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Edited 1-19-20
Backstory – Mom’s Wedding Hat
Out in the country where we live, auctions have always been a big deal. You never know what to expect. You may find treasures offered – or collections of mayonnaise jars. There could be dozens of locals and household items go for pennies on the dollar – or the city folk may have poured in, raising bids beyond affordable.
In years past, auction items would be displayed on farm wagons, with bidders standing around. Then the auctions were brought into large buildings, with chairs for all the bidders. Sometimes you’d shake your head over the prices paid.
We went to auctions to furnish our weekend farm house. We were in the market for virtually everything. Then, over time, we filled out our home and no longer needed the basics. Then the auction became more of an entertainment. We looked for something unusual or enticing, rather than something we needed.
That’s the state we were in when I went to the auction that is the subject of this week’s story. Didn’t need anything; just watching for something I might want or enjoy. Boy did I find it! Please listen in and hear what happened.
Consider This Show – Mom’s Wedding Hat
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There it is, on the auction block; the exact replica of the hat my mom wore on her wedding day in 1936. I want that hat!
The auctioneer is selling a trike first. Some fortunate kid will see it in the morning and tonight, it will cost his parent only $5 . . . No, $10 . . . No – OMG it’s up to $25. Well, you just never know.
Ok, here comes the wedding hat. I have to be careful not to overbid and not to let someone else get it.
It’s very distinctive. Lots of veiling and feathers. And such good shape. Old, but obviously box-kept – sort of like a car that is garage-kept.
Well the suspense is now building. My heart is racing. I just HAVE to be sure the auctioneer sees my bid. I want that hat!
He is starting the bid at $50. Way too much for me. No wait, there are no takers at the high bid. The auctioneer is down to $20 . . . now $10. OK – I bid. $5. Hold my breath. The auctioneer asks for a bid of $7.50. None comes. Going once, going twice . . . OMG, I got the hat. It is mine!
My piece of family history, come to life. Wait ‘til I tell . . . everyone.
P.S.
Nothing like the thrill of winning – especially when it only costs you five bucks!
[Show #370]
Mary Ellen and I recently watched a TV show about women picking out their bridal gowns-The least expensive was 3,500 and I recall some for 18,500! Wow. The Boston Globe’s Sunday magazine had an article on places to rent for the reception. $10,000 and up. Ah, love makes the world go round! Ted.
Your comments reminded me of the gowns chosen by my two daughters, some 40 years ago. While Cheryl tried on gowns costing $500-$900, she settled on a charming little cotton gown that was on sale for $99. Lisa chose to wear the wedding gown that had been worn by her new husband’s mother. We dodged the bullet in both cases and they were stunningly beautiful brides.
Somehow I must have missed this when you first aired it! Obviously your mother was not a redhead like you. Most redheads look a-w-f-u-l in pink… The hat is lovely and, if you still have it, now that you are a silver fox (!!!) you can WEAR it!
Isn’t it amazing how a simple thing like this can be so jam-packed with emotion and memories for the right person? Thank you for sharing this, Annette, and congratulations on your new website!