Coming next issue or down the road: History of Glasgow Montana Coca-Cola Bottle•The Three Blue Bitters•The Saltsburg Glass Works•ACL #14 Odd flavors•Privy Digger’s Dream•What Do You Collect?• Another Adventure of the Bottle Thief: Dead Chickens & Barking Dog•A Clinton Physician Dr. Carl Gruber•M. A. Rue of Cranbury, New Jersey•Early Pittsburgh Glasshouses•Keystone Coffee Jar•Soda City’s Only Two Earliest Colored Sodas: H. Deming & Co. and C.C. Habenicht•Probst & Hilbs German Bitters Little Rock, Ark.•Pressed
Bottles•Whites Prairie Flower•Caswell Hazard Druggists•Smith & Jones–Brazil, Indiana Bottlers•Clum’s Liver Cathartic•An Unusual American Liberian Dual Embossed Jar•Peter Bisso Soda Water Manufacturer, Corsicana, Texas•From Ashes to Ashes, A Tragic Story•Steamboat Arabia Museum•From
to
A Tragic Bitters Story•Rick
& Maine
so
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The Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors is a non-profit organization for collectors of historical bottles, glass and related collectible items. Our primary goal is educational as it relates to the history and manufacture of historical bottles and related artifacts.
FOHBC Officers 2024–2026
President: Michael Seeliger, N8211 Smith Road, Brooklyn, Wisconsin 53521, phone: 608.575.2922, email: mwseeliger@gmail.com
Vice-President: Position Open
Secretary: Alice Seeliger, N8211 Smith Road, Brooklyn, Wisconsin 53521, phone: 608.575.1128, email: AliceSecretaryFOHBC@gmail.com
Special Projects Director: Ferdinand Meyer V, P.O. Box 1825, Brookshire, Texas 77423, phone: 713.222.7979 x115, email: fmeyer@fmgdesign.com
Director-at-Large: Stephen R. Jackson, P.O. Box 3137, Suffolk, Virginia 23439, phone: 757.675.5642, email: sjackson@srjacksonlaw.com
Director-at-Large: John O’Neill, 1805 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, California 94002, phone: 650.619.8209, email: Joneill@risk-strategies.com
Director-at-Large: Richard Siri, PO Box 3818, Santa Rosa, California 95402, phone: 707.542.6438, email: rtsiri@sbcglobal.net
Northeast Region Director: Charles Martin Jr., 5 John Hall Cartway, Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts 02675, phone: 781.248.8620, email: cemartinjr@comcast.net
Midwest Region Director: Henry Hecker, W298 S10655 Phantom Woods Road, Mukwonago, Wisconsin 53149, phone: 262.844.5751, email: phantomhah@gmail.com
Southern Region Director: Tom Lines, 1647 Olivia Way, Auburn, Alabama 36830, phone: 205.410.2191, email: Bluecrab1949@hotmail.com
Western Region Director: Eric McGuire, 1732 Inverness Drive, Petaluma, California 94954, phone: 707.481.9145, email: etmcguire@comcast.net
What a whirlwind the last couple of months have been! The FOHBC Houston 2024 National Antique Bottle and Glass Exposition was beyond fantastic and so much more than anyone expected. This issue includes many highlights of the Expo so I know you will enjoy seeing Gina Pellegrini-Ott’s wonderful photos, Ferd’s articles, and attendees’ feedback. It was truly an experience of a lifetime and Ferd and his Expo team are to be congratulated for a successful event.
Putting our after-Expo tasks (there are many) on hold, Alice and I took a long-anticipated trip to Alaska at the end of August. Our train trip from Wisconsin to Portland, Oregon and up to Vancouver BC gave us a chance to unwind. We marveled at the varied landscapes, and all the abandoned houses. A train does not take you through the best parts of towns, so we got to see some of the older places. I could not help but think there were lots of bottles to be found in abandoned privies and dumps, and wondered if Tom Askjem was inclined to dig them all.
After two and one-half days on the train, we were ready to board the cruise ship that would take us through the inside passage in Alaska. We remembered the high prices the Alaska pharmacy bottles brought at the Houston 24 Bayou City Sunset Auction and vowed to keep our eyes open for more of them. Nice thought, but we were unsuccessful in finding any. We were constantly reminded of ghost towns that once had 50 or 60 hotels and saloons, just as many brothels and other buildings, and now there was nothing. Privies? Dumps? We never ran across anyone who looked remotely like a bottle collector, so our questions went unanswered. What a treasure awaits an ambitious digger.
Returning to Wisconsin, I made my way to our nearest small town—Evansville, Wisconsin. The main street has about six blocks of 1860-1870 mansions built for barons of the tobacco trade. These sit on very large city blocks with big backyards. Side streets boasted the same. In all, I estimated there are 100-150 houses with privies just waiting to be explored. Oh, to be younger and bolder!
feature article in the September-October AB&GC. Jim sadly declared our hobby “dying.” I agree, our members are getting older, and our collections are getting more mature, but there are still some young, enthusiastic people coming to shows. I have talked to many of them in the last few months and their enthusiasm for the hobby is encouraging and contagious.
Although many are interested in Mountain Dew bottles or some bottles from the “Federal Law Forbids the Reuse of this Container” era, it’s a small step to viewing ACL bottles with admiration and then getting into older bottles when given the opportunity to dig and find these things for free.
Unfortunately, where I live in Wisconsin, most potential dig sites are fenced off and diggers are not allowed to enter. Contractors are required to take anything they unearth to the local landfill to be used for daily cover, sending historical items back into the earth not to be recovered for a very long time.
And then there are what we call the “smart people.” The archaeologists who know how to dig up artifacts and document their findings, often using dental picks and brushes to uncover items rather than backhoes and shovels. The end result is multiple pictures with comments and arrows showing how a piece of a Fletcher’s Castoria bottle was found. As we all realize, usually privies and dumps were not laid down in any order and the positions of artifacts is not really of any value. The artifact tells the story.
I often wonder if diggers could join local historical preservation committees to encourage contractors and homeowners to allow them to dig certain sites before the contents are moved to a landfill. This could mean a day’s delay in excavation/construction, but it would allow the preservation of historical items. I will leave this to the younger collectors who represent the backbone of our hobby’s future.
Now we look toward the Reno 2025 Convention. Richard Siri and Craig Cassetta have laid all the groundwork and, of course, there are lots of details to deal with before August 1, 2025. But mark your calendars now and watch for more information in this issue and on FOHBC.org.
At 75, digging for me would consist of running the backhoe while someone else picked through the dirt. I encourage you younger collectors to pick up your shovels and go for it! Fellow board member, Tom Lines, agrees that there are still more bottles to be found underground than what we now have in our collections.
I must take exception to a comment Jim Hagenbuch made in the
After our well-attended General Membership meeting at Houston 24 where updated bylaws were approved, and a new organization chart unveiled, board members have begun to set up various committees. I encourage you to take a step forward and contribute in whatever way you are able. FOHBC has a lot to offer, but it takes many hands to keep it running smoothly. We have an active, dedicated board but they will need your help to carry out their duties. The Virtual Museum has also started a new fundraising campaign titled “25 from 25 in 25” meaning $25 (a month) from 25 members in 2025. Ante up and climb on board!
Shards of Wisdom
“Heard it Through the Grapevine”
Mike Polak, 1945-2024 by
Fred Holabird
My buddy Mike Polak just became the Genie in the bottle on Sunday. He had always talked about the magical powers of old bottles and what it would be like to be the Genie, where he could pop in and out of time with various historical bottles, visit the lives of those past, and maybe even mine a few ounces of gold in the Nevada mining camps he loved.
Everybody who collects old bottles knows Mike. If you don’t, you probably have read or own one of his eight editions of “Bottles; Identification and Price Guide,” first published in 1994. He went on to publish eight editions and was working on the ninth edition when cancer crept up on him.
Mike got the bottle bug when he was very young. He would dig dumps, discover treasures with his family, and tell stories to everybody who would listen.
“Back in the pre-Cambrian,” as I like to say, Mike and I met at the huge Great Western Show in Pomona in roughly 1981. It had recently shifted from a large warehouse facility along the Santa Ana freeway in southern California to the Los Angeles County fairgrounds in Pomona, where it grew and multiplied faster than rabbits. Soon, the show became the quintessential great show for all things western in America, held twice a year, as I recall.
About that year, I found this guy with a table or two against a wall selling old bottles that were mostly circa 1900 to 1920
unembossed pieces. They weren’t fancy antique bottles the likes of which you see at antique or old bottle shows but those of a casual, new bottle digger. By that time, I had turned into a bottle nut—I’d say “junkie,” but it isn’t true. I’m, first and foremost, a geologist with an insatiable lust for finding gold and silver. Bottles were (and still are) a byproduct of mining exploration and an exciting one.
So I had to stop at this guy’s table. With Mike’s magnetic smile driving the conversation, we started sharing stories, and soon, Mike had miles of questions pouring out. I told him my first bottles came from an old ghost town no one knew about east of Bishop, but they were from about 1910-20 and not too exciting. Then, at our Humboldt State geology summer camp in the Inyo Range, where we were being taught field mapping about 1972 or so, I happened upon an old mine prospect, and there, lying under a western cedar, sat a beautiful purple Spruance and Stanley, San Francisco embossed pumpkinseed whiskey bottle nestled among the soft needles below the branches, probably left there by the unsuccessful prospector in 1885. Another guy found several embossed whiskey fifths.
This spurred me to find more. We had a “day off” during the month-long field class, and instead of taking the “optional” mapping day, we had heard about a bottle show in Tonopah and a big trash dump with lots of old bottles, so off we went. We found the dump but soon found you’d be better off with a backhoe and loader. Collectors had turned over the top surface; only the deeper portions held the treasures. But what the heck, we dug a deep hole anyway, and I found a beautiful dark green Palmer’s ladies’ cream bottle still in the window today. In later years, Mike spent time digging in this same dump every year, always finding a few treasures and sure to share them with his friends.
Meanwhile, back at the Great Western Show, I invited Mike to my table and showed him lots of fancy and semi-expensive bottles. By then, I’d written the first of the Nevada Bottle Books with my friend Jack Haddock and had just published the second edition. Back in those days, salaries for field geologists were tiny, and I supplemented my income by doing shows and flea markets, selling rocks, bottles, tokens, coins, and old documents. Those shows were great for every collector I ever met.
I probably had 25 books on old bottles at home, and Mike had a pile too. Each was a small compilation of various bottle topics, all published early in the game. He thought doing an extensive bottle book would be a great idea, something much more advanced than the current popular bottle guide. Having written a few small books and magazine articles, I mentioned publishers were anxious for new material. The next time I talked to him, he had pitched his idea to a publisher and was off to the races. He asked me to write a chapter, and he knew I’d do anything to
Shards of Wisdom
“Heard
it Through the Grapevine”
help, so he gave me a topic, and off I went.
Fifty phone calls later, out came the first edition. Over the years, Mike did a great job of presenting specialized categories and delving into all aspects of collecting, from the specific bottle genres to more advanced historical discussions. Mike met and spoke to hundreds of advanced collectors, museum curators and diggers. With new advancements in printing technology, Mike was able to utilize color photographs in his books for the first time with a national antique bottle publication. He helped take the bottle hobby to a new level, opening the old bottle frontier to novice yet interested collectors because his books were on the shelves of every major bookstore in America. All told, he sold over 100,000 copies.
Mike was back in Tonopah a few months ago for Jim Butler Days and surely made the trip to the Tonopah dump. We had planned a get-together, but life intervened, and Robin and I had to be somewhere else. Now, when I look at some of the few colorful and historical bottles on my shelves, I’ll be looking for that Genie. I know it’s Mike. RIP buddy.
Tired of television? Notes cobbled by Ralph Finch
Is it time to read a book? First, check on your bookcases, and maybe there is an old book you’ve forgotten. You might have a treasure between the covers. (I do.) Here is one, for example, and from the Invaluable.com website:
The Book of Mormon, published in 1830 (it made a poor musical—in the opinion of this “critic.”) sold for $35 million in a private sale in September, 2017. (You can probably find the Cliffs Notes for far less.)
“Holding the record as the most expensive antique book ever sold is the original printer’s draft of The Book of Mormon, hand-written following the dictation of Mormonism’s founder Joseph Smith. Considered one of the central texts of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), The Book of Mormon was purportedly derived from Smith’s translation of text found inscribed on golden tablets discovered near his Palmyra, New York, home in the 1820s.
“This draft then made its way to the local printer, E. B. Grandin, for typesetting before the hand-crafted manuscript was given to a member of the growing Mormon church for safekeeping. It stayed within the church’s possession until its sale in 1903; the
2017 purchase, then, marks the manuscript’s fitting return to the LDS archives. Such formative texts can achieve impressive auction prices even when they are not so unique: a 2018 auction of a first edition publication of the Book of Mormon sold for $80,000.
Old Bottles poem by Island Alex (Alex Okinczyc)
I would be honored if you would print my poem in your magazine. I’m a longtime subscriber.
Old bottles...like a fine glass of wine, Leaves a fine memory of a distant time, Once you pick it up...and put it on a shelf, look at it closely...reminds me of myself. Was it underwater or buried in the sand, look at imperfection as you hold it in your hand, who and why left it here...really isn’t clear, maybe it’s a soda or a ginger beer.
If it has a pontil...bubbles in the glass, has a heavy bottom...it was meant to last. So raise a glass...drink a toast...to those who will say, to your health...bottles empty...throw it away. Lost in time 200 years—maybe even more. Someone will find it, wonder what it’s for, once you pick it up...put it on a shelf. Look at it closely...reminds me of myself.
The Book of Mormon, first edition, Palmyra, 1830. Sold for $112,500, a record for the book.
FOHBC News
From & For Our Members
Big Boy Returns to Houston!
I’m an absolute “Train” nut and I can’t wait for this! Early in September, Union Pacific Railroad began its Heartland of America Tour, in which Big Boy No. 4014 will slowly roll its way along the middle of the country. The 1.2-million-pound locomotive started its journey in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and one of the trip’s major highlights is Big Boy’s arrival in Houston, which will take place October 6. Big Boy No. 4014 is one of seven on public display, according to Union Pacific, and was delivered to the railroad in 1941. The 132-foot-long locomotive typically traveled out in the expansive west between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, and in its time racked up 1,031,205 miles of rail. Union Pacific retired No. 4014 in 1961; it was placed in a museum for years before the railroad took it back to Cheyenne for restoration. What does this have to do with bottles, I wrote an article in Bottles and Extras in the Sept–Oct 2016 issue comparing my OK Plantation Bitters bottles to “The Big Boy.”
Ferdinand Meyer V Houston, Texas
Basement Bottles Correction
Hey Ferd, Jack here. I have a correction to point out regarding the article Basement Bottles in the July-August magazine. The author stated one bottle came from New York, three from Vermont and one “all the way from California.” Having grown up in California I never heard of a mineral spring from Carlsbad but the base embossing was all too familiar looking. I have a clear and totally different style bottle not easily recognized as having anything to do with spring water yet is also marked Carlsbad. According to Fike in my go-to book The Bottle Book, he lists the same clear example as advertised “Carlsbad Sprudel Salt is obtained from the Sprudel Spring (Bohemia) by evaporation-aperi-
ent, laxative, diuretic, accelerates absorption, stimulates nutrition, aids digestion, corrects acidity. Eisner & Mendelson Co. Sole agents for the US. 6 Barclay Street, New York City. Introduced in 1863.” The labeled photo in the book describes it as “a Bohemian-imported laxative of strudel salts introduced in 1863.” The near identical base embossing are unlikely coincidental and since the salt bottles have a clear New York connection I would feel much more confident they are of same import and have no connection to California. Attached are photos of mine for comparison to the pics in the story...
Jack Klotz Louisiana, Missouri
[more from Jack] After some thought, I figured I should check out the history of Carlsbad, California to be more thorough. I suspect this info is likely what Tod von Mechow used for his belief the bottle came from here. Turns out there was an actual mineral water company called Carlsbad Land and Mineral Water Co. that was formed but not until the 1880s. According to Wikipedia, the mineral water company was started by German-born Gerhard Schutte and others and named after the famed spa in the Bohemian town of Karlsbad (now Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic). Clearly all the bottles predate the 1880s and the Carlsbad in particular appears older than the others in the grouping. This could be because it is actually older or that it was foreign made, which usually tend to appear older than their American-made counterparts. Either way it would appear Carlsbad, California mineral water wasn’t a consideration when that particular bottle was made.
There is also a Carlsbad, New Mexico known for its mineral springs locally, however the water was used more for irrigation than for medicinal qualities. Also discovered in the late 19th century, this too would have been a late comer to match the bottle in question. Lastly, Hughes, Texas was discovered to contain wells with mineral water and renamed Carlsbad sometime after 1907. All the communities named Carlsbad were named for some amount of local mineral springs and all named after the aforementioned Bohemian spa of Karlsbad. Hope this helps.
FOHBC News
From & For Our Members
Texas Mineral Water Health Traditions
Hello Ferdinand, hope all is well there in this October of 2024. My proposal to Texas Medical Association for an exhibition on our state’s mineral water health traditions in their History of Medicine Gallery has been approved. Do you know of any collectors who have Texas mineral water bottles who might be willing to lend artifacts for such an exhibition? We already have a number of lenders lined up, but we are of course hoping to make it the very best exhibition we can. Thanks so much,
Gene Fowler
Austin, Texas
Hotel ZaZa Koi Pond Bottle Display
When Kleibert Estrada, our Hotel ZaZa contact, mentioned that we could place “H24 welcome graphics” inside their lobby Koi pond, we came up with this “quick” idea to place a few of our larger bottles on a metal stand with twinkle lights. It worked out fine and fit the eclectic arty feel of the hotel.
Ferdinand Meyer V Houston, Texas
Jack here in old Missouri...again
Hey Ferdinand, Jack here in old Missouri. I’ve belonged to a couple of writers groups in Hannibal for a few years and one of them recently decided to publish a book of stories submitted by some of the group members. I submitted five and they included them all, to my surprise! I used a pen name for the first time, Jack St. Lyon, as in “Jack’s ain’t lying.” We had to write an author’s bio and I thought mine was funny, however the editor didn’t agree apparently as the last paragraph and best part was edited out. I therefore did an end around and printed and pasted the missing portion into my copies.
I purchased a small number for family and friends and I felt you easily deserved a copy as noted on the flyleaf. I suspect you will enjoy the diversity of material within. I sent a copy using media mail to my sister in Rhode Island last Monday and it arrived early on Friday. I suspect your copy will arrive on Friday as well though not expected until next Monday. Just thought I would give a heads up.
Jack Klotz
Louisiana, Missouri
[Editor] Jack is a featured writer in AB&GC with his outstanding digging and finding stories. He was also an award winner at the H24 Dinosaurs Banquet club and member contests.
[Left] Bella Meyer put together a Peachridge residence set up study of the bottle display placed in the Hotel ZaZa lobby Koi pond. [Above] After approval, the hotel provided a stand for the display that was used as a prop for Houston 24 marketing purposes.
After a “call out for help,” many images were submitted by Texas collectors including Brad Dalton, Brandon DeWolfe and Brad Weber.
FOHBC Regional News
Please visit FOHBC.org for expanded coverage.
Northeast Region [Charlie Martin, Jr., Director]
On September 15, 2024, the Merrimac Valley Antique Bottle Club (MVABC) held its 49th Annual Bottle Show and Sale at the Elk’s Lodge in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. This was the second year at their new location, and by all accounts, this new venue and setting has worked exceptionally well for the bottle club. The day was bright, clear and quite comfortable for mid September in New England. According to show chair and club president Kevin Cantrell, attendance was greater than the previous year. All 57 eight-foot tables were sold. There was steady traffic at the sales tables throughout the morning, with 24 early shoppers plunking down $20 to shop before the general public was let into the show at 9:00 am. Approximately 200 individuals paid admission. For the first time in many years, some dealers had to be turned away due to the sold-out status of the show. Kevin indicated that next year will be the club’s “Golden Anniversary (50th) Show and Sale,” with dealer space possibly available both indoors as well as outside in a sheltered area on the Elk Lodge’s property. In speaking with bottle dealers, they seemed quite pleased with the steady customer activity throughout the entire morning of the show. Likewise, customers were equally pleased with the new additions they added to their collection.
Tom Karapantso, chair of the Greater Buffalo Bottle Collectors Association (GBBCA), submitted the following report from their 25th Anniversary Show held on September 15, 2024 at the Polish Falcons Club in Depew, New York. “Perfect weather, no Bills game, and an outstanding job by president and co-chair Peter Jablonski on advertising led to a great attendance considered the best ever. Paid attendance was 233 people, plus 12 free admissions for children.” Seventy-one dealers and helpers at tables and seven club volunteers brought the total to 323 attendees for the show.
