January 27, 2013
WOLF CREEK HERITAGE MUSEUM NOTES by Virginia Scott MUSEUM HAPPENINGS A quiet week with several visitors who enjoyed our exhibits and local history. It is always enjoyable to share our history with visitors and local people who are not familiar with our heritage. We have received so letters and newspaper from the 20's and 80's which have so of the news worthy happenings that will make interesting articles this year. As I reported last week, the student art exhibit is up and Amy and Lovella are working on the new rules connected with this years exhibit. It promises to be fun and exciting for the students. An student reception will be scheduled soon so stay tuned. I am working on the annual report for Texas Historical Commission and I will also report on our Board Meeting that was held on Tuesday as you read this on Thursday. HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS Laura V. Hamner was a columnist for the Amarillo Sunday News Globe during the 50's. She also wrote several books of short stories about the Panhandle. Her column was titled "Talks to Teens" yesterday, today, and tomorrow. In the column on March 11, 1956 she writes about southern traditions related to deaths. "At a friends the other day,we saw a pair of silver salt cups and spoons that had been in her family for many years, they were "wait" gifts. I had not heard of wait gifts before, so she explained that in New Orleans where she spent her girlhood, it was the custom to send gifts to those who came to a home and sat up with the dead. later the family sent out gifts. The brought out the discussion of another Southern custom, that of sending out "mourning spoons" to those who helped a family in case of a death. These were coin spoons, made of silver dollars and usually had a handle suggestive of a coffin. I believe that I should not have welcomed as gruesome a reminder, but they were highly valued." Strange customs we often practice to assist us with various life situations. Have a good week. |
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