Home Is Where My Story Begins

Loving My Old Books


I recently posted about Things I love. One of the things that made the list was Things With History. I love treasures that tell a story. Even more special is a treasure that tells part of my own story, and reveals a little bit about where I’m from. Kim posted about her love of old books and this got me inspired to share a few of my favorite old books.

My grandma (we call her Nanie) is 92 years old. She has recently moved into an assisted living home and we helped her downsize. There were so many bookshelves filled with very old books. Here are a few that made their way to my house.



They have the neatest old covers.

The inside of the cover is beautiful too! They just don’t make books like this anymore.

Here’s my favorite. This is a bible that was on my grandma’s bookshelf. Inside, it says, “For Our Dear Mother. From, Edith and Chester. August, 1927.” Edith and Chester were my grandmother’s parents. So, this bible belonged to Edith or Chester’s mother, my great-great-grandmother. How cool is that… just to know that I’m holding the same bible that my great-great-grandmother held.

There are even hand written notes inside the margins that were written during church services or bible studies.

I also have an old hymnal from Seattle Pacific College (now Seattle Pacific University). Both of my grandparents, both parents, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and I also went there.

If you look around my house, you’ll see that I decorate with lots of old books. To most people, that’s all they are… just old books. To me, they’re part of my history and it’s amazing to hold a little piece of history in my hands.

Here are a few linky parties I like to participate in.

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The Comments

  • Danielle
    April 19, 2010

    Great books! I've been meaning to buy some for decoration 🙂

  • Ocean
    April 19, 2010

    That's awesome!!! I love old books! I am on a search for some right now. I got a few old kids books from my grandmas when we were there for Easter, but I would love to have some of the ones like you have.

  • kim
    April 19, 2010

    Becca, I love your old books. They just have such great patina. It is wonderful that yours are family hand me down. What wonderful treasures.

  • Kaysi
    April 20, 2010

    Those books are awesome! I love how they look in your room

  • Creations By Cindy
    April 21, 2010

    I am loven your old books! I decorate with them as well. Thanks for sharing. Be blessed. Cindy

  • Debbie
    April 23, 2010

    Those books really add character to a room! It's so beautiful that you've had that Bible in your family for so many generations.