“Advertising signs were placed at major routes, at flea markets, and western New York antique co-ops. Thanks to Peter, the Buffalo News ran a 3/4 page article on our show with color photos. The Buffalo News also posted an excellent video on our club show on its website two days before the event. The video was shot in Peter’s home, where he explained what a person could expect to find at our show to buy, using items from his collection. The article (and video, according to Bob Johnston, a club member) was a great boost to our attendance. Vince Martonis carried show flyers to various antique shops, libraries, his speaking events, stores, and co-ops, (while) each club member was challenged to post at least two flyers in their neighborhoods.
“At least nine children whose parents were first-time attendees
were spotted carrying bottles from the free kid’s bottle table. Hopefully, we lit the bottle collecting bug in all of them. All the printed copies of our award-winning show newsletter, edited by Craig Means, were taken by show-goers. The club raffle was a success. High ticket sellers were Joe Guerra, with 160 sold, and Dave Potter, with 140 sold. Trader Mike, a dealer, donated a beer advertising clock as an extra prize, which club member Mark Warne won. This sold-out show of 58 tables saw six new dealers.” Dealer comments made to Tom during and after the show were quite positive, and many indicated that they wished to return in 2025. Tom thanked all the club members, the many hands not named, who volunteered to do the combined jobs to make this a successful show.
I want to thank those bottle clubs in the Northeast Region that included me in their email list when sending out their club’s newsletter. It is quite interesting to read about the efforts that volunteers contribute, day in and day out, to help support their club’s activities and, ultimately, the great hobby of antique bottle collecting. My hat goes off for all of your great work! If other clubs have electronic newsletters, whether you are in the Northeast Region or another region of the country, I would love to receive your club’s newsletter as well. Sharing is one of the wonderful benefits of our hobby.
By the time you read this report, all of the bottle shows in the New England area of the Northeast Region will have occurred for 2024. Although these reports are printed here after they occur, it is critically important to review their success and to continue to see how these shows are doing in the whole scheme of things relating to our hobby. Remember, information about each show is important! Accordingly, I am open to suggestions, ideas, and recommendations on how I can serve you better as readers and contributors to this column! Please take a moment to reflect upon how the Northeast Region report can be improved and forward what you consider will make our report more relevant and exciting. Thank you kindly for your consideration. Until next time, good bottle hunting!
Midwest Region [Henry Hecker, Director]
As I wrote this, I received texts from two friends cleaning up their Florida properties in the wake of tropical storm Milton. Both families are without power but safe. With all the attention we devote to our collecting passions, these disasters bring us back to the reality of life and its priorities.
The 1st Chicago Bottle Club newsletter, The Midwest Bottled News, reports on their work to celebrate the club’s 50th anniver-
sary with another new commemorative bottle. It is a Hutchinson design, and the maker had to fabricate a special lip tool. This challenge sounds very similar to the one presented when making FOHBC’s cobalt Drake’s Plantation Bitters bottles.
The Midwest Antique Fruit Jar and Bottle Club newsletter, Glass Chatter, reports a presentation on Pluto Water and the remarkable number of advertising go-withs the company put out— even a wood-shafted golf club! In addition, a large collection of bottle caps was pictured. I have been noticing the increased amount of attention bottle caps have been getting at shows and eBay. Check out the “Crown Cap Collectors Society International” website, bottlecapclub.org. You will be amazed at the variety and breadth of collecting options. We should try to bring this club’s membership into the FOHBC fold. For someone running out of space again, I envy bottle cap collectors for their efficient use of space.
A recent, once-in-a-decade auction in Tipton, Michigan, was described in the Metropolitan Detroit Antique Bottle Club newsletter. An old collection of flasks, bitters, pontiled sodas, cobalt beers, and decorated stoneware came for sale. Held by Braun & Helmer Auctions, bidding was fast and furious, but deals could be made, as the rumor is that some power bidders ran out of money! The Kalamazoo Antique Bottle Club has already sent notices for its 44th annual show on April 5, 2025.
Southern Region [Tom Lines,
Director]
It’s hurricane season. Please keep our Florida collectors in your thoughts and prayers as they suffer from Milton’s impact. Also, please keep all the coastal collectors around the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern seaboard in your prayers. Let’s also pray for the survivors of Helene up in the Asheville, North Carolina, area where flooding has ravaged.
It’s fall show season here in the South, and the 11th Annual Fayette, Alabama Bottle Collectible Bottles & Antiques Show in Fayette, Alabama, is this coming weekend. Later this month, on the 26th, the 200-table Nashville Area Antique Bottle & Advertising Show in Lebanon, Tennessee, is set and a sellout! On November 2, the Robert Sledge Memorial Bottle & Advertising Show will be held in Florence, Alabama, and two weeks later, on the 16th, the Olde Guys Digging Club will have its 7th Annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Antique Bottle Show.
The Richmond Area Bottle Collectors Assoc. 52nd Richmond Antique Bottle and Collectibles Show and Sale was this past weekend. Looking into the new year, the 40th Annual Mississippi Antique Bottle, Advertising & Collectible Show in
Jackson, Mississippi, will be Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. A brand-new show is being promoted in Dothan, Alabama, in February.
How does being a boat builder, cattleman, black glass collector, 1934 Ford Coupe owner, show promoter, and dancing man all relate to this month’s collector profile? Well, that at least partially describes Jim Simmons of Grand Bay, Alabama. At 81 years young, Jim has been digging and collecting since 1972, 52 years! (I will hit my 50th year next September!)
So what got him started—like many of us, digging! At first, he and his brother scratched around places here and there in southwest Mobile County. Jim mentioned it to his close friend and coworker Ronnie Landry, and they relentlessly pursued bottle digging in the old city dumps of Mobile. They quickly discovered that many local blacks were also digging but always selling their finds—many blacks and whites dug side by side in these old city dumps.
The Mobile Bottle Collectors Club also existed then but Jim and his buds weren’t members. Among the club’s charter members was Dr. Phillips. He and his contemporaries dug pontiled-bottle pits in the old downtown area. So, learning the ropes, Jim and Ronnie started doing the same thing. Jim said when they dug brick liners, they would leave the bricks for the black folks who gathered them up and sold them. But Jim said the blacks soon learned that the bottles were more valuable than the bricks and started on the pits themselves. And again, they always sold all they dug by day’s end. (As an aside, a black digger named Russ(?) dug the only two known C. T. Bond historical flasks in a Mobile pit and sold them to Elroy Webb, who in turn sold one to Florida’s Judge MacKenzie and the other to a local collector Mac Wimmer.) From then on, Jim stuck to pit digging. He also dug over in the older sections of New Orleans.
Jim’s collecting focus was local Mobile whiskies…the older shoulder-embossed, black glass type. Though he dug lots of Mobile sodas, he never collected them, but others in his digging group did. He was also attracted to black glass seals and wide-mouth case gins. Jim’s prize Mobile whiskey was the only known undamaged seal “S. Twelves” cylinder. He kept it for years before letting it go to another Mobile collector.
The original Mobile Club had quit having shows in the late 1970s but still met once a month for a covered dish dinner and fellowship. Jim and four or five other local digger-collectors attended one of the gatherings in 1982. They joined the club and wanted to revive the shows. The older members agreed with the stipulation that Jim had to chair the show. Thus began his multi-decade career as show chairman! Jim put on great 100+ table shows for at least the next three decades that drew dealers and collectors in from hundreds of miles away.
When Jim started the bottle hobby, he worked at a ship building company on the coast near his home in Grand Bay. When the company sold in 1995, he became a cattle rancher, which he still does. He told me that he recently bought a 1934 Ford Coupe so he could go to “Cruising the Coast” over in Mississippi dressed in a double-breasted suit with his honey. And now, for the grand finale, Jim and his sweetheart love to dance, so they go dancing every week, three times a week, for 2 to 3 hours at a time! That’s almost 50 hours a month! I haven’t danced that much in my whole life! Jim’s a great collector. He’s enjoyed many years in the hobby and many shows, and he’s made many friends along the way. If you know him, you’re blessed; if you don’t, you should meet him next March at the Daphne, Alabama Show.
Western Region [Eric McGuire, Director]
Aside from the once-in-a-lifetime Houston 24, a number of local shows have come and gone in the last several months, with one of the biggest western region shows, the ‘49er Historical Bottle Association Best in the West 45th Antique Bottle & Collectibles Show in Auburn, California, on November 8 and 9. These “lifeblood” events were scattered throughout the west, from Los Angeles to Oregon and in between. All were received positively, underscoring their importance to local collectors. In fact, they are so essential that some collectors attend all of them—and that is a north-south distance of over 800 miles. Now that’s dedication!
I recently received an introductory call from Andrei Pischalnikoff, an interesting individual, bottle collector, and storyteller who hosts a variety of “shows” that include the history and use of patent medicines, snake oils, and early purveyors of these products. He is a California resident and hosts events throughout the state. Andrei is also a relatively new member of the FOHBC. To learn more, one can Google “doctorrsnick.com/about.”
In the past, I believe I have mentioned the California Antique Bottles site on Facebook. It is important to note that the site currently has over 1,400 members. It is not unusual for the site to add as many as 50 posts per day regarding antique bottles. It is a given that you know someone who is a member. If you want to increase your bottle “fix,” I recommend you give it a try. On the Facebook site, simply look for the magnifying glass (search icon) and type California Antique Bottles. This is not the only interesting bottle-related Facebook site, as there are at least 24 other bottle-related sites as well. One caveat: you may become one of those “addicted” individuals who is always looking at their cell phones.
Virtual Museum News
By Richard T. Siri, Santa Rosa, California
The Virtual Museum had its annual team meeting on Tuesday, 08 October 2024. The 1.5 hour Zoom call’s primary purpose was three fold as planning for 2025, Finances and Museum goals were discussed.
An overview of the four $30k fundraising campaigns occurred which is illustrated to the right. The Phase 1 flask filled in December 2013. The Phase 2 jar filled in December 2021. The Phase 3 barrel filled in December 2022. We are about two thirds into raising funds for the Phase 4 medicine bottle. Completing $30k by year end is the goal. Alan DeMaison noted VM donations of late including recurring and Houston 24 intake. He noted a $500 donation by the North Star Historical Bottle Assoc. Alan also suggested a campaign for 2025 to raise $25k. This will include grass roots, recurring, capital campaign and one-onone solicitation. Alan suggested contacting members and asking for monthly $25 donations. Michael Seeliger came up with the campaign slogan “25 from 25 in 25” meaning $25 (monthly) from 25 members in 2025. This would total $7,500.
All present discussed forming a committee to identify and contact potential “large donors.” It typically takes a special “foundation-type” person to do this task. Bruce Shephard suggested engaging a specialist in this area. Alan mentioned that we have a $5k matching grant opportunity for $10k. Raising funds through grants was discussed. Alan gave an overview of his “FOHBC board-approved” research. He found a high potential grant for digital museums and provided a link and asked each VM team member to view, “Inspire! Grants for Small Museums,” National Leadership Grants for Museums Inspire! Grants for Small Museums | Institute of Museum and Library Services (imls. gov). Once a target grant or grants are identified, Alan will start the process of applying. He will need FOHBC assistance. The work is usually date sensitive. Bruce offered to proof and wordsmith any grant applications we develop as he has experience in this area.
FOHBC VIRTUAL MUSEUM OF HISTORICAL BOTTLES
AND GLASS
FOHBC Virtual Museum .org
For gift information: Alan DeMaison, FOHBC Virtual Museum Treasurer, 1605 Clipper Cove, Painesville, Ohio 44077, a.demaison@sbcglobal.net
The FOHBC Virtual Museum was established to display, inform, educate, and enhance the enjoyment of historical bottle and glass collecting by providing an online virtual museum experience for significant historical bottles and other items related to early glass.
Please help us fill our PHASE 4 “Wishart’s Pine Tree Tar Cordial” bottle.
Phase 4
Please help us with our Phase 4 fundraising capital campaign to continue development of the FOHBC Virtual Museum. The FOHBC and the Virtual Museum team thank our many donors who have helped us raise over $112,478 to date. We have $9,542 in available funds to continue development to build our galleries, exhibition hall, research library and gift shop. Donations are tax deductible. All donors are listed on our Virtual Museum Recognition Wall With one salaried website technician averaging $1,200 a month, we need help. We are continually traveling to collections, so more costs are incurred. All other time is donated by the Virtual Museum team out of our love and passion for the hobby and the FOHBC. Thank you!
Donations to the Museum are always needed to ensure we continue. We are a 501(c)(3) educational organization, so your donation is tax deductible. Please confirm with your tax attorney.
CORNER #13
[Mike Dickman]
More Ladies
According to the United Nations, there are fewer female humans in the world than males, with 1,018 men born for every 1,000 women. Maybe this is one reason why (to me, at least) women seem more special than men! Not surprisingly, bottlers of applied color label (ACL) sodas often depicted females, and the Lady Bottles they created are among the most popular categories to collect. The bottles range from very common to the rarest of the rare. We looked at Lady Bottles in ACL Corner #4 (AB&GC May–June 2023) but only scratched the surface, so let’s look at several others.
Virginia Dare is surely one of the most famous and mysterious females in the United States. Virginia was born on August 18, 1587, in Roanoke Colony in what is now North Carolina, and was the first English child born in the New World. Her maternal grandfather was John White, Governor of the colony. White sailed back to England for supplies at the end of 1587 but was unable to return to America for almost three years due to the outbreak of war between England and Spain. When White returned, the settlement had vanished, leaving no trace of the 108
[Fig. 1]
Selection of Virginia Dare soda bottles from (left to right) Carnegie, Pennsylvania, Corinth, Mississippi, Detroit, Michigan and Brooklyn, New York.
Cast bronze statue of Pocahontas in Jamestown, Virginia.
colonists. All the structures had been dismantled, and there were no signs of a battle or struggle; apparently, everybody simply walked away. The only clue was the word “Croatoan” carved onto a tree, but nobody knew what it meant. For years, Governor White and newly-arrived colonists chased down every rumor they heard from local Indians and searched repeatedly for their compatriots, but always in vain. To this day, nobody knows what happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke.
Virginia Dare became the subject of books, poems, songs, movies, TV shows, and commercial products. These included Virginia Dare Beverages, a brand of soda put up in ACL bottles for forty years. The product was bottled by various manufacturers across the country, using syrup formulas created and licensed by the Virginia Dare Extract Company of Brooklyn, New York. The private company was founded in 1923 and still exists as a successful supplier of flavors for foods and beverages owned by the original family. The sodas came in bottles from 7 ounces up to 32 ounces in size, with different ACLs, in clear and green glass, made from 1938 to 1977. They bear a portrait of a curly-haired Virginia Dare with the slogan, “The First Lady of the Land.” With a few exceptions, most varieties of the bottle are readily available and inexpensive. [Figs. 1 & 2]
The Virginia Dare Extract Co. was known for its unusual flavors, including this “Apple-Brandy Soda” represented on the bottle cap above. Other flavors were “Lime and Lithia Soda” and “Pango Punch” made with “five grand tropical fruits.”
1937 U.S. Quarter Dollar struck to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Virginia Dare’s birth.
Pocahontas, the daughter of a powerful Native American chief, was another famous and interesting woman whose likeness appeared on ACL soda bottles. She was born in what is now Virginia circa 1595, a few years after the mysterious disappearance of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. In 1613, English colonists from the newly established settlement at Jamestown captured Pocahontas during a skirmish with her tribe. She converted to Christianity, was baptized under the name Rebecca, married a widowed tobacco farmer named John Rolfe and had a son. In 1616, the Rolfes sailed to England to raise money to resupply Jamestown. Wearing English attire and portrayed as a “civilized savage” from the New World, Pocahontas was a huge hit with the aristocracy and was presented to King James I at Whitehall Palace. Tragically, however, she took ill and died as they started the return voyage to Virginia. Pocahontas was just 21 years old.
Pocahontas Quality Beverages was put up by the Falls Mills Bottling Company of Falls Mills, Virginia, located hundreds of miles west of the coastal area where Pocahontas had lived. The bottles were made in 7-1/2, 10, and 16-ounce sizes between 1948 and 1982, and the label depicts two identical silhouettes of Pocahontas in Indian garb. [Fig. 3] The portrait on the bottle is very different from a contemporary portrait of Pocahontas painted in London in 1616, dressed in English upper-class clothing. The bottles are relatively common, and mint examples cost as little as $15.
Nobody knows whether Virginia Dare survived infancy or, if she did, what she would have looked like. But that didn’t stop an unknown commercial artist from creating a sweet portrait as represented to the left.
Pocahontas, painted by Simon de Passe in 1616, while Pocahontas, also known as Mrs. Rebecca Rolfe, was visiting London. The painting now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Virginia Dare and Pocahontas were real-life women, but most ACLs show purely fictional ladies. Two rare and attractive examples are the City Bottling Works soda from Ladysmith, Wisconsin, a 7-ounce bottle made in 1939 [Fig. 4], and Waseca Quality Beverages from Waseca, Minnesota, a 7-ounce bottle put up in 1950 [Fig. 5]. Both cities are small in size and isolated: Ladysmith in northern Wisconsin was founded in 1885 as a logging center and had a population of just 3,671 people in 1940 after the bottle was made, while Waseca in southern Wisconsin was founded in 1867 as a wheat-growing community and had a population of 4,927 in 1950. (Sadly, much of downtown Ladysmith was destroyed by a tornado in 2002.) The small markets no doubt account for why both of these bottles are so hard to find today, especially the Ladysmith and particularly in clean condition. Due to their scarcity and the whimsical
The small city of Ladysmith, Wisconsin in 1910, future home of the City Bottling Works. See figure 4.
[Fig. 4]
City Bottling Works, Ladysmith, Wisconsin, 1939
beauty of their respective ladies, both bottles are always in high demand from collectors and do not come cheap. In 2023, a sparkling mint example of the Ladysmith sold for $900.
A far more common but equally charming lady bottle is Harmony Club Super Charged Club Soda of Cleveland, Ohio, put up by the Scranton Beverage Company in 1955. [Fig. 6]. The ACL depicts a showgirl prancing across the stage wearing high heels, gloves, and a top hat, with an energetic band playing behind her and musical notes floating around them. The example shown is 7 ounces in size with a blue-and-white ACL, but several other labels, sizes, and colors exist, and none cost more than $30. I figured that the showgirl was fictional but assumed that the Harmony Club was a real cocktail lounge or nightclub. But I found nothing about it on the internet and enlisted the Cleveland Public Library to help. However, their search of local business directories, phone books, newspapers and other sources also turned up nothing, and it seems that the “club” never actually existed. Too bad, it looked like fun!
Betty Lee Beverages, “The Family Favorite,” is another 7-ounce lady bottle from the Seven-Up Bottling Co. of Washington, Pennsylvania, in 1949. [Fig. 7] I’ve marveled before about the small size of many ACL sodas from the mid-twentieth century, sometimes holding as little as four ounces, compared to the 64-ounce soda bottles of today (typically made from plastic instead of glass). To me, the young lady depicted on the label looks like the girl next door, but a collector friend finds her homely while another friend thinks she seems menacing. Regardless, the bottle itself is unusual for its use of cream-and-brown colors on the label
[Fig. 5]
Waseca Quality Beverages, Waseca, Minnesota, 1950
Pocahontas as depicted in a nineteenth century lithograph.
Back of $20 U.S. National Bank Note, Original Series, issued 1863 to 1875, with engraving entitled “Baptism of Pocahontas” by Charles Burt.
[Fig. 6]
Harmony Club, Cleveland, Ohio, 1955
Harmony Club crown cap, 1950s. As is often the case, the caps are harder to find than the bottles.
[Fig. 7]
Betty Lee Beverages, “The Family Favorite” Washington, Pennsylvania, 1949
and its unique shape, which was the subject of a design patent. The bottle was considered scarce until somebody apparently found a small group of them a few years ago, and they now are fairly available for less than $100. If history is any guide, their value may go up again after the little hoard has been absorbed into collections.
Finally, our fiftieth State of Hawaii created some outstanding ACL soda bottles, including a nice lady bottle. Star Soda, a 7-ounce soda bottled by the Star Ice & Soda Works of Wailuku on Maui Island, was made in 1963 and depicts a pretty, smiling hula dancer holding up a bottle of soda pop. [Fig. 8] The company put out an earlier version of the bottle, dated 1950, depicting a different hula dancer made with a blue-and-white ACL rather than the orange-and-white one. Both bottles have a
pleasing and unusual shapes and although not common, they are not too hard to find.
Like real women, lady bottles come in all sizes, shapes, and colors, each with its own unique, special beauty. Long live the ladies!
The author welcomes comments, questions, and suggestions at mikedickman@yahoo.com
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Figure 1 bottle group image is courtesy of FOHBC member Chris Weide from his collection.
Sweeney, Rick, Collecting Applied Color Label Soda Bottles (3d ed. 2002, PSBCA).
VintageSodaCollector.com by FOHBC member Tom Petitt, a great resource containing hundreds of color photographs as well as interesting, useful articles about all things ACL.
Weide’s Soda Page (ca-yd.com), by Chris and Catherine Weide, another great resource.
There are Wikipedia entries for Ladysmith, Wisconsin, Lost Colony of Roanoke, Jamestown, Pocahontas, Virginia Dare, and Waseca, Minnesota.
eBay for Wailuku, Hawaii postcard.
