What to do
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Maryland
Posts: 820
What to do
I have inherited an old Victorian domed trunk from 1870s that is full of family clothes. Beautiful plum colored 2-piece fancy long dress and some other clothes. We know who this stuff belonged to. I have saved everything else that belonged to the family, like many letters, lots of paperwork, etc. But I don't really want these clothes and this trunk. It has been parked in my living room for a few months now and I'm tired of it! Wew! Just had to vent. Should I donate this stuff to historial society, or try to sell it or what? I have no place to keep it and my kids are not iterested.
#2
Trunks are collectables so if it is in decent shape you could probably sell that. If you have a local historical society or museum I am sure they would be interested in it as well as any clothing. Clothing from a bygone era is a wonderful thing to preserve. Not only does it preserve the history of garments, but we can reproduce fabrics and patterns based off the clothing. Please don't throw it away - if push comes to shove and you are thinking of throwing it away, PM me. I'd take it off your hands and pay for the shipping.
#3
I would get it evaluated, and then give it to a historcial society. There may be benefit for you some place , like giving it as a gift, and a tax deduction. Rules are different in different states. The thing is, SOMEONE should get something out of it as it
was saved all those years.
was saved all those years.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Maryland
Posts: 820
Thanks for the advice...I would never discard it as we love antiques, etc., but we have just been overwhelmed with things lilke this since my MIL passed away. It's just a shame to stick it in my attic or wherever to sit there until my kids have to make a decision about it. As of now, they don't want any of it.
#5
I'm glad (and relieved!) to hear you would not just discard it. Sometimes people have been known to do that just to get things out of their hair. I agree with the PP who said have it evaluated. As I said, trunks are collectables and it may have some value. I don't know about the clothing, but at the least I think a historical society would be interested. Good luck!
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,827
ditto to others .... check with your local historical society as to their interest on all.
I know you said you don't want it ... though, these trunks can often be cleaned up and/or refinished to be beautiful pieces. Just a thought, before you send it away.
I've used one in the past for fabric storage, and would love one now to consolidate the extra batting pieces.
I know a lot of people like them for toy trunks.
I know you said you don't want it ... though, these trunks can often be cleaned up and/or refinished to be beautiful pieces. Just a thought, before you send it away.
I've used one in the past for fabric storage, and would love one now to consolidate the extra batting pieces.
I know a lot of people like them for toy trunks.
#10
Thanks for the advice...I would never discard it as we love antiques, etc., but we have just been overwhelmed with things lilke this since my MIL passed away. It's just a shame to stick it in my attic or wherever to sit there until my kids have to make a decision about it. As of now, they don't want any of it.