THE TREASURE CHEST

A short history to introduce you to

my treasure chest. It is my theory

that every girl needs a treasure chest.

I was born and raised in the city

of Washington, D. C. This was

during the time when it was fashionable

for gentlemen to smoke Cuban cigars

and ladies to use long cigarette holders.

My how times have changed!

My father owned and operated

a tobacco shop in downtown

Washington and I often visited with

him after school. At that time

Cuban cigars came packaged in beautiful

mahagony boxes with inlaid tops.

This is the one he gave me for

my treasure box. I think I got this when I

was about 8 years old. I often think

of this box and its contents as to this

day it resides in my bedroom.

The original treasures in this box

were my favorite paper doll and all

of her clothes, my best marble, an "aggie"

of course, and my most precious

- my Wheaties box top

decoder ring!

My ideas of treasures have changed

over the years but these are

cherished memories.

I have a new treasure box!

My friend Barb gave me this beautiful

box for Christmas. It came

filled with cookies which I have

transferred to a tin to keep fresh and

this box is now on my dresser as a

companion to the cigar box.

My treasures have changed but

the memories are as near and dear to

me as any memories could be.

This old leather fold up purse is now

in my treasure box. It was always

carried by my mother.

It contains several silver dollars which I

am sure that many of you have never seen.

Her theory was that if she carried them

with her always she would never want.

They were passed to me upon her

death

This beautiful porcelain box was given to

me by my husband on our 58th anniversary.

It is to large to put in my treasure box

but it contained a note.

This note is now in my treasure box.

A favorite cameo bracelet that I wore
on a special occasion with special
memories - now in the box.

My mothers charm bracelet that holds

the gold coins that my father refused to

return to the government. Telling my mother

that if the economy failed under

Mr. Roosevelt he would still be able

to be groceries for the family. I am now

ready to pass this along to my

daughter.

Last but not least by any means. Sorry I

have no picture. A note written on

a sheet of notebook paper, written by

a young child that reads as follows:

Dear Tooth Fairy,

I put my tooth under my pillow

wrapped in a kleenex,

Please leave me a dime or a

quarter. Best of luck

to you.

Unsigned -

I have been unable to decide which of my two girls wrote this note but

needless to say it the most precious possession in my treasure box. This is the most nostalgic time of year for me. I know how lucky I am to have the family that I do but Oh, how I miss those that are no longer here. I hope that each of you will take the time to remember your loved ones at this time of year.

The shopping is finished, most of the cooking is done, just a few more dishes to prepare on Christmas eve and of course the Turkey and roast to cook on Christmas day. A quick vacuum through the house, a bit of a pick up and I am as ready as I ever will be for the big day.

Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year to all.

Doris and Eloise