Red-letter Relics
When I began my work here at the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden in November 2010, I had a lot to learn. I think it was about 2012 before I thought it would be a good idea to take at least a visual inventory of everything that was in the house. I set about on a search through every closet and cabinet to see what was there. In one of the hall cabinets, I found a collection of metal items. Among them was what I thought at the time might be a curtain stay.
What’s this… What’s this? Found in a hall cabinet in 2012, this brass hook’s purpose wasn’t clear to me at the time. I am so glad I put it to the side instead of in the trash!
It was early January this year when I finally figured out what this thing really is… a brass fireplace jamb hook. Aaaand, it is original to Elizabeth Lawrence and her house! I gleefully reinstated it to its rightful spot, finding the exact screw holes to put it back to use.
Sometimes it takes a decade of wondering, a half-decade of studying, and a moment of luck to complete another part of the puzzle here in Elizabeth Lawrence’s world.
This mystery item—a brass fireplace jamb hook—finally found its way back into its precise spot.
There are no words to express the depth of our gratitude to Elizabeth Lawrence’s family for sharing their memories, insights, advice, encouragement, old photographs… support in SO many ways… and for entrusting us with original pieces from their Aunt’s life and home by placing them on permanent loan. Thank you, Elizabeth Rogers! Thank you, Warren and Fran Way!
Elizabeth Lawrence’s living room is slowly but surely becoming more like her home again, thanks to her incredible, wonderful family members. Come visit on the second or fourth Thursday from 10:30-1:30 for a special look inside the house!