So We Are Going To Resell Dead People's Stuff?

The top four reasons for holding an estate sale are; downsizing, debt, divorce and death. While all four can be sad occasions, we have found our hearts especially touched when the estate sale is due to death.

Now, let’s not be maudlin, we are practical women who understand the need to liquidate assets, cover debt and distribute to heirs.  But, we are also Southern women raised with a sense of grace and a reverence for those who have passed from this world. Seriously, when we hear of the passing of a friend or relative, we are seized by an overwhelming urge to throw together a casserole, bake a dessert and head out for a visit. Also….the Middle One has had a thing about ‘dead people’s stuff’ since she was small.  (She would refuse to sit in antique chairs, or sleep in antique beds)

The sales that touch us most are the homes of elderly couples. Entering the front door is like a Sunday afternoon visit to Great Aunt Ruby’s house.  Each room furnished with outdated but impeccable furniture, lovingly maintained, treasures carefully displayed. The kitchens are often small and crowded with fragile glassware. The dining room displays the requisite table (now covered in her best china and sparkling crystal – all for sale) and 6 chairs, the crowded sideboard and empty china cabinet.  The bedroom closets are the hiding place of vintage purses or hats. The dressers divulge a few delicate lady’s scarves and pairs of dainty gloves, a dozen laundered and ironed men’s handkerchiefs and several pairs of classic cufflinks.  I’ll comment to the Middle One “look how well she kept her china closet”, she will comment to me about how “he must have loved fishing”, or one of us will notice his carefully folded flag and share a moment of silence.

Then there are the small items that give you an insight into the life and relationship of the home’s previous occupants. Yesterday we walked into a guest bedroom and found, sitting on the bed a candy tin.  The Keepsake Assortment, Russell Stovers Candies… such a classic.  Inside a small piece of paper reading “Valentine’s Day 1998, From: Lloyd” was taped.

 Mutual Soul Deep Sigh

In the next room the Middle One discovered a small book, a Mass book she was told. The inside cover bore the inscription “Remember me in your prayers, dear, Yours Always, Viola – 2/14/57”

Another Mutual Soul Deep Sigh

A friendly conversation with the estate sale attendants revealed that this couple was in their 90's. Congratulations Lloyd and Viola, clearly you had many many years together!

Now, we really enjoy attending these sales and searching out the treasures we stock in our shop. We love finding these once beloved items and (you can always tell by how/where something was kept how much the meant) and passing them on to new owners who will enjoy them.  

Saturday we watched this very young man cautiously examine a dining room table and chairs, he asked an attendant about the price, we butted in to be sure he knew there were two leaves for the table leaning against the wall, (we’re nice like that), and then he said he would buy it and pointed to a very young woman, his wife, standing in the line to pay. Together another sigh and the Middle One leaned closer and acknowledged that it was ‘the perfect dining table for a young couple’.

Yes, yes, we can be quite sentimental. But trust me, we have some truly funny moments, some astounding moments, and some moments that just make us shake our head and wonder at the audacity of the public. We’ll share more on those events another time. For now, don’t judge, and pass the Kleenex….