Okay all you ephemera fans out there. Here is just a sampling of the paper goodness I found at the country estate sale last weekend. This is the home where I purchased the bicycle that is awaiting a fresh coat of paint and some flowers in it's basket.
First, let me say that there were so many fun things found at this sale. The woman (or man) was a saver, and I could give them a hug for it. Most of the papers I found were from the late '20's to the 30's. This holds significant 'value' to me, as my father was born in 1917 and my mom in 1926 - so it's just a small glimpse into what their lives - purchases - expenses - wages - bills - etc. might of been when they were born. It would be the era my grandparents lived in, and struggled in.
Also, this particular family had to have been loggers. Big here in Oregon and in Cottage Grove, where this family lived. This will make more sense when you see some of the papers I found. Here . . . let me show you what I mean.
Here is 'the box' I purchased for $5.00. I didn't really know what treasures were going to be inside, but it looked fun. Plus, I didn't want to take the time to look at every single piece of paper.
What was in there ? Treasures. History. Stories. Memories. Ethics. Humility.
The first item that I chuckled at was a note from the man of the house. I tried to get a good photo of it, but it wouldn't show up. It's on a small post card like paper, written in pencil. The postmark is dated September 20, 1933. "Dear Wife, (not even honey, sweetie, love . . .just wife- Ha !) I won't be home this week end. We moved over close to Triangle lake for a week or so. will try and be home next week. with love, clifford." Can't you just imagine what it was like working in the woods for weeks on end without going home at night ? You can see it in the phto below - standing up next to the picture of the girl.
The second item I just loved was this receipt for goods from the local hardware and furniture store. It's a description of what was purchased on November 30, 1922. Some of the items: 1 Wash board .80, 1 Broom 1.00, 1 wash boiler 3.25, 1 stew kettle 1.15, 1 tea kettle 1.75, 1 pudding pan .25, 1 percolator 1.25, and so on. The total for all items after their wedding day was $35.70. And they paid for it in cash. It also says in the Mrs. writing ' our first house keeping supplies. Married 10-30-22. You can certainly tell what was important and necessary. The sweet woman knew how to cook and clean.
My third favorite find in the home were these collection of spiral notebooks and ledger books. (the larger one standing up in the back didn't come from this sale - I just needed a back drop). These are worn, and dirty, and you can tell they were kept either in a shirt pocket or back pocket of his work clothes. Mr. wrote down every little detail of what he did during the day. I would imagine he had to - out in the woods, how would anyone know what you accomplished for the day ?
Here is a close up of one of the pages. I just love the story it tells.
Some people think I'm odd, enjoying things like this, but like I said before, it gives me a glimpse in to the past. How my ancestors might have lived. My parents didn't save anything like this, nor do I have any items like this from my grandparents. But I do have photos and history and stories that I'm preserving for future generations.
Who knows what I will do with all of this. Maybe include in some ephemera kits that I'll sell some day. Or give away to special friends, or RAKS. For now though, they have a safe place in my home where they are appreciated and enjoyed.
Have a great weekend my friends. I hope you've enjoyed the treasures.
blessings, jill
(PS - I'll have more to share after the weekend. Game pieces, flash cards and more paper goodness.)
