“What do you think this is? A candy dish or an ashtray?”

My younger brother was looking at a small copper tray that was among mementos our late mom had tucked away long ago. Measuring not quite 4.5 inches by 5.5 inches, it was certainly intriguing.

When held at a certain angle, Dad noticed, it looked like there was etching on the surface. Words, certainly, in a delicate font. He slipped it into my hands, “Take it home. You’ll figure it out.”

Was this a printing plate? The type seemed to be a mirror image of any words we’d recognize, except for the bottom line: 1929.

Today is Grandma and Grandpa Cassidy’s anniversary. They were married on June 24, 1929.

When we got home, I eventually came across an invitation to Mom’s parents’ wedding. A magnifying glass, a mirror, and some patience brought us to a sound conclusion:

A match.

Although I was retired already, I’d remained in touch with the park’s print shop manager, Andrea. Actually, Farmer Gary probably was in touch more than I, as he occasionally sold her hay for cattle. After texting a photo of the copper plate to Andrea, she educated us that this was an example of an intaglio printing plate. (Thanks, Andrea!)

In short, the plate was etched with the reverse of the design for the invitation. Then ink was rubbed into the recessed areas of the plate. The addition of paper, rollers, and lots of pressure resulted in a lovely embossed invitation.

Here’s what the invitation (still in excellent condition) says:

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Regan
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Cecelia Margaret
to
Mr. Francis Raymond Cassidy
on Monday, the twenty-fourth of June
at nine o’clock in the morning
Saint Francis Church
New Haven, Connecticut

Inside, a little card stated: Reception immediately after the ceremony at Woodmont Lodge. The best I can tell by online searching, the Woodmont Lodge was a seaside inn located in nearby Milford, Connecticut.

And here’s the wedding party:

Grandma even had her picture in the paper. Here’s the clipping, printed on far less durable paper than her wedding invitation:

The happy couple hopped a train to Pittsfield, Massachusetts (where we would live in the ’60s), and honeymooned at the Hotel Wendell. Grandma brought home this sweet souvenir:

The other sweet souvenir they brought home (don’t blush, Grandma!) was their first child, Joan, my dear mom, who was born the following April.

May you always walk in sunshine.
May you never want for more.
And may Irish angels rest their wings
Right beside your door.
~ Irish Blessing

Although the start of The Great Depression was mere months away, Grandma and Grandpa never gave up. They held each other close, danced in the kitchen, always loving their God and their family with all their hearts.

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