There is just something about old things that's fun to use. I have a couple cast iron skillets my grandmother brought with her from Poland. They were handed down from her mother, so they have been cooking Pierogi and other stuff in the family for about 120 years.

I have my grandmother's Sabbath candles. One for each of her 6 kids. When we light them on Friday night, the memories of our ancestors are all there with us.

I still have my father's old Black and Decker drill. He is there everytime I use it.

One day, my son be using his Dad's Svea stove as he hikes some long trail 40 years or so in the future. My memory will be along for the hike. I like that idea. I can't think of another piece of equipment that works so well and can last generations.

Some leave them on the mantle. A stove belongs on the trail, not on the mantle. Some polish them. I regretted the one time I did it. It took away all the traces of past use.