A Family Heritage:
The 125-Year Journey of a Wallet Across Generations in Aruba
Family heirlooms are not just material possessions; they also carry the weight of precious memories and a connection to our ancestors. Fidel de Cuba, a proud Aruban, recently shared a surprising family treasure on social media – a wallet kept within his family for over 125 years. This wallet, passed down through generations, unveils a unique story of love, heritage, and the preservation of our history.
The precious journey of this wallet begins with the words of Fidel's grandparents, Dirk Gregorius Hieroms and Maria de Los Remedios. Dirk, born in Aruba on October 3, 1866, shared a life of love with Maria, who was born on February 2, 1872, in Riohacha, Colombia. The wallet, originally belonging to Maria and cherished by her, became a precious possession and a symbol of a lasting connection.
Maria de los Remedios casa cu Diego Gomez
Maria de los Remedios casa cu Diego Gomez
Over time, Maria passed the wallet to her daughter, Fidel's grandmother, also named Maria de Los Remedios, who married Diego Gomez. The journey of the wallet continued from Fidel's grandmother to his mother, Teonila Inmaculada Gomez, born on August 23, 1931, who married Isaac Augusto de Cuba, born on the same birthday, August 23, 1922.
Brothers and Sister: Diego, Fidel, Vladimir, Maria Valentin and Miriam with their mother Teonila
Brothers and Sister: Diego, Fidel, Vladimir, Maria Valentin and Miriam with their mother Teonila
In Fidel's own words: "This wallet, from my great-grandmother, has been well cared for throughout all these years. It was passed to my mother, and just as my great-grandmother cherished it, my mother also took great care of this wallet that held such immense sentimental value. With a deep love for my grandmother, my mother entrusted me to continue safeguarding this precious wallet."
The wallet, intricately woven and consisting of two interlocking pieces, shows signs of wear, particularly on one side. Renwick Heronimo, curator at the Aruban Museum Foundation, confirmed that the weaving style on the wallet is similar to techniques used in Aruba over a century ago. This discovery reinforces the connection between the wallet and Aruba's cultural richness.
Inside the wallet, Fidel has a collection of paper bills dating back to 1942, 1947, and 1970, along with a 2½ florin coin dated 1964.
Brother and sisters: Fidel, Vladimir, Maria Valentin, Miriam with their mother Teonika
Brother and sisters: Fidel, Vladimir, Maria Valentin, Miriam with their mother Teonika
As Fidel contemplates the future of this precious family heritage, he hopes to find a suitable place for it in a museum, where this relic, a part of our history, can be carefully preserved for future generations.
In a world dominated by the digital era, the discovery of this wallet serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring our heritage, preserving our relationships, and safeguarding the artifacts that connect us to our roots.
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