Saturday, December 11, 2010

I really like antiques.  Not just any kind of antiques, but things that have been handed down in our family.  I have literally boxes of old letters, pictures, maps, etc.  So this year I decided to decorate one of our Christmas trees with some of these things.



Here is a letter written to my Great Grandfather, Carl Hankammer.  Don't you just love the handwriting?!




This telegram was sent to my Great Great Great Grandmother, Phiannah (Fannie) Smith.  Its dated 1889.  And yes, the actual telegram is still inside the envelope.




Here is a picture of my Great Grandfather, Carl Hankammer, when he was a boy.  I absolutely love this photo. 



This is a receipt written to my Great Great Great Grandfather, John Gardner from 1842.





Another letter written to Phiannah Smith.




I don't know the name of this person.  I'm sure its some cousin or other.  I just thought that the dress was very classic.



I hope you enjoyed my Christmas tree.  I have various other things in the tree too.  Old Christmas postcards.  Letters from Germany.  And old sheet music.  And if you really like antiques too, just wait until I show you what I have displayed on my fireplace mantle... 


9 comments:

Kelli said...

So I just realized that I never actually commented about how I love this tree. I think these things are an awesome way to keep up with your family's history. And you posted the pictures so well with nice descriptions!

rebecca @ older and wisor said...

I just got goosebumps looking at those - AMAZING!! My hubby made fun of me a few years back when I bought a few old postcards off of ebay...something about old handwriting and old stories gets me everytime. How lucky you are!!

Local Girl said...

What a beautiful way to decorate your tree. It's just stunning, wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

What a wonderful tree :)

Akeewee said...

I had a tear looking at your beautiful hommage to your ancestors - its very inspirational, I wish I could say I had this type of history available for my family. I love anything with peoples handwriting, but this handwriting is just magical isnt it! Thank you so much for sharing. May your Christmas be blessed with every good thing!

Susie Davis said...

I love those old letters written by your grandparents. Gracious - what a gift to have them around.

Kelly Mann said...

OK, I'm drooling over all of your keepsakes! I would LOVE to have some old letters, telegrams, and pictures... Shoot, I'd take them if they weren't my family! The intricate lettering gets me everytime! I just love to look to the past and see how things were done "back in the day!" Plus that dog in the picture of your great grandfather looks like a Brittany Spaniel {that's what we have!!} Thanks so much for sharing! Love it!

René said...

Now that is truly a vintage Christmas tree. What treasures you have there.

Thank you for joining the "Tour of Homes" party! Happy holidays!

-Rene

Katy @ Eat Drink & Decorate said...

gorgeous!! What a great idea - I love it!!

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