MY Vintage Suitcase Find

In a couple of weeks the kids and I will be making a trip to southern California. If I had a dollar for every time I've heard, "When can we start packing??".... {smile}

We had some indecision about how we would get there, but utimately I felt driving would be the best option. Can you believe I haven't been "back home" in 3 years?! As we were debating about our mode of travel, my 6 year old declared in exasperation, "I don't care HOW we get to California, I just want to be with my grandma and grandpa!" And soon, we will be : )

Yesterday we headed to Glenwood Springs to pick up a few things we will need for our travels. My 16 year had some birthday money to spend, and wanted to see if she could find a small suitcase/bag for herself. One of our stops was to drop off some boxes of stuff at the thrift shop. Yes, I do occasionally manage to get some things into the thrifts shops instead of always coming out with something!

My daughter isn't a fan of this particular store and opted not to make the spin through as we made our donation. As I made my way to the back of the shop, I spotted a mountain of garment bags and suitcases in the corner. I thought I might as well take a look for my daughter. She may not like this particular shop too much, but she certainly likes to hang onto as much of her money as possible! Most of the bags were just yucky dirty old nylon, but at the very bottom of the pile I found this darling vintage suitcase.



 

Now, to be honest, when I spotted this I was not thinking of it for her! I was immediately envisioning what I was going to use it for! When the clerk said they wanted $5.00 for it, I knew it was coming with me. My daughter paid no attention as I came out of the shop and put it in the back of our van, and we continued on to Target and Walmart where she couldn't find a bag she liked enough to pay what they wanted : )

 I really like the pretty blue interior of my suitcase. Everything is in really good condition, but of course it needs to be cleaned up a bit.

 This is the first time in my life I've purchased a vintage suitcase that still had the original key with it. Very cool.

Whenever I find an old bag with a nameplate, my mind always wanders a bit to who this might have been, and how the bag got to where it is now. Anyone know Jessie Brockelsby from Manilla, Ohio? And how his or her suitcase ended up in a thrift shop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado?

 I know it's a little nutty, but I always think these old suitcases look like they're smiling! 

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you the funny part! Hours after we got home my daughter came out of her room and spotted my suitcase and exclaimed, "Where did this come from?! This is awesome! Can I use it for the trip?!" 
Sigh.
Oh, motherhood. Did I mention this is supposed to be MY suitcase? I'll let you know how that works out, okay? 

I hope you're having a great Saturday, friends!

Jeanette

***Update from reader Debby Owens***

" I couldn't resist looking up the original owner of your suitcase on Ancestry.com! Jessie Brockelsby of Manilla, Iowa passed away in 1972 at the age of 92. She was one of eight children born to John A. And Mary E. Cook. She was married to Ed Brockelsby."

Of course this makes me think of lots of other questions! Thanks so much for taking the time to do that, Debby! 



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