This is a demi tasse cup, used years ago for black coffee following a meal. It is made of Bavarian china and is part of a set of over 200 pieces that my parents were given when they were newlyweds.

Following their wedding in Superior, Wisconsin they went directly to work on a large ore boat on the Great Lakes. My mother was the only woman among 28 men. She worked as an assistance steward and my father was a porter. They ate very well and had no place to spend money, so they saved for their future together.

During this three years, a bachelor on board learned that his parents had died in an accident. He inherited all of their dishes and vases. He had no interest in such things, so gave everything to "the newlyweds", Ida Mae and Roy Reed.

Little did he know, by that generous act, how many people would admire and enjoy the pieces he had given away. My hope is that more people would get out and use "the GOOD dishes" more often.