My parents got married in the summer of 1968, and as a gift, two of my dad's siblings—Willie and Helen—bought china and had it shipped over to the States from Scotland. (In case you didn't know, my dad is Scottish and the only one in his family to immigrate to the US.) It's a beautiful blue rose pattern, and until yesterday, it was never even unpacked from the crates it was shipped in. Tragic, I know.
About a year ago when a few of my sisters were up in Montana to get their things out of the house, they found the four crates which had never been opened and asked if I might want to be the one to inherit them. I agreed, thinking since I might never get married, this would be my one chance at china. So we got it down to AZ last April.
Before you think my parents never cared about the china, I think the issue more was that they already had a full set of a pretty pink rose pattern, so the set of eight sent from Scotland got set away, but was moved several times in the early years of their marriage.
In the end, Amy and I decided to share the set of china, so yesterday, Enoch and I unpacked the box for inventory and to divide it. Amazingly, the only casualty in all of its moves and miles was a large serving platter that had broken into about 5 pieces. And the china really is so light and delicate. It was well-packed in wood shavings and newspaper--which is also funny because it is newspapers from the British press in 1968, so it's quite a different style. We'll repack it in bubble wrap for its protection. We'll see if that does the job as well as the more primitive forms.
The other half, still in its original packaging below, will find its way to Utah in a few weeks and then on to DC this summer. Well-travelled, yes. And hopefully after all these years, put to some use.
Note to self: Please find uses for this china. It deserves to fulfill the purpose of its creation.
6 comments:
What a treasure, Emily!!
You know, that China can be pulled out for any small event... your monthly wedding anniversary, the a good day, a bad day, a fun recipe, a cool dessert.
Because you know, one of the qualities of real china is that it becomes more beautiful with the using than it does in storage.
It's beautiful! When Kurt was on his mission in England, he bought china for whomever he ended up marrying. It's also still packed, but maybe I'll find it this summer and start using it.
very beautiful. i love it! that is special too. hard to believe it was shipped and stayed in the original box. glad it is going to get some use after all this time. i need to have you over for dinner. maybe in the next few weeks. my parents are leaving in a week and that will make it easier. love you!
Hey, guys...I just caught up on your blogger. It was interesting to hear the story of the blue China! We've had ours for 47 years & forget to use it too. However it is fun to have company & serve dinner on it. Love you...nice to know we'll have a place to stay if we come through AZ :) :) I have wanted to see the Easter Pageant for years...
Wow... I always wondered what that China looked like. You should give Aunt Susan a call and let her know you have it!
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