My Home- My Family History

By: Melanie Olvera

As a child, I remember all of the wonderful times I had at the houses of my grandmothers.  My maternal grandmother (Nanny), from Gainesville, Georgia, loved vintage décor. She had a beautiful dining set with matching table, chairs and hutch. I remember being fascinated with all of the little drawers and nooks in the hutch. One of the drawers contained my grandfather’s pipes and tobacco giving the entire piece an alluring aroma. I used to love to look in all the drawers to see what was in them. Remembering back, we had many wonderful family dinners around that table. One of the humorous memories we still like to share about those times was something my grandfather used to say.  After dinner, my grandmother would ask if we wanted to eat dessert right away or wait a bit. My grandfather always loudly declared, “I want mine right now!”

I am proud to now have the same matching dining set in my home. I love putting my own treasures into the little drawers. As we dine at the table beside the hutch where I have my dishes displayed, I feel a touch of nostalgia and remember the great history that my family has with these pieces of family history.

 My daughter Kaylie and Nanny October 2003

 My kids and I with Nanny October 2003

                                   
                                       

In the background of this photo you can see the dining room set as it was when it was in Nanny's house. 

                                     

Here is the dining room set in my house now:

My paternal grandmother’s (Maw Maw) house in Oakwood, GA was homey and inviting and always smelled of something freshly baked.  She loved to crochet and her house was full of beautiful handmade afghans, pillows, and doilies. My favorite thing to do when I went there was to play around on her old timey pedal sewing machine. I could never figure out how to make a straight seam, but I sure loved trying! I loved looking in the tiny drawers and finding lace, buttons, thread and other sewing notions.

I am now fortunate enough to have my grandmother’s sewing machine in my home. It still works and her sewing notions are still in the drawers, but since I don’t know how to use it, I have taken and covered the top with one of grandma’s handmade doilies and I have my coffee service there. This adds an elegant and classic look to my dining room.

I miss my grandparents, but having their antique furniture in my house keeps their memories alive and shining for generations to come.

My daughter Kaylie with Maw Maw October 2003

                                         

My kids and I with Maw Maw October 2003

                                           

 Kaylie and Maw Maw October 2003

These photos were taken after Maw Maw had already gone into an assisted living home. Unfortunately, I do not presently have any digital photos of her in her home-place. 

The old sewing machine in my home:    

Thanks for reading my antiques anecdote. 

Sincerely,

Melanie Olvera

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