Tuesday, November 17, 2009

How "The Friendly Village" came to my house

Johnson Bros "The Friendly Village"

Ten Thanksgivings ago, just a few months after my mom passed away, I knew I was now the official hostess of all the holiday meals.
My only sibling, Elena, was NOT the least bit interested in having a slew of family over for a dinner that she would have to cook from scratch.
My sis was a lot of things, but a cook was not one of them!
So....when it came time to pass on mom's china, I was the logical one to get it.
I inherited full place settings for 8, plus several serving dishes and platters.
But....our family had grown.
And 8 was not enough anymore.
Our daughter Gina had just gotten a job at what was then Hudson's (now Macy's), and had a 50% employees discount.
Which could be used for anything in the store, and included sale items.
Friendly Village went on sale.
We bought an additional 6 place settings.
For under $100.
And now we have plenty of plates for everyone!
We use our china for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and any special occasion in between.

It brings back lovely memories of even lovelier times.
My sis passed away 7 years ago, so it is now just me and my family that share the memories.

And it makes me weep every time I get it out.

Memories are like that.

xoxo
Cindy
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20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cyn,
The plates are as beautiful as the memory.
vickie

Gwynie Pie said...

I have always admired that Village. What a beautiful table it makes. And sweet, sweet memories for you of your mom and sis. Blessings on your Thanksgiving this year!

Gwyn Rosser
gwynrosser.blogspot.com
The Pink Tractor

Melodie said...

It is wonderful to have such cherished memories.I have always loved the Friendly Village.Makes me think of simpler times gone by.

Old Time Cindy said...

Memories of special moments in our lives can be bittersweet...
Cindy

Pomona said...

What beautiful china - memories can be sad, but it is good to have them.

Pomona x

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your cherished memories. Your china is lovely. I remember Hudson's!

Blessings!
Gail

goatmilker said...

Those memories are so wonderful. Thanks for sharing with us readers. Have a great night Rebekah.

Maria said...

Hi Cindy! I love this pattern, it reminds me of my aunts dishes... It's funny how things, scents and even foods remind us of people...

Our memories are a gift~
I love Amy Grant's song: Heirloom.
...just like your dishes...
an heirloom.

Jane said...

The dishes are beautiful and the memories of family dinners using the dishes are priceless.
Jane

Pam said...

Thanks for sharing your memories with us. Your china is beautiful. I am sorry for the loss of your mother and sister.

Camille said...

What a lovely story Cindy! Thanks for sharing it with us...such precious memories tied up in those beautiful plates. I have never seen that particular set before...it is very pretty!

Blessings,
Camille

Holly said...

The plates are nostalgic and absolutely beautiful! There is something about an heirloom that add warmth to any occasion.

christschild said...

The dishes are gorgeous! I'm glad you have great memories to remember your family by. I think about old times too...my family used to go to my great mammaws house for the holidays...I miss her so much and think about all the wonderful times we all shared. Thank God for family!
Blessings,
Elizabeth

Faith said...

What beautiful plates, Cyn. And beautiful memories. Wow, it's hard to watch our loved ones go on before us.

I'm so glad the Lord has given you a large family to love and be loved by - enough that you need more plates for your table. :o)

One day... The feast is going to be really big, and we will all enjoy it together. All of us.

Much love,
~Faith

Regan Family Farm said...

I don't have any heirloom dishes or plates, but it was always so special growing up, when we would use my great-grandmother's china for special occasions.
I love the scene on your plates and am so thankful you have beautiful memories to go with them. *Hugs*
Kathy

Joyce said...

Yes the holdiays do stir up loving memories of families and friends making us all teary. Perfectly normal to feel this way. I wish I had those lovely plates too. Enjoy your holiday.
Joyce

Old Centennial Farmhouse said...

BEAUTIFUL! I love the stories as much as the pattern. Lovely to know that your tradition is carrying on and that family members now gone have shared the same plate over the years!
XOXO
Joni

Rose said...

Lovely. I loved the story and I have always loved this china. HUGS!

Carol said...

My mother wanted this set for some time and she just bought it at Dillard's. Two of my daughters are in love with this pattern as well and are also getting place settings for four from my mom for Christmas this year, and we'll continue to add to theirs as time goes on. I hope we can enjoy such fond memories with their new treasure just has your family has.

Smiles,

Carol

Anna said...

I remember when you brought the dishes home and that huge buffet for the dining room on School Ave...