Monday, October 31, 2011

A GIANT CLOCHE

For 35 years in our antique travels, we have been looking for an early 1900s ballot box. The rare times we have spotted one, it was way out of our price range. In a recent discussion with a class mate that worked at our hometown court house, we found out that she had acquired several ballot boxes years ago when they became obsolete. At our recent class reunion, she brought one to give us. We were thrilled beyond belief. It was in "stored in a barn for years" condition and needed three pieces of glass replaced. Bob, of course, loves a challenge like that. This is what it looks like now.
He took it all apart, restored the original finish, and replaced the glass. It was like a giant puzzle putting it back together. It took our four hands and arms, two bungee cords, a belt, and a few well-chosen words to get the eight pieces of glass to fit back in their slots and grooves.
The top locks with three separate keys -- we assume for three different people to prevent tampering with the election process. If only our current election process was still this simple. The original printing is on the top door indicating that it came from a ballot box company in Denver.
All of the time we were working on it, I kept thinking this could be one GIANT cloche. It stands 25" high and is 17" square. The eight pieces of glass form an octogon within the square framework.
I'm sure I'll have fun thinking of things to put into my new "cloche" for the various seasons.

I always love when a decorative item also has meaning to our family. My grandfather was a popular elected official for years in the early 1900s. I like to imagine that many votes in his favor were cast in this very ballot box.
I'll be joining the following parties this week. Check these blogs out for a plethora of inspiration.
A Stroll Thru Life for the Fall Cloche Party on Tuesday
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday
Restore Interiors for Restored It Wednesday
The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday
No Minimalist Here for Open House Party on Thursday
Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
Funky Junk Interiors for Saturday Nite Special

27 comments:

Cass @ That Old House said...

Brilliant! I love this as a cloche -- it's just wonderful.
Very clever -- and very pretty, too. Lovely combination.
Cass

Unknown said...

I must say this is now the #1 BEST cloche in bloggyland EVER!!! I so love this beauty.

BOO-T-ful Halloween wishes
TTFN ~
Hugs & love,
Marydon

Olive said...

Yes definitely. The writing on the top of the box makes it all the more special.

Marigene said...

How fortunate you have that awesome piece of your town's history.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a treasure and such a beautiful "cloche". If you can decorate inside it, it's definitely a cloche to me. Fabulous history and definitely a treasure. Thanks so much for joining the party. Hugs, Marty

Pat said...

I love it! The pretties inside are just right for it too!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sally! Oh, this is wonderful! I've never seen anything like it before and it makes a beautiful cloche.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Yes, it's a cloche! Very pretty! It has a flat top and you can even decorate the top of it as well!

Katherine

Unknown said...

Very neat! Wonderful cloche! Joann

Marilyn said...

The best ever!!♥♫

Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) said...

What a grand cloche! Great idea! Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)

Sonny G said...

its beautiful and thats cloche enough to being a cloche to me..:)

Sonny

the cape on the corner said...

wow-that's so interesting! that thing is the perfect size for an end table, and hey, it's glass and can be used to display things...so a cloche it is!

Geneva said...

What a unique cloche...and I loved reading the history behind it. It looks great the way you've styled it. Thank you for sharing!

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

I just love how the old election box worked out as a cloche! There are endless ways to decorate it. Very clever.
Barb

Anonymous said...

Wow Sally what a neat find!!! Bob did a wonderful job bringing it's beauty back and you did a fantastic job finding the perfect display piece for it!

Been so busy lately- My mom was here for a week and it was great. Was a special speaker for a ladies group in Colorado City today which was fun! Life is full of adventure here for sure!

Hope you are ready for all the snow that is supposed to come our way tonight!

bee blessed
mary

Sue said...

This is just WAAY too cool to have- even if you didn't use it as a cloche~ It's a piece of Denver history! You're lucky that your husband is a handy guy. :-)
~ Sue

Chubby Chieque said...

This is really one of a kind, girl!

I so like the way you decor it. Elegante!

Greetings from Stockholm City.
/chie

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Oh my goodness! This is the most incredible thing I've ever seen.. What a treasure and to think it has special meaning because of your grandfather makes it even more special!! Sally, I will "try" to give a tutorial on the blog as soon as the Open House is over.. try being the k word... hugs ~lynne~

bj said...

OMYGOSH, Sally...this is sooo awesome. I love it. I can see why you are so proud of it....Love what you've done with it.
xoxo bj

Curtains in My Tree said...

That is fabulous never seen one .

it makes a wonderful anything especially the cloche look and the top is wonderful

I would say you won the prise on the best cloche

niartist said...

Hey there, Sally! Boy am I glad I came by today and saw your giant cloche! Love it, and the vignette inside! :)

Thanks so very much for stopping by and saying hello today, and commenting on the photoshoot. It was a great honor, but I was WORE OUT! (With all caps for the much needed emphasis!!)

I hope you'll continue to stop by and check out the tour! :)

xo,
A

Elaine said...

How fantastic! Nice of your high school friend to give one to you.

Your husband is so talented, he did a lovely job restoring it. And you made it beautiful too. I love your Autumn arrangement.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh Sally this is to die 4 awesome..I have never in all my travels seen one..Love it girl..Hope all is well in your world my dear friend..Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Sally...

Just doing a little catching up at your place, my friend!

Wow...your antique ballot box is FABULOUS! This is the first time that I've ever seen one. It really is interesting...very unique! Bob did a spectacular job repairing it! Love, love, LOVE how large it is...it makes a really neat end table! Ohhh yes...you are going to have so much fun decorating this lovely piece! Love your pretty white pitcher and arrangement! Thanks for sharing this piece with us!

Love ya,
Chari

Susie Q said...

That is something so special! What a find and what a perfect idea for it! I love it Sally!
Love,
Sue

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I have never seen anything like it and omg....I love it!