6 minute read
Letters to the Editor
to the Editor
The aftermath of Boston’s Great Fire of 1872.
Dr. Langley’s Bitters Update
In the February issue I wrote an article concerning the Dr. Langley’s Root and Herb Bitters bottles. In that article, I questioned why there were two addresses to be found on the bottles, namely 76 and 99 Union Street in Boston. Tried as I might, I was unable to come up with any real reason why the change in address until just a day or two ago.
One of the best benefits of writing these articles is the conversations that I have had with members of our bottle fraternity. I have met many, many new and fascinating people who are always quite positive and appreciative of the effort put into composing these articles. From time to time, members of our bottle family come forward with additional information and interesting tidbits that enhance and sometimes complete the stories. Sure enough, it’s happened again, and it may just explain the mystery of the Langley’s change of address.
I received a short but much appreciated email from Joseph Wilbur shortly after the article was published. It read as follows: Bob, Great article, I may be able to shed some light on all the street changes. If you look at a map of Boston, Great fire of 1872, you’ll see that many of these streets were burnt or blown up. This adds some more great history to those variants of bottles. Hope I’ve been of some help, Joseph Wilbur
I was unaware of Boston’s Great Fire of 1872, but this certainly does make great sense. The 1872 fire would certainly have affected the Langley brand one way or another. At least, it must have been one heck of a fire! I emailed Joe and explained how some of these mysteries really puzzle me and I was very glad to get his take on the dilemma.
So Joe, your help is much appreciated. Thanks so much for that bit of the puzzle.
Bob Strickhart Pennington, New Jersey
In Remembrance of a Great Man
Dear John,
Mark Vuono was among the greatest men I will ever come to know. Mark was more than a friend and mentor, he was family. Many years ago, I emailed Mark about an unusual marked eagle flask. I was incredibly nervous to email such a giant in the hobby.
Mark excitedly replied that he was not familiar with the mold. We quickly became very close friends and Mark began to mentor me. This relationship resulted in several years of amazing adventures and dealings. We had more fun than I could recount in a novel.
We continued to grow very close and talked via phone, email, and text on a regular cadence. We not only talked about the latest auctions and bottle news, we also talked about family, life, and business. Mark had a tremendous heart and genuinely cared about all those he knew. Mark was passionate about his family and shared many stories.
He also enjoyed his profession, citing the diverse range of customers that he served. Mark enjoyed an unparalleled reputation in his community.
Mark absolutely loved sharing his knowledge of flasks with others and encouraging new collectors. He took the time to invest his knowledge into those he knew. Mark’s legacy will live on through each of us.
Matt Lacy Austinburg, Ohio
Picture this: Two Jigsaw Puzzles
Hi, John,
When I saw the article in the AB&GC May issue with the picture of a bottle jigsaw puzzle I wasn’t too surprised, because I have two of them. The first (and best) is of a Charles Wysocki painting with a background of bottles in a pharmacy window. The bottles must have been drawn from real examples because many are recognizable as to shape and color. We also have a large print of the same picture that we hang in our den from time to time.
The second one is a photograph by Walter Wick that also has a window full of bottles and other colorful glass objects. This one has a “Seek & Find” aspect, for when you finish the puzzle you can look for the things listed on the box top.
So, add another two puzzles to your list of things to do while waiting out the virus.
Ed Faulkner Moseley, Virginia
to the Editor
Getting a Charge out of Battery Jars
Dear John,
I’m writing in response to the Dan Desmaris (aka Jersey Dan) May article in Letters to the Editor regarding early battery jars.
Back in the day when I used to scuba dive near the bridges in the Florida Keys I found a couple of ceramic battery lids 5.5” inches diameter. The embossing read “Gladstone Lalande Battery Patent August 1882, June 2, 1903, November 3 1908.” Here is a photo of the top and the underside with the prongs. I’m sure they were used during the construction of Flagler’s Overseas Railroad, which was completed in 1912. My wife and I enjoy your magazine. I especially love “The Medicine Chest.” I laugh out loud at the outrageous chemicals used in the quackery.
Keep up the good work!
Best Regards, Island Alex Okinczyc Key West, Florida
New (old) Clyde Flask Will Debut in 2022
Hi, John,
In just a few days you will be receiving photos of my latest addition to my Clyde Glass Works, N.Y., collection. It is quite beautiful, a lettered black glass quart whisky flask!
This is a one-of-a-kind lettered flask purchased by John Spellman from Burton Spiller in 1985. It was in the Spellman Collection for over thirty years. In a recent phone conversation with John he mentioned a flask that would look great in my collection. I asked John if he could buy it back and I would buy it from him. Thanks to John and Chris Bellizzi I was able to add it to my collection. I was going to bring it to our Rochester (GVBCA) Bottle Show but, like your Kalamazoo show and most of the others, it was cancelled.
My large Clyde Glass Works Exhibit has been rescheduled for our 2022 show. The lettered Black Glass Quart Whiskey Flask will be centered in my exhibit.
I hope all is well with you and Liz. I am confined to my home, as I am a sitting duck (age/heart/neuropathy). Lots of time to work on my exhibit and polish my bottles, flasks, fruit jars, glassware and whimsies. My daughter, Melissa, will be sending the photos. Enjoy!
Dick Kelley (Mr. Peppermint) Lyons, New York
Ed Faulkner's Charles Wysocki jigsaw puzzle.
The ceramic battery lids that Island Alex Okinczyc found while scuba diving in the Florida Keys. A photo of Dick Kelley's latest addition to his Clyde Glass Works collection.
