Letters to the Editor

to the Editor

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 fi nished 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.” 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. Th e link is there to watch the video. I thought some readers might be interested in seeing it.

Th anks for a great job on the magazine. I have a digging story coming in the near future.

Rick Whitney Dexter, Maine

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.

Th e antique glass hobby has been very good to the Beardsleys for over fi fty 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 fi nd 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 off ered their own suggestions. One said, “Leslie Gore’s It's my Potty” (Party) (1963). Another off ered, “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? Th e 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.

to the Editor

A Dandelion or a Huckleberry?

Ralph Finch notes that Joe Gourd of Winfi eld, Ill., sent this email regarding the Tilton Dandelion Bitters story in the December issue AB&GC magazine, saying, “Liked the story! Let’s do some more.”

Th e trade card shown with the story was courtesy of Joe Gourd, who is the bitters trade card king, having amassed 900 different bitters cards. He also has more than 3,000 other trade cards. Joe intends to donate his collection to an as-of-now unnamed museum. Recently, his cards have been extensively used as illustrations in the soon-to-be released Bitters Bottles Supplement 2 by Carlyn Ring, Bill Ham and Ferdinand Meyer IV. Want to correspond with Joe? Write him at joegourd@aol.com.

Speaking of dandelions, Joe Gourd has been my *huckleberry for about fi ve decades, when he became my friend, then the fi rst president of the Detroit bottle club (the same club in which I met my wonderful wife, Janet), and later my neighbor two homes down. It’s a great hobby, and a small world. Enjoy it.

*Courtesy of Doc Holiday in the 1993 movie, ‘Tombstone.’

Searching for a Family Bottle

Hi, John,

I was recommended to you by Joe Butewicz. I am looking for an antique bottle from my great grandfather and his brother from Jersey City. “SCHWERKOSK BROS / 58 / VAN WINKLE / AVE / JERSEY.” Any help from you, or your readers, would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Tom Swier ptswi@aol.com

A Little Help on a Peppersauce

Hey, John,

Bruce Jones here. I’ve attached a picture of a rare peppersauce bottle. I would appreciate if you would include it in one of the upcoming issues of AB&GC to see if any of the readers might have any feedback on the bottle.

It is embossed, “H.E. & CO / CIN’T” (and maybe an “I” following the “T”).

Bruce Jones Fairfax, Virginia

TOP: Tom Swier is looking for a family bottle. Is anyone familiar this particular bottle? BOTTOM: Bruce Jones has this rare peppersauce bottle. Do any readers have details on his prize?

Editor’s note: Bruce, thank you for your email. Th at is indeed a very rare peppersauce. Hopefully, one of our readers might be able to shed some light on this very interesting bottle. If anyone has any information, please let us know, or contact Bruce at his email: cwaddic@yahoo.com