[Fig. 8]
Star Soda, “The Sign of Quality” Wailuku, Hawaii, 1963
Beautiful Wailuku, Hawaii, represented in this 1945 postcard where Star Soda was made, bottled and sold in the 1950s and 60s.
Circus sideshow in Salt Lake City, Utah, 1920, featuring the Hula Hula Girls from Hawaii.
A SERIES BY ANDY RAPOZA
Crystal “Best in Show” and “Most Educational” H24 Display awards below.
I was the winning bidder for this beautiful reverse painting on glass Hostetter’s Stomach Bitters sign. It’s one of six stunning reproductions of the original that has decayed almost entirely over the last several decades.
A SERIES BY ANDY
RAPOZA
from his blog on his Promising Cures website
The Unforgettable Big Bottle Expo
The FOHBC put on an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime event at Houston 24. This issue of Antique Bottle & Glass Collector will comprehensively review the great things that happened as this was the FIRST national expo held in Texas during the 55-year history of the FOHBC. I want to share with you some of my observations and highlights. Every corner of this event was defined by colors, shapes, varieties, and rarities—from the bottles and events to the people and the purchases—as I will now demonstrate to you:
Bottle Exhibitions at the Museum
No matter what type of bottles you collect, there were priceless beauties that you would love at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The American Antique Glass Masterpieces exhibition took over the breathtaking display hall where Fabergé treasures had previously been on exhibit, and these classic bottles had all the color, glitter, and glamour of the hall's previous occupants. The David P. Wilber and Anthony Gugliotti Barber Bottle Collections, the second special bottle exhibit, was a real surprise for me because I knew nothing about barber bottles but quickly learned that the range of shape, color, and subject matter is absolutely amazing. Fabulous large-format "coffee table" books about these two exhibitions are available through the FOHBC website and are well worth the investment.
The Bottle Show
Even before the official Houston 24 Antique Bottle and Glass Show at Hotel ZaZa, a first-ever outdoor tailgating event called "Peachridge Glass in the Grass" happened at the home of Ferd and Elizabeth Meyer. From dealers selling out of their trunks to free breakfast tacos and the unparalleled collections of the Meyers that we were allowed to see, it was an awesome start to the events that started the next day. I had a great time there and hope they do it again every year!
The Houston 24 Bottle Expo was filled with great bottles and glass for sale. Dealers from something like 38 states and four foreign countries were set up and selling! I loved hearing Australian and British accents wafting through the air!
I managed to find a bunch of things to buy that filled my need for that next great find! First, I bought the exhibition books mentioned above as well as the cobalt Drake's Plantation Bitters—mine starts out dark cobalt from the lip and neck down to about the first row of shingles. It thins out to medium blue, then back to cobalt blue on the bottom third of the bottle, plus it has a swirl or two of cobalt here and there. Even though it's a commemorative bottle, it's one of just 250 made, so it is quite limited—and it's my
Center award below presented to Andy at the Dinosaurs Banquet.
[Above] Andy and Gail Rapoza holding Andy’s crystal “Best in Show” and “Most Educational” awards for his Promising Cures display at Hotel ZaZa.
[Left inset] The incredible Rapoza Promising Cures display dominated the Napoleon room at Hotel ZaZa.
[Left cabinet detail] One of the four major cabinets of the award-winning Promising Cures display.
[Above] I love this American Eagle Tobacco card and am happy to show it off as an example from the dozen-plus cards I purchased.
very first figural bitters, so that makes me happy, too. A reproduction label was also provided with each bottle, and I couldn't resist putting it on my new cobalt Drake's Bitters! Talk about a taste of the past!
I also purchased a bottle of “Carboline for the Hair” with full label, full contents, complete box, and box booklet included. I will show and discuss this find in a future blog post! I then purchased a bunch of advertising trade cards (I have collected these for years) and found some real beauties that were very reasonably priced. I love this American Eagle Tobacco card and am happy to show it off as an example from the dozen-plus cards I purchased (see picture previous page).
The Displays
I was on the Houston 24 team and organized the displays—17 in all (that's got to be close to the most displays at a National)—and it was a great experience to work with them; what a great bunch of collectors and subject matter experts, willing to go through significant effort and expense to set up displays of their finest items with no other compensation than to educate and entertain all who wanted to come look and learn. Every display was exciting and beautiful, and each was very different from the others, which made it even better.
I was one of the displayers and was honored to be voted to have the "Most Educational" display and also to be the "Best of Show." For those unable to make it to the show, I'm posting images of the four major sections (on the Promising Cures website). It took us 13-1/2 hours to set it up, and I promised my family we'd never do that again(!), so these photos will be a lasting memory of the effort.
[left] Promising Cures cabinet detail (2 of 4)
[Left inset] Promising Cures cabinet detail (2 of 4).
[below] Promising Cures cabinet detail (3 of 4)
Andy Rapoza posing with one of his many posters for his “Weaponized Bottles: Fighting Witches & Demons in Colonial America” seminar.
The Seminars
The Houston 24 seminars ranged from 17th-century witch bottles and pairings of precious glass and minerals to the "Holy Grail" three cobalt bitters bottles (Fish Bitters, Old Homestead Wild Cherry Bitters, and Sazerac Aromatic Bitters) and digging for bottles in Galveston. I gave the first seminar, and I was so gratified by the many questions and compliments that were shared with me throughout the rest of the show. Given all the interest, I have published a blog entry, 'Weaponized Witch Bottles," on my website.
The Auction
I had one more big surprise coming when my hand went up for what turned out to be the winning bid on the very first lot of the auction! Every day since, I have become happier and happier to have been the winning bidder for this beautiful reverse painting on glass Hostetter's Stomach Bitters sign. It's one of six stunning reproductions of the original that has decayed almost entirely over the last several decades. I just looked over my shoulder again while writing this and can't believe it's on my wall. It was a great splurge after months of effort to build my display, prepare my seminar, and help the FOHBC recruit all the other seminar presenters and display exhibitors.
Night at the Museum
The great "Dinosaurs Banquet" wasn't the last event, but it's a great spot to end my review. Surrounded by enormous dinosaur skeletons leering down at us, with their big teeth readied to make us their dinners, it was an evening my wife and I will remember. Once again, to my surprise, I was given the 3rd Place award for "Best Website."
[right] Promising Cures cabinet detail (4 of 4).
Please spread the word about my website and keep reading it yourself. Please post your comments when you've particularly enjoyed one of my blog posts so I know what kind of stories resonate with my readers. Also remember to click on my book covers on the Home page so that you can go for free to all four volumes of my book. Read it, research it, and be surprised at what it contains. My website, my seminar, and my displays, everything I do, I'm doing free for your enjoyment. If I know you're out there and enjoying it, I'll keep doing it. Until next time, this is Promising Cures, and I'm your host—Andy Rapoza.
[inset] Andy Rapoza getting his Promising Cures website award at the Dinosaurs Banquet.
[inset] Seminar advertisement.
By Ferdinand Meyer V
Once in a Lifetime H 24
Is it over? Some days I feel like I have been to hell and back and others I feel like I just returned from the Land of Oz. I pinch myself to see if it was real and find emptiness where once a cosmic furnace of ideas, teamwork, schedules, challenges, obstacles and chaos competed for my attention every hour of the day...and night.
There was no regular sleep or meals but I am grateful to have pulled from a lifelong reserve of energy with an added dose of passion. It was an honor to orchestrate and lead an antique bottle and glass experience like no other and to have surrounded myself with extraordinary glass and individuals the likes that I will never see in one place again. This journey could not have happened without my wife, daughter, grandchildren, the wonderful Team Houston 24 and a little help from mother nature and father time.
By Gina Pellegrini-Ott and Daniel Lakatos
More photos at FOHBC.org
Made Possible by Joel Bartsch, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Peachridge Collections and the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors
Joel Bartsch, President, Houston Museum of Natural Science.
American Antique Glass Masterpieces showcase.
Richard Siri Sr & Michael Seeliger.
Brown Gallery prior to opening.
Rick Siri Jr & Brandon DeWolfe.
This background photograph is the legendary ‘Three blue Bitters–Together Again.”
Photography
Theidea to hold a national antique bottle and glass convention in Houston was not new, as others have tried and been unsuccessful over the years. At one point, several decades ago, Texas would have been considered an epicenter of bottle collecting, with names such as Bill Agee, Dr. Richard Cannon, Dr. Samuel Greer, and Bob and Beka Mebane quickly coming to mind. This says a lot since the FOHBC was founded in California in 1969. Year after year, great national antique bottle and glass events rotated in regions around the United States to best serve Federation members. There were conventions in eastern cities like Manchester, N.H.; Richmond, Va.; Springfield, Mass.; Syracuse, N.Y.; and York, Pa. The southern region held conventions in Augusta, Ga.; Chattanooga, Memphis and Nashville, Tenn.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Montgomery, Ala.; and the Midwest was well-represented, including Chicago, Ill.; Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, and Wilmington, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Lexington and Louisville, Ky.; Muncie, Ind.; and St. Louis, Mo.; and western locales like Denver, Co.; Las Vegas and Reno (three times), Nev.; and Pomona and Sacramento, California. But never Texas—more specifically, Houston.
It took a grand vision by Houstonian Joel Bartsch to offer the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) as the host venue for Houston 2024. Joel is not only the curator of the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals but also the museum’s CEO and an avid collector of barber bottles and early American glass.
In early February 2021, I received a brief email from Joel saying he had an idea and to give him a call. Before I even heard his idea, I knew what it was—to have a FOHBC convention in Houston. When we connected, he asked if I could pull it off for the FOHBC. He suggested we build a world class event around his museum and assemble an American antique glass exhibition along with a simultaneous barber bottle exhibition. Each would have its own gallery and museum hardbound book documenting the exhibition and represented collections.
In the short time span it took to plan and develop the Houston 2024 National Antique Bottle & Glass Exposition, we encountered three natural disasters and the inevitable challenges of convincing collectors to visit Houston in August, travel a great distance, and outlay costs associated with such a multi-day event. The odds for success were stacked against us but we persevered. We honestly pulled off a miracle.
This retrospective Houston 24 article is dedicated to our incredible journey, hobby and all the passionate collectors who came before and will be here after.
Ferdinand Meyer V Houston 24 Chair, FOHBC Special Projects Director, Peachridge Collections, LLC
After each FOHBC national event, we ask attendees and dealers for an overview of their experience. Their comments are presented below in color, and in the order received.
[Tim & Missi Boyd, Vero Beach, Florida] The Houston 2024 National Antique Bottle Expo was wonderful. We had not been attending bottle shows for the last 40 years. We had been very active for about 10 or 15 years, traveling around Missouri, down to Memphis, and over into Illinois, but then kids and business took up most of our time. Tim continued to collect and do some selling. Since Tim has been actively collecting over the last year, he decided he wanted to come to Houston. We became members and packed our bags for Houston. What a delightful surprise to check into the Hotel ZaZa. History, History! It was located, to our surprise (never had we been to Houston), in the beautiful Houston Museum District. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Returning to a bottle show with the lovely people you always meet was so fun. The cherry on top was the venue, the show, and the Friday evening banquet inside the Houston Museum of Natural Science. I even came home with many beautiful treasures. The planning and execution of this show was a feat of greatness. We appreciated every single detail.
I’ve attended almost all the annual national antique bottle and glass conventions. Though I’ve enjoyed every show, some have been better than others, and Houston 24 ranks among my Top Three!
[Mike Dickman] New Mexico
[Stephen Jackson, Suffolk, Virginia] I was skeptical when I heard that the Federation was holding its 2024 Expo in Houston...in August. I am from Tidewater, Virginia, so I understand humidity, but we are amateurs compared to Houstonians. Nevertheless, I was determined to attend and am very happy that I did. The show was wonderful, with a host of great dealers and displays. As a Warner’s Safe Cure collector, I was happy to see the likes of Jim Bell, Russ Price, Mike and Kathie Craig, and, of course, Michael Seeliger. I took home a couple of nice bottles and thought about taking home a few more, but my suitcase space was limited. Thanks for the hard work of the FOHBC Houston 24 team in putting on a terrific event in the Museum District of Houston, and I’m looking forward to Reno 2025!
[Jim Hunter, Hope, Arkansas] Overall, it was EXCELLENT! The cooperation with the Museum was great. Maybe now, barber bottles will “get some respect.” Loading in and out was good. I didn’t need my two-wheeler. We left after lunch, so I’m unsure what it looked like at the closing. The ribbon-cutting at Hotel ZaZa was a little awkward. Better signage? ZaZa’s craft beer selection was weak. Sunday may have been a stretch, considering the traffic. On-the-fly badge generation was slow (technical difficulties). A facilities map would have been helpful (we figured it out!) The P.A. on the show floor sucked (I’m an audio guy). Still, it was a great show!
Elizabeth & Ferdinand Meyer on the Sept–Oct AB&GC magazine cover.
Always best to inspect a bottle in natural light.
Glass on the grass, in this case.
Using your car hatchback as a base of operations.
Complimentary breakfast tacos, coffee and drinks were available for all.
A nice crowd moved from vehicle to vehicle for different types of glass and antiques.
This background photograph is a picture
More photos at FOHBC.org
Glass in the Grass
Peachridge “Glass in the Grass”
Wednesday, 31 July 2024, 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, Ferdinand & Elizabeth Meyer property in Brookshire, Texas
Host Ferdinand Meyer V and Daniel Lakatos.
Bella Meyer patrolling the grounds on Dante.
of Dante, my granddaughter’s horse who patrolled the grounds with Bella during the event.
This background photograph was taken post Houston 24 as it includes the
Peachridge Glass
Peachridge “Glass in the Grass”
Wednesday, 31 July 2024, 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, Ferdinand & Elizabeth Meyer residence in Brookshire, Texas
More photos at FOHBC.org
Second floor Victorian room.
Deep in colorful conversation.
Early morning sun passes through the living room bottle shelves.
sapphire, teal and cobalt blue H24 commemorative bottles.
Western bottle collectors in conversation.
Through the looking glass with lightning rod balls and glass turtles—and bitters!
Peachridge “Glass in the Grass” Wednesday, 31 July 2024, 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, Meyer Residence, Brookshire, Texas
As chairs of the Houston 24 Expo, Elizabeth and I set out to create a lead-off event that would be truly unique and memorable. We envisioned buying and selling antique bottles under our shade trees, a concept we playfully called “Glass in the Grass,” inspired by the famous Heckler Hayfield events we once attended in Connecticut each year. This was not a new idea, but one we had toyed with from time to time, and we were excited to bring it to life.
The last time we counted, we had 55 pecan trees of various types and sizes and knew that our property could handle the dealers, public, and parking. We knew we would have challenging obstacles, such as the Texas heat and mosquitoes, our nine dogs, and the weather as Houston seems to be the bullseye to hurricanes, tropical storms, and floods. We are also about an hour west of ground zero, the Houston Museum District, with our host venues, Hotel ZaZa and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The biggest issue was whether anybody would come. I jokingly referred to the event as our “Field of Dreams” and feared that only a handful of people might attend, and it would be a flop. Also, we didn’t take reservations, so we had no way of knowing who was coming and who wasn’t.
We jokingly refer to Houston as “Bottle Siberia” because it is far from the collecting centers in other regions of the country. I understand that Texas was once a stronghold of bottle collecting decades ago with many great names and events. We also knew that there were three relatively small bottle shows already in Texas: the Central Texas Show in Round Rock near Austin in February, the North Texas Bottle & Collectible Show in Wills Point (near Dallas) in April, and the Houston, Texas Antique Bottle, Advertising & Collectibles Show, usually in the Fall. Why not do another and make it different, we thought? So we created some marketing material and organized our family members and friends to oversee catering, security, amenities, and parking—and we crossed our fingers.
When the day arrived and the sun arose, it was almost like the scene from Field of Dreams. As the gates opened at 6:45, a line of cars began to form, parking along the front field. It quickly became clear that our fears of a low turnout were unfounded. The event was a resounding success, a huge relief after many months of anticipation.
Another last-minute change was due to the recent rains. We decided to move the event from the front property to the back, positioning all the dealers near our patio and house. With an
[Mike and Marcy Dickman, Santa Fe, New Mexico] Since joining the FOHBC in 1999 and attending the Cincinnati show that year, I’ve attended almost all the annual national antique bottle and glass conventions. Though I’ve enjoyed every show, some have been better than others, and Houston 24 ranks among my Top Three!—it’s impossible for me to choose a favorite! Everything about Houston 24 was fantastic! Hotel ZaZa, the show venue, was one of the nicest hotels we’ve ever stayed at. The hotel has a fabulous restaurant in the shaded Houston Museum District, adjacent to the world-class Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Every aspect of the show was superb, and having the Sandor P. Fuss and Wilber–Gugliotti Barber Bottle Collections on display (including the legendary three cobalt bitters) was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Admission was free for FOHBC members, and I went there three times! Frankly, I cannot imagine how much planning, time, and work must have gone into putting on H24 with its myriad of events and many details, such as regular shuttles between the hotel and the museum exhibits. Finally, Marcy and I loved the diverse and unexpected City of Houston, which we’d never visited but now plan to return. A heartfelt thanks to all those in the FOHBC who made Houston 2024 possible!
My son and I were in a room where you could hang meat. A couple of other sellers in the room got beach towels from the hotel to put around them to stay warm.
[Bruce & Coleen Shephard, Tampa, Florida] I’ve been a cure collector for forty years and have been to many shows, but nothing like Houston 2024, which was the best ever. It had an extraordinary amalgam of interesting collectibles at a venue with outstanding cultural amenities, a reasonably priced and cleverly designed hotel, and world-class exhibits at HMNS. This well-run show was all about the passion many of us have for our hobby. Well done!
[Richard Siri, Santa Rosa, California] My take on Houston 24 is as follows: The Membership Breakfast meeting was well attended, and the meal was good. The Museum glass exhibitions were outstanding. Both glass displays were impressive, and I really liked the Cullen Hall of Minerals & Gems, where I talked with Sandor Fuss. The Dinosaurs banquet dinner was very good, and the setting was great as well. The Texas Hold ‘Em shootout was not how we started them out West. When you do a shootout, the bottles should be the same type or company, and then you compare apples to apples. The soda group at Houston tried to compare apples to figs. The show itself was not good. My son and I were in a room where you could hang meat. A couple of other sellers in the room got beach towels from the hotel to put around them to stay warm. There were lots of sales tables but not a lot of dealers. What was the number of dealers? What was the number of walk-ins? Looking for the red lanyards, I saw a few. From where we were, you saw people headed for the main room
[Richard Siri] California
Peachridge entry drive with departing guests
Fuss at the book-signing event.
The Three Kings ” were on display.
marvels at the glass.
Sandor Fuss & Jim Oliveira.
More photos at FOHBC.org
This background photograph shows Jeff Noordsy and Sandor P. Fuss at the ceremonial ribbon cutting event for the exhibition opening.
American
Antique
Glass Masterpieces
A major, museum exhibition showcasing the Sandor P. Fuss Collection
Exhibition Opening, Wednesday, 01 August 2024, 1:00 to 6:00 pm, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Brown Gallery
Bottle & Glass
initial plan to let a few select long-distance bottle friends in, we opened our home to everyone at the last moment. We were glad we did, as we had cleaned the house top to bottom, checked six of our dogs into the vet, and polished all the antiques and bottles. The positive feedback we received and the fun we had made us seriously consider doing the event again.
FOHBC Board Meeting, Thursday, 01 August 2024, 8:00 to 11:30 am, Hotel ZaZa, Room with a View
Twice a year the FOHBC Board meets for three to four hours to go over Federation business, operations, membership, finances, projects and a number of things that are relevant to the antique bottle and glass collecting hobby. Our last sit-down was at Reno 2022 as we now meet online using Zoom. This year, FOHBC president Michael Seeliger had a packed agenda. We started precisely at 8:00 am and went to near noon with one break. Our meeting was on the 11th floor of Hotel ZaZa in Room with a View. This meeting was interesting as the board members went into the meeting with one title, and in some cases, had a new position title after the Expo. To see a list of current FOHBC board members and board bios, visit FOHBC.org. You will notice that we have one position open. Meeting notes have been posted online by secretary, Alice Seeliger. We thank Hotel ZaZa for the wonderful room set-up and to all the board members who made the meeting productive and successful.
but didn’t turn into the side rooms. In my opinion, the shows should be in one room only. The bottle collectors know when and where the shows are, so we don’t need to spend a lot of money on national advertising. The word gets out through the magazine and website. The auction was done well. That said, I’m glad I was there, and I don’t think an event like Houston 24 will ever happen again. I appreciate all the work that went into it—and Peachridge Glass in the Grass was great.
H24 was a lifetime gift to the bottle-collecting hobby with some of the best bottle events in the world.
