Oh Rachael! I have had such an adventure today! We were called to the house of a couple we know slightly, to identify and evaluate a "linsey woolsey". As I suspected, it turned out to be a nice woven coverlet, a red and white Jacquard, which had just been given to the couple from older family members. dates and names and places were spoken of, and then there was the offer, "would you like to see a little box we got?"
Yes it is a dear little leather covered box, with some of the fittings and contents of ladies sewing tools, AND a near perfect precious tiny tuck comb wooden doll! She has all of herself, and all of her original costume and there she was in the early sewing box, having just come to Texas. Her family history is with her in tiny script. She must date in the late 1830's if the owner given is correct. Of course a doll can always have come from an aunt or an older sister, so one does not know just when it was new. I was thrilled to hold her in my hand and coo at her! Of course I said she should stay in her family forever, BUT in case she was not sufficiently loved I would pay a fine ransom for her! She is the dearest littl morsel, and I thought of your own growing famly of early woodens. I will get photos as soon as I can make a return trip, and post them here. I hope someone can tell me more about the sewing box itself. What a lovely happening on an otherwise gray day. Warmly, Edyth Watch for the pictures!
Welcome to My Red Cape. Long ago in another time my husband Jack and I lived in a little old red house. It was the stuff of dreams to us for the few years that we were there. I live there still a number of hours every day in imagination, with old dolls and paintings and fabrics and feather trees. I draw inspiration and happiness from the memories of that space in time and share some of it here with friends who remember how to step with Alice through the looking glass and take delight in whimsies and antiquities.
~Edyth O’Neill
