In 2018, the estate "Grassland" was being prepared for auction and the postal unit (left), telephone system, and several boxes of "stuff" was donated by Finders Keepers Estate Sales (Main Street, Town of Orange).
After making a home for the postal unit and counter (built by Mr. Faudree to hold the 1890s postal unit), and the telephone system, I was able to sort through the boxes. It took several weeks to sort and organize everything and place things in protective boxes, etc. (Check out this TicTok video link to see the individual items.) There were several really interesting artifacts such as the 19th century glasses, old manufacturer's boxes with the elegant art and lettering, a 17th century "wallet", and some really unique documents.
The two items below are going to be 115 years old in just over three months. They are rather unique because they are from the 1909 inauguration of President-elect Taft and his Vice President-elect Sherman. Someone in the Faudree family attended the event; I only lived 10 miles from Washington, D.C. (1984-1998) and I never attended an inaugural event.
The souvenir document (above) is a 11" x 8 1/2" pamphlet tied together with a silk ribbon. It should have contained both President Taft's and Vice President Sherman's images. Unfortunately, the silk ribbon had been undone and only Vice President Sherman's image remains, though no longer tied into the booklet.
Unfortunately, the silk ribbon had been undone and only Vice President Sherman's image remains, though no longer tied into the booklet.
The back of the pamphlet.
The second item is the program booklet, tied with a blue cord. It measures 8" x 6" and includes ticketing information, procedure, and the day's program. Photographs of each page are shared below.
Just a reminder that when you are clearing out attics, basement, closets, boxes, trunks, etc.; be patient and look at everything....there may be a hidden treasure.