[William Meysing, Austin, Texas] Hello Ferdinand and Elizabeth. First and foremost, I had a lifetime memorable experience at the Houston 2024 National Expo. All the evening events were well-planned and monitored for detail. My last such event was the Reno 2012 Expo. I believe I best utilized the two children’s, kids, and teenager tables I was provided to present and offer a wide variety of antique bottles—bitters, whiskeys, cures, and daily household usage bottles. This was a fantastic break from my ongoing agendas. I am very involved with my life passion project of releasing an experiential intelligence/values, beliefs, convictions, and thinking patterns tool. I was surprised at all the past digging and acquiring old bottles stories I shared with kids and adults that came to my tables that quickly popped into my head. Hotel ZaZa treated me exceptionally well and it was a great place to hold the Houston 24 Expo. I want to thank Jeff Wichmann for providing hundred-dollar purchase bucks for kids to purchase old bottles at the show. I have to conclude that with how I am mentally wired to notice and then process too much detail—the location of my four tables was precisely where I should be. The other two collectors-dealers in our show space room were great people, and I enjoyed interacting with them as we were all willing to help each other. Most importantly, I am extremely grateful for all the FOHBC leadership, hard work, and conscious attention to detail and schedule they devoted to this event. The displays were outstanding, and I wanted to stuff the ballot box, but no one would have won. I found myself trying to show appreciation and thankfulness to all the Federation officers, support staff, and others who were helping in so many ways. Warm regards and thankfulness.
[Rick Carney, Sea Glass of Maine] Houston 24 was my first time in Texas for any reason. This experience was the most enjoyable and best time I’ve ever had out of state (Maine). It didn’t matter if you melted on the balcony; it didn’t matter if your feet hurt touring the Museum. H24 was a lifetime gift to the bottle-collecting hobby with some of the best bottle events in the world. The Peachridge “Glass in the Grass” event was everything it should’ve been. The tour of Ferdinand and Elizabeth’s
Alice and Michael Seeliger head up the FOHBC Board Meeting at Hotel ZaZa.
The FOHBC Board Meeting at Hotel ZaZa.
[Rick Carney] Maine
American Antique Glass Masterpieces, exhibition opening, Thursday, 01 August 2024, 1:00 pm, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Brown Gallery
The central and anchor components of the FOHBC Houston 2024 Expo were the two exhibitions at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Unveiling the “American Antique Glass Masterpieces” exhibition featured the Sandor P. Fuss collection with special guest specimen appearances from other major collections—just like a rock concert! Museum guests were able to see an extraordinary collection of beauty and utility in glass with early American tableware and legendary historical flasks, bitters, spirits, perfumes and other bottles meticulously collected and displayed. The exhibition opening was for FOHBC members, Houston 24 early admission and other VIP attendees. The photographs shown in this article and on FOHBC.org are from Thursday, 01 August 2024 when the exhibition opened at precisely 1:00 pm with a ribbon-cutting event where Sandor and Jeff Noordsy cut the ceremonial ribbon for the first exhibition. There are accompanying images of Expo registration, book signing in the Alfred C. Glassell Jr. Hall and the Brown Gallery which housed the “American Antique Glass Masterpieces” exhibition.
“The depth and breadth of the Fuss Collection place it among the greatest groupings of early American glass ever assembled. Many of the objects are unique and, of those with multiple examples known, Sandor has chosen the finest available. The Fuss Collection is a monumental achievement made possible by his great eye, unwavering focus, and determination. It is a joy to share this fabulous glass with the World!,” Jeff Noordsy from the exhibition book foreword. This oversize book (pictured on this issue’s cover) was produced, designed and published by Peachridge Collections, LLC and is 300+ pages, full-color, hard bound with dust jacket, and museum quality. The book was unveiled at the Expo and is being sold by the FOHBC for $95 ($85 discount for FOHBC members). Thanks to Joel Bartsch, HMNS president and CEO for underwriting the Houston 24 Expo, the exhibition books and providing the museum “free of charge” to FOHBC members.
David P. Wilber & Anthony Gugliotti Barber Bottle Collections, exhibition opening, Thursday, 01 August 2024, 1:00 pm, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Hamill Gallery
The second major exhibition at the Houston Museum of Natural Science was “Select highlights from the David P. Wilber and Anthony Gugliotti Barber Bottle Collections” in the Hamill Gallery which occurred simultaneously with the opening of the “American Antique Glass Masterpieces” exhibition previously noted. The items assembled in this exhibition included the David P. Wilber collection, the Anthony Gugliotti collection, and other specimens purchased separately by the collection’s owner.
The Wilber collection is massive, with over 1,000 pieces, and contains some excellent examples sold at auction 15 to 30 years ago. The Gugliotti collection includes hundreds of items and many rare shaving paper vases. Select pieces from this vast group of bottles, shaving paper vases, and other related glass
house...my eyes are still twinkling. The Southern bottle diggers really impressed me. The day we left, it was 112 in the shade. (Editor note: Record high 109°F, recorded on August 27, 2011, and August 25, 2023, at Bush Intercontinental Airport. The 2023 reading also had a “feels like” temperature of 117°F due to humidity.) Those guys would have to dig a deep hole to escape this heat. The Federation puts on a show like no other that I have ever seen. The work put into this really made it a special event for me. I would be honored to do another Federation show.
The Saturday evening “Sunset Auction” was fun and a surprise to many. The FOHBC teal commemorative Drake’s Plantation Bitters sold for $4,700, and six lots of Alaskan bottles, nine bottles in total, expected to bring $900$2,200, actually sold for $5,200!
[Amy & Charles Kennedy, Beverly Hills, Florida] Things were bigger and better at Houston 24! First, thanks to all the creative people who worked to make and coordinate this gathering for bottle lovers. Secondly, thanks for all the camaraderie from fellow attendees. It was a unique show of palatial exhibits at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, a banquet dinner at the Hall of Paleontology, great seminars, an antique bottle show, raffles and bottle auctions, fun activities, Glass in the Grass and Texas Hold ‘Em. We even had our own Long Horn Limo! Thanks also to the Hotel ZaZa hotel staff for being a wonderful host. Being in the Museum District and close to the Houston Metro was so nice, too!
[Linda & Bob Terry, Georgetown, Colorado] What a “Bang for your Buck!!” The Houston 2024 Expo! Thank you to the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors, the officers, and the membership!! Thank you, Elizabeth and Ferdinand Meyer V, for your generosity in opening your home for Glass in the Grass and the complimentary breakfast taco truck!! Thank you, Houston Museum of Natural Science, for the outstanding generosity of the exhibit hall for the “American Antique Glass Masterpieces featuring the Sandor P. Fuss Collection” and “Selected Highlights from the David P Wilber and Anthony Gugliotti Barber Bottle Collections,” the “All Access Pass” to the Museum and the dinner under the dinosaurs!! Thank You, Team Houston 24, for the gift of your time beyond compare!! Thank you for the educational seminars, exhibition viewing, the Virtual Museum imaging, and to ALL the sellers, buyers, and auctioneers. Thank you, Hotel ZaZa, for the courteous service of all departments, and I loved the wine, pimento cheese sandwiches, and cookies at the daily afternoon lobby reception!!
[Brian Bingham & Cheryl Reynolds, Oceanside, California] Congratulations to the FOHBC and all the local and national contributors on another spectacular antique bottle show and sale. Houston 24 was, by all accounts, a success and one
[Brian Bingham] California
and
Barber Bottles Exhibition
This background photograph was taken in the HMNS Cockrell Butterfly Center, a three-story glass haven with a 50-foot waterfall, and home to 1,500 butterflies where you could experience them fluttering, sipping nectar, and even landing on visitors. The Houston 24 logo celebrated the butterfly and antique bottles.
More photos at FOHBC.org
Within the Hamill Gallery, there were 20 well-arranged and illuminated display cases full of barber bottles.
Select highlights from the David P. Wilber and Anthony Gugliotti Barber Bottle Collections
Exhibition Opening, Wednesday, 01 August 2024, 1:00 to 6:00 pm, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Hamill Gallery
Large backlit panels at the Hamill Gallery entrance.
Milk glass barber bottles with butterfly
patriotic decorations.
Label Under Glass barber bottles display.
Stunning barber bottles on display.
Exhibition books for sale.
The background image is Brandon DeWolfe with his second place “Houston Bottling Works John Artos Texas” soda bottle, also embossed on the base “Stewart’s/Pat. Stopper.” He is also holding his third place blue “Henry Cortes & Son Galveston, Texas” blob top. His crystal awards are also depicted.
Weber and Jay Kasper, event judges.
Steven
pieces were on display in the Hamill Gallery for Expo attendees. While many examples were rare, there were also some excellent examples that the average collector could expect to acquire. Many pieces in the 20 display cases were paired, showing a bottle with a matching shaving paper vase or bowl. In other cases, a range of colors and shapes of a given bottle were depicted. Quite a few items included in the exhibition were pictured in barber supply catalogs from as early as 1882 to as late as 1915. Others can be found in photographs of barber shops from that same time period.
The corresponding David P. Wilber and Anthony Gugliotti Barber Bottle Collections exhibition hard-bound book (pictured on page 33) is 308 pages with 238 specimen explorations in full color. Book signing and sales occurred at the exhibition opening in the HMNS Alfred C. Glassell Jr. Hall. Book sales also occurred throughout Houston 24 at the FOHBC tables at Hotel ZaZa and are now available online at FOHBC.org. Books are $95 apiece as marked on cover. For FOHBC members they are $85 apiece. Shipping is $25. Order both books for $150 plus $25 shipping. Please contact Ferdinand Meyer V at fmeyer@fmgdesign.com to order your books.
The exhibition curation was provided by Ed Gray. Photographs are from Gina Pellegrini-Ott unless noted. Thanks to Joel Bartsch for underwriting the Houston 24 Expo, the exhibition books and providing the museum “free of charge” to FOHBC members.
Cocktail Reception & Competition Registration, Thursday, 01 August 2024, 5:30 to 7:00 pm, Hotel ZaZa, Room with a View
Texas Hold ‘Em Antique Bottle & Glass Competition, Thursday, 01 August 2024, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Hotel ZaZa, Grapevine
The Houston 2024 Expo Thursday evening event was the Texas Hold ‘Em Antique Bottle & Glass Competition at Hotel ZaZa. This year included three categories: (1) Best Texas Embossed or Applied Color Label Soda Bottle, (2) Best Texas Medicine (Includes bitters, cures and remedies, but does not include drug store) and (3) Best Glass Insulator. Contestants were asked if they had a contender that could pass muster with the three paneled judges for each category. First, second and third place awards were given. Brad Dalton spearheaded the event and selected the “Texas motif” crystal awards this year.
Entrant registration started at 5:30 pm during the cocktail reception. Walk-in contestants were encouraged. The free event was
of the best shows in recent memory. Our week started with a trip to “Glass in the Grass,” hosted by the Meyer family. They graciously opened their home to club members, and we could see close up all the rooms and windows filled with Ferdinand’s spectacular Peachridge collection. Next was the ribbon cutting and opening of the American Antique Glass Masterpieces and the Wilber & Gugliotti Barber Bottle exhibitions at the Houston Natural Museum of Natural Science. A five-minute walk from the Hotel ZaZa, the HMNS held our dinner called the Dinosaurs Banquet. The “once in a lifetime” exhibition of the American Antique Glass Masterpieces was particularly interesting. Each item was displayed in a museum setting, making for an amazing collection in a spectacular location. If you missed it, you can buy the book, and if you don’t want to buy the book, become a member, and the specimens will all soon be spinning in the FOHBC Virtual Museum. The Friday morning schedule was full of free educational seminars by our experts. Not to be missed, and it was a packed house, was the story of “The Holy Grail–Three Blue Bitters” and the making of the FOHBC commemorative blue Drake’s Plantation Bitters bottles. This and all the seminars will be made available to members online. Finally, afternoon came with much anticipation as Houston 24 opened for members and dealers. Hotel ZaZa was an excellent venue, with sales and display tables filling virtually the entire first floor. Sales were brisk as hourly $100 vouchers were to be spent at the show and were given away as lottery prizes by the FOHBC. Displays were, as usual, the finest and most interesting in the hobby. On Friday evening, the HMNS Morian Hall of Paleontology played host as we all enjoyed dinner, our keynote speaker, and the awards banquet, all under the gaze of massive dinosaurs. It was something special that we will never forget. Finally, the Saturday evening “Sunset Auction” was fun and a surprise to many. The FOHBC teal commemorative Drake’s Plantation Bitters sold for $4,700, and six lots of Alaskan bottles, nine bottles in total, expected to bring $900-$2,200, actually sold for $5,200!
Outstanding National Show! It was the best I have ever attended and probably will never be matched or bettered.
[James
Bell] Australia
[Henry & Diane Hecker, Mukwonago, Wisconsin] Accolades to all involved in making the five-day event a success! “Glass in the Grass” made the drive down from Wisconsin worth it right out of the chute. The Meyers’ gracious hospitality in allowing everyone to view their collections was greatly appreciated. Diane and I had the pleasure of dining at Hotel ZaZa Monarch with Richard Tucker and his wife on Wednesday evening and talking about “big league” bottles. The Texas Hold ‘Em competition on Thursday evening was certainly entertaining. The broad category of “sodas” probably put the ACL at a distinct disadvantage to the Galveston pontil and the unique closure bottle but certainly showed the soda bottle timeline. Making insulators one of the categories widened the genre of our collecting field. However, I must say that the threaded top B&O may have been shorted by the judges in the competition. We sat next to the owner, who educated us beforehand. We tried to get him to join FOHBC, but
FOHBC Membership Breakfast Meeting Friday, 02 August 2024, 7:00 to 8:30 am, Hotel ZaZa Grapevine
The background image is FOHBC president, Michael Seeliger, who presided over the meeting after the membership breakfast. Alice Seeliger, FOHBC secretary, adoringly and attentively at his side.
Bill Taylor, down from Wisconsin. An appreciative group.
Hotel ZaZa buffet.
FOHBC president, Michael Seeliger.
catered with hors d’oeuvres where you could find a cheese board with Brie, Manchego, Maytag blue cheese, smoked Gouda, Cheese marinated Bocconcini, Mozzarella, Smoked almonds, Seasonal berries, Assorted crackers, Sliced baguettes, Tomato-Mozzarella Bruschetta, Grilled Chicken-Chihuahua Cheese & Pepita Quesadilla, Roasted Tomatillo salsa, Crispy artichoke & Boursin Beignet, Panko Bread Crust and Tabasco syrup. The cash bar was stocked with two attendants, a cashier and Skyy Vodka, Espolon, New Amsterdam, Boqueron Rum, Jim Beam Black, Redemption Rye, Legacy, Tullamore Dew, Dewar’s House Spirits, House wine and bubbles, domestic beer, imported beer, mineral water and soft drinks.
Award winners in the “Best Texas Embossed or Applied Color Label Soda Bottle” category were first place, won by Jay Kasper, with his embossed blue-green aqua “F.A. Conant Co. Galveston 252 Girod St N.O.” colored blob top soda bottle with an iron pontil. Second place was won by Brandon DeWolfe with his “Houston Bottling Works John Artos Texas.” Third Place, also Brandon DeWolfe, with his cornflower blue “Henry Cortes & Son Galveston, Texas” blob top.
First, second and third place winners in the “Best Texas Medicine” category included first place, Kenny Neatherlin with his “Simmons American Hepatic Bitters Navasota, Tx” with four misspellings. Second place, also Kenny Neatherlin, was a “Texas Blood Purifier & Tonic Bitters San Antonio Tx.” Third place was a large amber square bottle embossed “Page And Apfels. Kidney And Bladder Cure. Victoria Texas” won by Brandon DeWolfe.
Brandon DeWolfe won first place “Best Glass Insulator” with a CD 740, “Foster. Brothers. St. John. C.E. 1858” olive black glass insulator. Craig Cassetta, won second place with his CD 123 “E.C. & M. CO. S.F.” in rich blue/green aqua with some amber swirling. The example was a “B” mold, square dome, straight skirt that is four inches tall. It was produced for the Electrical Construction & Maintenance Company of San Francisco. Third place was a CD 121 “W.F.G.CO.” in lavender, also won by Craig Cassetta.
A special thanks to Brad Dalton for spearheading this event and Gina Pellegrini-Ott, official H24 event photographer, and Texas Hold ‘Em judges and volunteers, Alice Seeliger and Richard Siri Sr. Also to Rick Ciralli for entertaining the crowd as master of ceremonies. We also thank Marty Vollmer and Edie Alucema for coordinating the shipping of the FOHBC custom back-lit display case from South Carolina to Houston. Last but not least, all of the contestants and winners in this year’s contest.
FOHBC Membership Breakfast Meeting, Friday, 02 August 2024, 7:00 to 8:30 am, Hotel ZaZa, Grapevine
The FOHBC bylaws require that the FOHBC Board of Directors conduct a membership meeting at the annual convention. A decade ago, we had the meeting on the convention’s first day, directly after the FOHBC board meeting and after a quick lunch break. The problem was that only a handful of members would show up, as many had not arrived in town, or they weren’t inclined to start off their bottle trip with a meeting. Chill time and sightseeing were often mentioned.
Mary and I had the best time we have ever had at an Expo, and I have only missed one.
[Kim Kokles] Texas
we are unsure if he has. In any event, to help the judges in the future, maybe the contestants should submit any research to show the item’s importance. The seminars were outstanding. It was too bad Tom Askjem couldn’t make it. The dealer tables were great, and I saw my first Dr. Wonser’s Indian Root Bitters in person. We wonder up here in Wisconsin what kind of bottles he used. The cobalt Drake’s Plantation Bitters Houston 24 commemorative bottle takes the cake. The Museum’s feature exhibitions were breathtaking and superbly curated. I bought both books. Having the Museum as the venue for the banquet was sheer brilliance. The Bayou City Sunset Auction on Saturday evening was a revelation, especially regarding the Alaska pharmacies and the little cobalt Texas druggist bottle.
My observation of the crowd attending the show: There were a lot of inter-dealer transactions. Without knowing the admissions numbers, the downtown Houston location may have been intimidating. Allow Sunday as a travel day; we don’t need a third day of the show. I saw some “zombie” dealers walking around but minimal outside attendees. Letting people pack up early was an absolute godsend. Again, our compliments to all who made it happen!
[Suzanne Platt, Houston, Texas, International Perfume Bottle Association] I really enjoyed Houston 24. There were a lot of bottles. At first, all those bottles looked alike, and I could not believe people got into the dirt to dig up the same bottle repeatedly. I particularly watched a man pick up an amber bottle and walk it over to the window, hold it up to the light, and stare at it to be sure it was glass. At least, that is how it looked to me. Another surprise is the price of the old bottles. However, after the initial introduction, the bottles started to assume unique identities— they are not all the same shape and color. There are distinct differences and subtle differences. Holding a bottle to natural light reveals its true nature and tells the experienced eye if it has found a treasure. My eye has none of that training or experience, but it sees and appreciates the bottle’s beauty. I’m very glad I was able to be part of Houston 24. Thank you for inviting me.
[Kim & Mary Kokles, Gordon, Texas] This review of Houston 24 might be more believable if I shared my doubts as others did—Houston in August? But I will tell you in this second sentence that Mary and I had the best time we have ever had at an Expo, and I have only missed one. There was so much free time to spend with longtime friends between planned activities, which were over the top. On the first day, the Meyers found ways to mix an outdoor market with sharing their collection. That afternoon, we were free to visit the museums within walking distance of Hotel ZaZa. Yes, it was more expensive than most bottle collectors like to spend, but the staff treated you first class, and hey, it was a once-in-a-lifetime package. The next day was the museum presentation of the Sandor Fuss collection. This was a major reason for attending—at my age, I may never have had the chance to
This year, FOHBC president, Michael Seeliger, was responsible for holding court with assistance from Alice Seeliger, FOHBC secretary. His agenda included calling out and thanking FOHBC board members, a recap of the previous day’s Houston 24 Expo events, what events were coming, an overview of FOHBC finances, projects and initiatives, discussion about the Reno 2025 convention, bylaw changes (read at FOHBC.org), and a summary of the previous day’s Board of Directors meeting. The new condensed Board of Directors positions for the 2024–2026 term was presented. You can read the membership meeting notes or any Federation meeting notes at FOHBC.org.
This year’s breakfast was at Hotel ZaZa on the 11th floor in the Grapevine room. The food was excellent, the atmosphere lively, and the room was full of FOHBC members as over 125 attended. You could find assorted fruit juices, sliced fresh fruits and assorted berries, yogurt dip, fresh scrambled eggs, salsa on the side, applewood bacon slices, sausage links, breakfast potatoes, French toast served with maple syrup, assorted breakfast pastries, butter and preserves, fresh biscuits, fresh coffee, decaffeinated coffee and assorted hot teas. There was no cost for FOHBC members to attend as the FOHBC funded the event for Houston 24. For once, everyone stayed for the meeting!
A special thanks to Gina Pellegrini-Ott for providing pictures of the breakfast event and to Elizabeth, Bella and Addy Meyer and Edie Alucema for staffing the event check-in table.
