Friday, December 2, 2016

Second on the 2nd: My Grandmother's Dishes



I decided to share my Grandmother's dishes I inherited after she died.  Instead of rephotographing them, I decided to share this old post I created back on December 14, 2010. In case you missed Tuesday's post, these are called Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe and were designed and manufactured by a US company called Royal.  They were very popular in the 1950s and 60s and sold in various store, including Dillon's (purchased by Kroger a few years ago), where you could buy a piece each week along with your groceries.  My Grandmother, who used them every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas explained that was how she got practically a full set which she acquired before I was born.  Although all the pieces are green, each has uniquely different scenes, several of which can be traced to the novel by Charles Dickens.  They are all tied together by their hinges on the rims of each piece. 

As you will see, I was definitely in need of a new camera, but it would be several years before that happened.  Now the camera I have is fantastic.  Here is the part of the post that shares my Grandmother's dishes.

It's looking like Christmas 

I got all my Christmas dishes out this morning and, since several people wanted to see all the designs, I started to photograph them. I swear, I had the hardest time, because I thought I would use my camera with the flash. Well, the flash washed everything out, and I had a dark mess otherwise.  

 This is known as the large bowl, but because it has a crack, I can't use it. I usually wrap rolls in a towel and place them in this one.   Did you notice the eye glasses?

This even larger bowl I broke a couple of years ago, but repaired it, knowing I wouldn't use it.  I still enjoyed the image.

This may be an even better shot.

A side view of Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe is the picture on the dinner plates.

A snow covered scene showing the front of the shop is on the meat platter.

Don't you love that bay window and the carriage in the background?

This is the salad bowl. It's quite small, and I'm not sure you could get much salad in it  (Ed. note: I don't think "salads" were as leafy as they are now.  I suspect when these dishes were designed, most salads were either gelatin or contained fruits or veggies combined with a mayonnaise base).

Ed note: Although this is a saucer, it is not the saucer that should come with the cup in the set.  It is, however, what my Grandmother collected.

After standing on my head, doing a jig, and holding my mouth just right, I finally got a decent photo of the creamer and sugar bowl.  I have two creamers, and use one as a gravy boat, along with one of the saucers.

As dawn broke, I had finally photographed the various pieces I own of this set.  Now I'm off to clean each piece so the set can be used when I welcome company on Sunday.  Thank you for viewing this set of dishes today.
 _____________________________________________________
Now it's time for you to link your second look on the 2nd.  The rules are quite simple and everyone is welcome to join the fun look back.  All you have to do is bring back a post that you are especially proud of, or perhaps one you shared before anyone knew your blog existed.  Then link below and Bleubeard and I, along with other Second on the 2nd friends, will be by to visit.  

Please be aware this link is only open for five days, so it's best to post sometime on the 2nd.




14 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Beautiful china! Yesterday I visited a museum here which only has porcelain and ceramics, some pieces 2000 years old, and a very impressive special exhibit of Russian bridal tableware - it was all fantastic! Hugs, Valerie

froebelsternchen said...

Beautiful dishes and I think the best is that you always think of your granny when you put it out!
Happy Second on the 2nd dear Elizabeth!
Have fun with your guests on Sunday!
oxo Susi

chrissie said...

Amazing pieces Elizabeth and such treasures to own if they inspire memories as well.

Enjoy your guests

Love Chrissie xx

Lisca said...

It is indeed a beautiful set. I like the fact that it is your grandma's and that each piece is different. I also like the way she has collected it piece by piece. I suppose they are collector's items by now. Or they will be in the near future.
Yes, I can see now that you needed a new camera. I need a new camera too and that is not going to happen in a hurry though...
Happy 2nd on the 2nd,
Lisca

My name is Erika. said...

I like seeing these dishes. I think grocery store used to have such nice incentives when they gave away these dishes. You could really get something good and have these heirloom pieces to pass down. I bet you like using them every year. I think one of the best things about the holiday is pulling out all those things that have been around for a long time. Last night wee decorated our tree and and we all laughed because once again I pulled out this little pipe cleaner and bead man I made when I was 5. Its pretty ugly but still means a lot to me, just like the straw star and my daughter's early art. :) Happy weekend. Hugs-Erika

Darla said...

It is fun to see this set. I didnt know they were a grocery store give away. Lots of things like that went on - even down to flour sacks being printed cotton you could use

Im away from computer but scheduled post is up. Please link me if you can

CJ Kennedy said...

I love those dishes! Before I got married, my mother, my mother's neighbor (who would become my mother-in-law) and I colled stoneware dishes from the grocery store. They were brownish with a brown rim. Ma's had daisies as the design, My MIL had daisies and strawberries, and mine were plain. When one of Himself's brothers moved to his own apartment and needed dishes, I gave him mine as I had gotten a set of Pfalzgraff in a fruit with blue checkerboard border.

pearshapedcrafting said...

I do so love these dishes Elizabeth and the table at the bottom of the post looks wonderful! Your Grandmother would be so pleased to think that you are still using them! Hugs,Chrisx

Krisha said...

Thanks for re-sharing the whole set, how precious they must be coming from your Grandmother. I have a couple of sets from my MIL and many antiques form other family members. I LOVE the old stuff....LOL!

Divers and Sundry said...

What a perfect use of that cracked bowl! I love all the different scenes :)

Rita said...

I remember you showing us these treasures before. So pretty. :)

Jeanie said...

I love your Christmas dishes. grandma had wonderful taste and these have such a warm and wonderful feeling to it. I can see why you love this -- for even more than the sentimental reasons.

Sandy said...

You are so lucky to have your grandmothers dishes!!
sandy xx

Halle said...

I totally forgot about Second on the 2nd!!! Darn it!!
I'll have to share my dishes one of these days too.