You already know I’ve been slowly collecting the poems of Edgar Guest, who was my dad’s godfather. He was a very popular poet, known as the People’s Poet, was a reporter for the Detroit Free Press, had a long-running radio show and was, from everything I hear about him, a great guy.
I wrote about him recently when I found another volume of his poems. The other day, a package arrived in the mail from my cousin Eileen. Eileen’s mother was my Aunt Lettie, my dad’s sister. Aunt Lettie was my favorite aunt (my vintage dress form, Letitia, is named after her) and was the member of my dad’s immediate family who kept all the family records and memorabilia. She knew all the stories. Thank goodness she did. When Aunt Lettie died, Eileen inherited a lot of that memorabilia.
Back to the package. I opened it up and inside was a note from Eileen saying that my posts about Edgar Guest reminded her of something that was in Grandma Hill’s things. She wanted me to have it.
It’s a booklet. Let me show it to you.
It’s about 8 x 10 inches. As far as Eileen and my cousin Mike can remember, the Pelletiers were friends of my grandparents. I asked my dad and he concurs, but as the youngest kid in a family of six kids, he doesn’t remember much more than that. It sounds like the Pelletiers, the Guests and the Hills were all friends.
I don’t know whether this sweet booklet was sent out as a Christmas greeting or for some other reason, but let’s look inside:
Each page has a photo of the Pelletier’s home in the country, which was clearly a place that Edgar Guest loved to visit. We’re not sure where it was, and my dad reminds me that what was considered the ‘country’ in those days could have been on the outskirts of Detroit.
The little booklet is full of poems that Guest wrote about the Pelletiers. (Pronounced, according the rhymes in the poems – PEL a TEARS. Or maybe PEL TEARS?) I’ve done a bit of research and some of these poems were published. All of them may have been published, I just haven’t got that far.
It’s full of photos of their house, their horses…
Their prize cow, which Mr. Pelletier purchased for a rather exorbitant sum.
Their rather elegant dogs.
The living room of their home, which reminds me an awful lot of the living room in the Craftsman-style house we rented in San Diego. The photo caption on this one is “Caught Napping.” There’s another photo with a Mission-style rocker, so we’re talking early 1900’s (maybe 1910-20 at the latest?) which is also evident by the hair styles of the women and their dresses. I’ll have to take a picture of that photo and share it with you at a later date.
I’m still researching the Pelletiers. Their names come up as residents of Detroit and certainly in Guest’s poem titles. Interestingly, the announcer for Guest’s radio show was Vincent Pelletier, a well-known announcer in the days of radio. Whether he was some sort of relation to these Pelletiers, I don’t know.
Isn’t this amazing?
Imagine how flattered the Pelletiers must have been to have their pal, Edgar Guest, write poems about them!
I don’t know how many of these booklets the Pelletiers sent out, but I can’t imagine there are many of them around. One library has a copy of it in their archives, but that’s the only mention of the actual booklet I’ve found.
I am so thrilled to have this in my Edgar Guest collection. Thank you, Eileen.
My dad’s parents both died before I was born, so the only way I ‘know’ them is through the stories of my dad and aunt. I have a lot of things that were my maternal grandmother’s, but nothing from the Hill side of the family. That is, until last year, when Eileen sent me this:
A tiny little china dog, marked Germany, that was my Grandma Hill’s. She was of German descent. When I opened that package (not long after my mother’s death) and read Eileen’s note, I started crying. Funny how that happens. It meant more to me than I had ever realized it would to have something from the grandmother I never knew. I don’t know how old this little guy is, but Eileen tells me he sat on their hutch for as long as she can remember.
Neither Eileen or I knew Grandma Hill. Neither did my sisters. I’m not sure about my brother; if he knew her at all, he was just a baby. So this little guy means a great deal and I was so touched that Eileen shared him with me.
New post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page.
Happy Monday.
How absolutely incredible to receive that book. So glad it survived all this time to wind up right where it needs to be. And the little china dog is so very sweet. It’s lovely to have such mementos to remind us of those who came before us. Blessings, Tammy
It sure is, Tammy. Thank you so much!
Claudia, I love the pictures. Definitely very special. Doris
Thank you, Doris.
What lovely bits of connection to your roots!
Indeed! What a surprise it was!
Oh lucky you Claudia! What a fabulous gift and one that I know you will treasure always. I’m going to have to look up E. Guest…perhaps some of his poems are in one of the many volumes of poetry I have from my parents home (3 of which are on the bottom shelf of my nightstand which I forgot to mention on your other blog – lol).
