Flow Blue was first created in England sometime in the 1820’s by Staffordshire potters. It is a type of white earthenware that was stamped with a blue design then fired in a kiln. The blue glaze “flowed” during firing, thus the name, Flow Blue. It was common in most households.

My sister-in-law remembers, as a child, scouring antique shops with her parents looking for these dishes. They were highly collectable and quite expensive but have lost much of their value. The butter pats might have sold for $50 US. The pictures are some of the family collection.

This week Charli invited us to share a story about dishes. January 30, 2023, In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about the dishes. It can be the every-single-day activity, a precious collection, or any other interpretation of dishes as objects or activities. Who is stuck with the dishes and why? Go where the prompt leads!

Using dishes from England the 1800’s, here is my story. I hope you enjoy it.

“Mom, why do you display those dishes? It’s embarrassing.”

“Those dishes are our family history. When your Irish ancestors immigrated to America in 1890, they left all behind for a better life. Fleeing famine, taxes and religious persecution, they and hundreds of others spent weeks huddled on the ship’s floors sharing food and water.”

“Your ancestors brought these dishes wrapped within their clothes. The chips and crakes happened during that journey. They are a reminder of the hardships endured for freedom.”

“You shouldn’t be embarrassed, but proud and thankful for all you have because of their determination and perseverance.”  

If you enjoy the 99-word-story interpretations, check out last week’s Optimism Collection here.