Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Shell, Shell |
Subject |
Domestic Life Furnishings and Accessories Public Holidays Silverdale |
Category |
10: Unclassifiable Artifacts |
Sub-category |
Need to Classify |
Accession Number |
1976.088.002ab |
Donor |
Donatelli Family |
Description |
2 pieces. Inside shell: "To Ruth Donatelli - Easter Greetings - 1945 - From a friend" on one shell. On bottom shell drawing of a bird sitting on a branch with "Silverdale B.C." written on it. Tied with a green ribbon. |
Dimensions |
W-17 L-15.5 cm |
Provenance |
An Easter Greetings card made from a large clam-shell. It reads: To Ruth Donatelli - Easter Greetings - 1945 - From a friend. The bottom shows a drawing of a bird sitting on a branch, and 'Silverdale B.C.' written underneath.The shell is tied together with a green ribbon. Ruth Donatelli, (formerly, Ruth Williamson) met her husband John Donatelli through his niece, Catherine (Babe) Patterson who was a friend of Ruth's. Ruth's family ran the Silverdale General Store before they eventually sold it and moved to Victoria, BC. A number of years passed, and Ruth made her way back to Silverdale to visit with her friend, where she re-met John Donatelli. The pair were married in the fall of 1942, and moved into a little house that John built for them not far from his parent's home. Although the identity of the 'friend' who sent her this unusual card is unknown, by all accounts Ruth was very well-liked, as described in this excerpt from "The Donatelli Family History 1800's to 1900's" by Heather Herbert. (August 1995; revised 2nd printing) "Ruth had a wonderful personality and everyone liked her. This was evident when Christmas rolled around, the first year she and John were married. She received 120 Christmas cards from customers she had served while working as a clerk, in Woodwards Department Store, in Victoria, BC." Unfortunately, this tale has a tragic ending. Ruth Donatelli was diagnosed with tuberculosis and despite many different doctors and attempts to find a cure, after only a few happy years of marriage, she passed away at the age of 26. This clam-shell card was sent for her last Easter celebration, only two months before she died. |
Accession number |
1976.088 |