Once upon a time…oh, the anticipation of those famous opening words! Well, this isn’t exactly an exciting or inspiring story, but it is kind of a fun one. Once upon a time, there were two lawn chairs. I really don’t know how their “lives” began, but I know a lot of their story and I’m thrilled that for now, at least, their story has ended at our house.
My husband’s grandparents, who both lived to be 101, had these lawn chairs on the porch of their farmhouse for as long as Ken can remember.
After Grandma and Grandpa passed away, the chairs were slated to be sold in their farm sale. We didn’t have room for the chairs at our house and none of the rest of the family wanted them. But one of my sisters was fixing up a little under-the-deck patio at her house, so I sent her the photo above, asking if she wanted them. I think she paid $10 each for them.
They were perfect for the little brick patio she and my dad made under the deck, and I was thrilled that they were still in the family, even if it was my side of the family.
After Ken and I moved to Missouri two years ago, my sister and her husband offered the chairs back to us. She had painted them at some point, but after nine years, they were definitely showing their age. I kind of liked the chippy look and we were thrilled to have them for our back patio. They came in handy during the pandemic last spring when we needed to social distance with our daughter’s family over some apple crisp and ice cream.
The chairs had really weathered to the point that they were pretty rough to sit on with all the peeling paint, so we checked into having them sand-blasted and powder-coated. We debated whether to paint them the original colors—the only ones Ken remembers them ever being—but in the end, he preferred painting them both red, and I am just thrilled with how pretty they turned out.
We already had the aqua patio set that echoes the original color of the other chair, and I think it’s fun how the red backside of my “fake” teal door leaning on the screened porch over the patio echoes the red.
It was a little pricey to have old chairs redone. In truth, we probably could have bought brand new chairs for half the price. But new chairs wouldn’t have nearly the sentimental value these do. They should last for many, many years to come and might even get passed down to our kids and grandkids. I think Grandma and Grandpa would be pleased.
What “heirloom” pieces do you have that may not have any monetary value to the world, but are priceless to you?
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Love them. Wonderful memories.
Thank, Marti. We’re sure enjoying having them
I love the red chairs! My grandmother had two chairs just like those on her front porch for as long as I can remember. They were yellow. I have no idea where they went when she passed in 2012. Thanks for a great memory of my grandma. 💕
Oooh, yellow would be pretty! That’s neat that you think of your grandmother when you see chairs like this.
We have a wooden desk with lovely details that belonged to my paternal grandmother. My husband did a great job refinishing it, and we added a piece of quartz to the top when we remodeled our kitchen. While the top is modern and sturdy, the desk below is warm and functional. It gives our kitchen character!
That sounds beautiful, Suzanne! I just love combining modern and vintage to make something new and just right for you!
I love the chairs, and the red is so happy!
We have a piece that my husband made that I think my kids are going to have to “draw” for when we downsize or die. It is painted with a blue milk paint and is a simple cabinet, but it is the most precious piece that I have because of the love that went into every moment of the process.
LOL! My daughters pretend they’ll fight over a few things in my house, but I’ve already seen how generous they were with their grandparents’ things. Your piece sounds really neat! (But I do hope nobody falls out over it! Maybe they can take turns having it in their homes?)
Love this. Memories can be found in unique places. 🙂 Have a blessed week!
You too, Melissa. Thanks!
My mom has two chairs just like that on her back porch! They belonged to my paternal grandparents. They have been repainted several times. Maybe someday they will grace my back porch, or that of one of my brothers. But most certainly they will stay in the family!
They are just too wonderful not to stay in the family!
I have several pieces of furniture my dad made and they are solid and a treasure. We also have pieces of furniture inherited from my husband’s parents. All very special to us and are full of memories. Love what you did with your metal chairs!
There’s just something so satisfying about belongings being passed from one generation to another…and cherished for the memories.
We were a musical family and when my stepdad passed my stepmom gave me his accordion. He could play six instruments but accordion was what people recognized him for. He played for small clubs and senior events into his 90’s. I’m an organist/pianist but yet to master his instrument. His German made accordion is 50 years old or more and still sounds great. Dad taped a list of favorite songs on the backside. “Beer Barrel Polka; How Great Though Art & God Bless America” etc.
Oh, I love that, Daphne! How special!
My grandparents had the yellow chairs! I learned very early to test how hot they were before sitting on them! My grandma would pull me on her lap on the porch with the newspaper so we could read “Pogo” in the comics. I never understood Pogo, but I loved the special time with her. Those chairs are so nostalgic!
I would have loved yellow ones! And yes, they DO get hot in the sun!
My grandparents had those chairs too. Though they were NOT that lovely red color, which is so Deb!! ; ) I love having my parents massive king bed that I chalk painted. It’s not an antique by any means, so isn’t worth much. Except to me!
Ah, I’ve seen that bed and it is beautiful! How fun that your grandparents had the same type of chairs. ♥️
I remember the chairs my mother and father had on their porch so this story was very interesting to me. I could relate to it even though my parents had different-looking chairs. Thank you
I’m glad this brought back those memories, Linda.