I wrote a bit about this workbox ages ago and promised a follow-up post with the rest of the story; now thanks to Carol's gentle prompting, here it is.
I bought the box in an antiques shop in Ballater, on Deeside, and I was intrigued by the inscription on the lid: it had come from Oldmeldrum (not far from Ballater) but who was Elizabeth MacPherson and why was there a school prize, and a handsome one at that, awarded in her memory?
I got in touch with the village through their website and asked if anyone knew anything at all about Maggie Innes or Elizabeth MacPherson. They were eventually able to tell me that Maggie's niece had recently sold the box, but that was all they knew. However, it seems I started something as the Meldrum and Bourtie Heritage Society got involved, and coincidentally a dilapidated seat bearing the following inscription was discovered on the outskirts of the village just after my inquiry: "Elizabeth MacPherson Memorial, gifted to the town of Oldmeldrum, 1906, by her husband and children in Manchester".
The seat and its immediate site were then restored and the Heritage Society set about discovering the identity of this lady who had left her mark on the community. Research has revealed that Elizabeth was born in Oldmeldrum in 1860, and in 1886 she married Evan MacPherson who later became a cotton manufacturer in Manchester. She died there in 1904 leaving her husband and two children. Apart from one or two other facts, little else had been discovered about the family, though research was continuing when I was last in touch with Oldmeldrum, but I'm happy that my curiosity prompted a bit of delving and the unearthing of some facts of local interest, and I continue to use the workbox with great pleasure.
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What a wonderful story, Karen!
Posted by: Simon T | 23 July 2008 at 01:20 PM
'How lovely! said I, as owner of a similar workbox, although mine remains a complete mystery as to history and owner!
On another topic altogether...
I see the book 'Tweed' in your current reading sidebar. How are you finding that? It looks intriguing and wondering if the local US libraries carry it.
Also, thanks to you, book lady, I now have Sarah Raven's Garden cookbook on my Christmas wish list!
Posted by: a simple yarn | 23 July 2008 at 01:32 PM
That is fascinating. I always wonder about the people that owned things in antique shops. I want to know who they were and what there life was like.
Posted by: Lisa | 23 July 2008 at 03:59 PM
The NE Scotland Family History Centre has a very good website - I am sure somebody there would know something?http://www.anesfhs.org.uk/
I recently became involved in tracing the ancestors of an Australian lady when it turned out that they lived where I live now - fascinating! I can't understand someone selling a family heirloom like your box - I am sure you will treasure it.
Posted by: Roobeedoo | 23 July 2008 at 04:07 PM
Thank you so much, Karen. I love stories like that. I have a wooden paintbox with the name Beatrice inlaid in brass on the lid. I have no way of tracing said person, but it has been the source of rich imaginings within the family. The name Potter has come up more than once!!
Posted by: carole | 23 July 2008 at 07:06 PM
Thank you so much Karen for the follow up. What a treasure you have there. I am so pleased to read that you have been able to discover a little about its history and past owner - although I cannot imagine ever selling something like that myself if I were ever lucky enough to discover something similar in my aunt's belongings.
I can only imagine how pleasurable it must feel to own and use such a wonderful workbox. Thank you again...
Posted by: Carol | 23 July 2008 at 10:34 PM
What an interesting old treasure. Perhaps the box and it's history could serve as inspiration for a short story!
Posted by: Lisa W | 23 July 2008 at 10:46 PM
Love the box!! I have a small collection of wooden boxes, one is a lap desk (needs some work). It's wonderful that you were able to trace its history. As someone else said, I also wonder about those who owned things now for sale in antique shops and flea markets. I have quite a sizeable collection of diaries - one set of 12 from the same family (1905-1955). They lived about 9 miles from here and he was a botany professor. There is/was a granddaughter who should be about my age and I've always wondered _why_ she doesn't have these wonderful diaries.
Posted by: Nancy | 24 July 2008 at 11:34 PM