FOHBC Educational Seminars, Friday & Saturday, 02 & 03 August 2024, Various Times, Hotel ZaZa, Grapevine and Room with a View
This year’s Houston 24 seminars were coordinated by Andy Rapoza and included “Weaponized Bottles: Fighting Witches & Demons in Colonial America” by Andy Rapoza, “The Holy Grail: The three cobalt blue figural bitters” by Michael Seeliger with a special section dedicated to “Making the H24 Drake’s Plantation Bitters,” where Michael was joined by Michael Craig and Treg Silkwood, “Gemstones & Glass” by Ferdinand Meyer V and Eric McGuire, “A Decade of Galveston Digging” by Brandon DeWolfe and “Below the Plains” by Tom Askjem who unfortunately canceled at the last moment. Each seminar was well-attended and a success. We hope to have each seminar available on the FOHBC YouTube channel in the near future.
For the first time in recent years, the FOHBC Houston 24 team did not conduct seminars at competing times which is problematic if you want to attend all seminars and unfair to the presenter to have a smaller audience due to another seminar happening at the same time. With the late Askjem cancellation, the popular “The Holy Grail” was given again on Saturday. We are pleased to report that every seminar was very well attended. Many thanks are in order to Andy Rapoza, Gina Pellegrini-Ott for photographs, Bella Meyer for assisting with each presentation and Hotel ZaZa for well-set-up rooms and equipment.
view these bottles again in one setting. Not only was the glass exciting, but the presentation by the HMNS was as well done as any museum presentation could be—hats off to Joel Bartsch. Friday was the most surprising day, with the show and banquet. The show had much better bottles than we expected, attended by advanced as well as new collectors, and sales far surpassed our low expectations. Now, the Banquet was the feather in the cap. Not your usual rubber chicken and boring speaker in a dimly lit ballroom. No! Imagine eating in a huge room with full-size dinosaurs towering above you as you T-Rex your meal and laugh with Joel Bartsch, the speaker. Maybe you had to be there, but it was much better than I can put into words. Perhaps I came with a different attitude and looked to enjoy the entire experience as I may not get to experience it again. Still, I felt many came away thinking this was something special.
Since I am fascinated with prehistoric dinosaurs, I really enjoyed the banquet dinner in a room full of dinosaurs. That was truly amazing.
[Leonard Schoenborn]
California
[Brandon DeWolfe, Spring, Texas] Houston 24 was my very first national show, and I feel it was a huge success. From the Glass in the Grass event to the HMNS displays to the banquet to the show itself, my expectations were exceeded, and my family and I really enjoyed ourselves. Everyone was extremely positive and super supportive of my children, making them feel included in the hobby. A number of kids were in attendance, and the dealers went above and beyond to ensure they enjoyed the show and went home with some neat stuff. I met a ton of people I have bought from or talked to but never met in person over the years. One of the show’s highlights was meeting David Pomeroy, the great-grandson of Edward Payson Pomeroy, who founded the Metropolitan Dairy in Galveston in the 1890s and was the first to use glass milk bottles in Texas. David came all the way from North Carolina to see one of his great-grandfather’s bottles that I dug in Galveston. Another highlight for me was the opportunity to do a display in memory of my good friend, Dr. Richard Cannon, who passed away at the age of 92 in June.
Relative to the somewhat unconventional venue, the staff and workers at Hotel ZaZa went above and beyond to ensure that folks had a smooth set-up and teardown. This could have gone very poorly due to the hotel’s location and limited access points, but thanks to the help of the hotel, I had my three displays and four sales tables torn down and in my truck in less than an hour.
[James Bell, New South Wales, Australia] Outstanding National Show! It was the best I have ever attended and probably will never be matched or bettered. The evening celebration meal at the Museum was absolutely fantastic and surreal. Dining with dinosaurs was truly unbelievable. Indescribable! The air conditioning was full on, leaving nobody complaining about being too warm or hot. Michael Seeliger, Ferdinand Meyer, and the entire national team have set the new standard, which will be very diffi-
Friday & Saturday, 02 & 03 August 2024, Various Times, Hotel ZaZa Grapevine & Room with a View The background image is
“Holy Grail – Three Blue Bitters”
Colonial America
Making the Drake’s Plantation Bitters”
Michael Seeliger, Michael Craig & Treg Silkwood.
Ferdinand Meyer V & Eric McGuire.
Treg Silkwood, master glassblower.
An emotional discussion. Alice Seeliger, Jeanine Burkhardt & Don Keating. Photo by Jeff Burkhardt.
Brandon DeWolfe and his son Grayson.
amazing stoneware witch bottle displayed in the “Weaponized Bottles – Fighting Witches & Demons in Colonial America” seminar.
Early Admission
Ribbon Cutting National Antique
Bottle and Glass Show & Sale
Friday, 02 August 2024, Hotel ZaZa
Ribbon Cutting event at Hotel ZaZa.
H24 FOHBC Tables at Piano Man Lounge.
Raffle items.
Brian Commerton, FOHBC member and H24 Expo displayer.
Early Admission crowd gathered at a Phantom Ballroom table.
Ribbon Cutting for the Houston 24 National Antique Bottle and Glass Show & Sale – Early Admission, Friday, 02 August 2024, 12:50 to 5:00 pm, Hotel ZaZa
Finally, the time had come to start the long-awaited bottle show. At precisely 12:50 pm, Team Houston 24 was called to the Hotel ZaZa exterior entry drive, where we cut our ceremonial ribbon made specially for the occasion, signifying the start of the Houston 24 National Antique Bottle and Glass Show & Sale. Gina Pellegrini-Ott, part of our H24 team, took the photograph on the preceding page. The only person missing is Andy Rapoza, who was off coordinating last-minute displays. Bella Meyer, youth coordinator, had the honor of holding the scissors and making the cut. We had to do the event outside as our showroom configuration did not allow enough space for our team to assemble.
At precisely 1:00 pm, dealers and displayers were allowed in, followed in short order by early admission. We were pleased with the crowd; there was lots of activity and action at dealer tables, display areas, and at the H24 Federation tables at Piano Man Lounge. This was ground zero for event staff conducting admissions, registration, membership, information, merchandise, exhibition book sales, raffles, Drake’s Plantation Bitters sales, display voting, Virtual Museum imaging, and youth activities.
We were very fortunate that Jeff Wichmann, with American Bottle Auctions, donated $5,000 to be used as raffle money. We had facsimile 100-dollar bill certificates (left) made up with his likeness and had multiple drawings each hour all weekend long. You did not need to be present to win, as we posted the winning numbers for all to see. The money won was intended to be spent at the show at dealer tables, which would then be redeemed for cash at Federation tables— keeping the money in-house.
As expected, Drake’s sales were impressive. Raffle tickets for a second, sapphire, Drake’s Plantation Bitters, and two Jim Healy H 24 commemorative jugs were also sold. All the hand-blown Drake’s bottles were numbered, boxed, and came with an historically accurate reproduction label which purchasers could apply.
We initially planned to have the bottle show at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, but they could only support 100 dealer tables. Because of this, we shifted to Hotel ZaZa and used eight connected rooms to conduct our event. This was rather exciting, as you could explore and roam from space to space. The main Phantom Ballroom housed most of the dealers and was awash in natural light.
The most challenging part of Houston 24 was convincing the “as usual” dealers to come to Houston to fill our 150 tables. As it turned out, we had an eclectic group of major dealers who do not set up at typical shows, so this was refreshing. They brought out some incredible material for sale, as you can see by reading the comments and looking at the accompanying pictures in this article and at FOHBC.org.
cult to equal! Well done to everyone involved; it was my pleasure to attend. Absolutely Amazing!!! Simply the Best!!!
[Kim Kokles (Again), Gordon, Texas] The timing of this review is appropriate, considering the 2024 Olympics just ended. Most of you remember that many years ago, the United States beat Russia in hockey, “The Miracle on Ice,” in Lake Placid, New York. Impossible! they said. A successful Expo in a Southern Bottle Show setting? Impossible! A successful Expo in the heat of the summer in Houston, Texas? Impossible! Well, upsets do occur, and sometimes dramatically and excitingly, just like that hockey game so many years ago. The Houston 24 Team had the confidence and determination, just like that USA hockey team, to make it a winner and a champion of the Expos. It was fun, entertaining, educational, and an inspiring 4-5 days. Thank you, Team Houston 24.
The displays were terrific and interesting (I had wanted to see Brian Commerton’s snuff collection for 40 years!)
[Jeff & Jeanine Burkhardt, Grafton, Wisconsin] Our experience at Houston 24 was extraordinary. Expecting something more and different than the typical FOHBC Expo, we were not disappointed! The “Glass in the Glass” day was our favorite, as I finally saw the Meyer bitters collection in person. Not only were we thrilled to be welcomed into Elizabeth and Ferdinand’s home, but the outdoor, subtropical Peachridge “Plantation” was amazing! Thank you both for your openness, generosity, and trust!
The Museum exhibition of the Sandor Fuss collection, plus extras like the “Three Blue Bitters,” was fabulous and well executed. Then, seeing butterflies, dinosaur bones, and Egyptian mummies was a plus. Our only complaint was that our Museum visit was cut short; the Museum was too COLD... as were all the other buildings. Houston A/C is seemingly kept at meat-locker temps. We were warned, but it’s summer, and we really wanted to wear our best seasonal attire without covering it up with jackets and sweaters.
We only had time to attend one seminar, the “Three Blue Bitters.” It was special to us as our longtime friend Don Keating was one of only two persons to have ever owned the cobalt Fish, Old Homestead, and Sazerac lady’s leg simultaneously. The frosting on the cake to Mike Seeliger’s fine presentation was Don Keating getting up and delivering a short but powerful speech recounting his history with the Three Blue Bitters and his collecting in general. Those who know Don would say this was unexpected and incredible; my wife, Jeanine, hugged Don tearfully afterward. Wow, what an epic and emotional experience!
The bottle show itself was excellent. While smaller than past expos, its size was offset by qualitative dealers, great lighting, unique rooms and spaces, outstanding displays, and an extraordinary “vibe.” Jeanine and I both made several happy but heavy
[David Hughes] Mississippi
Virtual Museum Imaging, Friday–Sunday, Hotel ZaZa, Piano Man Lounge and
Houston Museum of Natural Science
The FOHBC Virtual Museum’s Alan DeMaison was ever-present at Houston 24. Alan was set up at Hotel ZaZa to image items for the Museum. You could not miss his traveling studio prominently set up in the Piano Man Lounge. Alan had pre-scheduled a list of collector bottles and a few small collections to image. Every time we looked his way he and Terry Crislip, his VM assistant, were busy at work. It was especially exciting to see him imaging bottles from some young collectors. Alan and his wife, Elaine, remained in Houston at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and imaged the American Antique Glass Masterpieces exhibition on Tuesday and Wednesday, 06 and 07 August and the Wilber-Gugliotti Barber Bottle exhibition on Thursday through Saturday. Alan will spend a couple of weeks processing images before sending them to Miguel Ruiz for website gallery insertion and Ferdinand Meyer for curating and gathering the historical information to accompany the pieces. The Virtual Museum team wants FOHBC members to know that we are low on development funds. As we totally rely on donations, we need to raise funds for the many exciting plans we have to grow the museum. Please refer to page 11 in this issue and help us out!
Houston 24 Youth Activities, Friday–Sunday, Hotel ZaZa, Piano Man Lounge
As the FOHBC typically does at national events, there was a concentrated effort to appeal to younger collectors as they are the future of our hobby. This year was no different, except we went a few steps further and included a dealer, Will Meysing, to specifically present, engage, and sell bottles and related items to children and young adults. We also had an educational display titled “Kids Digging Texas” by Grayson, Crosby and Lyla DeWolfe that was positioned strategically as you entered the showroom area. All displays were also carefully arranged (and protected) for viewing by children as they were asked to vote on their favorite display. As far as H24 merchandise, we had an abundance of H24 t-shirts in attractive designs in smaller sizes.
Houston 24 also provided Bottle Grab Bags for children ten and under during the VIP, early and general admission hours of the Expo. Each colorful bag contained a locally or regionally found antique bottle, thanks to Brandon DeWolfe. Children were attended to at FOHBC H24 tables at the Piano Man Lounge, where they selected and opened their bags. Gina Pellegrini-Ott, event photographer, took many excellent photographs of the child opening the bag, with Bella Meyer, youth coordinator.
We also encouraged children and young adults from ages eight and up to participate in an organized Bottle & Glass Bingo Scavenger Hunt during the same Expo hours. The H24 team prepared a Bingo card defining specific items the participants would seek out without purchasing. Participants could work in small teams, although the rules allowed individuals (adults) to participate. The goal was to find all or most items on the card. You would then redeem the card at the H24 tables for a sticker or nominal prize. It sure was fun watching this activity, and I know the dealers loved it. Having a younger crowd at all bottle shows is essential if we want our hobby to thrive and grow.
purchases, and thanks to Henry Hecker, we were able to take them home.
The best part of the Houston 24 experience was the people! We loved reconnecting with longtime bottle friends and acquaintances. Especially heart-warming was the great attendance and support Western collectors and dealers gave to this event. Personal health issues and the COVID period have prevented us from traveling West since 2016, so once again, seeing people like Richard Siri, Rich and Kathy Tucker, Steve Hubbell, Jerry and Helen Forbes...I could go on, it was just wonderful!!
In all, those in attendance over the few days in Houston were taken on a journey from prehistoric times to some of humanity’s rarest and most beautiful examples of the art of glass-making from the 17th century to the present day. [Barbara Rusch] Canada
[Brad Cusick & Jennifer Stuckey, LaPorte, Indiana] What an absolutely fantastic event. The venue couldn’t have been more appealing, and the fact we could eat with the dinosaurs while being able to explore was absolutely breathtaking!! Houston didn’t disappoint, and neither did the phenomenal people we were able to meet, who were incredibly welcoming, personable, and so inviting. Seeing such high-quality glass was an absolute treasure for me, having only collected bitters for about five years. The draw of observing the “Three Blue Bitters” was an absolute dream come true for me, and then, on top of it, I was able to buy a dinosaur egg in the Sunset Auction! I can’t wait until the next one! Thanks so much for everything.
[Leonard Schoenborn, Cupertino, California] The Houston 2024 National Antique Bottle & Glass Expo was a great success and well worth the price of admission. The event was very professional and exceptionally well organized. I have to thank and applaud Ferdinand and Elizabeth Meyer for what had to be a monumental task to plan, achieve, and accomplish a National bottle exposition of this magnitude. To begin with, it was apparent that the logistical challenges took a tremendous amount of planning, cooperation, and coordination to be carried out, and with the proper execution, to ensure that all involved in orchestrating this event were beyond reproach. I want to highlight the most significant and memorable points in the event that really stood out. First, the Museum District and the Houston Museum of Natural Science were great locations for the Exposition, which included the Sandor Fuss collection. This was a significant attraction and an experience in beautiful antique glass that you rarely, if ever, get to see. Also, the barber bottle collections of David Wilber and Anthony Gugliotti were a great experience that I had never witnessed before. Since I am fascinated with prehistoric dinosaurs, I really enjoyed the banquet dinner in a room full of dinosaurs. That was truly amazing. The bottle show
& Glass
itself was exceptional, with some great glass for sale, so I would also like to thank all those who participated. I had a great time and look forward to the next bottle and glass exposition.
[Eric & Lisa McGuire, Petaluma, California] We may have all had mixed experiences with Houston24, but it was overwhelmingly positive. Even being critical to the extreme, the few items I can mention would not help make future shows any better. Perhaps I am a creature of habit, but I found the overall layout of the sales/exhibits to be a little challenging. This was obviously a difficult space to work with. The “one large room” concept is much easier to navigate. At times, I wasn’t sure if I had found all the rooms dedicated to the show. I realize the location was a necessary trade-off for the overall functioning of the show. Also, some of the displays were a little too touchable for comfort. Fortunately, they were covered by security cameras.
The “shootout” got off to a little rough start but finished OK. Henry Hecker’s thought about what parameters should go into picking the category winners may help guide future judging. This may be tough to tackle, but it could help in the future. In the past, judging has been solely focused on the visual attractiveness of the item, but this may change over time. A written description of each item from the bottle owner’s perspective might help guide the judges and the public as to why each item should be considered a potential winner. It’s a thought, but it may complicate the process too much.
Lisa and I had a chance to wander a bit in search of an ice cream cone and found some interesting parts of Houston, including the Sweet Cup, which has some wonderful gelato. The Cullen Sculpture Garden, with its Cloud Column, is awesome. Thanks, Ferd, for hosting the show and introducing us to beautiful Houston, but turn the heat and humidity down next time. We drove up north a bit and stopped in Lubbock for just one reason—to get a picture of a tombstone (Buddy Holly). A little further north, I was able to call on my great-grandparents, permanently ensconced in Muleshoe, Bailey County, Texas.
[Henry & Toni Johnston, Marinette, Wisconsin] We have attended many FOHBC National Bottle Conventions over the years. Each one was unique in itself. The amount of work and time put into these events is fantastic. We were excited to attend the Houston 2024 Expo. This show was beyond amazing. The “Glass in the Grass” was so exciting to see. Ferdinand and Elizabeth Meyer opened their home and showed us their bottle collection and many other antiques. Fabulous bottle collection is an understatement. We couldn’t believe we were allowed to go to the HMNS and see the Sandor P. Fuss collection. This exhibit was closed to the public, and only the FOHBC members were allowed in. The glass displayed was the finest in bottles. Later, the FOHBC dinner was held amongst the dinosaurs in the Hall of Paleontology. We were in awe that the Museum was closed, and only the FOHBC members were dining that night with a top chef preparing excellent food and serving with such class. There was a lot of work in creating the H24 commemorative cobalt blue Drake’s Plantation Bitters. We are looking at the beautiful bottle and craftsmanship as we write this. Any bottle collector who did not attend this Expo lost out on a memorable experience. Thank you to all who put Houston 24 together.
More photos at FOHBC.org
FOHBC Virtual Museum at H24
Alan DeMaison and Terry Crislip imaging in Piano Man Lounge.
Pickle preserve jar being imaged.
Alan & Elaine DeMaison imaging in Brown Gallery at HMNS.
I was constantly awed by the brisk activity at and around dealers’ sales tables. I felt the electricity in the air from the early admission until the last auction item was sold.
[Charlie Martin Jr.] Massachusetts
[Peter and Amy Longdyke, Murphy, North Carolina] We drove from North Carolina to Houston because we knew this would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Ferdinand Meyer antique bottle collection, which is world-class, by the way, and also to experience his trust in his fellow collectors, that they would in no way misuse the privilege of being there. We also realize that he sacrificed his own “personal space” to let us see the inner sanctum of his home with its antiques and bottle collection and, more importantly, to meet a beautiful family. More than once at the show, we experienced their behind-thescenes talents and hard work to help the show run smoothly. As for the show itself, one of my favorite parts was the conversations with these encyclopedic minds, from the guys who sold us poisons to the slightly crazy man from Maine who sold us stained glass windows made from broken antique bottles. We also appreciated how those putting together the show arranged the all-access passes to the Museum. That was a rare opportunity to educate ourselves on many other subjects. The Museum had one of the most awesome collections of fossils, minerals, and other wonders that we have ever been privileged to see. The photos we took of the bottle exhibits at the Museum are treasured memories for us, some of which we had never seen before. Well done to all who had a share in putting this show together!
[David Hughes, Vicksburg, Mississippi] Hi Ferdinand, Elizabeth, and family. Since the Expo, we have been at my girlfriend Angela’s farm in Northwest Arkansas, so we are way off the grid when in the Ozarks! I am just getting around to seeing, reading, and responding to a week or so of emails. If this doesn’t make it in on time, apologies, but do let it serve as a testament to our great time! The Houston 24 Expo was fantastic, and all of you did a tremendous job in every aspect. Afterward, I thanked Mike Seeliger for staying with me about coming out for the show, as he never stopped talking about it and promoting it wherever I saw him. I was only slow to decide because I wasn’t sure I could attend, though I wanted to all along. You were all so accommodating, and I want to thank you and your daughter and granddaughters. What a great family!
The enthusiasm at the Expo was super, and I really enjoyed all of the events from start to finish. It was a great venue, and the variety of bottles at the various sales tables was really nice. The displays were terrific and interesting (I had wanted to see Brian Commerton’s snuff collection for 40 years!) The meet-andgreet and cocktail hour were lovely (as was the food), and the Banquet was a lot of fun—the food there was also superb! The auction was also much fun and amazing that you had food there as well. You all put on a great time for everyone. I got to see folks I hadn’t seen in a long while and connect with people I had never met after all these years in the bottle world. I enjoyed visiting Richard Siri and his son and was thrilled to buy one of Richard’s books on Western whiskies. What a great reference that book is!
Mike Craig and Mike Seeliger are always a lot of fun, so I had a great time with those two. Elizabeth Meyer and Edie, Addy and Bella, Alice Seeliger, Kathy Craig, and all of the women involved in the show were a great balance, as always, in this overly populated “male” hobby. Thanks to all of you for your incredible work and help with the many logistics! Everyone was so attentive and helpful all around. Thanks, Mike, Ferdinand, Mike, and those I have failed to mention.
