These Things Remind Us of Her |
Below is a collection of photos and stories about some of Florence's treasures, most of which made the trip with her from England to the United States. I've gathered family anecdotes and historical information about these items. Some have provided research hints or verified facts about people and places in Florence's life and family tree; others raise questions for which we have no answers. If you know more about any of these treasures, do tell!
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Alphabet Sampler
Click the button to learn more about the alphabet sampler made in 1840 by Florence's grandmother, Esther Elliss.
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Burns Poetry Book
Among Aunt Flo's possessions was a beautiful (though now badly damaged) poetry book: The Poetical Works of Robert Burns (1908). The book, 5" wide by 7" high, is richly bound in red leather and has gilt-edged pages and gilt lettering on the cover and spine. A small label on the inside cover indicates the book came from "F. T. Groom & Son. Booksellers and Stationers. Bury St. Edmonds." Bury St. Edmonds is located in Suffolk, about 90 miles northwest of London.
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Florence's nursing records show that she had a private-duty nursing assignment at Hawstead Lodge in Bury St. Edmonds, from May 10 to May 24. Her patient was 31-year-old R. D. Worrall. Census records confirm his identity as Robert Douglas Worrall, who was married to Hilda. The date of the inscription was just one day after Florence arrived. The book may have been a gift to welcome Florence into the Worralls' home, or perhaps Florence and the Worralls quickly discovered a shared love of Robert Burns. In any case, Florence clearly treasured this elegant volume, keeping it all those many years and bringing it with her when she moved to America. |
Silver Tea Service
Click to learn more about the beautiful silver tea service Aunt Flo bought at a London antique store and brought with her to the United States.
Our Daily Portion
This tiny book of Bible verses, "Our Daily Portion, Food for Christian Pilgrims," was given to Florence by her mother shortly after Florence's father died in April 1921. Florence and her siblings were well versed in the Bible and devout Christians. |
Gold Locket
Longfellow Birthday Text Book
Click the button to learn more about Florence's Longfellow Birthday Text Book, received as a Christmas gift from her sister, Dollie, in 1912, and see whose birthdays Florence recorded.
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Sewing Machine
This old sewing machine has a hole in the wooden case, damage acquired on the journey to America. Florence's great nieces remember seeing Florence use the hand-operated machine on her kitchen table on Waverly. Since Florence's death, the key has been lost and the machine hasn't been out of its lovely case for many years.
Coronation Souvenirs
The little sleepy-eyed Royal Palace Guard doll and the "British Empire" and "For Ever England" scarves are possibly souvenirs from Queen Elizabeth's coronation. The tiny replica of the royal coach with horses could have been from either George's or Elizabeth's coronation ceremonies.
Florence spoke of attending King George's coronation in London in 1937; perhaps her government position ensured her a good viewing spot! Family members remember seeing a coronation program but that has been lost to time. Esther, who was visiting Florence in England at the time King George was crowned, reportedly did not attend because of the huge crowds!
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Florence visited England for six months in 1952, and although it's possible she went back the following year, we don't have a record of her being in England when Queen Elizabeth was crowned in 1953. However, coronation souvenirs were available months in advance of the event, and Florence could have purchased mementos during her 1952 visit. She also may have received coronation souvenirs as gifts from friends living in England. In any case, Florence treasured her little bits of England.
Pins and Studs
These five gold studs were in a plain white envelope with a notation in Esther's hand: "Studs worn by Dad on his wedding day, Sept 2nd 1877". The photo shows front and back of each set. The two studs at left have mother of pearl backs; the three at right have gold backs. We don't know if all five studs were worn by Mr. Yemm, or if a second set was later added to the envelope. |
A Lock of Auburn Hair
Florence had long, lovely auburn hair all her life, though it was usually hidden in a proper bun. In a sweet gesture, Esther saved this lock of Florence's hair, tied with a blue string, to remember her sister after she died.