My Dad died when I was four, in 1965. In recent years I have become obsessed with trying to find out more about his life, his family in Italy and his loves. The youngest of nine, many of my siblings had told me that he loved to play the round backed mandolin that had been passed down to my brother. I had seen it once but have no memories of my father playing it, holding it. In April last year, I asked my brother if I could visit and take photos of it and when I arrived he handed it to me telling me I could keep it. I was so grateful. I’ve since found out that my father had sponsored an Italian Friend to come to Australia from Italy and this gent had brought the mandolin for my father as a thank you gift. My plan is to get it restrung and to learn to play one of the songs he used to play on it. When I hold it now I wonder how it looked in his arms…whether he strummed it hard or plucked it gently and if it looked tiny against his hands. I often embrace it, closing my eyes and try to feel my fathers presence. It’s precious to me and the only thing of my father’s that I have.
Liz
Competition: Family Heirlooms
Congratulations to Sharon Black, winner of last weekās competition, who won a free data subscription for her and for her friend who helps with her research.
Today is our last competition in honor of Family History Month and we want to hear about your family history finds.
We all keep vintage treasures which carry exciting stories about our pasts. Regardless of whether it is a photo, a piece of jewelry, a family document or historical record, our family heirlooms are keys to our family history.
What are the most precious family heirlooms in your family? Do you have your grandmotherās antique hairbrush? How about a silly family photo?
Comment below – by October 31, 2013 – with the most unique heirloom you have, and weāll choose one winner to receive a a free PremiumPlus and data subscription.
Remember, weāre looking for the most interesting, creative and original heirlooms.
Good luck!
Rosie Nolan`
October 24, 2013
When I started my family history research I wanted to start on my Faher’s side. We had no information on his family. He never spoke about them. I went to Athy Heritage centre and asked where would be the best place to start. I mentioned my Father’s name and his Father’s name. There was a guy in the centre at the time, he does a lot on Military research. He approached me and said I know that name, your Grandfather was in the Boar War and WW1. He won 4 medals and I know where one of them is today. I was flabbergasted, I said to this man, I’d say you are mistaken, there are a lot of Kavanagh’s in Athy, must be someone else. He said I will check it out and ring you, he took my number. Before I left Athy that day, I got a call from this man. He said yes it was your Grandfather and I have one of his medals. This mans gran-aunt had one of his medals. She did not know why or how she came to have it. It was the Great War of Civilisation 1914-1919. I am so proud to posses these medal. I have since purchased replicas of the other threee medals. I intend to frame these medals and a photo of my Grandfather. I never thought I would have found anything belonging to my Father’s family. It was amazing the way I found out this information and thanks to the man who has helped me with most of my informatiobn to date.
Regards
Rosie Nolan