Whenever I see the delicate Shelley china pieces on other tea blogs I get a little wistful to find a Shelley teacup or two myself, and it occurred to me recently that I do have a couple of especially meaningful Shelley pieces I've never shared with you. Some of my kindred spirits might enjoy hearing the story behind this set!
When I married a co-worker six years ago (we journalists tend to do that a lot!), a dear lady in our community we'd both gotten to know over the years showed up at the office one day with what she said was a small gift she wanted us to have. I remember it was in a pink bag, so I somehow sensed I would like it! Inside was this pretty cream pitcher and …
…the matching sugar bowl. Lovely, eh?
I knew immediately from the shape and light weight that these were Shelley, and I even liked the name of the pattern, Dainty Pink. But what I liked even more was the sweet note that accompanied this thoughtful gift. Our friend's mother-in-law had used this Shelley sugar and creamer at her bridge parties in Newnan for years and years, and I considered that story part of the gift!
Now some of you know I edit a magazine that is owned by a newspaper, a locally-owned newspaper which dates back to 1865. We have vintage pages from the paper framed and hanging all over our building. One day, I was waiting to see a co-worker and happened to study this one.
It was from September 7, 1934, and would you look at one of the "Society Items" right there?
It was so fun to see a printed account of one of the very parties where my teawares were once used!
I love the Shelley Creamer and Sugar, and I love the story. When I was growing up in our little town, our weekly newspaper had similar social news.
ReplyDeleteMakes it even more special doesn't it. Don't you just love Shelley! Yours is very nice.
ReplyDeleteThe allure of an heirloom piece, quite often, is the story behind it.
ReplyDeleteThe Shelley Dainty Pink sugar and creamer is just beautiful, Angela! I've never seen it in pink before - only blue. How special that the lady from your town wanted you to have her family heirloom. It couldn't have gone to a better home or couple!
ReplyDeleteThat is very special!
ReplyDeleteOoh, that Dainty Pink is so pretty, and what fun to know the story behind it and to read about it, too! I have a dream of one day finding some affordable Shelley in a thrift store, I wouldn't mind either Dainty Pink or Dainty Blue. It's all pretty!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely Shelley set and special story! I too hostess bridge club at my home, and am always looking for sweet tea treasures! Some day I will have Shelley!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful set & such a sweet story.
ReplyDeleteThis is such fun "news" and I love it that you are enjoying this set!
ReplyDeleteFun post! Love the delicate sugar and creamer and the story connected to it!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun story, and a pretty set!
ReplyDeleteAngela,
ReplyDeleteThis story actually brought tears to my eyes. Especially for you, someone who is so in touch with history/tea/entertaining - what a wonderful and sweet, thoughtful gift.
And one you shared with us, so now we are a very part of the story too.
How incredibly special, indeed. And that set is so beautiful! it is an heirloom, indeed!
What a beautiful pattern.
ReplyDeleteOh my, this is lovely! I found a blue dainty at a yard sale...you can see it here. http://www.artyteaparty.com/2012/10/tea-party-time.html
ReplyDeleteIt is gorgeous, lucky you to be the recipient. Love the name too.
ReplyDelete