Welcome to the wonderful world of vintage boxed sets of wood and cork coasters! In our busy lives, it can be hard to find connection and meaning in the items around us. But these beautiful coasters can take you back in time, bringing back fond memories and a touch of elegance
These coasters are more than just things to use; they’re beautiful pieces of art with interesting stories about their craftsmanship and authenticity. Made from classic materials like wood and cork, they come together to create a stunning product. Each coaster shows the skill of craftsmen from the past, featuring delicate carvings and hand-painted designs. The attention to detail is amazing, making us appreciate the hard work that went into making these coasters.
Vintage boxed sets of coasters bring a piece of the past to us, reminding us of a time when hospitality and personal connections were really important. These coasters represent warmth and a friendly atmosphere that goes beyond time, inviting us to enjoy moments of togetherness and create cherished memories.
For collectors, these coasters are very special. They are more than just items; they are beloved pieces of history. Whether found in antique shops, flea markets, or handed down as family treasures, these coasters give us a glimpse into old stories and classic designs.
In our fast-paced world, vintage coasters remind us to slow down, appreciate the past, and enjoy the simple beauty of our favorite memories. Embracing nostalgia has never been more enjoyable!
Why not take a moment to appreciate the charm of vintage coasters? Bring them into your home to share stories from the past and add a cozy, nostalgic feel to your everyday life. Let your space honor the beauty of simpler times and celebrate the joy of your favorite memories..
The fascinating and tragic story of Mary Ann Bevan
I am pleased with the strides our civilization has made in 2022, recognizing that progress comes in various forms. While acknowledging that certain aspects of the past were better, it’s crucial to highlight that some elements of bygone eras belong precisely where they are, in the past.
In the 19th century, “freak shows” were a popular attraction, considered a regular part of American society. These mobile circuses showcased individuals deemed “odd”, such as bearded women and Siamese twins. Mary Ann Bevan, labeled the “Ugliest Woman in the World”, emerged as one of these attractions, and her poignant life story emphasizes the need to remember and learn from such historical missteps.
While human curiosity about individuals with different ethnicities or physical abilities has existed throughout history, exploiting them for profit is ethically wrong, regardless of the time period. In the 19th century, audiences flocked to witness people with deformities in “freak shows”, an unsettling trend that persisted from the 1840s to the 1940s without widespread moral objection.
Mary Ann Bevan’s story unfolded in this challenging period. Born as Mary Ann Webster on December 20, 1874, in Plaistow, East London, she grew up in a working-class household, one of eight children. Unlike her brothers, who found employment when they reached adulthood, Mary Ann pursued education, graduating from medical school and beginning her career as a nurse in 1894.
Her life took a positive turn when she married Thomas Bevan in 1902, and together, they experienced the joys of raising four children. However, tragedy struck after 14 years of marriage when Thomas suffered a stroke and passed away. Left alone with her children, Mary Ann faced additional challenges as she grappled with a rare condition known as acromegaly, which affected her physical appearance.
Acromegaly, characterized by the overproduction of growth hormone, leads to enlarged body tissues and bones. Mary Ann exhibited symptoms around the age of 32, and with limited knowledge about the condition at the time, she struggled to find help. Unlike the typical manifestation of acromegaly after puberty, Mary Ann’s ailment affected her face, altering her features.
Despite her hardships, Mary Ann initially found solace in her family and received support from her husband. However, after Thomas’s death, the disease’s impact worsened, rendering her unemployable due to her changed appearance. Desperate to provide for her children, Mary Ann responded to a newspaper advertisement seeking the “Ugliest woman” for a circus.
Claude Bartram, an agent for Barnum and Bailey, selected Mary Ann based on her photograph and offered her a contract that included a weekly salary, travel expenses, and proceeds from picture postcard sales. Mary Ann’s journey to America in 1920 marked the beginning of her fame as “The Ugliest Woman on Earth”, with appearances at the Coney Island Circus.
Despite objections to the morality of using individuals with physical differences for entertainment, Mary Ann became a sensation, earning significant income. The financial success allowed her to provide her children with education in England, fulfilling her commitment as a devoted mother. Mary Ann’s resilience and sacrifice epitomize true beauty and maternal love.
Returning to France in 1925 for an exhibition, Mary Ann spent the remainder of her life in New York, working at the Coney Island Dreamland Show. She passed away in 1933 from natural causes at the age of 59, fulfilling her dying wish to be buried in her native country, laid to rest at South London’s Ladywell and Brockley Cemetery.
Mary Ann Bevan’s story is a testament to her unwavering determination to support her family. In a time without modern benefits, she worked tirelessly, embodying the selflessness of a mother who prioritizes her children above all. May Mary Ann rest in peace, a deserving tribute to a woman whose life exemplified sacrifice and maternal love.
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