Friday, March 14, 2008

Show & Tell Friday

Show and Tell
Whoa... I'm late to the party today! I guess it's better late then never, right?
Today, I'd like to share some belongings from my Great Great Uncle Martin O. Svendsen. Uncle Martin was born in Norway in 1873. He came to America about 1893 and lived here until his death in 1956.
Many years ago my daddy was given Uncle Martin's pocket watch because he was partially named after him. It's a very thick silver watch with a engraved gold locomotive on the back (which I forgot to take a picture of ... ) It really is very beautiful.

Uncle Martin worked for many years in the United States Marine Hospital in Port Townsend, Washington. In a newsapaper article dated July 20, 1933, it describes Martin as a deeply religious man who sought to give spiritual comfort to those whom he thought would appreciate it. Here is one of his Bible's from 1917.
I have enjoyed reading through it especially noting which verses he has highlighted, and there are many!
In 1986 my Great Auntie Edith wrote a little book about Uncle Martin. This is a picture of the inside cover.
Martin was known for writing many letters to his family and friends and he always wrote an inscription on the cover of a book he'd give as a gift. Here are a couple pages from Auntie Edith's book. (I think if you enlarge the pictures, you'll be able to read the text.)
She mentions a cookbook that Uncle Martin gave her when she was seventeen.
One of the things he wrote was:
"Home, a smiling woman and a good dinner, Does not the heart of man yearn for this trio at evening time?" I've always thought that would make a nice motto to hang in our kitchen...
Here is the inside cover of that cookbook! I was given the cookbook when my Auntie Edith passed away. What a treasure!
At the end of Edith's tribute to Uncle Martin she writes:
The memory of a man whose love for God enabled him to see the beauty in nature, in words and in music. The memory of a man whose love for God enabled him to find contentment in work or repose, for whom nothing and no one was above, beyond or beneath.
I can still hear him saying, "Isn't this a beautiful day that the Lord has given us?"
Yes, Uncle Martin it is.
I feel so blessed that my family was given some of Uncle Martin's belongings. Although I never knew him, his wonderful testimony has lived on.
Don't forget to stop by Kelli's house for more Show & Tell fun!


15 comments:

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Love, love, love the story of your Uncle and how special you have the books and notes from him. He must have been a wonderful Godly man.

Dawn said...

I have a similar watch that belonged to my grandfather. He was born in 1897.
I wish I had his Bible. I would imagine that his son (age 83) has it now.

Kathi said...

Great stories. I love that motto. I'd like to borrow it. I will give credit to you uncle. What treasures. That cookbook is such a keepsake. Wonderful show.

Kathi

Alison Gibbs said...

How wonderful to have such a delightful piece of your family history.
Alison

Simply Stork said...

WOW! oh I'll say it again...wow!

I love the treasures you showed today :o)

~simply~

Brenda said...

I love to hear stories such as this. That's great that you have those keepsakes. Thanks for sharing! God Bless!

nancy said...

This is what Show & Tell is all about. A precious story of valued heirlooms reflecting the life and character of a loving, godly man. What a treasure.
Nancy

Cjdusse said...

Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing. The quote by Judith is beautiful

Constance said...

This is a wonderful family heirloom! I'm guessing the word LEGACY is what comes to my mind. We can't take our wealth and our reputation or fame with us when we die. The only thing that endures is our character and what memories we leave behind. What a wonderful treasure your family has in these belongings. Do you have them displayed in some sort of a shadowbox?
Connie

JEWELGIRL said...

Family keepsakes are the most
precious things. Great story
and wonderful pictures! Have a
great day!

The Apron Queen said...

Its a shame that our blogswon't be able to be handed down to the next generation the way that letters are...

Stop on by for a visit at http://anapronaday.blogspot.com. Made some Kiss Me I'm Irish Beef & Cabbage yesterday & posted the recipe. Come on over, I'll fix you a plate!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful memoir. I love that saying about what men yearn for when they come home.

mrsjojo said...

All I can say is, "What a treasure and heritage". You are blessed. Thanks for the wonderful S&T this week.

Joyfull said...

What a beautiful story and such wonderful keepsakes. Thank you for sharing.

Sarah said...

What wonderful treasures you have from your Uncle. I love the pocket watch.
Sarah
http://vintagelily.typepad.com/