Christmas Greetings from Abbey Dawn

This year, my Christmas decorations are going to be of Chistmasses of past. One such display is going to be my grandparents Christmas Greetings.

I do not know how far back the tradition went, but I have Christmas Greetings from my grandparants as far back as 1940 and I am sure there were others from earlier years, but so far I have not found any.

These Greetings personally designed by my grandfather Wallace Havelock Robb at Abbey Dawn, were sent out, yearly, to family friends and prominents alike.

Each year prior to the Christmas Season, he would set to task designing and having these specially printed.

A signal that Christmas was soon approaching was the day early in December my grandparents would take a special trip into town, together, to the main Post Office in Kingston, to mail out their Christmas Greetings.

The card-basket, that evening would be placed in it's place in the living room at Abbey Dawn. I remember each year during this festive season, that basket on the floor between Gramp's and Gran's chairs, across from the large fieldstone fireplace.

As the days peeled-away nearing to Christmas the pile of Christmas Greetings would mound-up to even overflowing and spill over. Gramp would sit with his wife, my grandmother, to his right, both holding hands as they always did while they were sitting in those chairs; she in her especially small high-back rocker intently listening, as any who where there also did, as Gramp read aloud the greetings received that day, from whom and what part of this world the Greeting came from.

HRH Prince of Wales Edward VIII was the Patron of Abbey Dawn (more on the history of Abbey Dawn and my grandfather in future posts) and the very special Greetings would be given their own deserving prominent place on the wonderfully substantial wood mantel that surrounded the deep and wide, floor ceiling, hand built fireplace, with it's tall andirons standing guard in front. Ahhh yes ... I remember it well, and very fondly indeed.

The following are scanned images of the actual cards, the first (1940) is one sided, the second (1957) is folded, showing  both sides, the third is not a card style with a flold, but still is two sided, showing both sides.

















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The spelling of "Christmasse"  is an Old English spelling going back to at least the reign of Richard I in 1190.
To read about it click Here
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This post was submitted to the "Show and Tell" hosted by Cindy at My Romantic Home
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Over the next days weeks and months I will be writing my accountings of times at Abbey Dawn, and my writings about articles and photographs I possess today and the stories behind them. These, I will be posting in this blog;  about  my grandfather, his poetry and books, family history, and documented articles I will post in my blog at  "Abbey Dawn"

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's so awesome to have that kind of family history. It must make you feel very proud. Rosie

Diann said...

What a wonderful thing to enjoy this Christmas!

Hootin Anni said...

Amazing...having a family history like this in your holiday theme is just super.

Mine's posted now...it's another new one for my collection of Holiday Decor..La Befana

R. Charles said...

You family history is indeed special! May your Holidays be as warm as your memories.

A Hint of Home said...

What a great post and how special to have the old family collection.

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

What wonderful treasures. I can't even imagine how precious those must be to you. Thank you so much for sharing them with us. I'm looking forward to learning more about Abbey Dawn and your grandparents.

Mrs Twins said...

Wow! I've really enjoyed this post! What wonderful family history you have there. How lovely you have this collection in your home.
I have really enjoyed reading this take good care of it.
Hugs and Love Suex

Robyn said...

That was such a delight! YOu have wonderful memories of obviously a much LOVED and respected man and his wife. Those cards are just lovely and such an incredibly special piece of history! I am going to come back later to read more about Abbey Dawn!

Kelee Katillac said...

Hi Lynda!!

I am so happy to meet you and thank-you for you're thoughtful comments!

Abbey Dawn!! How utterly spectacular! What elegance and grace.... I am a member of The National Trust for Historic Properties in England! I am completely enamored of the great houses of England and everywhere. really. And the romance they contain. You are so fortunate.

This is a wonderful story....a treasure....can't wait to read more....

Happy Holidays my new friend!

love, kelee

Sandra said...

What a treat to have these Christmas greetings from your grandfather!

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Hi Lynda!
Wow. I've spent a lot of time reading about your beautiful family home, Abbey Dawn. Truly fascinating that you are able to maintain all of the memories and special moments of seasons past.
I've enjoyed my visit and hope to return soon~
everything vintage

Unknown said...

How interesting and touching this is for the holidays. And your family traditions are truly magical!

Many thanks and best wishes for the New Year!

Best,

Buzz

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