[Mike Larson, Bellingham, Washington] Hi Ferdinand, I’m sorry I did not respond before August 14. I got home today. I had a great time. All the events were awesome. It was great touching base with those who attended the show. You, your family, and Team Houston did a great job. It was great to have free parking at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and to see the outstanding exhibits. The staff at the hotel were accommodating. Most of all, thank you and your family for opening up your home to us attendees. I also want to thank you for allowing me to purchase the Harkness Fire Destroyer grenade bottle. I only have two negatives. I think all the dealers should be located in one room. I felt sorry for the dealers’ isolation in the side rooms. Those side rooms were very cold, and I would have frozen if I had been set up in one of those rooms. The other negative is that it was tough to leave my sales table to attend the two Saturday seminars. P.S. I loved getting one of the Drake’s. I was very pleased that you got both the teal and sapphire versions. You deserved it.
The momentum and anticipation surrounding the cobalt Drake’s bottles was electric and the bottles indeed came out beautifully, love it! We stayed over until Monday and spent a couple of hours at the Museum gobsmacked over Sandor’s collection; what a beautiful exhibition you all put together—the way these masterpieces were grouped together and illuminated was truly stunning. I have never seen anything quite like it in a museum setting, and hopefully, that will lead to a broader awareness among curators for future bottle exhibitions. I would love to see a future museum exhibition of Dann and Sue Louis’ amazing (pre-Pure Food and Drug Act) embossed cure collection, Mike and Kathy Craig’s extensive Warners/Craig’s collection, and other great collections in a museum setting. All of the Federation’s hard work shined, and what is happening with the Virtual Museum is wonderful and very educational for the field. Keep up the great work, and thanks so much for having us at Houston 24—we surely enjoyed our time.
Bottle Bingo Card
H24 Youth Activities
Happy with his new bottle.
The background image shows Grayson and Tessa DeWolfe. Grayson
The background image shows Bella Meyer, H24 youth coordinator.
FOHBC Dinosaurs Banquet, Friday Evening, 02 August 2024, 7:30 to 10:00 pm, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Morian Hall of Paleontology
When we first issued the H24 “Event Info Packet” in December 2023, we noted, in general terms, that the banquet would be at Hotel ZaZa on Friday evening and that we would have a cocktail party, an honorary speaker, club and member awards, fellowship, and fun with bottle-collecting friends. Attendees could also choose between chicken, meat, or fish for dinner at $55 a plate. This is usually the process with a hotel’s food and beverage department. Things dramatically changed as the Museum offered its Hall of Paleontology “free of charge” for the event, which sounded exciting.
The Museum directed us to their website for events, which listed their preferred caterers. I started making comparison calls, and when the folks on the opposite end of the line paused when I said our budget was $55 a person, I knew something was off. In short, when you engage a first-class caterer for an event with a kitchen to prepare food, the staff, and the setup, the cost starts at $120 a person! As nothing about H24 fit the norm, we pulled the trigger and hired Café Natalie to cater our event, hoping proceeds from our souvenir program, Drake’s sales, and the Sunset Auction would help offset the difference. We also had assurances from our underwriter, HMNS, that they would help with the expenses.
The FOHBC Dinosaurs Banquet was held on Friday at 7:30 pm in the HMNS Morian Hall of Paleontology with a “Mix & Mingle” cocktail party in the same Hall from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. What better way to start an evening than to experience history and dinosaurs? Two stories tall and the length of a football field, the dramatic Hall invited FOHBC guests to embark on a “Prehistoric Safari” through their monumental dinosaur displays. The lighting and staging of all the exhibits was breathtaking.
Following the cocktail reception, paid banquet attendees were seated for the program, which included brief introductions and announcements by FOHBC president Michael Seeliger, followed promptly by dinner. When coffee and dessert was served, H24 chair Ferdinand Meyer V introduced the keynote speaker, Joel A. Bartsch, who had our guests in stitches as he spoke about topics relevant to our great hobby and his Museum. Joel, an alumnus of Concordia University and Rice University with a BA and an MA, has been the president and CEO of the Houston Museum of Natural Science since 2004. Immediately before that, the Texas native served HMNS as its curator of the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, its director of earth sciences, and a project manager. In his first year as the president and CEO, Joel restructured the organization and returned it to profitability. He subsequently spearheaded a period of significant growth that culminated in the construction of the Dan L. Duncan wing and an energy science education center. Joel collects many things, as you might imagine, and one of them is early American antique bottles and glass. Table setting and program.
Continued on page 49
FOHBC president Michael Seeliger and his VIP table.
As seen by a Pterosaurs.
Playing with toy dinosaurs at each table.
Table centerpiece arrangement.
Dinosaurs Banquet
The background image shows the dramatic and large Dinosaurs surrounding the banquet.
H24
Chair, Ferdinand Meyer V.
Joel A. Bartsch, featured keynote speaker.
Alan DeMaison and his Hall of Fame award.
Sandor P. Fuss attentive to Joel’s talk.
background and inset images depict some of the many great folks attending
The
Houston 24.
Rick Carney with Sea Glass of Maine.
Jon St. Clair and Texas Stoneware.
Treg Silkwood, Master Glassblower.
James Bell from Down Under.
Kim Kokles, Texas Powerhouse.
Don Keating, The One and Only.
Michael Craig, Zen & Drake’s Master.
Next, the FOHBC honored Alan DeMaison, who was inducted into the prestigious FOHBC Hall of Fame. Alan’s leadership and commitment to the FOHBC is evident with his role as one of the three founding members of the Virtual Museum, where he serves as the Museum’s primary fund-raiser and treasurer. He also oversees all image photography for the Museum spins. Alan was awarded the FOHBC President’s Award in 2009 and is instrumental in the Ohio Bottle Club, where he was president for 15 years, newsletter editor for five years, and webmaster of the site he designed in 2014. Alan collects Meadville Rye Whiskey collectibles and history and has a Facebook page sharing related images and historical information.
The President’s Award was presented to Mike Craig for the Drake’s Commemorative Bitters bottle project. Board of Directors awards went to Peachridge Collections and the Meyer family for Outstanding Vision, Design & Leadership for Houston 24; and Michael and Alice Seeliger for Outstanding Leadership. Alice Seeliger, FOHBC secretary, then presented the FOHBC Club and Member Contest awards. Here is a list of all the winners. The FOHBC had over 75 entries in the seven categories to review so thanks to Alice and her selection committee!
Club Newsletter: First Place, Traveler’s Companion, published by the Greater Buffalo Bottle Collectors Association, Craig Maefs, editor. Second Place, Perfume Bottle Quarterly, published by International Perfume Bottle Association, Don Orban, editor, Third Place, The Ohio Swirl, published by the Ohio Bottle Club, Todd Knisley, editor.
Best Show Poster: First Place, Richmond Area Bottle Collectors Association, 52nd Richmond Antique Bottle & Collectibles Show, Phil Townsend, show chair; Ferdinand Meyer V, designer. Second Place, Columbia South Carolina Bottle Club, Marty Vollmer and Art Gose, show chairs; Dan Lakatos, photographer; Ferdinand Meyer V, designer. Third Place, Tennessee Bottle Collectors Club, Fifth Anniversary Show, Greg Eaton and Stanley Word, show chairs; Ferdinand Meyer V, designer.
Best Original Research Story: First Place, The History of Baraboo Pottery – Baraboo, Wisconsin, Henry Hecker and Peter Maas, authors; from the Milwaukee Antique Bottle & Advertising Club, published in Antique Bottle & Glass Collector. Second Place, Boy Have You Got Moxie! Dennis Sasseville and Merrill Lewis, authors, published in Antique Bottle & Glass Collector. Third Place, ACL #5 America the Beautiful, Mike Dickman, author, published in Antique Bottle & Glass Collector.
Best Original True Story: First Place, A Story I Like to Tell, Gary Beatty, author, published in Antique Bottle & Glass Collector. Second Place, A Puce Eagle Tale, Richard Weiner, author, published in Antique Bottle & Glass Collector. Third Place, Pike’s Peak or Bust, Jack Klotz, author, published in Antique Bottle & Glass Collector.
Best Original Fiction Story: First Place, A Line from the Past, Richard J. Weiner, author, published in Antique Bottle & Glass Collector. Second Place, A Privy Murder Mystery, Jack Klotz, author, published in Bottles and Extras. Third Place, He is Called by Different Names in Different Parts, Todd Knisley, author, published in The Ohio Swirl.
Best Website: First Place, Perfumebottles.org, International
[Barbara Rusch and Donny Zaldin, Ontario, Canada] Not being very serious bottle collectors, my husband and I had no idea what to expect heading down to Houston from Toronto, Canada. What we discovered was nothing short of astonishing. The beauty and variety of the bottles on display at the Museum, the dedication of the collectors and dealers in attendance at the show, and the diversity of the activities so meticulously planned for the event were astounding and much appreciated. We were especially impressed with Ferdinand’s wonderful collection and grateful to him and his wife for allowing us into their marvelous home. Our dear friend Andy Rapoza’s seminar on Witch Bottles was nothing short of revelatory, and we were so pleased that his incredibly curated exhibit received the highest honors. His excellent website was also duly recognized, as it should be. Dining with dinosaurs was certainly a first. In all, those in attendance over the few days in Houston were taken on a journey from prehistoric times to some of humanity’s rarest and most beautiful examples of the art of glass-making from the 17th century to the present day. It was a privilege to attend this extraordinary event, and we are grateful to the organizers for the memories of this special gathering of enthusiasts.
The exhibits at the museum gave me goosebumps when I walked into the rooms. They still do when I talk about it.
[Charlie Martin Jr., Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts] As an attendee, I was constantly awed by the brisk activity at and around dealers’ sales tables. I felt the electricity in the air from the early admission until the last auction item was sold. As a collector, I was able to add several new items to my collection, which always makes me happy. A special kudos goes out to the many wonderful exhibits that were set up for our enjoyment. The seminars were educational and captivatingly interesting. Each seminar was well attended and scheduled so one could attend them all. The show venue at Hotel ZaZa, and the banquet dinner “with the dinosaurs” at the Houston Museum of Natural Science were unique and may never be duplicated again! The glass displays at the museum were the most beautiful sight I’ve ever experienced. The bottle set-ups, the lighting, and the physical space all added to one’s viewing experience. I doubt we will ever see these bottles again in such close proximity. Lastly, the two commemorative books will bring joyful memories to each collector for years to come. The Houston 24 Expo was more than a bottle show and sale; it was an experience that was “a one-in-a-lifetime event.” Thank you for this incredible experience. I will relive it many, many more times in my lifetime. The cobalt blue Drake’s Plantation Bitters bottle was extraordinary! The backstory video and seminar about the process were so enlightening and informative that I hope every member of our Federation family gets to view them on our web page.
[Sandor P. Fuss, Denver, Colorado] It was an honor to attend the Houston 2024 National Expo. The FOHBC, HMNS, and the Meyer family did a stupendous job organizing the event. I could not have been more pleased with how my collection was displayed, and I feel that all who attended were thrilled to see it. I was so happy to share the collection with the hobby; it was a decades-long dream come true!
[Michael Seeliger] Wisconsin
Perfume Bottle Association, Virginia Merrill, webmaster. Second Place, Ohiobottleclub.org, Alan DeMaison, webmaster. Third Place, Promisingcures.com, Andy Rapoza, webmaster.
Best Social Media: First Place, Tom Askjem Facebook page and YouTube channel, Tom Askjem, administrator. Second Place, Warner’s Safe Cure – H. H. Warner Facebook page and blog, Steve Jackson, administrator. Third Place, 1st Chicago Bottle Club Facebook page, Tory Crnovich, administrator.
The FOHBC concluded the evening’s festivities with a fun contest to win the table centerpiece dinosaur puzzle and a brief presentation remembering the past years and the making of the Drake’s Plantation Bitters. Unfortunately, technical difficulties prevented the presentations from being given (they will be posted on the FOHBC website). By all accounts, the evening was a grand success. We thank the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Café Natalie for our Dinosaurs Banquet and Bella Meyer for her work coordinating the banquet.
Houston 24 National Antique Bottle and Glass Show & Sale, Educational Displays, Friday–Sunday, Hotel ZaZa, Various Rooms
We were fortunate to have H24 team member Andy Rapoza head up the displays at Hotel ZaZa. If you remember, Andy was also in charge of seminars. Andy is very organized, dedicated, and passionate about history, so he was perfect for the job. With perseverance, Andy lined up an impressive 17 displays. The FOHBC encourages collectors to share their knowledge, enthusiasm, and interests with other collectors by displaying their collections or related material. H24 dealers and guests were asked to vote for “Best in Show” and “Most Educational” displays. The winners announcement and the awards presentation occurred on Sunday, 04 August, at 2:00 p.m., before the close of the Houston 24 Expo. The voting box was located at the front H24 FOHBC tables in the Piano Man Lounge.
The displays were as follows: “Kids Digging Texas,” Grayson, Crosby and Lyla DeWolfe, “FOHBC History,” Brian Bingham, “Texas Medicine Patents,” Eric McGuire, “Soda Water Bottles & Stoneware of William H. Hutchinson, Chicago, Illinois,” Brad Dalton, “Rare Colored Texas Soda Water and Related Bottles of San Antonio & Surrounding Areas,” Brad Dalton, “Texas Picture Hutches,” Jay Kasper, “Cabinville, Texas,” Ferdinand Meyer V, “Wannalancet Indian Bitters,” Tom Paskiewicz (*display scratched), “Promising Cures,” Andy Rapoza, “American Pontiled Snuffs,” Brian Commerton,” Wilson Pottery, 1857-1904: from Slavery to Makers & Distributors of Stoneware in Frontier Texas,” Jon St. Clair, “A Sampling from the Dr. Richard Cannon Collection,” Brandon and Tessa DeWolfe, “Early Houston, Texas Soda Bottles,” Brandon DeWolfe, “Reverse Glass Jars, Bottles & Signs,” Henry Tankersley, “Wm. Radam’s Jugs and Bottles,” Steven Weber, “Cider Bottles,” Tim Boyd and “Barber Bottles,” George Persick.
Andy Rapoza won both awards for his “Promising Cures” display in the Napoleon room by a landslide. Pictures of his display are on pages 18 through 21 of this issue and FOHBC.org. Congratulations to all displayers who were also provided an H24 medallion to wear during the Expo.
Continued on page 53
[Michael Seeliger, Brooklyn, Wisconsin] Houston 24 was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Everything went great, from “Glass in the Grass” and viewing Ferd and Elizabeth’s collections to the final Sunset Auction on Saturday night. Smiles were all around all week. The exhibits at the museum gave me goosebumps when I walked into the rooms. They still do when I talk about it. The staff at Hotel ZaZa was fantastic also. As for the heat, I went outside to warm up several times. Boy, you all have good air conditioning. It pleased me to see the family-like attitude of bottle collectors at the event. Everyone helped with whatever needed to be done. I personally talked to almost everyone at the event. All were glad they made the trek to Houston and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The bottle community became a closer-knit group because of it. Going forward, we can only grow from this experience.
[Jack Klotz, Louisiana, Missouri] Well, Ferd, where do I begin that has yet to be said? It was over the top from beginning to end! If there were a convention Olympics, you’d get the gold and a new world record! I wonder if it could ever be equaled and forget about it being improved upon. From registration to farewell, it was smooth-going and educationally stimulating. The Houston Museum of Natural Science was beyond my imagination! I was a budding geologist/paleontologist before I got “introduced” to bottle digging, so dining under a T-Rex was awesome! The gem collection was equally unreal! The keynote speaker was so hilarious that we laughed at my table so hard we got the dessert soggy! I attended every seminar and learned something from each one. The sales and displays were thoughtfully set up, and I got my Ravenna flask photographed for possible inclusion in the Virtual Museum and returned home safely. Last but not least, the American Antiques Glass Masterpieces exhibition and the three cobalt blue bitters display were breathtaking! I literally couldn’t breathe normally while in there! It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! A special thanks to you, Ferd, as I observed you closely in the wings, ready for any unforeseen adjustments. It was a common thought at our table as to when you ever slept?! One person alone can never pull off such an accomplishment without a small army of co-conspirators as passionate about meeting their goals as you. Kudos to all involved!
I have never been more proud to be a member of the FOHBC after attending Houston 2024.
[Russ
Price] Michigan
[Stephen Hubbell, Gig Harbor, Washington] The choice of the Museum District for the Expo was fantastic. I really enjoyed seeing the world-class Houston Museum of Natural Science, especially the American Antique Glass Masterpieces and Barber Bottle exhibitions. A great interest in paleontology and antique bottles made this a win-win for me. The Cullen Hall of Gems & Minerals was also a fantastic complement to your Gem and Bottle seminar. I appreciated having the seminars in sequence rather than in parallel. I believe that contributed to the large attendance for each. I hope future Expos will do the same. All the seminars and displays were very interesting and of high
Comments continued on page 53
Educational Displays
The background image represents one of three cabinets displaying American Pontiled Snuffs by Brian Commerton.
The above picture is from the Reverse Glass Jars, Bottles & Signs display by Henry Tankersley.
Cabinville, Texas display by Ferdinand Meyer V. Rare Colored
Soda Water
Bottles of San Antonio & Surrounding Areas display by Brad Dalton.
Bayou City Sunset Auction, Saturday, 03 August 2024, 7:00 to 10:00 pm, Hotel ZaZa, Grapevine & Room with a View
More photos at FOHBC.org
Bayou City Sunset Auction
The background image shows the backlit FOHBC display case with some of the 157 spectacular and colorful auction lot items.
Martin Van Zant and Carisa Kimmon with Crowded House Auctions.
Full house with Crowded House Auctions.
Martin Van Zant calls the auction.
A professionally run auction.
Clasped Hands Historical Calabash.
Great glass shapes and forms.
Ponce De Leon Spring Water bottle. Unique teal Drake’s Plantation Bitters commemorative bottle.
Bayou City Sunset Auction, Saturday Evening, 02 August 2024, 7:30 to 10:00 pm, Hotel ZaZa, Grapevine & Room with a View
The FOHBC usually tries to complete a convention with a Saturday night bang, and the Crowded House Auctions hammer rang loudly and often. We purposely avoided having the typical hobby auction glasshouses as they are busy with their ever-present catalog auctions. They avoid the FOHBC, too, as an auction is a lot of work because you need auction lots, a live auction, a printed catalog, and online bidding. Though in H24 attendance we had the famous “Jim Hagenbuch” of Glass Works Auctions, who was constantly engaged in conversations with big-time collectors, we were sad to see last-minute cancellations from Jeff Wichmann (American Bottle Auctions) and Norm Heckler, Jr. of Heckler Auctions.
In the past, we’ve tried using “local” auctioneers, having a silent auction (at Reno 22) and room hopping at Springfield in 2017. With frustration rising and the clock ticking, we thought “outside the box” and investigated alternate events for Saturday night. We almost engaged a “Murder Mystery” troupe that would conduct a theatrical performance using our members as bit actors. The theme would be about a stolen diamond at a museum, which seemed appropriate. No matter how excited Elizabeth and I got, I kept getting push-back from H24 team members to make an auction happen. Thank goodness!
To make a long story short, I received an email from fellow collector and past FOHBC board member Martin Van Zant and his business partner “Balsam” Bill Granger. They were promoting an auction with their new endeavor called Crowded House Auctions. Wow, lightning struck, and the wheels started turning, so we spoke often and worked out a deal for the Bayou City Sunset Auction. Martin graciously donated his time, experience and company to conduct and call the auction if we would cover his expenses, such as hotel, banquet, catalog printing, advertising, and online auction costs. We would also provide the room at Hotel ZaZa and all the necessary staging and audiovisual equipment.
We used Peachridge as an operations center to solicit, document, and store incoming lots. This is where we greatly underestimated the work as our house became a cross between Grand Central Station and an Amazon packaging facility. You cannot even imagine the work involved with receiving deliveries of expensive items packed in boxes of every size, which had to be inspected, cataloged, and repacked...then stored and prepped for delivery to the hotel. Thankfully, my granddaughter Bella, the FOHBC youth coordinator, took on the task. She even photographed each piece for the catalogs and advertising! No small task!
I appreciated having the seminars in sequence rather than parallel. I believe that contributed to the large attendance for each.
[Stephen
quality. Having the bottle show at Hotel ZaZa and in the Museum District was very helpful and convenient. A no-cost shuttle service to nearby museums and restaurants made the experience even better. The quality of bottles that showed up for sale was fantastic, and it was great to see large numbers of both Eastern and Western bottles there. I came home with several new acquisitions. My only gripe is I wish there were more vendors, and I think in the future, it would be best for dealers to keep their bottles underneath the tables and not for sale while the seminars are ongoing and before the early bird buyers are officially let in. I really want to thank you and your family, Joel Bartsch, Sandor Fuss, and your support staff for organizing such a fun Expo. I would also add your Glass in the Grass event at your place was great fun, and seeing your worldclass bottle collection made it even better. Thanks again for all your hard work.
