I frequently check the “National Day of” calendar, just to see what days are being celebrated. And I recently learned that today is National Cherish An Antique Day.
Although I’ve bought many of our furnishings from antique shops through the years, I am fortunate to have some things that have been passed down through a generation or two within our family.
And today, I thought I’d write about one of those heirlooms, and share why it’s so special to me.
Some of you know that my dad died when I was just an infant, so I have no memories of him. Mom told me many things about him: he was a kind, gentle man, a good husband and father, a hard worker, and an excellent carpenter. During my childhood years, we had Adirondack chairs that he had made, and there was also a small baby crib, a trunk and this china cabinet.
Daddy made that for my maternal grandmother, and I remember it being in her kitchen. She passed when I was 16, and after her death, it rightfully came to my mom. There was a certain ‘woody’ smell to it when you’d open the doors…not unpleasant, but very distinct.
When Marshall’s dad and I married, Mom gave it to us. At that time, the finish was very dark, so we refinished it and exposed the beautiful woodgrain. I remember Mom reminding us to be very careful, because the glass in the doors was original. For a while after we refinished it, that aroma was gone, replaced by the smell of the products we used. And I missed that: that aroma was a big PART of my memories of that cabinet. Years later, I was glad that the wood smell had returned. When I open the doors, that aroma takes me back to my childhood in Grandma’s kitchen.
Within the cabinet now, you can see Mom’s aluminum cake pan lid (with the wooden knob) on the middle shelf, and Grandma’s everyday china on the bottom. There are also a few pieces of Depression glass there that belonged to Mom and Grandma.
It makes me smile to know that that old china cabinet has connections to my mom, dad and grandma.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
It’s a beautiful cabinet and so wonderful that you are the “caretaker” of such a special homemade piece. I know what you mean about smells……the one that hits me hardest is my Dad’s old 78wpm record case. Sounds silly but when I open it up the aroma hits me softly carrying memories of my childhood. When Dad would open the case it meant most times that he’d play a record and he and my Mom would dance around the living room. You and I should be super happy to be custodians of these special items – aromas included!
Pam
A very beautiful handmade piece .. and one of a kind with a family connection- I certainly remember the spot it occupied during my entire childhood ! – and that smell ….
Such a lovely family heirloom. Like you, I cherish those kind of items.
What a beautiful cabinet. I love the memory you have to go with it. Very special.