Vintage Collector On Last Nerve

Now is the time for this Collector of Vintage Stuff to come to grips with...

Use It or Lose It!

I have reached the point where ALLLLLL this STUFF collected over ALLLLL these YEARS

 is beginning to get on my LAST NERVE.
 

It isn't that I don't still love it as much as ever...I do. As a person who 'Must Find A Use' for every scrap, for every inch of lace, rick rack, bias tape and so on, I have reached my limit...my breaking point...my last nerve.

So, I decided to SEW for awhile and put Scrapbooking and Genealogy Research and Writing on the backburner  for awhile.   Whew, that was tough, but I do feel better!!!

How fun it was to dig through the piles of lace to find just the right pieces to decorate this Zipper Pouch.  What a great feeling to use this 'Vintage Star Block' and 30's scraps salvaged from old quilt tops.  And how satisfying to know that these saved vintage buttons and these hand pieced  blocks made by someone so long ago now have a new and useful life.  I'm so glad my 'Last Nerve' is flexible!

Linking To:

First Settler's Descendant Mary Ellen Ivy

First Settler's Descendant dies 131 years after her great-grandfather built a cabin of hand-hewn logs here and became the first Atlanta settler to erect a house on his own land.

Those were the headlines in the Atlanta Constitution in November 1964.  Yes, in 1964.  So incredible to learn that a Georgia ancestor born in 1873 had lived into the 1960's...the years of my teens.  Also the years when I first became interested in my Family Tree with my Aunt Irene as mentor. 

Oh, how Irene would have loved to know that her 1st Cousin 2xRemoved was just a written letter with a 5cent stamp away.  Her lifelong research would have taken such a different turn in her knowledge about our Georgia Ancestors.  For Mary Ellen Ivy Anthony and her sister Rosamond Ivy lived their entire long lives near so many of our Direct Georgia Ancestors, including Irene's grandparents and great grandparents.

The reference in the Atlanta Constitution to Mary Ellen's great grandfather was in regard to her father's side of the family.  Some of that story is told in the post Cousin Lucy and Husband 'Sock' from Atlanta.  Lucy Pittman Ivy and Sock were Mary Ellen and Rosamond's parents.  Their mother, Lucy, is mine and Irene's family connection through 4xGreat Grandparents John Ichabod and Lucy Eunice Marshall Pittman.  At any rate Mary Ellen falls into this months August Ancestor Anecdote Cousin Challenge as my 2nd Cousin 3xRemoved, and her story as the great-granddaughter of an Atlanta, Georgia Pioneer is just one historically significant piece of her Genealogy.

The second of three sisters, Mary Ellen Ivy's birth in September 1873 coincided with the 'The Great Panic of 1873.  Already in a state of reconstruction from the Civil War, Atlanta along with the rest of the United States were thrown into the financial crisis which triggered a severe international economic depression that lasted until 1879.  Also known as the 'Great Depression' until the 1930's, and the 'Long Depression', the panic was caused by the fall in demand for silver internationally, which followed Germany's decision to abandon the silver standard in the wake of the Franco-Prussian war.  Wikipedia

The second born of the three girls, Mary Ellen was the third child born to Lucy and Socrates Ivy.  Her brother, Lyman was born in 1867...also a time of turmoil at the end of the Civil War, and sister Cora Asenath was born in 1869.   The family was completed with the birth of Rosamond Louise in 1876.  Their childhood would have been thought of as somewhat priviledged considering the difficult economic times.  Afterall, they were the descendants of Atlanta Founders on their father's side and grandchildren of a prominent Georgia Plantation Owner on their mother's side of the family.

Mary Ellen and her siblings were the great grandchildren of John Ichabod Pittman, an American Revolutionary soldier, Magistrate in Richmond County, Georgia, Land Barron of Historical Georgia landmarks including Pittman's Ferry and Pittman's Crossing on the Chattahooche River, as well as what was at one time the Pittman Plantation in Gwinnett County, Georgia.  Their mother Lucy was born and raised on the Plantation when her father Daniel J. Pittman became the head of the Pittman Family...documented on Tracks of My Georgia Ancestors as the Second Generation.

The Atlanta Constitution...November 16, 1964...Mrs. Mary Anthony Dies; First Settler's Descendant
Mrs. Mary Ellen Ivy Anthony, 93 died in a local hospital Monday, 131 years after her great-grandfather built a cabin of hand-hewn logs here and became the first Atlanta settler to erect a house on his own land.
Mrs. Anthony, who lived at 2479 Peachtree Road, NE, was the widow of Ernest Anthony. She was a member of Peachtree Presbyterian Church.
Hardy Ivy and his wife, Sarah Todd, pioneered in this area in 1833, 15 years before the city acquired it's present name. The small farm he bought for $225 centered on what is now a city block bounded by Courtland Street, NE, and Piedmont Avenue, NE.
Funeral services for Mrs. Anthony will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Spring HIll. Dr. W.W. Williamson will officiate and burial will be in Westview Cemetery.
There are no immediate survivors...

