03/28/11
The dream, the need to own one's home, and plot of ground goes back, really, to our ancestors who ventured away from crowded cities into the wilderness, where they claimed their ground, cleared it of trees, rocks, and debris, to build their ramshackle dwellings, and plow the fields.
A review of Wills of some two hundred years, in dividing up property among the beneficiaries, show the importance of having land to pass on, and--in many instances--listed quite elaborately the disposition of furniture, as, many of the items had to be sent from abroad at great cost; these were considered treasured items. Even prosaic items such as beds were thought important enough to be written down.
These Wills which seem silly today, insured that various family members would have property upon which to build there own lives, with a primary beneficiary given both the house and the land, as well as the disposition of whatever sums of money as may have existed.
There was a continuity there: the hopes that the family would remain intact, and--in time--prosper, a desire uppermost in the minds of the writers.
Of course, properties were sold, and homesteads turned over to strangers. But, by in large, subsequent generations were planed for, and accounted for well into the first quarter of the last century.
Over the years, this concept has been impacted by smaller families, and by less goods and chattels to be 'passed on'.
Disposition of treasured items is often made before death, children are often allowed to 'number' certain items they want, after their parents have passed away, and things that used to be of importance have faded; even the nature of so-called treasured items has changed somewhat. While furniture is relegated to be disposed of in the Will, no one that I have ever heard of specially wills to anyone a bed, simply because they can be purchased everywhere, as can all household items.
And so, we come to today, where so many younger couples do not think of making a Will, and never make one, though dying intestate, makes of strange beneficiaries, with the State levying huge taxes to Probate nothing of consequence; and you might find your home, as well as other monies, passing to some cousin you personally detest, and wouldn't give the first nickle to in life.
Of course, no one in their forties even think of Revocable Power Of Attorney, and few have life insurance, or other monies in cash, stocks, or bonds. Really, all there is is the unpaid for house, and unpaid for car. And with singularly unmatched, and hideous furniture, that it can scarcely be justified as being both 'kid-proof', and, comfortable.
Again, it is hardly the fault of the homeowner that actually 'decorating' the house takes little precedent as the daily cost of living ( translate that to, surviving ), and the ever-growing lag between income and expenses, inevitably rules out Luis XIV, in favor of food, and utilities.
And so, dear readers, I shall close for now; it has been raining steadily all day; the house feels damp, and the dog will not go out to pee.
Please take care, all, and try to enjoy a pleasant day.
Regards, Charles
The dream, the need to own one's home, and plot of ground goes back, really, to our ancestors who ventured away from crowded cities into the wilderness, where they claimed their ground, cleared it of trees, rocks, and debris, to build their ramshackle dwellings, and plow the fields.
A review of Wills of some two hundred years, in dividing up property among the beneficiaries, show the importance of having land to pass on, and--in many instances--listed quite elaborately the disposition of furniture, as, many of the items had to be sent from abroad at great cost; these were considered treasured items. Even prosaic items such as beds were thought important enough to be written down.
These Wills which seem silly today, insured that various family members would have property upon which to build there own lives, with a primary beneficiary given both the house and the land, as well as the disposition of whatever sums of money as may have existed.
There was a continuity there: the hopes that the family would remain intact, and--in time--prosper, a desire uppermost in the minds of the writers.
Of course, properties were sold, and homesteads turned over to strangers. But, by in large, subsequent generations were planed for, and accounted for well into the first quarter of the last century.
Over the years, this concept has been impacted by smaller families, and by less goods and chattels to be 'passed on'.
Disposition of treasured items is often made before death, children are often allowed to 'number' certain items they want, after their parents have passed away, and things that used to be of importance have faded; even the nature of so-called treasured items has changed somewhat. While furniture is relegated to be disposed of in the Will, no one that I have ever heard of specially wills to anyone a bed, simply because they can be purchased everywhere, as can all household items.
And so, we come to today, where so many younger couples do not think of making a Will, and never make one, though dying intestate, makes of strange beneficiaries, with the State levying huge taxes to Probate nothing of consequence; and you might find your home, as well as other monies, passing to some cousin you personally detest, and wouldn't give the first nickle to in life.
Of course, no one in their forties even think of Revocable Power Of Attorney, and few have life insurance, or other monies in cash, stocks, or bonds. Really, all there is is the unpaid for house, and unpaid for car. And with singularly unmatched, and hideous furniture, that it can scarcely be justified as being both 'kid-proof', and, comfortable.
Again, it is hardly the fault of the homeowner that actually 'decorating' the house takes little precedent as the daily cost of living ( translate that to, surviving ), and the ever-growing lag between income and expenses, inevitably rules out Luis XIV, in favor of food, and utilities.
And so, dear readers, I shall close for now; it has been raining steadily all day; the house feels damp, and the dog will not go out to pee.
Please take care, all, and try to enjoy a pleasant day.
Regards, Charles
