Well I got out some of Mama's china today because
the set is one of my very favorite things.
And I learned something when I Googled the Homer Laughlin Virginia Rose pattern. Something I'd never known even though Mama owned this china all my life.
I learned that you can tell the year each piece was made by looking on the bottom ... the double digit number in between the letters signifies the year the piece was made.
Which told me that Mama apparently bought the set around 1949 (four years before I was born) and then bought the lovely sugar bowl around 1956. I like knowing that, it connects me to the set even more than I've always been.
Mama only used this china when we had company, whether it was my New Jersey aunt and her family, or the church's revival preacher. Otherwise it stayed in the corner china cabinet.
At some point, can't remember when, Mama gave the gorgeous china to me. I like that it pictures our state flower/tree, the dogwood - described as the Virginia Rose by Homer Laughlin.
I used the pieces several times, many years ago, but then decided it was best to treasure them in my own china cabinet where they were safe. My children, as busy toddlers and then as children, were not a good match for the Virginia Rose.
Just like Mama's pink Pyrex here, I'll always treasure her china ... and someday pass it down to my daughter, Elizabeth.
I'm sharing at Claudia's Favorite Things Party - stop by and see all the great links from other bloggers.
Hugs ~ Mary
Lovely china! I don't think I have seen that pattern before.
ReplyDeleteThat is the sweetest little pattern ~ just love it! Virginia Rose. Ah the name just says it all for me. As you well know, I have the softest spot in my heart for VA. Now, tell me, is that last pic a sugar bowl? It is so cute I want to hug it.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend my dear friend!
Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
So beautiful!! LOve the pretty flowers, and colors!! Have a great weekend! xo Heather
ReplyDeleteOh how beautiful:) I know you are enjoying that gorgeous china filled with memories! Have a blessed day and thanks for the lesson in how to tell the year! HUGS!
ReplyDeleteI love this pattern, Mary. How you must treasure it! I've always been a fan of Homer Laughlin china - my first experience with it was when I was collecting Fiesta back in the 80's. I have some other pieces around here, but this pattern is especially beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for joining in!
xo
Claudia
Lovely china, and how wonderful to have those memories with it. I like Homer Laughlin, I have some brown hull pieces. xo
ReplyDeleteBeautiful china. Such a delicate pattern. Very interesting information on how to tell the year the piece was made.
ReplyDeleteBalisha
What beautiful china your mother collected! I love too how you now know the date each piece was made... very cool. Treasures for sure. :)
ReplyDeleteMary this is a beautiful set of china. I love that it was handed down to you from you Mother and you will hand down to your daughter. I love the colors and the dogwood is a favorite. hugs, Linda
ReplyDeleteI love the Homer Laughlin china and I own the dogwood pattern. Your Virginia Rose pattern is so pretty. I didn't know about the year on the bottom. Thanks for that information
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that about the dates. I'm going to have to check out mine.
ReplyDeletegorgeous china! thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh my ... it is spectacular!
ReplyDeleteI have a few pieces of this china. I started out with a pie plate in this pattern that belonged to grandma. From there, I have added additional pieces through the years. Grandma's pie plate had her named on paper taped to the bottom - remember when folks would send food after a death to the family and place their name on the bottom for the dish to be returned?
ReplyDeleteYou are so fortunate that your set was so loved and cared for by your Mama. Thank you for sharing these gorgeous photos.
This china is so pretty. You are lucky to have it, especially as a reminder of your dear Mother. I'm so glad you shared it. Linda
ReplyDeleteMaravilhoso! Com toda a certeza merece um lugar de destaque em sua casa e em seu coração por toda a história que possui.
ReplyDeleteMary, the china is beautiful. I am sure the table looks pretty when it is set with those dishes. When you said it was used when the preacher came over, that made me think of my Grandpa. He was a preacher at a church several miles from home. Each Sunday a family would invite my Mom's family for a big Sunday dinner and left overs for supper so they didn't have to go back home after church. The host family would cook up a storm and serve the most delicious food using their good china. My Mom has told me of the fun times she had spending the day with the nicest people most of whom had youngsters my Mom's age. It is wonderful that you have sweet memories connected with your Mom's china and I bet the preacher appreciated that a special table was set for him. -----------Shannon
ReplyDeleteYou have a NJ aunt? Gorgeous collection and a great memory.
ReplyDeleteKelly
What a beautiful set too! Nice to know the history behind them.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Your mother's china is so beautiful, Mary, little wonder it's one of your favorite things. And how lovely to know so much about it, and to be able to pass that information down with the china to your own children. Thank you for posting the photos and sharing some of your family's history.
ReplyDelete