I am not sure if the hobby of collecting fine porcelain cups and saucers was limited to Midwestern women of a certain age during the 1950s and 60s or a pastime enjoyed over a greater geographical area, but my mother collected a lovely assortment of 12 cups and matching saucers.  She used them when serving dessert and coffee to her friends making up the three card tables for 500.  To showcase the cups, she set her table with complimentary clear glass plates.

In 1986, while on a trip to Toronto for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters’ quadrennial convention, she purchased a delicate cup graced with yellow coneflowers for me.  For a short time, I used it for my morning coffee at work, but it was a bit small when I needed caffeination for the day and I carefully packed it away.  I never acquired any more.

Then came an event at church – an English high tea complete with cucumber sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, and a delicious assortment of sweet and savory delectable treats.  In striving for the proper ambiance, a call went out for pretty cups and Momma’s dishes went into service.  They never made a return trip to Eau Claire and my collection of one grew to 13.  I have considered adding to my selection, if only as insurance against breakage, but there is something special knowing all 13 cups and saucers came from Momma. 

During World War II, she worked in Washington, DC as part of the war efforts.  In 1943, she made the bold purchase of a complete set of dishes, which were shipped to Eau Claire for Mother’s Day.  Throughout my childhood, these dishes were on Grandma’s table for every special dinner until she died in August 1970.  They moved to my childhood home when my grandfather came to live with us in January 1971. 

As she nears her 100^th birthday, Momma has begun giving away items she no longer uses.  Before Grandma’s good china is donated to the thrift store, I commandeered a cup and saucer which rounds up my collection of cups and saucers to 14, all gifts from Momma.