Pages

Wednesday 10 July 2013

Buying Bits Of History

I'm a history lover and that is why I buy antiques.  Each piece was part of the life of someone who lived long before me.  I wonder what their lives were like, who they loved, what they were passionate about, what trials and heartbreak they endured.

At an antique show, I happened upon this little bit of history.  It's a ticket to a concert, given in 1914, to raise funds for the starving Belgian people during the first world war. For a mere quarter this darling was mine! ~


The minute I saw that ticket, I thought of Rilla Of Ingleside.  L.M. Montgomery wrote the book in 1921, when the horrors of the great war were still fresh.  Anne's youngest daughter comes of age during the war and learns to leave vanities and frivolous behaviours behind to support loved ones and country.

She leads her local Junior Red Cross as they put together a basket social and concert for Belgian Relief. ~


Who were the Rillas that planned this event in Port Perry, Ontario?  

"Just for a few minutes, while I've been writing of Jim's and the concert, I've forgotten Ypres and the poison gas and the casualty lists.  Now, it all rushes back, worse than ever.  Oh, if we could just know that Jem is alright!"  ~ Rilla Of Ingleside
I've tucked my ticket into a corner of the old medicine chest I use for a spice cabinet. ~


I imagine I'm packing my luncheon treats into a napkin lined basket, to be raffled off to raise funds for such a wonderful cause.  Rationing has meant I've had to save coupons for quite some time for the eggs and sugar in that little cake!  Then I'll pop the ticket in my pocket and head off to the Scugog Town Hall. ~


I do so hope Kenneth Ford wins the bidding and he's the one I sit with for the evening!

Ninety-nine years after someone paid 15 cents for that ticket, I bought it for 25 cents.  I'd call that quite a bargain!

I'm joining the party at:  Thursday Favorite Thing Hop

11 comments:

  1. You know everything don't you, you know such interesting facts and read so many books. Interesting story.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love Anne of Green Gabels! What a find a true piece of history.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a great find and yes..a true bargain! I'll go with you to Scugog Town Hall!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like how you really enjoyed the history of this piece!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love this 15¢ ticket and the way you have presented it. Well worth the 25¢. Thanks for the history lesson.
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love sweet little pieces of history like that ticket. I adore getting lost in vintage postcards which are not expensive either.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I can't believe that was only 25 cents! Wow! I love old ephemera too - great score!

    ReplyDelete
  8. enchanting! I am a huge fan of the Green Gables books, but didn't read this one. great find for you and me!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Good Morning Maureen, This was an interesting piece to read as it reminded me of my Grandmother Ivy who lived through the First World War and the rationing. Life was very hard and then she went through it a second time during World War II. I remember her telling me about rationing, about using dried eggs and how creative women had to be with their cooking as so many ingredients were either rationed or just unavailable. Part of the rationing was an ounce of boiled sweets a month and these she saved up so my father could enjoy a treat.
    The Fundraising Ticket is a wonderful find and at such a snip of a price. I love the fact you have placed it where you can see it each day, rather than tucking it away in a book.
    Have a lovely weekend,
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

    ReplyDelete
  10. Beautiful lettering on that ticket and another beautifully written post, love your old medicine cabinet too.
    Sorry I've not been by, work has been exhausting !

    ReplyDelete