Tuesday, November 2, 2010

A Special Orange Blossom Wedding Band

My grandfather, Leonard Hensley, on Moore's Gap Bridge in
Anderson County, TN



Recently I ran across the only photo I have of my grandfather.  He died at the young age of  thirty.  He and my grandmother along with his sister and another man were walking on the sidewalk of Akron, Ohio on October 25, 1935.  My grandfather, Leonard Hensley, was struck by a drunk driver, killing him and another man.

My grandmother, Reva Hensley Leinart.


My grandmother, Reva, gave me her wedding band.  I still wear it to this day.  This past summer I was reading Cormac McCarthy's novel, Suttree.  There was a character in the book, a waitress, who was described as showing off her orange blossom wedding band.  I had thought my ring was very unique, one-of-a-kind. I've since learned that these wedding bands etched with orange blossoms were quite popular in the 1920s and considered Art Deco style.  My grandmother's band truly was one-of-a kind.  I think of my grandmother everyday and I don't need a ring to remind me.


The orange blossom wedding band that my
grandmother gave me. 


10 comments:

Clint said...

Very touching story and a lovely ring. I'm glad you have it. It is a real treasure.

Franz said...

Sembra la trama di un romanzo Cindy.
é un bel post,molto toccante!

Ciao,buona serata

Francesco

Anonymous said...

precious
thanks for sharing
:-)

VM Creation Atelier said...

Just great,lovely story,dear Cindy,
touched me and this ring is absolutely treasure!!!

Thank you for sharing you story,
Hugs and Love,
***Violetta***

Clint said...

We should call it the "Orange Blossom Special"

Bitch said...

A very touching story and after so many years
there is a strong feeling coming out of your
lines, dear Cindy!
A great tribute.. thank you for sharing with
us.
Monika

Unknown said...

I have chills, what a special piece.

kygirll said...

Just stumbled across your post and I wanted to tell you that my mother's wedding band was probably very similar to the photo of your ring, but by the time I inherited it, the design was mostly worn off. You can still see the design on the very sides of the ring. I treasure it highly.

kygirll said...

Just stumbled across your post and I wanted to tell you that my mother's wedding band was probably very similar to the photo of your ring, but by the time I inherited it, the design was mostly worn off. You can still see the design on the very sides of the ring. I treasure it highly.

kygirll said...

Just stumbled across your post and I wanted to tell you that my mother's wedding band was probably very similar to the photo of your ring, but by the time I inherited it, the design was mostly worn off. You can still see the design on the very sides of the ring. I treasure it highly.