Roots and Recall has opened doors to beautiful places, people and building, and we sincerely appreciate the partnerships and access provided by individuals and institutions. But it has also shown repeatedly, people do treasure their family’s heritage. Even if their home-place no longer survives or has even been relocated, families are drawn to their heritage, at some stage in life. In such a case, an
acquaintance who had moved and restored an important antebellum home in upstate South Carolina received a call, from one of the home’s descendants. The caller had a large box of family papers which they wanted to reside in their family’s old home. The family member, explained, it was his wish to see the collection remain with the family’s old home and not be divided. Accepting this treasure trove was a significant responsibility for a non family member. The box consisted of hundreds of old pictures, letters, and albums covering four extended families and several generations. Enjoy visiting two of the new R&R webpages featuring digitized collections recently posted: Chester Co. Court Judgements as well as the Sheridan’s Classic School booklet.
What would you have personally done if you too were faced with such a request? For that matter have you bothered to even look in your attic and see what someone may have left you? I once found three southwestern pieces of pottery in a house I purchased and the rightful owner drove eight hours to recover these valuable pots. I now realize the pots were indeed mine to keep, worth thousands of dollars, and I had no responsibility to return them. But somehow, I feel better by having done so. Yet, taking possession of family records is not only a tremendous obligation but also puts a monkey on the shoulders of the new owner. If there is no legal record of ownership or transfer of title the problem is even worse. What would you do as a homeowner if that was the case and what should you do if you sell the residence later?
On a lighter note, R&R received a long awaited package from an elderly lady, who lives in New York City yesterday, full of her own family treasures. She has requested the collection be digitized and posted on the website with her old home in McCormick County. She wrapped each piece and parcel in acid free paper and R&R will be returned the collection in just the same caring manner. Oh, this is exactly what R&R was created to do!
From the Porch – Blog @ RootsandRecall.com – 8.18.16