Vintage Monday – A New Series

Since I can’t see to resist vintage or antique pieces, my house is chocked full.  I’ve inherited most of my things from my grandmothers and also from my mom and aunts.  Since I have what I think are some unique and interesting things, I’ve decided to start Vintage Monday, an occasional series where I’ll share some of my vintage and antique things with you.

Vintage Monday - Sharing Unique Vintage Things

Long ago my grandmother gave me an egg shipping crate that was used to ship eggs from a family member’s Bedford, VA, farm to another family member in Washington D.C.  I’ve enjoyed displaying this crate over the years.

Vintage Egg Shipping Crate - Eggs were shipped from the farm to family in the city in crates like this in the 1900's. virginiasweetpea.com

 

The crate’s top has two openings, one for the shipping address and another for stamps.

Antique Egg Shipping Crate - Eggs were shipped in crates like this from the family farm to family who lived in the city. virginiasweetpea.com

 

There is a card on the inside of the crate that was flipped over to send the crate to the other address.  I can imagine that Eva loved getting fresh eggs sent to her apartment in Washington, DC.

Vintage Egg Shipping Crate Label

 

The colored paper that is slid into the tab is the stamp card from the post office.  Each time eggs were shipped, a new card was slid into place that contained the needed postage.

Antique Egg Shipping Crate - Eggs were shipped in crates like these in the old days.

 

Six dozen eggs could be shipped at a time.  Perhaps Eva shared eggs with friends or sold them to neighbors.

Antique Egg Shipping Crate - Eggs were shipped using these crates in the early 1900's.

 

My grandmother saw a similar egg crate in McCall’s July 1990 issue and tucked it into the crate.

Antique Egg Shipping Crate - Featured in McCall's July 1990 issue.

 

I used my egg shipping crate for my spring mantel in my living room.  I like how it looks on my fireplace hearth with two bunnies perched on top.Spring Mantel in the Living Room - Vintage and antiques are displayed for spring. virginiasweetpea.com

 

Thanks for joining me for my very first Vintage Monday.  I’m looking forward to sharing more of my vintage things with you!

 

Sharing With:
H2O Bungalow, Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home, Refresh Restyle, Between Naps on the Porch,Stone Gable, Sand and Sisal, Yesterday on Tuesday, A Stroll Thru Life, Savvy Southern StyleDwell Beautiful, Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s BodyImparting Grace,From Gardeners 2 Bergers, Patina Paradise, The Everyday Home, Finding Silver Pennies, My Soulful Home, Sew Can Do

15 Comments

  1. What a Wonderful keepsake and such a lovely story behind it. Really looks great sitting there by your fireplace.
    Thanks for sharing.

    1. Thank you, Colleen. I’m looking forward to sharing more things. Now I just need to decide what to share next.

      Paula

  2. Oh I really like this new series! That is such a neat piece too! I love how you use it in decorating for spring. It is also so neat to see it in the picture!

    1. Thanks, Megan. You know with all of the “stuff” in my house that I’ll have plenty to share!

      Paula

  3. How great to have family treasures! I will enjoy seeing them as you post them.Many of my treasures are acquired; I wish they came with “provenances”!

    1. I am lucky to have family treasures, Kathy! You can see the other things that I’ve posted here: .

      Paula

  4. I like your vintage Monday idea. I have several of my grandmother’s things but don’t know any of the history. A small bluebird knickknack is one; she and I loved pillowcases with embroidered bluebirds. We both loved flowers. This stuff skipped my mother ENTIRELY! I plan to leave notes on my stuff eventually.

  5. Paula, this is such an amazing treasure. I have never seen one of these egg crates before, but would I ever love to find one!! It’s so great. I’m looking forward to your Vintage Mondays – you have such great keepsakes!!

    1. Thank you, Sheila! I am really glad that my grandmother saved this and passed it on to me.

      Paula

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