Good Things Come to Those Who Wait…or, The Value of a Matching Gift

By Ed Wandersee

Elizabeth Chads, mistress of the John Chads House, has made her “presence” known to many of us in different ways. For example, there was the time during a quiet, spring afternoon, when George Franz and I were idly conversing outside of the Barn when for no logical reason, the security sirens suddenly screamed from across the road in the locked, uninhabited, Chads house, demanding our immediate attention.

And then there are the times when Elizabeth’s “presence” seems to confound our hurried effort to leave the house by frustrating our attempts to properly secure her domain by setting the security alarm. This experience has been shared as well by Pat Casey, our experienced and thoughtful Collection Chairperson.

As a matter of fact, Pat has been so charmed by the thoughts of Elizabeth’s period of reign as mistress of the Chads House, (silver spoons and all) she has long wanted to replace significant items lost at the time of Elizabeth’s death in 1790. Pat has now (almost) succeeded in her quest!

Eight years ago, Pat, Cheryl Trozzi, and others became determined to replace (with a suitable reproduction, of course) the china “Tea Warr” Elizabeth willed to her second cousin Martha. This task took some effort. Thanks to Pat’s persistence and the generosity of many along the way, Pat has steadily accumulated almost two-thirds of her objective.

But with the recent and unexpected generous donation by Barrie and Judith Hesp, complemented by a valued “Matching Gift” by the Pfizer Corporation, she has arrived at that point. With the moneys now available in her fund, Pat is looking for an 18th century reproduction China Tea Pot and matching cream and sugar piece. Remember, however, Elizabeth Chads was fairly well off for the times. To satisfy her “presence” in the proper manner, it would be appropriate to include four cups as well. They need not be matching. Any ideas? (After all, since 1791 is a long time to wait!)

Closing on a more serious note, the value of a “Matching Gift” doubles the impact of your gift. Please consider this opportunity when renewing your membership, or making a donation to a particular activity. Please let us know if we can help you in your efforts. Again, we thank all our members for their continued support and generosity. We cannot do it without your participation.

Links: How to Care for Old Photos in Your Collection