When we visited Far Guy’s cousin up in Grand Rapids, she shared some of the things that were passed down to her from Great Aunt Mae. I have written about Frank and Mae before. Mae was a school teacher before she married Frank in 1911. She taught on the Indian Reservation. Frank and Mae never had any children.
These were either gifts from her students or something that she purchased from them.
A beaded coin purse made out of the softest leather you have ever felt.
And a necklace.
What treasures these are passed from Aunt Mae to her niece Marie and then to Maries only daughter. It was a joy to see Aunt Mae’s treasures from so long ago.
I finished scanning all the old photos for that side of Far Guys family. After I scanned them, I divided up the double photos and made a CD copy of all the old photos so that each branch of the family can have a copy. One more project crossed off the list:)
I have seen on Antique Roads show things made by the Indians bring a high price. Looks like the family has some real treasures, from Aunt Mae.
ReplyDeleteI love crossing those projects off the list. Right now my list is so long, I am going to have to live many, many more years. I love the treasures and isn't it interesting how we enjoy history more and more as we grow older. Wish I had the same desire for it in high school.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these pieces. They are really special.
ReplyDeleteWow, that beaded purse is lovely!
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed at all the beautiful bead-work on everything. You do have some treasures there. Back in the day I can remember goin' with my Grandma Dow out to the reservations in New Mexico to buy the oven baked bread but they would have all sorts of beaded goods to purchase.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea making the CD's you my girl are the treasure in your family.
God bless and have an incredible weekend!
What wonderful treasures! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to share old photos with other members of your family. Too often, those pictures are hoarded and then are tossed because no one has a clue who they are.
ReplyDeleteBased on the beaded work and her attire in the old photo, Aunt Mae was a lady with style and a taste for beautifully made items. I hope the first thing Mae did after the wedding was to find Frank a new barber: his hair style is something else.
What beautiful beadwork! I have to agree with your previous commenters, and I appreciate seeing them myself.
ReplyDeleteMy mother had several very similar items (I remember a purse and a long beaded neclkace) given to the family by Native Americans on the Mahnomen Indian Reservation. She let an Indian woman talk her into giving them to her for donation to an "Indian Museum." I hope that is really where they went, because our family would love to have had those treasures!
ReplyDeleteMyrtlesgirl
Nancy, Frank was a barber for over fifty years..it must have been his great style LOL :)
ReplyDeleteThe beadwork is beautiful! The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is featuring Native American art through January 9. For anyone who's going to be in the area, it's really worth seeing.
ReplyDeleteThe purses are wonderful, such treasures to pass on.
ReplyDeleteGreat treasures. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteI've noticed your blog name in a couple of locations. I clicked on this post from Nezzy's. It was the old photos that attracted my attention. I'm into photography. My grandpa was a photographer in Ada, MN in the '60s. Interesting artifacts that you found!
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful pieces. I took a class a few years ago in which the instructor appreciated this kind of work. He gave the class a lot of insight on the work and it's history. The beads were originally porcupine quills but then they bought beads from traders instead.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful work, a treaure for sure and a double treasure since there is a family story attached.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful, enjoyable visit.
Wow! What beautiful treasures! The first beaded purse is such a contrast of cultures. It has the classy city look with all the fancy beading, along with the simple Native American look of raw leather and fringe. So very unique!
ReplyDelete~Lisa
ps I love love love your new header. So pretty!
I love those treasures too, and the story behind them is even more precious! It's great that you got all of the old photos done...I know how it feels to get something big off my list!! (BTW, in case I didn't comment on your blog since I changed to my real name, I'm "Erin P" from herdindg cats.)
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