They were down-to-earth and rather folksy, which is, I suppose, why he was considered The People’s Poet.
Found two of his poems in one of my books! “Home” is one of them and seemed very familiar when I read it. Tonight I think it will be poetry reading before turning out the light.
Awww, that is so special to finally have something that belonged to your grandmother. I can understand why it made you emotional. I hope you’re able to find more information on the grandparents you never knew. You would be amazed to find out how much you can learn from those online ancestry websites. I’ve learned mountains myself and I’ve only done partial work, starting on my paternal grandfather’s side. My mother never had any grandparents either. HER mom lost her parents before she was 10 and spent the rest of her “childhood” – if you could call it that – with a not-very-nice aunt who virtually made my Grandma an indentured servant. Grandma had a younger sister and brother and my mom once told me that Grandma literally begged to be allowed to go to high school but her aunt said no, you have to care for your siblings, the house etc [ this was back in the 19-teens]. I can remember one day Grandma telling me how lucky I was to be going to college. She said “no one can ever take it away from you…” which I found very touching. So anyway, good luck with your research. And enjoy your day!
Goodness! We take education for granted, at least we did when it was affordable, and it’s shocking to remember that many were not allowed to even finish high school. We have much to be thankful for.
What a wonderful and unique memento, how fitting that you should have it to treasure x
I’m thrilled that it’s now in my collection, Penny.
Pelletier is a very familiar name to me..Who knows why??
I’ve heard it before, too.
..I think there are some in New England somewhere..I googled it and there was a recent child abuse case that got a lot of press..That was their name..
Maybe some Pelletiers in Maine? Rings a bell. But they’re not THESE Pelletiers!
A wonderful addition to your library! Great photos!
hugs,
Linda
Thank you, Linda. I’m so happy to have another Edgar Guest piece.
What a treasure you have there…and kudos to your cousin for sending it to you! I can understand why you’d be emotional…it’s about making a connection. I never knew my mother’s mother…she died a few months before I was born. But I treasure a bracelet that I have of hers. It was given to her by her husband (my grandfather) on their wedding day…I wore it when I got married. It’s the only way I have of making a connection with her. I’ll be interested to hear more about the book! ;)
Yes, it’s a connection. I can hold that little dog and know that my grandmother held it, my aunt held it and my dear cousin held it. Very, very powerful.
Amazing! Simply amazing! Good karma on you and on Eileen – what a meaningful gift.
Yes. I am amazed and awed by the booklet and the dog.
I think the name may be originally from French descent, it is a familiar name seen often in Quebec, Canada.
The book is a lovely tribute to their family and quite a Genealogical find.
You might try Ancestry.com which is a well respected family search site.
Happy hunting!
By the way, the china dog is very similar to artifacts left to me by my Grandmother who was born in 1892 and died in 1965. They carry great sentimental value. I would love to share a photo of the teapot I was left, it’s wonderful and makes me happy to look at it everyday!
Thanks, Louise! I’ve been on Ancestry.com for our family, but don’t necessarily want to pay the money to sign up again!
What a great addition to the library in the den!
I think the name “Pelletier” relates to the French word “pel” for pelt/hide.
The name “Pelletier” is very common where I live, but quite a number of the people in our town happen to be descendants of French fur traders!
Wonder if these Pelletiers are also descendants of French fur traders? Hmmmm.
As I read your post I was reminded of an Edgar A. Guest book of poetry that I bought several years ago at our library used book sale. I pulled it off the shelf and looked for the topics in your little book. Surprise!
I found 2 of the subjects in my book.” Autumn at the Orchard” and” At Pelletier’s.” What a find. I love the easy flow of the poetry. The copyright is 1934 with a foreword by Edgar A. Guest saying that he is grateful to the publisher for deciding to make this single volume collection of my verse and even more grateful to many friends who have urged that it be done.
Published by The Reilly and Lee Co., Chicago
Love that you found them in your book, Carol. I’m sure he wrote them years before 1934, you can tell by those photos, but to know that they were published is a lovely. I should check my books! Do you believe it? I haven’t checked them yet.
I forgot to mention the title of my book. It is “Collected Verse of Edgar A. Guest.” It may be available on Amazon’s used book titles. I have ordered many books from their used books. I love that I can get older books that way.
Thanks, Carol!
Glad you enjoy the book. When I was going through my mom’s stuff I found it and thought it was pretty cool so I’m glad I found a good home for it. Wish we knew the story behind it.
Eileen
I sure to, too, Eileen. I can only guess, but the only thing we really know is that they were all friends. I’ll try to do some more detective work! Love you.
