Thursday, June 17, 2010

All In The Family.

Oh readers, what a SHOCK I got yesterday at the beauty shop!
I had just settle Grandma down into the blower chair when in the doorway appears my other grand ma 'Mimi' (My moms mom)  "Hey Sweet pea" she says "Iv got some things I'd like you to have"  and even now as I'm writing this I'm still in shock!
What you see before you is the "Coker Family Silver"  My grandmother gave it to me for my birthday because she knew I could appreciate it and use it. She even did a little research on it and this set is called "Eternally Yours" from 1941 and today is worth about $900!!!!! My Great Great Grandmother Lela Connell Avery Coker Blake  purchased this silver set with "Safety Points" my Great Great grandfather earned while working for Yellow Transit Freight Lines. (Safety points were along the same basis as Green Stamps) In side the box is a dinner set of 8 everything.
This is a hand written note by Lela Coker for the silver..

"Nation Wide Silver Exchange
2217 North Weber St
Colorodo Springs Colo.
Eternally Yours.
1847. Rodgers"

This is where the silver set was purchased and the note has stayed inside the box ever since.  I was beside myself that she was making such and heirloom a birthday present to a 20 yr old! I couldn't say Thank you enough!   But That was not all Mimi wished to give away.
This crystal ice bucket and tongs also belonged to Great Great Grandma Coker. She used it a lot for cocktail parties. Speaking of cocktail parties...
Look at this Shaker! 
So pretty sure for the next year I will be collecting Nautical themed bar ware for my 21st birthday next June!
These 6 Cherry glasses were also her's I think the  pattern on them really suit the Casablanca... sort of squiggles and loops. Also bestowed upon me were these 2 sets of salt shakers these with the red lids were my Great Grandma Avery's (she died in 1999)

There's also a set with black lids, with the tray in the shape of a shamrock that were Great Great grandmother Cokers. I will try and get some close ups of the silver pattern and the other set of salt and pepper shakers tomorrow.   I cannot thank my grandmother enough, and I imagine that this $900 set of silverware (or since its so expensive is the term 'cutlery' now? ) will be used on the table during Thanksmass at the Casablanca in November.

Only 2 days until As Time Goes By, Chris and Nick sadly wont be able to join us. BUT Micheal from Cul-de-sac shack and Debra from Zootsuitmama will be representing the State of Missouri!  Cant wait to finally meet you guys and gals!

-Mick-

14 comments:

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Mick what a wonderful Birthday present from you Grandmother! She knows you will treasure these items and take care of them! Happy Birthday! and enjoy as Time Goes By!

Missouri Michael said...

At $900, I would think that it would just be called "the silver!"

My Grandma gives me lots of old family things, because she knows that I'm one of the only people in the family who won't look at it like its trash. Some of them are simple things, like the ancient roasting pan set that belonged to my great-grandmother and my grandma always used it to make Christmas Chex Mix in...but secretly...I have my eye on her wedding china...guess we'll see what happens someday!

Can't wait to see you on Saturday! Do I need to be waving the Missouri state flag? Tee hee...

Megan Smith said...

those glasses remind me of the ones mitchs grandma gave us from HER great grandma.. they were brought over from England and oh my gosh they are amazing! we are too afraid to get them out to look at them we don't wanna break them! your gifts sound pretty amazing :)

Unknown said...

That was so nice of your grandma to give you all those beautiful things. Thanks for sharing.

KobysCache said...

Your Grandma Mimi gave you those beautiful treasures because she knew you would appreciate them and love them. (and she probably feels that you will think of her when you use them...so true.)

Hope you have a very happy Birthday!

Zootsuitmama said...

I have some nautical barware you can add to your collection! ZOotsuitmama

Decades a Go-Go said...

Oooh gorgeous!!

Vintage Christine said...

Mick, you know I'm as sad as sad can be (per Ed Grimley) about not being able to come to your Major Social Event! It is so nice to see how your family is acknowledging the fact that you will love and care for family treasures--and I love how you plan to use that silver, too! There is a depression glass pattern called "Ships" by Hazel-Atlas that would look beautiful with the shaker. Have a wonderful party and I'll be thinking of you Saturday!! Oh, and Happy B'day, too!

Retro Keith said...

wow!! awesome set!

Amber Von Felts said...

You are obviously, a very special 20 year old. They know it is in good hands with you. :-)

When is your birthday? Has it already occurred? Maybe you are a June baby like me and Zootsuit Mama!

Mick said...

Amber! I am A June Baby, June the 22nd :)

Richard said...

Holy guacamole! WOW, those are absolutely amazing gifts. Truly beautiful!

Vintage Christine said...

I'm 99% sure the shaker IS "Ships" circa 1938!

SueLovesCherries said...

Beautiful treasures and I know that they'll remain treasures with you!