I’m a sucker for geneamemes. I admit it – They are a lot of fun. Alona Tester proposed The Heirloom Geneameme a few days ago. Her inspiration was Denise May Levenick’s Top 5 Heirlooms They Actually Want to Inherit, posted on 14 December 2017 on The Family Curator.

I consider myself to be very blessed, being the current caretaker of the heirloom treasures (sentimental, not monetary!) that have been passed down through my family and my husband’s.

Here are my five favorites:

Definitely first on my list is my wonderful, well-loved and cared for family photos. I have more than 1,000 pictures representing both sides of the family tree. My oldest two photos are of Thomas Adams and Sarah (Brawn) Adams,  a son and daughter of Loyalists, born c1783 and c1786. Thomas died in July 1859. Sarah predeceased him, but was still living for the 1851 census of New Brunswick, Canada.

Thomas and Sarah Adams

The earliest picture I have on Dave’s side of the family is a copy of one of Susannah Douthit Alberty, his 2X great grandmother. I also have copies of pictures of his great grandparents, Abijah Houston Sturgell and wife Martha Susannah Alberty. I have an original photo of his Stufflebean great grandfather, John Henry Stufflebean.

Susannah Douthit Alberty

Next on my heirloom is are my Christmas ornaments, a beautiful combination of hand-me-downs from Dave’s and my family. I am a big fan of Christmas anyway, but the ornaments are extra special.

Our 2017 Christmas Tree

It’s difficult to see, but my oldest ornament is highlighted by the red arrow.

I have a photo from a Christmas tree from my childhood and this same ornament can be seen hanging on the tree:

Christmas, c1958 or 1959 – Check out the green arrow.

My Oldest Ornament

Third on my list are the quilts that Dave’s great grandmother, Minnie Mae Williams Brasher Horne sewed.

A patchwork quilt and a yo-yo quilt, both by Minnie Mae

Fourth on the heirloom list is the Theodore Haviland china that was originally purchased by my great grand aunt, who had no children. Her sister, my great grandmother Annie Maude Stuart Adams, then inherited it when Melissa died in 1913. Annie passed away in 1940 and the china went to my grandparents, Annie’s son Vernon and wife Hazel. When Grandmother died in 1995, I became the keeper of the dinnerware. It dates from 1895 and is a rare pattern. I’ve managed to find a very pieces on eBay to supplement my collection, but it is basically unchanged from when Melissa bought it in Boston.

 

Fifth on my heirloom list are future heirlooms. My son has always loved my vintage Santa Claus collection and when I am gone, I hope that he will cherish it.

I also have a number of Napco Christmas pieces dating to the 1950s that include Santas, angels, elves and even a few pieces of Mrs. Claus.

My Vintage Napco Christmas Figurines

I think I’ve snuck in enough Christmas items! Join Alona’s Heirloom Geneameme and post your favorite items.