Thank you, Eileen, for sending these treasures to Claudia for her to share with her readers!
Claudia– what a wonderful gift to be treasured on so many levels! American history– a poet so close to your family.
It s exciting!
We love watching the Antique Road Show and when our kids were young we’d gather around on Monday nights and guess the appraisal value — our version of the Price Is Right.! Found items were easy– family treasures with provenance and sentiment — those things are priceless. I always over shot my bid! The little dog is cute and also a nice gift to hand down to such a dog lover!
Your cousin Eileen knows what you like! A true treasure!
We love Antique Road Show, too! We always guess the price and I usually underestimate the price. My cousin Eileen is pretty wonderful.
How fantastic to have something so special to your family! And by such a famous person. Truly a family heirloom.
Judy
It sure is, Judy. I’m so honored to have it here at the cottage. It was so thoughtful of Eileen to send it on to me.
How wonderful to be the benefactor of memorabilia that is so meaningful!
I’ll have to take it down to Florida the next time I visit my dad and sister. He’d get a kick out of seeing it.
That really is an amazing book, Claudia…and the little dog is perfect for you, a real treasure!
Both are real treasures, Linda!
Claudia, That is a fabulous gift. from your cousin. I am so glad you have it and know of that family being friends with your parents. Love the little dog. I never knew any of my grandparents. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
I’m sorry you never had the chance to know your grandparents, Susie. That’s a tough one. xo
My paternal grandmother died when my father was just a little boy of 9. I have her white iron bed. It is so special to me. My dear aunt tracked it down and found it in terrible condition in an old barn. My dear husband cleaned and fixed it up for me. He even widened the frame so it would accommodate a modern day mattress and box springs. It is in our guest room and one of my prize possessions. I know how much the little dog means to you. To be able to touch something that belonged to a grandmother who never knew you and know how much she would have loved you is indeed special. What a thoughtful cousin.
Having that bed is priceless, Dottie. I’m so glad you have it as a touchstone.
What a fabulous link with someone so special. Had not looked at Edgar Guest’s poetry or life story in depth before, although I had heard of him. Can understand now why he was so popular. And so nice to have that little dog from your grandmother. Connection with family can transcend everything, even time and space.
Perfectly put, Ruta.
What an amazing book, I know you will treasure it Claudia – the sweet tiny doggie too!
Mary –
I will indeed, Mary!
I consider treasures like these the very best kind of treasures. You absolutely can’t purchase the sentimental things that once belonged to a family member. A beautiful post Claudia.
They are priceless treasures, Debbie. Thank you.
That booklet is amazing – really worth having in your collection. The little china dog is just lovely to keep. My great aunt gave me an ornament one day, many years ago, telling me it would remind me of her when she was dead. It’s nothing special as an ornament – she never had much in the way of material possessions – but I still have it displayed after all these years.
Of course you have, Gillian. Because it reminds you of your dear great aunt and that’s the best kind of treasure!
Once again, I am amazed. How wonderful that must have been for your family. Does it ever cross your mind how all the little things make up this big world we live in? The poems, the letters from a long, lost relative. A piece of pottery, a gorgeous dress from the past. It is amazing how all the little things become parts of peoples lives. This is just another one of your adventures that you need to put in a book. I don’t know if you pay any attention to Dr. Who. I, actually, love the program for a lot of reasons, mostly because of the things that make you stop and think. I remember a quote that is YOU. I thought of it immediately when I read this post. So, I leave you with it.
“…we’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh? Because it was, you know, It was the best.”
Hugs to you and Don. Pats to the Dame.
Oh that quote is simply wonderful, Debbie! Thank you so much for sharing it with me. I know how lucky I am, and these little treasures, these amazing gifts, all of them are part of an everyday life that I never take for granted. xo
Wow, how sweet of Eileen.
Mere
I know. She’s such a thoughtful person.
It runs in the family!
Hi Claudia! When I first found your blog I shared our common ground of being Detroiters and our mutual Canadian ancestry. I just found 5 Edgar A. Guest books that were my grandparents. I am blessed to have many treasures from family on both sides. I love having those reminders of family now long gone. I cannot find another blog whose situation so matches my own (–and maybe that’s a good thing or I’d be on the computer even more!!) Love the little puppy, one of those extra special treasures! : )
Love that your grandparents had Edgar Guest books, Betsy! I think everyone loved him, but certainly Detroiters had a special bond with him.
That little puppy is so dear to me now. He has a place of honor in the china cabinet!