LETTERS
to the Editor
I did the presentation at the local library in late September and the video is about twenty minutes long. Anyone who wishes to watch the video can go to the Abbott Memorial Library, in Dexter, Maine. The link is there to watch the video. I thought some readers might be interested in seeing it. Thanks for a great job on the magazine. I have a digging story coming in the near future. Rick Whitney Dexter, Maine
Now THAT’S Digging! Tom Askjem (above), the Nebraska and Dakota bottle digger and research king, has sent this update on how he keeps busy out on the plains. “I finished up my digging season recently. Brought an excavator in on a ghost town. We got nine Hutches. Seven were from Grafton, North Dakota, one from East Grand Forks and one generic without embossing.” Tom Askjem Buxton, North Dakota thomas.askjem@gmail.com Editor’s note: See Tom’s interesting article in this issue beginning on page 7.
Orrin Fitzgerald: A Presentation Hi, John, Just a note to let you and other collectors know that I did a presentation on Dr. Orrin Fitzgerald, the spiritualist and clairvoyant doctor from Dexter, Maine, that produced “Fitzgerald’s Membrane Cure and the Improved Invigorator.”
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Antique Bottle & Glass Collector
Editor’s note: We took a non-masked visit to the museum and watched the presentation; good photos, a pleasant narration. Despite there being no popcorn, we enjoyed our visit to Dexter, where a settlement was begun in 1801 by Ebenezer Small, David Smith, and others from New Hampshire, and was originally called Elkinstown. When incorporated as a town in 1816, it renamed itself after Judge Samuel Dexter, who was then running for governor of Massachusetts (of which Maine was still a part).
Family Shares Good Memories Hello, Friends at AB&GC, I received the December issue of AB&GC and want you to know how much we appreciate your masterful treatment of the Orangeine article, and your kind words about our family. The antique glass hobby has been very good to the Beardsleys for over fifty years now. We’ve made so many friends and had so many adventures. Lots of great memories of times and friends past, and the hope of more exciting times to come. On behalf of my amazing mother, my patient wife Nancy, and our entire family we want to send out a warm THANK YOU for your magazine, which brightens our
mailbox every month, and wish you and your families a very healthy 2021. Mike Beardsley Madison County, New York PS: I believe I saw that the National Federation Show is planned for Syracuse this August. If all the stars align and you folks head East, how cool would it be to get together with Mom again. Maybe she’d cook up some of her famous ribs? Sure would be fun.
Ralph’s on a Roll From our editor-in-chief, Ralph Finch: In the December issue of the AB&GC, I wrote about my toilet paper roll holder that played music. And, being a journalist, I wondered what music it should play. I suggested that since it was German made, I should opt for a European composer; maybe one of Beethoven’s First Movements. Or maybe No. 2? I was hoping to find one with a long title, one that included a colon. (Forgive me; I’m going to Hell.) FYI: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, which has four movements, was written during the composer’s period of gastric problems. (Doesn’t this all tie in?) However, a few old friends offered their own suggestions. One said, “Leslie Gore’s It's my Potty” (Party) (1963). Another offered, “I think it should play Wipeout by the Surfaris” (1962). And old friend Bob Strickhart, a former New Jersey house painter, reminded me of this bit of wisdom: “You know though, that no job is done until you do the paperwork!” And the winner? The person (who remains anonymous) who said it should NOT be the National Anthem. Why? You have to stand up too long. I have old — but witty (and strange) — friends.
