Monday, February 4, 2008

Old things appreciated

I have no interior-decorating gene in my body.  It's a rare occurance for me to go out and buy something to hang on my walls; most such things are, to me, simply something to gather dust.

The few such things I have kept around at this point, I can honestly say, are items for which I have developed a great attachment.   I'd even venture to say I love them.

And they're items nobody else will likely want when I'm gone.



The library table is my favorite, partly because it's been part of my life forever.  I'm sure I must have cut my teeth on the legs of the thing.  My grandfather made it for my mom before she married (in 1932).  I can actually remember using that bottom shelf like a desk, sitting on the floor and sticking my legs straight out in front of me.  It's like part of me, I'm so familiar with it.

It's made of walnut, and it used to be varnished.  The varnish turned dark, and years ago I decided to remove it and just let the beauty of walnut show.  While I do love the natural color, I should have left it alone, because the varnish protected the surface.  I'm thinking of having someone re-finish it.

It takes up far too much room in my tiny living room, space where I could have a chair or two for when company comes.  But I just can't relegate it to the junk room upstairs.



At some point before I ever met Cliff, his mom worked at Sexton, the place where they made these plaques (is that what you'd call it, a plaque?).  There was supposedly a flaw in this one, so she got it at a bargain price and gave it to Cliff for his birthday.  Several years ago I got tired of looking at it, and relegated it to the junk room.  Then one day, rummaging around for something else, I saw this thing and decided to put it back in a place of honor. 
  I notice if you go to Ebay and type in the word "Sexton", you'll come up with many cast aluminum items, most from the '60's and '70's.

When Cliff and I got married, I had no idea we'd ever have horses; so it's rather prophetic in a way, isn't it?

Just one funny note about the horse plaque:  Cliff's parents didn't let us have it when we were first married.  Two of  his siblings had already had disastrous marriage experiences followed by divorce, and my inlaws just assumed our marriage would follow the same path.  I think we'd been married a year or so when my father-in-law finally decided perhaps there was a chance we'd stay together, and we were allowed to have the treasure.  It isn't really worth much, money-wise; go to Ebay and type in Sexton.  That company must have turned out millions of decorative items.



The shadow-box:  The only furniture Cliff and I had when we first got married was the meager assortment of cheap stuff I'd had in my apartment, plus whatever my mom came up with in her house that she could part with.  This thing was hanging on her wall... she called the style "syroco"... and she asked if I'd like to have it.  So it's been around for some forty years.  I used to think I hated it, but I'm quite attached to it now.

Hey, look HERE!  There's one like it on Ebay.  Cliff painted ours gold, but it used to be that same color.  Dang, maybe this particular piece of junk is worth something after all.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I too have no decorating flair.  I have pictures but they aren't hung.  I bought a bunch of botanical prints last year in a antique store but they are still sitting in a box somewhere.  Linda

Anonymous said...

You do have some wonderful treasures in your home.  My house is like yours...lots of old treasure, most of them only valuable to me.  Every now and then I get the urge to get rid of it all and start over, but you know they just don't make things as well as they used to and I guess I'll be keeping them.  'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

OH wow I love that library table!  I bet it's even more beautiful in person. Loved the other pieces too.  

Anonymous said...

Isn't it ironic that at one time when we said something has been around for 40 years,  OMG, that was more than a we could even imagine.  but now 40 years is kind of like a flash in time.  Marlene
                 http://Journals.aol.com/domsmom27/one-day-at-a-tim4e

Anonymous said...

I have a shadow box like that one, I  think mine is over 40 years old but maybe not. Seems like I have always had it. mine is a light beige with gold trim. Never thought my new things would turn into antiques but they are getting there aren't they.
Sandra

Anonymous said...

We all have the interior-decorating gene -- you just need lots of money to turn it on.( quote from a grandmother).  I have my grandmothers marble top card table that the boarders played cards on - everytime I touch it , I can see everyone in the parlor. ----- Connie

Anonymous said...

You've got some very nice things. I especially like that table. I would never get rid of that.
Pam

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed this post.  I have several pieces of furniture and what-not that are very special to me, but that no one else would probably want -- except my daughter.  I like your table.  I love furniture like that.  And the fact that your grandfather actually made it makes it even more special.  
Lori

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed this entry.  I love antiques!  I love that library table, & to think you use to use the bottom shelf when you were a child.  COOL!

Hollie

Anonymous said...

I love your shadow box. I collect lady head vases. Remember those?  They would look mighty good in a shadow box.   Anne

Anonymous said...

I love the library table-it has a great shape to it, plus the fact that it has so many memories for you!  I have a few items like that around.

Anonymous said...

All very lovely pieces to keep for years to come!!  I love shadow boxes, horses and elegant older tables with character and charm.  Hugs,
Lisa