  Is that a misnomer or what, free after spending $25! I believe it must be extra incentive commission on sales day because I have never seen so many so eager to wait on so few…although the parking lots were full, evidently everyone is browsing, mall walking, in the food court  or who knows where. They are not at this counter which I consider a good thing. After I am approached for the third time by an eager sales girl, I surrender my effort to circle and see the products. I succumb and tell her I want the black honey lipstick and something else that will qualify me for the gift. I do not know what that something else is for sure. I had inventoried my cosmetics and creams, etc. that I occasionally use and found my supplies adequate. Maybe a small bottle of Happy cologne; it smells good and who doesn’t want to spray self with Happy. My overly solicitous salesclerk says in her saddest dramatic voice “Oh No! I am so so so so very very sorry. I just sold the very last tube of Black Honey! We had 25 tubes and they are all gone…” I am truly amazed and respond, “The last tube in existence? Really there will be no more? Ever?” To which she now pouts, “Well I really could not say, but let me show you…” But I beat her at it, “no thanks, that is all I really wanted I can wait or do without, not critical at all,,, Thank you for saving me $$.” I am now free to walk back out to the car and depart, having spent not a cent. This is a good thing, but I feel foolish for wasting an hour and effort at driving to the mall to be amidst a crowd, a task that amuses me not at all.

Made by my grandmother sometime in the  1930's

Sewing by Great Aunt Francie Mroz

The next time I have the urge to do so I will remember today’s experience. Here in retirement mode, I tend to forget lessons or think things will be different? I don’t know but I do know I can amuse myself readily in my own house for free. So I return home and begin to sort out more paperwork that I brought from PA. After spending an hour at that I migrate to rearrange two drawers with my treasures of handmade doilies, and dresser scarves from my aunt, my grandma and my great aunt. This is a productive effort that produces a great feeling of accomplishment. Besides I enjoy the memories and really appreciate the intricate handwork. These were all made with love long ago.   I recognize I am truly blessed to have these things. And I don't have to shop for them.