Grandma’s Sled
- By Joan
- December 8, 2014
- 21 Comments
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Years ago, it had to be in the 70’s, my mom and I drove out to St. Louis, Missouri to help my Grandmother move into an apartment. Her home had been in the family since 1891 . The house had seen a lot of action over the years. My great great grandmother lived there first with some of her 12 kids, though not all lived to adulthood. She died in 1915 but by then her youngest child, my great grandmother,was living in the house with her husband. My grandmother (born 1909) and her brother grew up there, my dad was also born and raised there. At some point, another family moved into the first floor and shared the only bathroom which was located on the second floor.
The house had seen better days when we showed up, but it was full of memories and history. We had only a couple of days to pack her up, put into a uhaul what we wanted to salvage and set her up in her new home. One of the pieces that we pulled out of the basement was this old wooden sled. We couldn’t possibly leave it behind knowing that my dad had used it when he was a child.
This picture had to have been taken around 1932. That’s my dad on the front with a friend and my grandmother pulling the sled.
At the time, we didn’t realize that it’s history went even farther back. This picture shows the same sled with my grandmother sitting in a soapbox atop the sled while my great grandfather gives her a ride.
Well, the sled came home and my mom and dad used it around their home. At Christmastime it would sport a bow and wreath or it was in front of a sunny window holding my Mom’s collection of houseplants (she had quite the green thumb).Well time passes, my dad got cancer and passed about 6 years ago and my mom was now in the position of packing up and moving out of her beloved home. Somehow I was able to wrestle the sled away from my 4 brothers and sisters and I am now the proud owner of the sled.
Most of the year the sled is mounted to the wall in my dining room holding a teapot, a few candles and the picture of my grandmother as a little girl.
During the holidays it plays host to an ever expanding collection of Santa Clauses.
So this holiday, take a few minutes to reflect upon the past, how far we’ve come and where we have been. I hope all your memories are happy ones.
Vintage Wooden Sled
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What a beautiful sled, and the family history makes it so very special. I love how you have it mounted on the wall; very unique and shows it off so well.
Thanks Cynthia, No matter how many things I’ve acquired over the years, the things I treasure the most are the ones that come with a family story.
Very touching post! Love your family pictures and funny collection of Santas.
The sled is beautiful & unique token of remembrance 🙂
Hugs,
Mila
Thanks Mila, just typing it up brought back a lot of special memories.
I’ve seen a lot of vintage Christmas décor this season, but your sled is the coolest. Love the family history too, but it stands on its own.
Thanks Sharon, I appreciate the warm comments. Happy Holidays
Love it and sharing on FB–thanks for linking up!
Thanks Becky, I so appreciate you sharing. Obviously, this little sled carries a lot of memories.
Thank you for sharing. This is a lovely a story and with a happy ending. I grew up it St Louis and go there often. Do you remember the street that your family lived on?
My grandmonther raised my dad on Minerva Ave. My mom also lived only 2 doors down and that’s how they met but her house burned down a long time ago. My moms family originally came from St Genevieve, Missouri.
I really loved this story and I bet your grandmother was a lot of fun. She had a great smile.
Great idea to hang the sled on the wall like that!
This is awesome. The warmth of the wood is just perfect, and how smart to use it as a display shelf. I would love it if you would share this at my party on Welcome to the Woods Wednesday (backwoodsbabies.blogspot.com). It will be up a going on Tuesday evening. Hope to see you there.
Hi Sarah, I put you on my calendar. See you then.
What a wonderful story and a perfect way to honor the history of this special sled.
How lovely to have a precious piece of your family’s history. Thank you for sharing this special post with Make It Monday.
That is awesome! I love how you repurposed the sled and added it to your home decor.
We love seeing your posts at Show Me Saturday! Thanks so much for joining us.
Merry Christmas!
~ Ashley
I love this so much! That you have the photos of your dad and grandma using the sled is so special! What an heirloom and I love that you have it displayed all year round!! Thanks for linking up! I’ll be featuring you on Friday!
What a wonderful heirloom. And great stories and pictures to accompany it. Thanks for sharing! Maple Sugar at sisterswives.com popping over from Take a Look Tuesday.
What a wonderful keepsake and a cherished memento of family history. The story of how it’s traveled through time is precious and dear.
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