Wonderful thread-love it. I too am a saver, thank Heavens. I've some of my Dad"s tools including his shoe last (I think that's the name). In the 40's you could buy squares of leather and repair the families shoes. My favorite is the license plate from his 1929 Ford, which he bought the day WWII ended. From my Mom,letters,letters,and more letters. She wrote about every important event in the world and in the family. Most interesting is how the great depression affected our family and what a struggle it was to put food on the table. Many are filled with great Irish wit, but the most touching was the description of my brother's death from cancer. When she came from Ireland she was a cook for rich family,upon her leaving the job she was given a beautiful vase with hand painted roses and gold trim. The Mistress of the house said she was a "good girl" ugh! I still have that.I often wonder what will be done with those letters when I depart.Maybe my coffin. One great photo of my Dad with Countess Markevitz. (SP.)