Before I begin this blog I must inform you all that I tried to take this class a couple of semesters before this, however was not able to due to schedule conflicts. When I originally took this class I decided to explore a beaded necklace that was passed down to my mother and father many years ago from distant relatives in Detroit.  I look to revisit it because I found out more information about this necklace. Additionally, it is currently being passed down to me. So this post will be a conglomerate between what I had already learned previously with some new tidbits mixed in.

This necklace was sent to my family by relatives, whom I have never had the opportunity to meet, from Michigan. Two sisters, now in their nineties, who I have been told hold practically hold all the information regarding my heritage on my father’s side of the family. After writing and speaking to them on the phone multiple times (even after I dropped the class) more information began to come out about the movement of this necklace, contributing to the history of this object.  

The necklace that is contained inside of a long gold box has existed in my family for little less than a century. This piece measures approximately 8 to 10 inches long and the chain itself is about one and a half to two inches wide. This necklace is entirely embroidered in blue, silver, gold, and hints of brown glinting beads. The necklace was mainly made with blue beads, but alternates in a maze-type pattern of silver beads with minor gaps of brown beads. Toward the bottom of the necklace is inscribed the initials PB, which stood for Paulena Byllott, my great grandmother. Just below her initials, the very bottom of the necklace is lined with beaded tassels.

Inside the golden box writes ” Given to Grandma Paulina Byllott, by Capuchin Monastery.” This necklace was a gift to her from a Monastery in Detroit, Michigan.

This is a  piece of jewelry worn by my great grandmother, whom I am partially named after (Caryn Paulena Byllott). I had not known much when I first came across however, through further investigation at the time I was informed that a letter was sent to my family along with the necklace.

Paulina Byllott, who I mentioned above, was born in 1868 and immigrated to America in 1886 from Germany. She married in 1887 to August Byllott and lived on McDougall ave, which was walking distance from the St. Bonaventure Monastery. Apparently, they were both great benefactors and supporters of the monastery and the Capuchin Friars there as well. For years they walked to the Monastery at 6a.m. for Sunday Vespers and my Great grandfather, August was a occasionally an usher too. Additionally, August was a blacksmith by trade and made iron hooks that were affixed to the church and used to hold the doors open. Around the turn of the century this gift was bestowed upon Paulina by the other Capuchin Friars for her work and dedication to the church.

With this object resurfacing I decided to take a look at the St. Bonaventure Monastery. This Monastery was founded in 1883 and is home to many of the Detroit Capuchin friars, which are spoken about above.  The Capuchins  themselves were founded in 1528, emphasizing prayer and contemplation, preaching, and physical care of the needy.

As I spoke with these women more they informed me about how this necklace was an icon of Paulina. It was so important for her to wear it all times, they described it was her way to further represent the faith she was apart of. This necklace traveled with her I found out. Her and August did quite a lot of traveling through the midwest and somehow made it to New York for a bit. These women were constantly emphasizing that no matter where she was the necklace was always with her. Also this necklace was one of many gifts from the monastery she received. Those items still remain with the sisters in Detroit, however, they may send more items to my mother soon!

I have been rather blind to my heritage due to early passings of my grandparents and lack of communication among extended family. However, these sisters have been the key into my heritage. Being able to develop a relationship with them over the past two years has been so insightful as well as very grounding. I am feel very honored to be the next owner of this necklace and more so now that I have been able to learn so much about the history of the necklace. Unfortunately I do not have a picture of the necklace at this time. I will see if I can have a picture sent to me soon.