A Collection of Memories
Jo-Anne Lauzer

Casual elegance. That is how I would describe Mollie Ralston and her stylish two-bedroom apartment that she shares with her husband of 58 years. Together they have created a space that reflects both their taste and their lifestyle. Avid travellers and collectors, their home is a testament to their many journeys--locally and abroad. Each piece in her home reflects her love of finding simple treasures, each telling its own story.

"I appreciate the uniqueness of objects," says Mollie who is especially proud of her collection of African carvings and masks. She has collected ceremonial pieces such as Makondi carvings that are made out of one piece of wood and reflect the eerie but beautiful dream spirit. She also has a fondness for what has been labeled "airport art," tiny carvings from various regions across Africa. These were more mass-produced and used a lighter wood that was polished to look dark. She also has a wonderful selection of masks and is intrigued by what they reflect, "they were used as a way to hide the "self" as well as for many different rituals and for recording important people."

On her mantle is a slightly different collection; she has a selection of wooden Japanese ceremonial dolls. Although all similar in style, they each are quite unique and have been acquired at different times. A Japanese pupil gave one to her, another was purchased at a local thrift store, and one that is slightly different was brought back from Thailand by her daughter. She fondly recalls each story and appreciates the simple beauty of each doll.

Despite her many amazing collections of objects d'art, British and BC Pottery, and silver, her favourite by far is her glassware. "I have always liked glass. I remember when I was still in high school in Prince Rupert and would go to the local department store and head to the basement. As I would go down the stairs I would see tables full of glassware and I loved how it sparkled. I guess I have always been attracted to that sparkle."

She has managed to recreate a bit of that sparkle in her kitchen. Up high on a window ledge, she has placed a series of hand-blown coloured vases that reflect the sunlight. Many of these beautiful little vases have been acquired at local rummage sales, often for as little as 50 cents. In her living room, she also displays some of her other favourite pieces of glassware--dating as far back as the late 1800's. She is however particularly fond of the Depression glass. Although stunning, many of these pieces are still quite functional and will be used for special gatherings with her family.

Up until recently, her amazing collection of Depression Era glassware was rather impressive--17 boxes full! She has managed to keep the more special pieces, but sold off the bulk of that collection to a vintage store in Vancouver called My Orange Bag. It was not easy for her to part with it all, but she was pleased to find someone who wanted to purchase the entire lot. It would have otherwise been difficult for her to part with it all, piece by piece. Especially since each item carries a special memory for her.

Mollie has been an avid collector now for almost 30 years, and at 80 she shows no signs of slowing down--although she does not buy as much as she used to she still loves to go out and she what she can find. Her favourite places to shop are still the thrift stores and rummage sales.

"I once found a china plate for 50 cents that ended up being over a hundred years old." Most people wouldn't have given the plate a second look, but Mollie knowing where and how to look, was able to identify its age through the various markings. "I was pretty sure it was old, but it wasn't until I got it home and was able to cross reference it in one of my books that I discovered its true value."

She has even found some amazing collectibles in places that many would not dare to venture. "I sometimes pick up stuff that other people throw away and leave in the alleys. I once found a Native Indian Basket and a silver plate. They initially did not look like much, but I knew that once I cleaned them up they would be quite striking. Another time I was at a picnic in Toronto around 1949 and there was a pick up truck scooping ice cream out the back. I noticed that the ice cream scoops were being placed in this beautiful Canadian cut glass bowl. I bought it for a dollar."

Regardless of where she finds her treasures, she has developed an amazing ability to spot the quality pieces. With years of collecting behind her and an impressive reference library in her home, she can usually identify most pieces that she brings home. And, more often than not she is usually correct. With a background as a teacher, details are important to her, as is the inherent beauty of each item.

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References: Even though there are many new reference books on these subjects, Mollie still refers to the older books. The prices may be a bit off, but the information is still quite useful. Some reference texts that Mollie recommends for the new collectors:

Encyclopedia of British Pottery and Porcelain Marks. Geoffrey A. Godden
Kovel's Illustrated Price Guide to Depression Glass and American Dinnerware.
The Collector's Encyclopedia to Depression Glass. Gene Florence
Kitchen Glassware of the Depression Years. Gene Florence
Elegant Glassware of the Depression Era. Gene Florence

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