[James Campiglia, Deadwood, South Dakota] Hi Ferd, I’m Sorry time got away. I never got to sit at the computer until now, so it’s probably too late, but I wanted to send you a note anyway. It was a beautiful hotel and get-together—different than a convention center. It was so nice to stay right there and see friends everywhere you went. Catching up with old friends was crucial and fun. Even a casino chip collector came to say hi and check out the show. I’ll ask him later what he thought. It was a great location, and the museums made it a family destination for me. I made it a family trip and brought my daughter and grandson. I’m not sure enough people came, but that is how shows are. First-class museum display—I wish it was permanent. Maybe it will be, as I hear the collection of Sandor’s might get sold. Fabulous banquet. The hobby is on the upswing, and these events make it better. I’ll think more about Reno 25 shootout bottles, but my main thought is the best Nevada or Reno bottle. Guys like their West Coast whiskeys and sodas, but that’s always done, especially whiskey. I guess best Western BITTERS! But the Cassin’s will win, but then again, Siri has some monsters and early stuff. I think the bottles should be entered way ahead of time, and the owners should be allowed to send in information (So we don’t have a deal like insulators). Also, the owners know their bottles and can hype them as they should with rarity, etc.— where they found them is a fun fact. And how long have they had it perhaps? Let’s make a questionnaire to have the answers and then ask for a paragraph about the bottle. I liked how the owners got up to tell about their bottles, too, but some aren’t great or need a microphone. Thanks for all you guys did.
[Steve Ketcham & Chris Sadar, Edina, Minnesota] Our visit to Houston began with dinner on Tuesday with friends from Wisconsin and Texas. We found the Hotel ZaZa a fine place to hang our hats for a few days. On Wednesday, we rode with friends to Peachridge to enjoy Glass in the Grass beneath the pecan trees. We saw many old friends and some great old bottles. The breakfast tacos were delicious, and the opportunity to view the Meyer collections of bitters and other fine old glass was a real bonus! Thanks, Ferdinand and Elizabeth, for hosting us all! We attended the American Antique Glass Masterpieces exhibition opening on Thursday at the Hous-
In baseball terms, the Sunset Auction was a Grand Slam. We could not have been more impressed with Crowded House Auctions, Martin, Balsam Bill, and Carisa Kimmon, who assisted Martin in calling the auction. We had a lot of fun, and the Hotel ZaZa Grapevine room was packed. To show our appreciation and generate attendance, we also had a catered cocktail party before the auction to entice our bidders to loosen their wallets, so to speak. We wish Martin and Bill success and will give them stellar references to our glass-collecting community. Continued on page 54 Comments continued on page 54
Hubbell] Washington
Drake’s Plantation Bitters, Friday, 02 August 2024, Cobalt Blue Examples For Sale, Saturday, 03 August 2024, Lot #50 Teal Blue Example, Sunset Auction, Sunday, 04 August 2024, Sapphire Blue Example, Raffle Drawing, Hotel ZaZa
What more can I say that you may not already know? To have a commemorative bottle for H24 was the brainchild of Michael Seeliger and Michael Craig that was executed by the master glassblower Treg Silkwood with Michael Craig at his side. We have a professionally made video of the whole Drake’s process on the FOHBC website, so please check it out. Some of you may know that I collect colored figural bitters bottles, so I was keenly aware and cautious of this project as it could go in the wrong direction quickly if the bottles were cheap looking, historically incorrect, or could be sold down the road as an honest Drake’s. Of course, you can tell it is a repro if it sat on the moon and you had a good telescope, as there are no recorded blue Drake’s. At best, I would buy a cobalt Drake’s and put it in a cabinet with all my other repro and historical bottle-related knick-knacks. Not so. My cobalt blue Drake’s now sits proudly in my Drake’s living room window with the originals in the color run and fits right in—and tells a story. I won the teal example in the Sunset Auction (and paid dearly), and Elizabeth won the sapphire example in the raffle; I kid you not. Joel Bartsch picked the winning number from the packed jar that Michael Seeliger held. You can see all three together on the cover of this issue and on page 28.
Houston 24 Antique Bottle and Glass Show & Sale
General Admission & Related Events, Saturday & Sunday, 03 and 04 August 2024, Hotel ZaZa
It’s extraordinary for me to write an article like this. I see so many great pictures taken by our team and am reminded of how big yet small Houston 24 was. I see many people I wish I could have spoken with and hoped many more would have come. The photographs reveal many dealer glass items, exhibit details, and antiques that I did not see as I was doing something else. I’m a proponent of having Sunday for conventions for many reasons, but it is mainly selfish. I need a day to enjoy the show, exhibits, and people because Friday afternoons and Saturdays are hectic. I fear not having Sunday would negate Saturday evening as dealers and most others would high tail it home as the bottle show ended. There are also 100 or so other bottle shows that are only on Saturday or Sunday for the public, and they do well. Do we want to downsize and have a glorified FOHBC bottle show or hold a convention and do the whole weekend? My goodness, our annual Houston International Quilt Festival at our convention center is seven days long with four full days for the public, Thursday through Sunday—and we complain about six hours on Sunday. We will see where this goes. I had a great time with Houston 24 and feel privileged to give back something that has given me so much pleasure.
Right: This HMNS Hall of Paleontology display specimen depicts how I looked when I was asked if I would ever lead an Expo of this magnitude again. Until next time...
ton Museum of Natural Science. The exhibit was professionally curated, and the bottles and glass on display were some of the finest ever. We had fun selecting the piece from the many showcases we would like to take home. We again had a chance to visit with more old friends among the displays, which added another layer to the fun. Around the corner in another gallery, the Wilber and Gugliotti Barber Bottles exhibition was a joy to behold. We also took in the Gem and Mineral Galleries, which were truly eye-opening. The FOHBC Member Breakfast was a tasty start to Friday’s activities. We attended Mike Seeliger’s Three Cobalt Bitters seminar, focusing on three of the most famous gems in the Glass Masterpieces exhibit. Don Keating’s added remarks were the icing on the cake. After the ribbon cutting, we set up our sales table and shopped the floor. We enjoyed the great selection of bottles on the tables throughout the show as we continued to visit with fellow collectors from across the country. The chance to enjoy the social hour and dinner in the Morian Hall of Paleontology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science made for a unique and memorable evening. The Federation awards and the keynote by museum CEO Joel Bartsch were a nice way to end the day. Saturday, the sales room was hopping with activity, and we enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow collectors from start to finish. The evening social hour and auction saw lively bidding, and some impressive old glass crossed the auction block. A slower pace was enjoyed as we once more checked out the offerings around the show and made our final deals before packing up and heading home. We thank everyone on Team H24 for the many hours spent planning an event we could enjoy. The Seeligers, the Craigs, the Meyers, and many more made Houston memorable. We had a great time!
[Russ Price, Holland, Michigan] This was my first FOHBC National and an experience I truly will never forget. You and your family’s efforts were unparalleled; clearly 110% from the heart with an equal amount of blood, sweat, and likely some tears. I apologize for not providing timely input on your after-action report— however, perfection is hard to improve. I worried about the heat (being from the great white north), yet it was not unbearable in the least. As for the cost of the venue, it was worth every penny spent and filled with wonderful, priceless memories. I have never been more proud to be a member of the FOHBC after attending Houston 2024, and I eagerly look forward to Reno! Kind regards to you and yours.
[Tim and Michelle Peters, Nixa, Missouri] Ferdinand, Elizabeth, and helpers: We appreciate all of your hard work and effort that made Houston 2024 one of the best bottle shows we have attended. Everything from the venue, museum, dinosaurs dinner, and actual show was exceptional! Not to mention getting one of the blue Drake’s! Tim would also like to thank you for the hospitality at “Glass in the Grass.”
[Jay Driskill, Walters, Oklahoma] Dear Mr. and Mrs. Meyer, I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the “Glass in the Grass” and the national bottle show. When I first contacted you all, I had no idea that you both were the heartbeat of the weekend. What a wonderful experience. The hotel, the seminars, the repro blue bottles, and the bottle show itself all came together for a wonderful weekend. Thank you for your investment in the future and all the information you provided me.
Texas hospitality at its best. The atmosphere was electric. More cold than hot. H24 Once in a Lifetime!
We thank our members and guests and hope we will see y’all next in Reno at the FOHBC 2025 National Antique Bottle & Glass Convention
More photos at FOHBC.org
Michael Seeliger & Michael Craig Bella Meyer & Seth Wargo
Bill Taylor
Joshua Cedillo & Bandit
Tom Lines
Candace & Treg Silkwood
Kim Kokles, Joel Bartsch & Lou Pellegrini
Michael Seeliger
Team Reno 25
Michael Craig
Gina Pellegrini-Ott
Craig Cassetta Richard Siri
[Left] My father (João Francisco Caldas) found this bottle in the Tocantins River that runs in front of our house. On his birthday, he says he was resting in the afternoon when he witnessed something supernatural. A woman said she had a gift for him that he would have to dive to find. When he dove, his foot went straight into the mouth of the bottle, and that’s when he pulled the bottle from the bottom of the river. It was by the name of “J T GAYEN ALTONA.”– Maria da Conceição Lopes Caldas, Cametá-Pará Brazil
[Above] Many decades ago, this Masonic Arch and Emblems - Eagle and “J.K.B.” Historical Flask was found in Canada and shipped to Edmund and Jayne Blaske sight unseen. It was one of Ed and Jayne’s favorite flasks and equally treasured in later years by Charles and Jane Aprill. The flask was displayed at the Houston 24 “American Antique Glass Masterpieces – A major, museum exhibition showcasing the Sandor P. Fuss Collection” exhibition at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The flask was so special that Sandor selected it to adorn the cover of the accompanying American Antique Glass Masterpieces book. – FOHBC Virtual Museum
[Above] A copy of the US Constitution, the only one of its type thought to be in private hands, was offered for sale at auction recently with a minimum bid of one million dollars. The document, almost 237 years old, had been stored inside in a filing cabinet in North Carolina until it was discovered in 2022. The copy of the document was printed after the Constitutional Convention approved the proposed framework of the nation’s government in 1787 and it was ratified by the Congress of the ineffective first American government under the Articles of Confederation. Just eight are known to still exist and the other seven are publicly owned. Auctioneer Andrew Brunk (pictured above) said “This is the point of connection between the government and the people. The Preamble, ‘we the people,’ this is the moment the government is asking the people to empower them.” Two years ago, a property was being cleared out in Edenton in eastern North Carolina that was once owned by Samuel Johnston. He was the governor of North Carolina from 1787 to 1789 and oversaw the state convention during his last year in office that ratified the Constitution. – Guernsey Press
[Left] After washing. From digging in Muscatine (Iowa) last Friday, August 23rd with Jeff Springer. –Your friends, Mark (Wiseman) and Jimmy the Pup.
Lost & Found
Read and see more in the FOHBC Virtual Museum. Houston 24
[Left] I read an article on the Peachridge Glass website about the David P. Wilber barber bottle collection back in 2012 and this “lava flow” bottle was pictured. I really liked it and saved a photo for my files. In October 2022 it appeared on Ebay and I bid on and won the bottle. Generally I collect opalescent bottles but I felt like this one fit the bill. I would love to know more about it and wondered if you might check to see if Mr. Wilber would mind if I could contact him? I have never seen anything like this and it is one of my favorites. I am ordering the exhibition book and paying with a check that will be mailed tomorrow. Thanks for your help. – Rick Graham
My father (João Francisco Caldas) found this bottle in the Tocantins River that runs in front of our house. On his birthday, he says he was resting in the afternoon when he witnessed something supernatural. A woman said she had a gift for him that he would have to dive to find. When he dove, his foot went straight into the mouth of the bottle, and that’s when he pulled the bottle from the bottom of the river. It was by the name of “J T GAYEN ALTONA.”–Maria da Conceição Lopes Caldas, Cametá-Pará Brazil
[Left] Volunteers on an archaeological dig in the ruins of an ancient Gaulish village high above the cliffs in northern France uncovered a small glass vial—and within it a neatly rolled, 200-year-old message from a colleague from another era. The note was written by archaeologist P. J Féret, who conducted a dig at the Cité de Limes site in January 1825, the town supporting the dig. Féret wrote—perhaps as inspiration to the nascent archaeologists standing in his footsteps nearly two centuries later—that he was a member of several scientific societies and he “continues his research in this entire vast compound.”
– Smithsonian magazine
[Right] More than a century ago, someone named Ewart placed a postcard in the mail. On one side, he scrawled a short note addressed to Lydia Davies, who lived at 11 Cradock Street in Swansea, Wales. The other side featured a beautiful print of a stag standing beneath a blanket of stars. Earlier this month, the card reached its final destination—121 years after it was sent. It arrived at the head office of the Swansea Building Society, a financial institution located at Davies’ former address, where staffers were astonished to find it among the mail.
– Smithsonian magazine
[Left] Recently at the Bureau of Archaeological Research’s Conservation Lab, conservators treated two 17th century English glass “onion” bottles. Glass bottles of this kind found in underwater sites are especially fragile. They easily become encrusted with sand, shell, and other aquatic organisms, as well as go through “delamination” where due to continual contact with water, flakes of glass start separating from the surface, producing an iridescent sheen. With meticulously slow cleaning and drying, the bottles remained intact and were then consolidated with Paraloid B-72, an acrylic resin based consolidant typically used in glass and ceramic conservation. Several coats of this stabilized the remaining glass flakes that were flying off and gave the bottles that shiny appearance you can see in the after-treatment photos. – Florida Division of Historical Resources
Expo
[Above] On April 19, 1930, in Washington, DC, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing announced a new issue of airmail stamps. These three stamps were to be used exclusively on mail carried via Graf Zeppelin on its European – Pan American flights.
Member Photos
A collection of spectacular and inspiring photographs from around the world and around the web. Please feel free to submit your images for consideration.
Read and see more in the
FOHBC Virtual Museum.
Some of my bottles — Loretta Hildre
Some of my bottles — Loretta Hildre
A pretty pair of Keene blown three mold decanters – Rick Ciralli
Just in... — Jeff Noordsy A sample of some scarce wax sealer fruit jar quarts. — Dave Eifler
A neat idea — submitted by Michael Seeliger
Classified Ads
ADVERTISE FOR FREE
Free advertising in each issue of Antique Bottle & Glass Collector (AB&GC). One free “WANTED” or “FOR SALE” ad in AB&GC per year each renewal. See page 72 for more info. DEALERS: Sell your bottles in the Antique Bottle & Glass Collector. Change the bottles each issue. Include your website in your ad to increase traffic to your site. Send all advertisement info to FOHBC Business Manager, Elizabeth Meyer, P.O. Box 1825, Brookshire, Texas 77423 or best, email to: fohbcmembers@gmail.com
FOR SALE
FOR SALE: 1) 14-inch-tall Cathedral pickle, medium forest green, six sided. Cathedral window design with four petals above. Rare color for this mold. $575. 2) Drake’s Plantation Bitters. Very light topaz ginger ale. $725. 3) U.S. Mail embossed eagle mail-box-shaped whiskey. Fluted neck whiskey. Large size. $85. 4) “Leon’s Sarsaparilla Belfast Me.” Unusual neck and lip. You’ll see 100 Dana Sarsaparilla’s before you see a Leon’s. $75. 5) Amber straight-sided coke. Giering Bottling Co. in slug plate. Youngstown, Ohio. Two lip chips. $200. 6) “J. Gahm” mug-base beer. Honey amber. $85. No buyers premium or taxes. Postage $15. Don, 978.994.2629. 01/01/25
FOR SALE: Quality bottles largely from the US, meticulously described and well-priced. Listings with images available on my High Desert Historic Bottle website at historicbottles.com. My email for contact noted on the website. Bill Lindsey, Chiloquin, Oregon. 11/26
FOR SALE: 1) Old Sachems barrel, light champagne color – $850 2) “R&F Atmore” cathedral pickle, open pontil, small in the making 1/2 inch crack in a bubble – $275 3) “Warners Safe Tonic” slug plate – $650 4) “Dr. Keyser’s Blood Searcher, Pittsburgh,” copy cat of Lindseys – $185 5) Coca-Cola store display bottle, 19 inches tall, clear, Dec. 25 1923 – $225 6) “WM Hennessy Lynn Mass.” mug base beer. Olive ladies leg beer and Wagner Maltese Cross, Manchester, light yellow green, pair $150 7) Mail Box Whiskey embossed eagles, fluted neck, nice large size – $95. Satisfaction or return. Don – 978.994.2629 (09/10_24)
FOR SALE: 1) OP Dr. Woods Sarsaparilla Wild Cherry Bitters – $235 2) Warners Safe slug-plated Tonic – $550 3) Old Sachems Wigwam Tonic barrel, super nice, light pink champagne color, $575 4) Old Sachems barrel, golden yellow, matching lip replacement, $175, great shelf bottle 5) J. Gahm mug-base, amber,
complete closure, $55 6) Helena Ark amber script coke, embossed arrows with original label, $125. No buyers premium or taxes. Postage $15. Don, 978.994.2629. 09/10/24
WANTED
WANTED: Harley bottles of West Chester, Pa. and Philadelphia, Pa. The West Chester bottles (4) display either J. Harley, James Harley, Jas. Harley or E.M. Harley. The Phila. Bottles (4) display Edwd. Harley, Schul (Schuylkill) 4th & Market St., Philada. or E. Harley, 802 Market St. or E. Harley, West Market St. or Edw. Harley, 1838 Market St., Phila. Bob Harley, Phone 215.721.1107. Email: rwh220@Yahoo.com 11/24
WANTED: Colored Figural Bitters. Also other bitters that are unusually shaped or unusually colored, for their grouping! Mint specimens only please! Randolph Haumann, 10410 Gold Arrow Drive, Reno, Nevada 89521-5190 or cell 415.518.4124 (leave message) or email: hawkeye751@ outlook.com, Call Now! So you are not sorry...Later! 11/24
WANTED: Rare fruit jars. Like unusual colors, closures and pints. Jerry Ikeda, 916.424.7204, akeda.jerry@gmail.com (07/08_24)
WANTED: California five-gallon water bottles, all water companies, all makers, certain dates. Water companies include Aztec, Bimini, Cascade, Cuyamaca, Crystal Springs, Duplex, Electrified, Elysian, Frespuro, Hollywood, Liquid Steam, Magnetic, Magnolia, Matilija, Perfection, Topango, and many more. Makers include McLaughlin, Latchford, Illinois, IPGCo, Federal, Monarch, BGMC, CGMC, Brock, McDonald, Davis, GPD, WP, SGCo. May trade. Peter Utas: peterutas@aol.com, 310.893.9181. (07/08_24)
WANTED: Amber, aqua or clear bottles or jars with the logo “N” inside a Keystone symbol on the base. Contact Barry Bernas at phone 717.338.9539 or email barryb6110@aol.com (05/06_24 to 07/08_25)
WANTED: Looking for Rio Grande College milk bottle. Also Butler Dairy, Spregal Dairy in Gallia County, Ohio. 740.441.1236, Erin, peroe53@gmail.com (09/10_24)
WANTED: Key West, Miami and West Palm Beach bottle. Call Larry: 561.628.6311 (11/12_24)
WANTED: Early crude and colored “squares” with damage but embossing intact. Tom: 707.397.1815 or pontil1903@yahoo com (01/02/25)
WELCOME
We welcome the following new members to the FOHBC: Caitlin Anderson, Nelson Anderson, Keith Baumgartner, Ed Casey Billhimer, Thomas Daly, Ernie Dills, Kyle Edwards, Karl Furr, Roger Hill, Dave Kam, Isriya Kendrick, David Kirkland, Chuck McCurry, Gavin Moody, Donna Riedman, Brad Shultis, Josef Sikora, Sean Werle and Travis Chapman Wyatt.
VOLUNTEERS
The FOHBC is always looking for help and volunteer work for the many projects and initiatives of the organization.
Sho-Biz Calendar of Shows
FOHBC Sho - Biz is published in the interest of the hobby. Federation-affiliated clubs are indicated in red. Information on upcoming collecting events is welcome, but space is limited. Please send at least three months in advance, including telephone number to: FOHBC Sho-Biz, c/o Business Manager: Elizabeth Meyer, P.O. Box 1825, Brookshire, Texas 77423; phone: 713.504.0628; email: fohbcmembers@gmail.com Show schedules are subject to change. Please call before traveling long distances. All listings published here will also be published on the FOHBC.org website.
FOHBC Member Clubs: Please request event insurance coverage at least two months before your event. Email fohbcmembers@gmail.com. Put “Show Insurance” in subject line.
02 November 2024 –Florence, Alabama
Robert Sledge North Alabama Bottle & Advertising Show at the Underwood Petersville Community Center, 840 County Road 7, Florence, Alabama 35633, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Set-up Friday, 01 November 1:00 to 8:00 pm, Saturday 7:00 to 9:00 am. Contact Tim Clark, 256.710.4477 or Robbie McDowell 256.206.5718.
