I sat enthralled watching the 1940 black-and-white movie “Rebecca” on TV recently. The novel Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a favorite. I usually prefer books over movies hands down, but the film, produced by David O. Selznick and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, was superb. It won the Oscar for Best Motion Picture of the year in 1940, the second Best Motion Picture Oscar in a row for Selznick in spite of the fact the movie seemed the opposite in style of his fabulously successful “Gone with the Wind.”
Later, I pondered why I enjoy old movies so much. (1939 is my favorite year.) It got me thinking: do I just like old things? Yes—most of the time. Given a choice of purchasing a sleek new desk over a rustic desk with history and grace, I’d choose the old ones. I enjoy meeting and chatting with young people, especially children and teens, but the elderly bring with them a wealth of history and knowledge. I treasure them and am honored to have them in my life. Yet when a package arrives at my door bringing something new, I can hardly wait to open it!
I think about the Amish, about reading Amish novels, about planning a trip to Pennsylvania Dutch country to do research and visit friends and family, and realize part of the allure is that I seem to step back into history. My chance—all of ours—to enter another era, albeit contemporary, and contemplate a simpler life.
In many ways their life is not simpler, if I’m realistic with myself. If I needed to hitch up the buggy to go to the grocery or hardware store on a drizzly morning, I’d probably opt to stay home. And I’d be writing by hand right now, perhaps a letter to send around to my family members to share the latest news. But I wouldn’t have a chance to connect with all of you, which I thoroughly enjoy!
I suppose I should be grateful that I like old, since I’m heading in that direction on a daily basis. There are cultures where aged people are highly respected, including the Amish, but I don’t see much of that in my world. Youth is king. A couple days ago at the grocery store, a much younger woman and I were aiming for the same cash register—I was slightly ahead of her. For a moment, I almost stepped back to let her in front of me. If she’d had just a few items, I would have; I usually allow people with a small amount or a child to go first. But for once I held my ground and rolled my cart to my rightful spot. She was not amused.
But back to old things … I have a small collection of teacups and prefer the oldest ones. I love my 98-year-old aunt’s quilts. And several of my friends’ husbands drive vintage cars. One of my girlfriends does too. I’m always thrilled when a new book sits upon my bed-stand, but still carry around the stories of my favorite classics in my head. And music? If I break out into song, it’s always an oldie.
What do you think of when you hear the words too-old, weather-beaten, used-up, past its prime and time to replace? There are so many advantages to modern technology, but do you still prefer nestling by a fire and reading a book, quilting, or knitting rather than dashing off to the latest movie?
What are your thoughts? Please leave a comment! Should you wish to enter to win a copy of Pennsylvania Patchwork or Leaving Lancaster, please leave an email address or contact info. I’ll choose a winner next week, at random. USA or Canada!
Congratulations to Bonnie R., winner of her choice of one of the books, Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork!
I love the old…especially books and quilts.
I found an old oak washstand early this year, I love it…so I do like old also. Carmee or miaross1961@yahoo.com
Oh my goodness…I was born old! I would prefer to stay home, read, bake cookies, among other things. I love older people because I can relate to them more and I sure do lend a listening ear. Some of the older women in my church are dear souls who have lost loved ones. They just want someone to care about them…and I do.
As for old vs. new. I’ll take an old piece of furniture over a new one anytime. Old stuff has character! Do you suppose since I’m well on my way to becoming older than dirt that I might have character too?! 🙂
Blessings!
Judy B
You sound like a darling, Judy, with a generous and kind character! Thanks for writing!
Sorry Kate,I posted in the wrong place but I love old over new anyday. I have a lot of old pieces,don’t know if they are just old or vintage.I have a most interesting flower vase and cannot find out who made it.It has no markings on it but it is a basket woven over a clay vase .I think I bought it at a yard sale.I’ve never seen one like it before.If you know of anyone group of people that makes this kind of basket ,please let me know.I have researched it ,but can not find any info on it . Thanks,and I would love to win your book.
Thanks for your comment, Linda! I’ve accumulated a piece here and there, and also know little of most of their origins. Your basket sounds unique!