Had we only known...Mary Ellen would most definitely have had many surviors...

her Cousins from Texas.

Photos from CollectInTexas Gal Collection. 

Intended as Period Photos only...not specific persons mentioned in this post.

Older Sister Syndrome~Sepia SAT Sibling 3Some

Oldest child an Experimental Model...

 

It is not my fault that I am 'Number One'.   It has, however, been the perfect reminder to my siblings about who is 'In Charge'. 

When we were a threesome, as in this picture taken in 1951, there is no doubt as to our birth order.  I've often wondered if we were purposefully plopped down on the ground in order of our age by our parents, or if I took over and put myself first and in front forcing brother to brace himself from toppling over baby sister.

I always liked being 'Numero Uno', and was shocked to find out that in the world of Psychology, I was considered an Experimental Model and a source of study into the psychological development of my personality based on being the first born. 

Freud and Jung suggested that firstborns were marked for life in the habitual ways they deal with friendship, love and work.  Some other fatherless guy said firstborn children felt 'dethroned' when a second child came along, and may be marred for life.  I can honestly tell you that is 'Bunk'. 

Because of my sweet baby brother, I had an unending source of 'Nipple Bottled Milk'...even though my Mom proudly announced to the world that her oldest was 'Bottle Broke' and a 'Big Girl' cup drinker.  Dethroned!!!  Hardly....BEFORE baby brother arrived, I was Princess of the Potty Chair and the proud owner of 'Big Girl Panties'.  Mama assured me I would never be 'Dethroned' as brothers had to have some sort of extra gadget to catch their royal pee, and until then, he had to wear those scratchy, poopy stained, hand me down diaper thingys that hung out on the line for the whole world to see.   Omg...so embarrassing! 

I say Pooh on those PsychoGuys...'dethroned' my butt....It was good to be the First Princess!!!

It Still Is!!!

 

Linking To:

 

Making Up For Lost August...

...with 'Wild West Welded Wonders', Artful August Acquisitions and Muleish Musings!

Let's begin with this Artful August Acquisition as it embodies all three 'August Alliteration' titles...I so wanted to throw in the other 'A' word for Mule, but somehow I just couldn't refer to a smiling mule as an ass. 

Now you may think I'm stretching it a bit calling this 'Artful', but here in Texas we take 'Welded Wonders' like this 'Smiling Jackass' as 'Serious Sculptured' Art. 

Especially when it is displayed, tagged and declared as such right over the 'Kiowa Art Gallery' arched doorway as ART....sorta!

"LIFE is an art...not a science"

Have you heard that before?  Who said that...or something like that?  I was pretty sure it was not a Kiowa or the 'Welder Ass Artist'.  As it turns out it wasn't even a Texan who spoke that bit of  Life Philosophy.  It was Victorian Era British author Samuel Butler.  Do you reckon he is spinning in his proverbial grave over his famous quote used to promote Wild West Welded Wonders and the like? 

 

From what I have read and was required to study 'Back In The Day', there's not much that would set Samuel to Spinning.  I'll leave it at that, and if you want to explore Ol' Sam's philosophy of life, you know where to google.  Which in a round about way brings me to the last of my August Alliterations...Muleish Musings.

 

I say Muleish only as a way of expressing my stubbornness...for truly, there comes a time in Life when Science has it's say, and stubbornness and denial must turn to spiritual acceptance in the knowledge that a new and beautiful beginning is near.

Forgive me for what surely must seem a bit vague and unrelated to the August Alliterations of this post.  Just know that I am Well, Muleish as ever and Cherishing these last days of August.

"Life is not an exact science...it is an art."  Samuel Butler

Famous Last Words....

...I've Axed August in the past...Not Happenin' This August!!!

I know better than to make rash statements like I did back on August 1st on the post August Ancestor Anecdote Challenge where I boldly spouted off that THIS August was going to be different than the Augusts of years past.  Every time I do that, I always have to eat my words, or in this instance postpone my Georgia Ancestor Cousin Challenge.

It's not that it matters to them.  They have rested in peace for decades, and most likely would just as soon not have a 'Nosey 4th Cousin' from Texas diggin' around in their past.

 But, it's my JOB as a Family Genealogist and Historian.  Besides, their stories...once I've embellished a bit have turned out to be pretty interesting, and I will get back to them soon.

