A quick post today. We just finished bringing things in the house. Don arrived home around 9:00 last night and we left unpacking until this morning.
Here is the loveseat. As you can see, it’s very Victorian, perhaps Eastlake. Back in the day, I wonder if it was mainly for posing for pictures, the man sitting in front of the high back and the woman in front of the low back. I know I have some photos somewhere of my great-grandmother next to this piece when it lived in the family farmhouse in Canada. When I was a little kid, this was always in an upstairs hallway in my grandmother’s house. I was fascinated by it because of its story and also, it was perfect for a kid to sit on. That’s why I inherited it, I guess. I’ve managed to get by without it for over 30 years, but you can see why I hesitated about donating it. There’s real family history here.
Some of the carving.
And here’s a picture of the trunk:
It’s a deep red and, save for one broken handle, it’s in great condition. I can’t remember when I acquired it, but I do know that it was the first antique I purchased. I’m thinking I found it in Ann Arbor at an annual antique market in the late seventies.
We have to figure out where to put these things – as well as the Havilland China, which I haven’t even looked at yet. There’s another box full of photos and who-knows-what, as well.
Don seems to think we should show off the loveseat downstairs, but the only available space would be next to the armoire, which means the antique dollhouse would go on top of the china cabinet in the den.
I’m still under the weather, so I’ll deal with that later.
I’m glad he’s home safely.
Happy Sunday.
Wow, you have lots to go through and think about! Is the loveseat comfortable? Honestly, it doesn’t look comfortable! Is there anything in the trunk? Will the trunk fit under a table? Maybe the china can go in there. Anyway, feel better soon before you delve into everything.
I read further about getting a big bin from the garbage company. A resident can ask for one every 12 months for discards that don’t fit into the regular garbage bin. However, I found out that they just dump everything into the landfill, so I’m renewing my efforts to find appropriate recycling places. I’ve tried before but I’ll try again. And I fixed a broken cabinet and found room for it so it won’t go into the landfill. Sometimes being sustainable is so difficult…
Beautiful pieces! Now go back to bed and eat oatmeal and soup.
Wow! Those are both amazing pieces! I’m sure, once you’re well, you’ll figure out where they will fit. Have fun! Get better!!
Such a gorgeous loveseat, but yes, probably hard to find a home for and I’d hate to see the dollhouse move! But that trunk is what captures my eye and heart. Love the rounded top but oh, if only it were flat you’d have an end or coffee table!
IM so sorry you’ve been under the weather. Feel better fast! All of your photos show amazing treasures! I LOVE the carpeting the chest is on !
Can’t wait to see that Haviland china! I worked for years, part-time, as a bridal registry consultant in our area’s oldest department store chain [now gone, sadly] & because of that, now possess what my family calls a “freakish” knowledge of china, crystal & silver. LOL. They could be right too. Even after 25 years, I still see patterns I remembering working with back then. Twas a very fun PT job. We didn’t carry Haviland though – I wonder if it’s still being made? Have fun unpacking your treasures, when you feel up to it of course. And feel better immediately! Peace.
#Resist
#ProtectMueller
Eastlake for sure; I’m looking forward to seeing what you do with it. The trunk is super.
Beautiful pieces, Claudia. I have my grandmother’s Haviland china. I use it occasionally when my dad and aunt come for dinner. It often gets them reminiscing about childhood dinners and memories.
oh, what pretty pieces! i am happy for you to have them back, that don could and did make the trip, is safely back home and cheering you on to find places for these parts of your history! their colors and styles look great with your rug and home, like they are in great condition and meant to be home with you. i know (in part for living in a smidge over 500 square feet) that sometimes it’s hard finding a place for things, but i bet you will be able to do that … and then you can relax and smile whenever you see them. :) when you feel better … that’s the main thing!
will you watch the super bowl? football really isn’t one of my things unless i am with family (some are fans, some aren’t) and since that won’t happen tonight, i will be painting or maybe reading. hope you have a happy sunday and keep healing!
kathy in iowa
Claudia Im sending healing vibes your way!! The trunk is GORGEOUS!! If you ever decide, you know……I have a SPOT for it.
Oh my…that seat and trunk are gorgeous!! I hope you can find room for both of them. As far as the china, since you don’t have room to store it (I don’t think)…if you’re not going to use it, you could ask about selling it at one of your favorite local antique shops. I’ve sold some of my grandma’s things as well as my own, to my favorite antique shop that I go to in Evanston, IL. They have an entire room full of china such as yours (Haviland), crystal, etc.
Sorry you’re still sick…hope you’re getting lots of rest and pushing the water and/or herbal tea.
Those are indeed lovelies to treasure. Do you know the approximate age of the chest? It will be interesting to see how you rearrange the cottage…after, you get well that is. Feel better! ;)
I visited the Haviland factory in France when I lived in Poitiers because my dad was in the army. It was the 3rd or 4th grade field trip. We each got a little keepsake. Mine was a little rabbit salt shaker. I had it until a few years ago when it got broken in one of our many moves, when my husband was in the Air Force.
Oh my goodness … these pieces are absolutely beautiful!! I can’t wait to see where you put them, and to see the china. Feel better soon, Claudia, and in the meantime start imagining where to fit in these gorgeous pieces!
Those pieces are fascinating. Feel better.
Marilyn
Your little trunk is wonderful! Congratulations for holding onto your treasures, enjoy. Hope you feel better soon.
Very nice & useful trunk!
Really amazing treasures. I hope you are finally starting to feel better. I know in your small house these items may have a hard time finding a home. Sending big healing hugs.
Claudia – that is a gorgeous piece. I would definitely put it some place to show it off. Hope you are feeling better.
Love,
Judy
I had an antique trunk with a round top for years and other than store stuff, it wasn’t that useful because it could not be used as a table – space was a premium. So eventually I sold it. I have my great grandmothers Haviland china also, and am anxious to see your pattern.
We went to see The Engagement Party Saturday night and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. So many twists and turns that took us by surprise. The set I thought was fabulous – so creative. I’m wondering which actor you worked with. They had an insert to the playbill with your name on it as vocal coach. Feel better!
I worked with Zack – the guy who played the lead. He was Hamlet a few years back at Hartford Stage. Also – his buddy, played by Brian Huynh – was a student of mine in San Diego.
Beautiful antiques Claudia!
Thank you.