Hankies and hat pins!

Another surprise present! A box full of useful and interesting things from my aunt, all wrapped up individually, like a bran tub! ( Who remembers those?)

Included were these far too beautiful to use Liberty handkerchiefs and a box of hat pins. The hat pins belonged to my aunt's Auntie Mary Jane, born 1860. Her father died in a snow storm about the time of her birth and her poor mother registered both her husband's death and Mary Jane's birth on the same day.  

Alice was a dressmaker in the wilds of Northumberland and never married. She lived with her mother until her death, but Mary Jane herself lived until she was 90. 

Thanks to years of research by my aunt, we know all about this side of the family. We even have correspondence from customers confirming when they would be collecting their dresses! Lovely to have her hat pins!