August, as it turns out, has had a different Family Challenge for me with much closer kin than 'Cousins 4xRemoved'.   Can't get much closer kin than one's Mama, ya know!  So off to far West Texas I've been...where the sun rises and sets over the mesas and gifts us with the creators most majestic and stunning displays of days beginnings and endings.

 Everything in life has a beautiful ending...

If it is not beautiful then believe it is not the end...

It is just the beginning of something more beautiful.

Rosamond's Love Letter

January 1, 1898
My Dearest Ross,
        My heart is filled with joy as I write on this first day of the New Year.  To you, my Darling Sailor, I owe this happiness for the beautiful gift I received on Christmas Eve.  You know me so well and your thoughtfulness never ceases to amaze me. 
        The stitching detail of the roses and the perfectly crafted mirror and brushes are beyond anything I've ever seen much less had as my very own.  They will forever grace my dressing table and as I brush a hundred strokes each night, every stroke will whisper my love for you.
     Your letter, I've read over and over to assure myself of your safety onboard the USS Maine.  You must know the news papers are boldly declaring  war against Spain.  Oh My Dear, even though you say you are safe as can be, I fear for you as your ship protects the Havana Harbor.   
     My heart and soul will only be at peace when you come home and are safe beside me never to be parted again.  April cannot get here soon enough.  Your tour will end and our life together will begin with our marriage in May.  Oh My Sweet, the Roses will be in full bloom and my bridal bouquet will be filled with my favorite Pink Peace Roses.  Hurry April ~ hurry May, and hurry home my Husband To Be. 
Forever yours,
Rosa

 Rosamond Louise Ivy daughter of Billings Socrates and Lucy Asenath Pittman Ivy

was  22 years old during the Spanish-American War, an age when most young women were contemplating marriage and looking forward to a life with a husband and children. 

In my research of Rosa Lou, as she was called by her older sister Mary Ellen and younger sister Corrie,  her twenties were spent in the home of her parents and the only wedding was that of Mary Ellen.

 

The decades passed and each Census from 1910 through 1940 recorded Rosa as Single, another 10 years older, and living with her widowed mother Lucy and eventually with her widowed sister Mary Ellen.  As I wait for confirmation of her death date and her final resting place, I couldn't help but wonder why she remained unmarried her entire life.

 

As a 'Hopeful Romantic', I had to give Rosa Lou at least one chance in life for Love.  

 I just wish the ending could have been a 'Happy Ever After' one.

 

Rosamond's Love Letter was never answered...as happens with a young girls hopeful for love letters to her diary.  Had it been a 'real' love letter and had there been a 'real Ross', the ending would have been one of forlorn love and tragic loss.  Had Ross been a sailor on the USS Maine, he would most likely lost his life in what history describes as:

The Maine is best know for her catastrophic loss in Havana Harbor on the evening of February 15, 1898.  Sent to protect U.S. interests in the Cuban revolt against Spain, she exploded suddenly without warning and sank quickly, killing nearly three quarters of her crew.

You may be more familiar with this US History through what was at the time called the 'Yellow Press' by W.Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer who blamed Spain and printed the rallying cry, "Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain".  ~Wikepedia~

August Ancestor Anecdote ~ Rosamond Louise Ivy...2nd Cousin 3xRemoved.

Sources:  Ancestor.com....Family Tree Research

US Census Records 1880-1940

Family Search.org and Wikepedia

Photos from Collection of CollectInTexasGal...all rights reserved.

If you are a 'Story Reader'...You, too, can be a 'Story Teller'.
What 'Dear Diary' Stories are in Your Family Tree?

Linking To....Beverly's Pink Saturday

Cousin Lucy and Husband 'Sock' from Atlanta

August Ancestor Anecdote ~ Cousin Lucy Asenath
1st Cousin 4xRemoved

Nov 22, 1844-Oct 17, 1913

Daughter of  Uncle Daniel N. and Asenath B. Pittman.
Daniel's story HERE

Lucy was named after her grandmother Lucy Eunice Marshall Pittman, my 4x Great Grandmother and the matriarch of the 'Second Generation', also known as 'Wigwam Lucy'.  I'm sure Lucy Asenath heard the story of her Grandmother's living among the Mohawks and was herself called a 'Little Heathen' a time or two.  She and her five siblings were raised in the same house as 'Wigwam Lucy' and their grandfather Ichabod. 

 

Lucy Asenath was the fifth of six children...four girls and two boys, and all have been researched and have interesting stories to tell.  Several of which will be included in this months August Cousin Challenge.  One in particular you can look forward to is her brother, the Honorable Daniel J. Pittman.  As for Lucy, her 'August Ancedote' begins with her marriage in 1864 to Billings Socrates Ivy. 

