A family heirloom has traveled over a century, connecting generations through time and geography. Barbara Gore recently revisited her family’s history through treasured memorabilia, culminating in a remarkable revelation about a significant item—a small silver reliquary. This container, adorned with red jewels, serves as a poignant reminder of her ancestors’ journey from England to Canada and finally to California.
The story begins with Gore’s ancestors, the Padgetts, who resided in Winchelsea, England, a village known as one of the smallest in the country. In 1915, Gore’s grandfather constructed a home in Grand Forks, British Columbia, where the family moved the following year. Over the decades, family members migrated to various locations, including Chico, California, where her father and uncle settled in the 1940s.
In December 1979, the passing of Gore’s aunt, Frances, marked a pivotal moment. As Frances’s possessions were distributed, a 4-inch silver reliquary emerged as a cherished artifact. Initially unaware of its significance, Gore later discovered it was designed to hold ashes or relics of the deceased. This discovery sparked a renewed interest in her family’s history.
While reflecting on these memories in the late 1970s, Gore found herself enthralled by her collection of family photographs. On one particular morning, after a routine farewell to her then-husband, she revisited the albums. Halfway through, she stumbled upon a striking photograph of her great-grandparents’ home, The Mount, in Winchelsea. The image depicted the fireplace mantel, prominently displaying the same reliquary that had been passed down through the generations.
Gore’s excitement was palpable, yet she restrained herself from calling family members too early to share the astonishing find. The connection between the reliquary and the photograph sparked a deeper appreciation for her family’s legacy.
This past June 3, 2023, Gore’s friend attended the Antique Road Show in Salt Lake City, bringing along the reliquary and a family cameo for evaluation. The appraisers valued the reliquary at $300 but were particularly impressed with its documented journey from England in the 1880s to Canada in 1916, and eventually to Durham, California, in the 1980s.
The reunion of the reliquary with its historical photograph signifies more than just a financial appraisal; it embodies a rich narrative of family heritage and resilience. Through this journey, Barbara Gore has not only preserved her family’s story but has also ensured that the legacy of her ancestors continues to resonate across generations.