Annette, I love this post! I have my mom’s white luggage, exactly the same as your mom’s set! I also have the same thing in a blue set, I think it was her sister’s. I use them today for historical reference material storage currently. They also make the perfect backdrop in displays (I used one at my local library). When I was teaching they were used as a prop to catch kid’s attention. 😊🧳
How awesome that you have the same set as my mom's, and still use it for storage! And I love the idea of using old suitcases in displays, that's a great tip!
Such a wonderful post and refreshingly different! Which quietly raises an interesting genealogical point: sometimes the most durable “records” of family history aren’t written documents at all, but the things that physically survive.
Indeed, Paul, objects are a great vehicle for telling family stories, which is why I used to run a workshop about that. Perhaps it's time to revive that? In any case, thanks for your keen observation!
My aunt still has my grandmother Samsonite luggage that is monogram with her initials. A true treasure I would love to inherit one day. Love this piece.
My family’s Samsonite luggage made the rounds, too, tho it’s long since been discarded. Like you, we’ve gone thru dozens of suitcases over the years. Repairs zippers and replaced rollers and handles, and each one carries memories.
The one your piece reminded me of is “big red”, a behemoth of a suitcase from back in the day when international travel meant 70-pound weight limits, and big red could carry that and more. What it couldn’t do was fit in most European cars lol
This post is another great reminder that everyday object keep our memories, and can allow us access if we only let them.
Annette. Love this post with all the pictures. I almost cringed thinking about your brother using the cosmetic case for his tools. I guess because it reminded me of my brother who used his share of grandma's quilts to do more than cover a bed.
Annette, I love this post! I have my mom’s white luggage, exactly the same as your mom’s set! I also have the same thing in a blue set, I think it was her sister’s. I use them today for historical reference material storage currently. They also make the perfect backdrop in displays (I used one at my local library). When I was teaching they were used as a prop to catch kid’s attention. 😊🧳
How awesome that you have the same set as my mom's, and still use it for storage! And I love the idea of using old suitcases in displays, that's a great tip!
Such a wonderful post and refreshingly different! Which quietly raises an interesting genealogical point: sometimes the most durable “records” of family history aren’t written documents at all, but the things that physically survive.
Indeed, Paul, objects are a great vehicle for telling family stories, which is why I used to run a workshop about that. Perhaps it's time to revive that? In any case, thanks for your keen observation!
You definitely should! Nothing brings an ancestor to life more than holding something in your hand that they had once held.
My aunt still has my grandmother Samsonite luggage that is monogram with her initials. A true treasure I would love to inherit one day. Love this piece.
Oh wow, Helene, monogramed luggage is a whole other level and would be a priceless inheritance! Make sure your aunt knows you'd love to have it.
I have! The bonus is that the small suitcase also houses old family photos. I look through it the last time I visited her.
Well played!
My family’s Samsonite luggage made the rounds, too, tho it’s long since been discarded. Like you, we’ve gone thru dozens of suitcases over the years. Repairs zippers and replaced rollers and handles, and each one carries memories.
The one your piece reminded me of is “big red”, a behemoth of a suitcase from back in the day when international travel meant 70-pound weight limits, and big red could carry that and more. What it couldn’t do was fit in most European cars lol
This post is another great reminder that everyday object keep our memories, and can allow us access if we only let them.
Thanks, Lori, for sharing your memories of " big red." My husband still prefers bigger suitcases than I do, but at least they can spin on four wheels.
Everyday objects are indeed such a great vehicle to capture family stories!
I had thrifted red train cases which I use for my seeing bin and tool kit! It still has the makeup smell from the sixties!
Awesome, Rachielle! I love the fact that clearly there's an appreciation for old luggage out there.
Annette. Love this post with all the pictures. I almost cringed thinking about your brother using the cosmetic case for his tools. I guess because it reminded me of my brother who used his share of grandma's quilts to do more than cover a bed.
Hmm, yes, Lynda, tools in a somewhat dainty cosmetics case is jarring, but I do appreciate the fact that my brother puts it to good everyday use.