 

 Lucy Asenath Pittman and B.S. 'Sock' Ivy were married during the height of the Civil War when General William T. Sherman set siege to Atlanta and the Atlanta Campaign was in full force.  The accounts of their wedding are undocumented, but with Socrates being from a well known Atlanta Pioneer Family and Lucy being the granddaughter of one of the largest cotton plantation owners in Georgia, the wedding was likely the highlight event of the year for the war torn Atlanta community.  The kind of stuff that brings Miss Scarlet and Mr. Rhett to mind. 

 

'Sock' Ivy had the distinction of being the First White Male born in the City of Atlanta.  His father, Henry P. Ivy and wife Mary Ann Byrd were early settlers in Atlanta where Henry's occupations were also quite distinctive and important to any new settlement....Blacksmith and Dentist.  Their roots were from the same county in Georgia as Lucy's great grandparents, grandparents and parents.   That made Lucy and Sock's family ties and histories closely bound together throughout their lives. 

 

Cousin Lucy and 'Sock' had four children:  son Lyman S. Ivy, and daughters Cora Asenath Ivy, Mary Ellen Ivy Anthony, and Rosamond L. Ivy.  Lyman will make the August Ancestor Anecdote list as a Texas Cousin Connection, and his sister Mary Ellen has a number of interesting stories during her long life living well into the 1960's.

Billings Socrates Ivy and Lucy lived their married life in Atlanta where it is said that 'Sock' was a policeman.  He died on March 5, 1896 and is buried  at Mount Carmel United Methodist Church Cemetery.  The same cemetery where Lucy's grandparents are buried as well as her Uncle Hiram and several other family members.  The land for the church and cemetery were donated by Lucy's father Daniel. 

After her husbands death, Lucy lived with her daughter Mary Ellen Anthony and her husband Dr. Ernest Anthony.  Lucy died at age 68 on October 17, 1913 and is buried at Mount Carmel cemetery...forever resting in peace among her grandparents, husband, mother and father-in-law, and her daughters.

No one is born into this world alone...but with connections to someone's Family Tree.

Everyone has shared the Bond of Family whose name has a History.

These are the Ties That Bind.

Sources:  The Ties that Bind are also the threads that lead to discovery of facts and photos.  Thanks to Sock's family descendants, the Atlanta Newspaper was available on ancestry.com.  I added to their research with information about Sock's only son Lyman having migrated to West Texas.  That bit of information was shared on Sock's Find A Grave Memorial.  It pays to check out every known source available online...including Search Engines like Google.  And last but not least your own knowledge of US history.  With a bit of extra research you can take a Family Detail Fact and turn it into an integral part of an ancestors story...like Lucy and Socrates wedding as a Civil War time event.

If you are a 'Story Reader'...You, too, can be a 'Story Teller'.

August Ancestor Anecdote Challenge

Is August a slow blogging month for you? In the past, it has been for me. As I look back through the Archives, it seems every year  I've Axed August on the Stats list. 

Not happenin' this August! 

August Ancestor Anecdote Challenge is my way of giving Tracks of My Georgia Ancestors the proverbial 'Shot In the August Arm' and get back on track.  Yep, I've fallen off the Georgia wagon a bit this past month of July, and a challenge is what I need to get back on the Buckboard. 

I haven't finished writing about the 'Second Generation' Georgia Ancestors yet over on Tracks of My Georgia Ancestors Genealogy Blog.   I still lack 3xGreat Aunt Lucy, her brother's Hiram and Joseph and her father, my 3x's Great Grandfather Ichabod.  Their stories are in the works and need to be told in line with the rest of the Second Generation as per 'blogging order format'.

Which brings me to Augusts' Challenge here on CollectInTexas Gal.

This month seems the perfect time to share with you some of the stories I've found about my Georgia Cousins, the offspring of the Second Generation Aunts and Uncles which make them my First Cousins 4xRemoved, and their children...Second Cousins 3xRemoved.

During the later part of the 1800's, the US Census records enumerated more information on individual family members vital statistics.  This along with wider circulation and reporting by newspapers, courthouse records and historical event documentation being digitized and made available online, has given Family Genealogist, like me, a wealth of information in the telling of our Family Histories.

Do you know who your First Cousins 4X Removed were?

I'll share mine with you and some of the ways I found out about their lives.

Follow along with this months 'August Ancestor Anecdote Challenge'.

and watch

Who Do You Think You Are

It is inspiring and always gives me clues and tips for researching my Family Tree.

Watch for the Georgia Cousin Tag for my August Ancestor Anecdotes.