Antiques

One of the more difficult decisions we need to make is what we want to happen after our death with Georgia all our “stuff.” Caraway I highly recommend that each of you, dear readers, be sure that your will is up-to-date and that you specify exactly how you want your heirs to dispose of your ”prized possessions.” If you have collections or decorative items that have been passed down from generation to generation and you wish them to remain in the family, then you should talk with family members to determine who would be the best one to inherit those family items. And make a list of those items (preferably with photographs) and keep it with your copy of your will.

Spelling everything out in a will or in a journal will help keep the peace with your heirs. Your will is a legal document, drawn up by an attorney, and signed by you and witnessed by disinterested parties. Many family members find themselves in the midst of discord, hurt feelings, and acts of greed over the deceased’s possessions.

If you have other collections or possessions that have no family history, then you should do your family the favor of making a list of those items, and have them appraised so that family members know their value. Do not assume that family will know the value of your possessions. We live in different times where the younger generation does not value nor want to use sterling silver, china dinnerware, wooden furniture handmade linens, and other “old” décor.

One of my deceased husband’s prized possession decorated his law office wall for many years. It is a beautifully framed 1839 picture called Reading of the Will by Joseph Danhauser. It depicts the heirs of the gentleman who is shown in the portrait on the wall with crossed arms and a turn of head as to be listening and observing the reading of his will. The expression on his face is one of smug interest as to the reactions of his potential heirs. He seems to be looking over the shoulders of those who are in the room for their reactions. The disinterested son or nephew who appears to be a fop; the angry woman who I always supposed was the deceased’s wife, daughter, or sister who did obviously not inherit what she believed to be her rightful due; the old disbelieving uncle holding a snuff container; and the father of the young woman to whom the lawyer is pointing to as heir. He has fallen to his knees and is clutching her as her brother holds her. Other characters are portrayed in the painting who are also surprised at the turn of events

The stuffed owl on the bookcase is turned with its face to the wall, the overturned globe, the papers spilling out of the opened trunk, the books on the floor, the clock with 7 minutes to 8 are all rich details that make this stunning slice of life portraiture and greed.

My advice is to avoid this from happening to your family by spelling out IN WRITING exactly how you want your possessions disbursed. And give that list to a trusted person to assure your wishes are met.

Georgia Caraway and her partners at Howe Mercantile hope you will come by 107-109 East Haning to shop and visit. We will be welcoming two new dealers in March. SHOP LOCAL. WE CAN SHOW YOU HOWE.

The 2020 Senior Lady Bulldogs and their families.

Paetyn Ford and family Photos by Michelle Carney

Ally Harvey and family Molly Wilson and family