Pauline’s China

 

Pauline Knyper Selmonsky

 

A story from Bette:

Beginning in the 20’s when movies were new, movie theaters would give out premiums to increase attendance. 

Dinnerware was a very popular premium since there were many different pieces of china in a set – for instance plates, bowls, gravy boats, etc., so they could really stretch it out.

Grandma and Grandpa Selmonsky loved movies (and before that – Opera) so every week or so, when the offer changed, they would go to the movies and get 10 pieces.  In addition to Grandpa (Philip) and Grandma (Pauline) there were six children (Mary, Joe, Louise, Doris, Ethel & Willie) and an Aunt & Uncle (I am not sure which ones.)

It is really fine china – made in England – and we’ve used it for Thanksgiving and Passovers, Chanukah and many other occasions over the past 50 years.