I love old stuff. angelachesnut246@gmail.com Angela from KY
Thanks for writing and sharing your appreciation of old stuff!
I love antique things, old things, old barns, buildings, etc. My husband thinks I must be crazy, I think. But I guess that’s why I am a genealogist. I love old stuff!!
Wow, you’re a genealogist too, Sonja! Thanks for sharing your love of old architecture, which I also adore. When I met my husband he lived in an ultra modern abode, and I in an … older place.
I always forget to include an address, Sonja.nishimoto (at) gmail (dot) com.
PS.I also LOVE old newspapers…They are amazing!
Since I am an oldie I prefer antiques. The older the better.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Janet, the older the better! Although I do rewire old lamps …
Oldies are usually better than the new things.
Thanks for your thought, Bonnie. You’ll get no argument from me … a woman who sits here typing on a newish computer.
I love old things. I guess my calling is to provide a safe place for someone’s precious memories. shirleyj1217@gmail.com
You put that so beautifully, Shirley! I may have to quote you. Thanks for writing!
I do like the old black and white movies but i’m a little spoiled,i have to admit I love the colored ones .But you know there are some you couldn’t ever see again except in black and white. I used to love to watch The Riffleman and The Lone Ranger,priceless. I would love to win one of your books,thanks.Blessings to you kate
Thanks so much for your fun comment, Linda, and for entering the contest! I admit, I still watch some of those old black and white TV shows.
I prefer antiques, i love old cups.
SHIRLEY B jcisforme@aol.com
Thanks for writing, Shirley, and entering the contest! I’m not sure anything I own is a real antique, but old enough to make me happy.
I love old things. Movies, books, Quilts, pictures they all have a story to tell. I even enjoy talking with the senor citizens. Now there are stories there.
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com
Thanks for your comment, Diana! You got me thinking: perhaps it’s the story that draws me to old things. Most of my senior friends are a wealth of knowledge and support.
I love old things.I have always loved antiques and love going to antique stores to browse around.Old things are made so much better than the new things,except with a few exceptions.I know the amish things are made very well.I think I was born with an old heart.Give me a night with my crocheting and a good book any day than a night out on the town.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
Thanks for your comment, Jackie! Old things are made with more integrity; I don’t think my parents Frigidaire ever gave up. Your evenings sound delightful!
Some of the greatest movies are in black & white. I love watching them.
seraphinangel7@aol.com
Thanks are writing, Juanita! It’s good to know I’m not alone!
I love the old & vintage teacups and tea pots. My grandmother is from England. 1898 her family immigrated to the US. I’m reading LEAVING LANCASTER on ebook and I’ve read PA Patchwork. I haven’t read your first book yet. If I could win a copy of that one I would love it. I’ve enjoyed what you have written so far that Ive read. Have a blessed week.
Thank you so very much, Pat, for your kind comments! When I started collecting teacups, my sweet husband kindly bought me a couple new ones, not understanding that I like old!
Depends upon the item & it’s use. However, when you’ve been married for 40 some years, nothing is “brand spankin’ new” anymore!
How right you are, Linda! Plus, add couple children or pets and you have “Shabby Chic”!
Linda Z.
I love vintage cups, plates, glassware(crystal). I have a few pieces and always looking and searching antique shops.
Thank you for your comment, Linda! I enjoy wandering through an antique shop. We have antique malls, comprised of many small dealers. Lots of fun, but you can end up getting in trouble …
I love the old filled with love and joy.
Well said, Becky! Thanks for writing!
I love antiques! I bought, piece by piece, an entire set of Fire King peach luster laurel leaf dishes. My grandmother had the same set & I always loved them! Over the past year & a half, I have acquired a nice little collection of antiques & keep looking for more! 🙂
Lisa Towns Myers
raccoonlover1963@sbcglobal.net
Being the inquisitive person I am, I googled the pattern, Lisa. Darling! What fun to have the same pattern as your grandmother. Thanks for commenting and entering the contest!
I love my antiques inherited from my grandmother and mother. I have both of their China cups and saucers, numerous glass pieces, and many, many other antiques that I cherish.
