A family history up for sale
- Laura Moore: Housebroken
- July 26, 2022
- 670
Taller Half and I inherited a lot of old family pieces of furniture. When we began our life together, we couldn’t afford much in the way of furniture, so we were very grateful to be entrusted with a couple of lovely tables, a bed and a couple of chests. These all belong to Taller Half’s grandparents and great-grandparents who had inherited them from their parents. Needless to say, all that furniture is old and beautiful. Though to be honest, a few pieces show some wear.
We have housed those family pieces for many years and are now ready to pass some of them on to our children. Guess what? Our children have declined our offerings. We were shocked by their refusals until we talked to other parents whose children also had refused to give a home to their family pieces. What is happening to our younger generations? It would appear family memorabilia isn’t important to them. Why?
Our offspring said our older, darker things wouldn’t fit into their more modern décor. What now happens to all these family pieces when they no longer have a family to live with? One child suggested we sell them. If we do that, our ancestors might come back to haunt us. On the other hand, a few pieces might be worth finding a buyer who values old things. A friend sold an inherited family chair not long ago for well over $100.
It is difficult to think about losing those pieces of our family history. On the other hand, if our children don’t want these old things, perhaps we would be wise to find them a new home with people who value “old stuff” enough to pay generously for them — not a bad idea considering our options.
Our children were very surprised to learn our old family pieces had monetary value. Suddenly, they were interested in them again. Too late! They had their chance.