Can a spoon
teach American history? Growing up, the
dinner hour was family time, but also a moment to learn about our
forefathers. We set our table with these
silver-plated Presidents Commemorative Spoon Collection and they were an
endless source of fascination for my brothers and me.
The
collection includes 34 spoons each depicting one of the Presidents of the
United States – from George Washington to John F. Kennedy. Grover
Cleveland was elected to two separate terms, but was only designed one spoon in
the collection.
We believe
our maternal grandmother Hilda began collecting the spoons for us, and at some point
purchased the whole set. They were
offered through newspaper advertisements at some time during JFK’s presidency,
and we all competed to use the spoon of the current president to eat our
SpaghettiOs. It’s amazing how an eating
utensil conferred a sort of inside-the-beltway status.
There is a
portrait of each president at the tip of the spoon, and the bowl of the spoon
contains a significant event or location connected to that president. The George
Washington spoon includes an etching of his estate on the Potomac, Mount Vernon.
The Abraham
Lincoln spoon depicts an excerpt from the Gettysburg Address.
The back of
each spoon handle is labeled for the manufacturer, WM Rogers, and IS for the parent company, International Silver.
I’m certain
the spoons helped inspire a deep interest in American history and the leaders
of our country. Over time, I’ve visited
Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and we frequently visited Teddy
Roosevelt’s “Summer White House,” Sagamore Hill on Long Island. I’m hoping to visit the Abraham Lincoln
Presidential Library and Museum during a visit to Springfield, Illinois later
this year.
Incidentally,
with a little research, I learned that while we refer to the third Monday in
February as “President’s Day” it is legally dubbed “Washington’s
Birthday” by the Federal Government. But, traditionally, the day
honors George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and all who have held the office of
President of the United States.
©2013 T.W.
Barritt All Rights Reserved
14 comments:
Too bad they never made it to Nixon. [Sound of blustering jowels.]
-RN
I have a couple of sets of silver spoons (from demitasste to teaspoons) that a great aunt collected on her travels. How fun to compete to use the current President's spoon.
Sam
It is nice that you have the collection from you grandmother and that it inspired your love of history.
Won't it be exciting when you can add the first female president to your spoon collection?
Another interesting story from you life. Thanks for sharing it with us. Love the spoon collection!
What beautiful and interesting collection of course I love Lincoln spoon; really beautu thanks for sharing!:)
What an interesting tradition. I know that these collection of spoons would have been the start of many interesting conversations at my dinner table.
I could not help smiling at John Barritt's comment-so true.
Velva
People just don't do this kind of collecting any more, what a pity. Having a little history with your oatmeal is a great way to get kids interested in history and silver... interest in both is waning terribly. Lots of kids don't know who Nixon was.
Grandmother Hilda started a wonderful tradition, T.W. I fear many of our young don't know a thing about American history and geography. This was a super (and fun) way to learn.
Really enjoyed seeing these spoons and sharing your story. To this day, do you eat with an of the spoons?
John - rumor has it, there was a Richard Nixon spoon issued sometime after 1968. I'm hot on the trail ...
Lydia - I would gladly purchase that spoon!
Laura - I haven't eaten with the spoons in many years. They are in pristine condition, and I don't want to change that. But perhaps today I should set the table with Abraham Lincoln for lunch and George Washington for dinner?
What a wonderful collection T.W. That the spoons come with such special memories is an added plus. I hope that all is well. Blessings...Mary
What a cool & very stylish collection of these special spoons!
They look very special! I hope you have insured them well!
thanks so much for sharing! :)
Oh those spoons! What a treasure! I have been collecting Presidential china patterns over the past few year. Love Americana collectibles!
I think it is too bad that great presidents like Washington and Lincoln are now celebrated lumped together with all presidents, good or not. I prefer to celebrate their respective birthdays on the day they were born. My tribute to Lincoln here: http://www.tastewiththeeyes.com/2013/02/a-toast-to-abraham-lincoln/
Super post T.W.!
LL
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