Family heirlooms like that are treasures, Nancee! Tonight I’ll dream about tea for two at your place.
Hi Kate! I love old things – Antique stores are my weakness! I have a really neat old-fashioned coffee grinder that reminds me of my parents, as they love coffee (plus it helps that I live in Seattle!). I love antique things, as I feel that they don’t make things the way the used to anymore. I’d love to win your giveaway! 🙂 God bless!
Mallory Fry
seagirl_98@hotmail.com
Thanks for writing, Mallory! It sounds as though you and I have a lot in common! Except, my husband and I need a better coffee grinder. Our old one was better!
I guess my computer, my phone & some of my kitchen appliances are about as modern as I’ll ever be. I prefer vintage/old/antique hands down to anything else. I love going “antiquing”. I absolutely love old homes! If I had the money & the knowledge I would buy one & fix it up. I love old furniture & old vehicles. I love sitting by a fire (either a fireplace or a wood stove) and reading or crocheting (still haven’t learned to knit ~ on my bucket list!). But I also love my grandbabies & other young people as well my the older generation! Well that’s pretty much me in a nutshell. Thanks, Kate, for your writing & your contests. Would be thrilled to be a winner!
Mary E
mdegram218@centurylink.net
You, in a nutshell, sound marvelous, Mary! Thanks so much for writing and entering the contest!
I have to agree with most of the comments that have been posted. I love the older things as well. Though I would miss a lot of the modern technology that we have now if I didn’t have them. Mainly my computer.
One of my uncles rebuilt antique cars as his hobby. He eventually rebuilt so many that he opened an antique car museum. I never had a chance to go see it though. I wish I had been able to. I loved it when we would go to visit my dad’s family every other summer and Uncle Sam would take me for a ride in whichever car he had most recently finished. My favorite memory was when he had just completed a 1926 Rolls Royce. I got to ride in the rumble seat.
I forgot to include my email address. Sorry about that. debbiewilder@comcast.net
Oh, what fun to ride in a 1926 Rolls with your uncle at the wheel, Debbie! Treasured memories that even the fastest computer can’t compete with. Thanks for posting your comment and entering the contest!
Hi Kate. I enjoyed reading this. I am old, 78, but I have always been satisfied with older stuff. It is all made much better than any new things. Even the cars. The thing now is sell, sell, not made to last. They want you to buy, buy. And, most younger generations of people give them what they want. I can’t believe how quick 40s down buy new furniture, etc. They need a change. Even some older folks get rid of perfectly good furniture and cars that are built much better just because they are not up to date. And, sad to say that’s what happens to lots of older folks. Older folks used to be revered for their knowledge of having lived and learned through experience. And, the true stories they can tell that we could learn from. And, were really looked up to. This was true of the Indians(wise people), and pioneer times and true of most until not many years ago. Some of my best friends when I was younger were older people. Now I know a lot of the younger people that don’t even like being around older folks. What a shame. I am getting old but still look up to those who have lived even longer than me and their knowledge. I have furniture that I have, as old as my youngest daughter who is 52 already. It is perfectly good and looks good. Why would I need to buy more not as good built and pay way too much money? I figure if there is nothing wrong with it why buy more? Now, I do need new carpet through my house and hope to get some soon. This was here way too long. I also like the older dishes and such. I even liked keeping in touch and writing to others, but no-one wants to write anymore. I still love to receive letters and cards in the mail. Then sit down to read, knowing someone cared enough to sit and talk to me about what was going on. Kind of like holding a good print book in your hands to read. I wasn’t Amish but I lived in those slower paced times and treasure them. I do like my elec., indoor bathrooms, and running water, but you also have the electronic everything now, and people let it take over their lives. Hardly even any family time anymore. I do like having a car but doesn’t have to be the latest model all time. I don’t mind all of the new things, but don’t have to get rid of all of the older traditions and especially the respect of your elders. Love talking to my friends online too, I have to admit, like meeting my author friends. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
So very true, true, Maxie! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and insights. I’ve enjoyed meeting you too!