In 2008 President Bush signed in the observance of September 17-23, as Constitution Week. On September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution was signed by delegates to the Constitutional Convention. This historic document though many troublesome years in the making has protected our freedoms for over 200 years! Antiques and Collectibles are excellent reminders of this history. Ruby Lane gives collectors a chance to not only own, but to also learn about and preserve these treasures of America's past.

The ideas in the U.S. Constitution took shape amidst the sorrows and sufferings endured before and during the Revolutionary War. The 'birth pains' of this foundling nation as it began to emerge from tyranny found expression unified and voiced in the 1776 Declaration of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The famous signing of this historic document has been captured in a lovely, antique silk Stevengraph exclusively available through Ruby Lane shop, Bonnie Boswell Antiques.

This peaceful picture belies the very tumultuous period ahead for the signers. A period thriving with international intrigues, fearsome battles, and Divine interventions such as the following incident related by Constitution signer, George Washington. "By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability and expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, altho' death was levelling my companions on every side." The Life of George Washington available in my Ruby Lane shop, Backwoods Treasure, contains a very thorough commentary on those bleak days. These first edition volumes were taken directly from Washington's personal papers and recount the tremendous challenge of this infantile nation's Founding Fathers to establish a boundary line between governing and freedom.

Found in the Ruby Lane shop, RJM Antiques, is a fascinating original document addressing another Founding Father, John Hancock. This 1784 document cited Hancock's possible overstepping of his judicial boundaries, "You know that the Constitution or Declaration of Rights, it is declared that none but the Legislature has a right to suspend the Laws. I wish, therefore, that an explanatory message may be sent as soon as may be to both houses giving the reasons why this matter was delayed." These words demonstrated how the bloody battles of the war gave way to new battles. Freedom from the tyrannical clenches of a far off land was no longer the prevailing concern. Americans now faced tyranny from within and needed an agreement to insure the protection of individual rights with boundaries for government.

This drafted and ratified agreement between the government and the people became known as the U.S. Constitution. Because of his enormous contribution in the penning of the document, James Madison was given the title, Father of the Constitution. "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." This man of integrity's dignified portrait is captured on a spoon available through Fox and Hounds Antiques, a Ruby Lane exclusive shop.

Just as mighty as Madison with the pen was another Founding Father, Patrick Henry. His oratory skills sounded a rallying cry for the freedom fight for the moment and an admonition for flourishing under that freedom for posterity. "This brought on the war which finally separated the two countries and gave independence to ours. Whether this will prove a blessing or a curse, will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings, which a gracious God hath bestowed on us. Righteousness alone can exalt them as a nation. Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this, and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others." His most famous words, "Give me liberty, or give me death!", are celebrated on a vintage Royal Fenton plate currently in Ruby Lane's, Hill and Hill.

Today, Americans reap the rewards of past toils from men like those above and many others who have fought to uphold the freedoms expressed in the Constitution. While pondering America's distant past, one must not forget those of the present who have served and are serving in the military. Patriotic and military sweetheart jewelry are wearable reminders to honor these fighters for freedom. Ruby Lane shop, Mary's Vintage Jewelry, has a jeweled expression of this patriotism and gratitude that can be worn with pride on a shirt or just as easily on a baseball cap!

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, Constitution Week is a wonderful reminder not only to reflect on America's early beginnings, but also to remember the importance of preserving its freedom and its treasures. A plethora of historical items and information await you on Ruby Lane - items sure to stir your patriotism, enhance your collection, and increase your historical appreciation of the Land of the Free!

Jennifer Atkinson of Backwoods Treasure
http://www.rubylane.com/shops/backwoods-treasure