03 November 2024 – Elkton, Maryland
The Tri-State Bottle Collectors and Diggers Club 51st Annual Show & Sale, Singerly Fire Hall, Routes 279 & 213 (I-95 exit 109A), 300 Newark Avenue, Elkton, Maryland 21922, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, No Early Admission, Dealers only entry at 7:30 am for Set-up, Admission: $3 per person, Children under age 12 free, Contact: Dave Porter, President, 100 Jarmon Road, Elton, Maryland, 21921, 717.779-8324, daveelle@msn.com, FOHBC Member Club
08 & 09 November 2024 – Auburn, California
’49er Historical Bottle Association Best in the West Antique Bottle & Collectibles Shown 2024, Gold Country Fairgrounds & Event Center, 1273 High Street, Auburn, California 95603, Friday Early Admission Noon to 5:00 pm $15, Public Saturday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Set-up Friday Noon to 5:00 pm. For show info contact: Dan Bell, 530.8794 or Max Bell 530.368.9495, FOHBC Member Club
09 November 2024 – Royal Oak, Michigan
The Metropolitan Detroit Antique Bottle Club’s 41st Annual Antique Bottle Show & Sale, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Admission $3, Early Admission 8:00 to 9:30 am $25. Free Appraisals! Royal Oak Elks Lodge #1523, 2401 E. Fourth Street, Royal Oak, Michigan 48067, Contact: Mike Brodzik, Club President and Show Chairman, 586.219.9980, bottlemike@outlook.com, FOHBC Member Club
10 November 2024 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Pittsburgh Antique Bottle Club’s 54th Annual Show & Sale, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, early buyers 7:00 am, $25. Admission is $3. PittsburghAntiqueBottleClub.org, Elizabeth VFD Event Center, 107 Market Street, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania 15037, Directions Here, Contact Info: Bob DeCroo, 724.326.8741 or Jay Hawkins, 724.872.6013, FOHBC Member Club
10 November 2024 – Pompton Lakes
New Jersey North Jersey 54th Annual Antique Bottle Show and Sale, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Pompton Lakes Elks Lodge #1895, 1 Perrin Ave., Pompton Lakes, New Jersey 07442, just off I-287 Exit 57 or Rt. 202., Free Admission, $15 early admission (8:00 am), Featuring all types of antique bottles, glassware, stoneware, advertising, postcards, small antiques, etc., Sponsored by North Jersey Antique Bottle Collectors Ass’n, Vendor info: Call Ed 201.493.7172 or email metropetro222@gmail.com, All welcome! FOHBC Member Club
15 & 16 November 2024 – Biloxi, Mississippi
Presented by the Olde Guys Digging Club of Biloxi, MS, the 7th Annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Antique Bottle Show
will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Joppa Shrine Temple, 13280 Shriners Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39532 (Exit 41- I-10). Dealer Set Up on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm and Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 8:00 to 9:00 am. Free Admission on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Early Buyers $20 per person during dealer set up on Friday. For more information or table contracts contact: Peter Taggard, 645 Village Lane South, Mandeville, Louisiana 70471. Phone 985.373.6487 Email: petertaggard@yahoo.com
22 & 23 November 2024 – Houston, Texas
56 Years Strong! The Houston Bottle, Advertising & Collectibles Show, Saturday, 23 November, 2024, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 North Loop West Freeway, Houston, Texas 77040, 610 North Loop East. West TC Jester Exit. Early Admission Friday, 22 November 2024, 1:00 to 8:00 pm, $10 per person, Free admission Saturday, For show and table information, contact Barbara J. Puckett, 907 W. Temple, Houston, Texas 77009, (h) 713.862.1690 or cell 713.409.9940, email: Bpuckett77009@ yahoo.com
23 November 2024 – Clemmons, North Carolina
Clemmons Antique Bottle Show (formerly Greensboro Bottle Show) at the Village Inn Hotel & Event Center, 6205 Ramada Dr. Clemmons, North Carolina 27012, Saturday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, No Early admission, Set up: Saturday 7:00 am to 9:00 am. Free to the Public! Contact: David Erickson, 336.247.1928, dave.erickson111@ gmail.com
23 November 2024 – Terre Haute, Indiana
Wabash Valley Antique Bottle and Pottery Club Presents a Bottle, Pottery and Tabletop Antique Show & Sale, Saturday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Set-up Saturday, 6:00 am to 8:00 am. Free admission and Parking. VFW Post 972, 218 N. 12th Street, Terre Haute, Indiana 47807, Contact Marty Plascak, 7210 E. Gross Drive, Terre Haute, Indiana 47802, mplascak@ma.rr.com, FOHBC Member Club
16–18 January 2025 – Muncie, Indiana
Midwest Antique Fruit Jar & Bottle Club presents the 2024 Convention 53rd Annual Show! Located at Courtyard by Marriott & Horizon Convention Center (401 S. High St., Muncie, Indiana) 53rd Annual Non-Stop 3-Day Event, Dealers & Collectors Get Together at Hotel. Swapping Jars. Swapping Stories. Culminating at the Show with Over 80 Tables, Thursday, Jan 16. Workshops, Roomto-Room Sales, Social Activities, Friday, Jan 17, Club Meeting, Show & Tell, Auction, Fruit Jar Get-Together and Room to Room. Saturday, Jan 18, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Free Appraisals, $2 Admission, Details at fruitjar.org. $40/First Table & $35 for Additional Table. montyfoust@ comcast.net, 765.635.4626, FOHBC Member Club
18 January 2025 – Jackson, Mississippi
40th Annual Mississippi Antique Bottle, Advertising & Collectible Show, Free admission. Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; Mississippi Fairgrounds Trade Mart Building, 1207 Mississippi St., Jackson, Mississippi 39202, Contact Cheryl Comans, 1211 S. Fifth Ave., Cleveland, Mississippi 38732, 601.218.3505, cherylcomans@ gmail.com, FOHBC Member Club
01 February 2025 – DeFuniak Springs, Florida
Canceled The Emerald Coast Bottle Collectors Inc., 22nd Annual Antique Bottle & Collectibles Show & Sale, will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center, 361 N. 10th Street, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433. Free Admission. Tables are $35 each, eight feet long and there are 40 available for the show. All tables must be paid for in advance. For more information and/or table contracts please contact Richard. Email: shards@bellsouth.net, text or call 850.435.5425.
02 February 2025 – Waukesha, Wisconsin
52nd Annual Milwaukee Antique Bottle and Advertising Show, Sunday, February 2, 2025, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, $6 admission. Early admission at 8:00 am is $20. 140 sales tables of bottles, breweriana, and advertising. Door prizes. Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188. Directions: I-94 exit 294 (Hwy J), then south to Northview Road. For further information: mabacshow@yahoo.com, FOHBC Member Club
16 February 2025 – Columbus, Ohio
The Central Ohio Antique Bottle Club’s 54th Annual Show & Sale, Sunday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm; early buyers 7:00 to 9:00 am, $20. Admission is $5, Doubletree Inn, 175 Hutchinson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio (I-270 & Rt. 23); Contact Rojer Moody, 740.703.4913, rtmoody@juno.com, or Brad Funk, 614.264.7846, bradfunk@yahoo.com, FOHBC Member Club
21 & 22 February 2025 – Phoenix, Arizona
The Phoenix Antiques, Bottles and Collectibles Club 42nd Annual Show and Sale held at the North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85012. Friday 2:00 to 6:00 pm ($10 admission) and Saturday and 8:30 am to 3:30 pm ($3 admission). For more information contact Betty Hartnett, Show Chair, 602.317.4438, bettchem@cox.net. Visit the club website at phoenixantiquesclub.org, FOHBC Member Club
21 & 22 February 2025 – Dothan, Alabama 1st Annual Jake’s Vintage Finds Antique, Bottle & Advertising Show, National Peanut Fairgrounds, Dothan, Alabama, Friday Early Bird shopping from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Saturday General Admission from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For vendor application information please visit Jakesantiqueshow.com
22 February 2025 – Kent, Washington
Washington Bottle & Collectors Association Annual Show and Sale, Kent Commons Community Center, 525 Fourth Avenue N., Kent, Washington 98032. General Public Admission is Free, Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; Early Admission is $10, 8:00 am to 10:00 am. Washington Bottle & Collectors Association (WBCA), Website: wabottleclub.org, Contact: Lisa Conners, lisa.g.conners@gmail.com, FOHBC Member Club
22 February 2025 – Round Rock, Texas
Central Texas Bottle, Jar, Insulator, Pottery/Stoneware, Breweriana, Advertising and Collectibles Show, Saturday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm; Dealer set-up: Friday, 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Early Bird $10 at 3:00 pm Friday. General Admission: Free. Old
Settlers Park Events Center, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd. (E. US 79), Round Rock, Texas 78665. Contact: Brad Weber, 512.909.8551, webe992@gmail.com
22 February 2025 – Grand Rapids, Michigan
The West Michigan Antique Bottle Club presents their 34th Annual Antique Bottle Show & Sale, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm, $3 admission cost. No early admission. Set-up 8:00 to 9:30 am. Fonger American Legion Post, 2327 Wilson, S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49534, Contact Steve DeBoode, Show chair, 616.667.0214, thebottleguy@comcast.net, FOHBC Member Club
08 March 2025 – Richfield, North Carolina
Uwharrie Bottle Club Presents the 17th Annual Bottle, Advertising & Collectibles Show and Sale at the Baptist Fellowship Hall, 24639 NC Highway 49, Richfield, North Carolina 28137. Free Admission. Open to the public 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. For info contact Todd McSwain, 704.438.0305 or email mcswain8649@ windstream.net FOHBC Member Club
14 & 15 March 2025 – Dalton, Georgia
4th Annual Chattanooga | North Georgia Antique Bottles & Advertising Show, Dalton Convention Center, 2211 Tony Ingle Pkwy, Dalton, Georgia 30720 (Exit 333 off I-75). Concessions available. Early Buyers Saturday: 8:00 to 9:00 am ($20). Admission Free Saturday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Show Chairmen: Jason Herron 205.913.9748 and Buddy Lasater 423.718.3521, FOHBC Member Club
22 March 2025 – Daphne, Alabama
The Mobile Bottle Collectors Club’s 52nd Annual Antique Bottle & Collectibles Show & Sale will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US Hwy 98, Daphne, Alabama 36526. Free Admission and Bottle Appraisals. Dealer Setup is Friday, March 21, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 7:00 to 9:00 am. For more information, contact Rod Vining at 251.957.6725, Email: vinewood@ mchsi.com or Facebook: Mobile Bottle Collector’s Club Show & Sale See Sales Table Application and Contract on website, FOHBC Member Club
23 March 2025 – Somers, Connecticut 54th Annual Somers Antique Bottle Club’s Antique Bottle Show and Sale, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm., Admission $5, Early buyers: 8:00 am $15. Joanna’s Restaurant, 145 Main Street, Route 190, Somers, Connecticut 06071. Contact: Don Desjardins, 22 Anderson Road, Ware, Massachusetts 01082, 413.967.4431 or 413.687,4808, dondes@comcast.net, FOHBC Member Club
30 March 2025 – West Friendship, Maryland
The Baltimore Antique Bottle Club Show & Sale, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, baltimorebottleclub.org, Howard County Fairgrounds, Main Exhibition Hall, 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship, Maryland 21794, Contact Info: Shawn Peters, Show Director, 240.508.1032, BaltoMd_stoneware@outlook.com. For Contracts: Micah Dolina, mdolina@hotmail.com, FOHBC Member Club 04 & 05 April 2025 – Reddick, Florida
The Deland Antique Bottle Show at Turkey Creek, Saturday, 05 April, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, Friday, 04 April, Early Buyers $20 and Dealer Set-up 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. FREE admission Saturday, Turkey Creek Auctions Building, 15323 NW Gainesville Road, Reddick, Florida 32686; Contact Ronnie McCormick, 352.262.8672, oldflabottles@ gmail.com or Louise O’Quinn, 386.943.2766, edlouise210@gmail. com, FOHBC Member Club
05 April 2025 – Dover, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Bottle Collectors Association Annual Show & Sale at the Dover Township Community Center, 3700 Davidsburg Road, Dover, Pennsylvania 17315, Saturday 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Set up: Friday 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Saturday 6:00 to 8:00 am. $2 admission. Pennsylvania Bottle Collectors Association, Contact Gregory Druck, chairman, 2266 Maple Road, Dover, Pennsylvania, 17408, 717.792.9050, gdruck3141@comcast.net
06 April 2025 – Tylersport, Pennsylvania
The 28th Annual Bucks-Mont Bottle Show, Admission: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, $3, early buyers 8:00 am, $10, Show Address: Tylersport Fire Company, 125 Ridge Road, Tylersport, Pennsylvania 18971, Information: David Long 215.892.2813, cadklong@verizon.net or Greg Gifford, 215.699.5216
06 April 2025 – Bloomington, Minnesota
18 May 2025 – Washington, Pennsylvania
Washington County Antique Bottle Club 51st Annual Show and Sale, Alpine Star Lodge, 735 Jefferson Avenue, Washington, Pennsylvania 15301, Admission $3, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Early admission $25 at 7:30 am. Info: Ed Kuskie, 412.405.9061, 352 Pineview Drive, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania 15037, bottlewizard@ comcasat.net, FOHBC Member Club
31 July–03 August 2025 – Reno, Nevada
FOHBC Reno 2025 National Antique Bottle and Glass Convention at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino. For information contact Craig Cassetta, ccassettafohbc@gmail.com or Richard Siri, rtsiri@sbcglobal.net, Direct Link to Hotel Reservations at FOHBC.org, FOHBC National Event
North Star Historical Bottle Association Presents its 53rd Annual Antique Bottle, Advertising, and Stoneware Show and Sale, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Knights of Columbus Event Center, 1114 American Blvd. West, Bloomington, Minnesota 55420. Admission $5. Info: 651.271-3423, AKonitzer1@gmail.com or 952.221.0915, steve@antiquebottledepot.com, FOHBC Member Club
11 & 12 April 2025 – Antioch, California
The Golden Gate Historical Bottle Society’s 57th Annual Bottles, Antiques & Collectibles Show & Sale, Early Buyers: Friday 12 pm to 5 pm, $10 Admission; General Admission: Saturday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Free. Contra Costa Event Park (Fairgrounds), Sunset Hall, 1201 West 10th Street, Antioch, California 94509. Info: Gary and Darla Antone, 925.373.6758, packrat49er@netscape.net, FOHBC Member Club
26 April 2025 – Columbia, South Carolina
at addy@brammers.net
The South Carolina Bottle Club’s 52nd Annual Show & Sale, 206 Jamil Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29210, 2024 sellout at 190 tables! A new record! Saturday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Donation at the door suggested, Dealer Only Set-Up 7:00 am to 9:00 am, Jamil Shrine Temple, Contact: Marty Vollmer 803.629.8553, martyvollmer@aol.com or Art Gose 803.840.1539, scbottlehunters@ gmail.com, FOHBC Member Club
10 May 2025 – Gardendale, Alabama
5th Annual Alabama Bottle & Advertising Show, Saturday, May 10, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm; Free Admission and Appraisals. Gar dendale Civic Center, 857 Main Street, Gardendale, Alabama 35071 (10 minutes north of Birmingham). Info: Keith Quinn: 205.365.1983, klq1812@gmail.com or Steve Holland, 205.492.6864. Visit our Facebook page Alabama Bottle Collectors’ Society FOHBC Member Club
Custom modifications allowed such as long sleeve vs. short sleeve or front or back design position.
Membership Benefits & Display Advertising Rates
The Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC) is a non-profit organization supporting antique bottle and glass collecting. The goal of the FOHBC is to promote the collection, study, preservation and display of historical bottles and related artifacts and to share this information with other collectors and individuals. Membership is open to any individual, club or institution interested in the enjoyment and study of antique bottles and glass. Membership benefits include:
–Antique Bottle & Glass Collector (AB&GC), the official publication of FOHBC and the leading publication for those interested in antique bottle and glass collecting and all associated ephemera. Annual subscription includes 6 issues (bi-monthly) of this all-color, 72-page plus covers publication. (Digital memberships also available.)
–Free classified advertising in AB&GC. Ads may be up to 100 words for items of $25 or greater value; and one free ad of 60 words each year For Sale, Wanted, or For Trade. (Restrictions apply and free ads are limited to the first received for available space.) Ads appear on the FOHBC website also. See page 72.
–FOHBC.org, a comprehensive website dedicated to the organization and hobby, providing access through the Members Portal to the latest news in the collecting world, Membership Directory, archived magazine issues, indexed articles, Federation meeting minutes and announcements, and a vast assortment of research material.
–Virtual Museum of Historical Bottles and Glass, the most comprehensive antique bottle and glass experience on the Internet. Spinning images of museum-quality examples of antique bottles and glass, including well-researched history of the manufacture, distribution, and use of each item.
–Auction Price Report, an online resource which includes the sale price and description of anything auctioned by the top antique bottle and glass auction houses in the past decade. Easy to use. Updated annually. (Password protected.)
–National Shows and Conventions, featuring displays, educational seminars, membership meetings, social events, and banquet with interesting speakers, all centered around a first-class sale event. Members are eligible for discounts on “Early Admission” or table rental.
–Newsletter, digital presentation of periodic postings to keep FOHBC members up to date on current issues affecting the hobby.
Affiliated Bottle Club Membership brings these additional benefits to your group:
–Federation-sponsored Insurance Program for your show and any other club-sponsored activities. (Application required for each event.) Value of this is many times more than the cost of club membership.
–Club Display Ad in AB&GC at discount of 50%.
–Free Club Show Ad on the Federation website to increase your show’s exposure.
–Free Links to Club Website; Social Media (Facebook) exposure.
–Free Federation Ribbons for Best in Show and Most Educational display at your show.
For more information, questions, or to join the FOHBC, please contact: Elizabeth Meyer, FOHBC Business Manager, P.O. Box 1825, Brookshire, Texas 77423; phone: 713.504.0628 or email: fohbcmembers@gmail.com
Visit us at FOHBC.org
Where there’s a will there’s a way to leave Donations to the FOHBC
Did you know the FOHBC is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization?
How does that affect you? It allows tax deductions for any and all donations to the FOHBC. You might also consider a bequest in your will to the FOHBC. This could be a certain amount of money or part or all of your bottle collection. The appraised value of your collection would be able to be deducted from your taxes. (This is not legal advice, please consult an attorney.) The same-type wording could be used for bequeathing your collection or part of it; however, before donating your collection (or part of it), you would need the collection appraised by a professional appraiser with knowledge of bottles and their market values. This is the amount that would be tax deductible. Thank you for considering the FOHBC in your donation plans.
For Membership, complete the following application or sign up at FOHBC.org (Please Print)
Name
Address
City __________ State___________________
Zip ___________ Country _________________
Telephone
Email Address
Collecting Interests ________________________
Additional Comments
Do you wish to be listed in the online membership directory?(name, address, phone number, email address and what you collect) { } Yes { } No
Would you be interested in serving as an officer? { } Yes { } No
Would you be interested in contributing your bottle knowledge by writing articles for our magazine? { } Yes { } No
Would you be interested in volunteering to help on any FOHBC projects? { } Yes { } No
Membership/Subscription rates for one year (6 issues) (Circle One)
(All First Class sent in a protected mailer)
United States
- Standard Mail
- Standard Mail w/Associate*
-
Digital Membership (electronic files only)
$40 1st Class $55
Antique Bottle & Glass Collector Free Ads
Category: “WANTED”
Maximum - 60 words
Limit - One free ad per current membership year. OR
Category: “FOR SALE”
Maximum - 100 words
Limit - 1 ad per issue.
(Use extra paper if necessary.)
$25
Canada – First Class $60 Other countries – First Class $80
- Life Membership: Level 1: $1,000, includes all benefits of a Standard 1st Class membership. No promise of a printed magazine for life.
- Level 2: $500, includes all benefits of a regular membership but you will not receive a printed magazine, but rather a digital subscription.
Add an Associate Membership* to any of the above at $5 for each Associate for each year.
Associate Member Name(s)
*Associate Membership is available to members of the immediate family of any adult holding an Individual Membership. Children age 21 or older must have their own individual membership. Associate Members enjoy all of the rights and privileges of an Individual Membership.
Signature
Please make checks or money orders payable to FOHBC and mail to:
Affiliated Club Membership for only $75 with liability insurance for all club-sponsored events, 50% discount on advertising in Antique Bottle & Glass Collector, plus so much more, Contact: FOHBC Business Manager: Elizabeth Meyer, PO Box 1825, Brookshire, Texas 77423, 713.504.0628, fohbcmembers@ gmail.com
Clearly Print or Type Your Ad
Send to: FOHBC Business Manager: Elizabeth Meyer, P.O. Box 1825, Brookshire, Texas 77423; phone: 713.504.0628; or better yet, email Elizabeth at: fohbcmembers@gmail.com
Magazine Submission Requirements:
We welcome the submission of articles and related pictures pertaining to antique bottle and early glass collecting, our hobby, digging, diving, and finding, as well as other interesting stories.
SUBMISSION POLICY—Articles:
All Antique Bottle & Glass Collector articles or material needs to be submitted via an FTP site, email or hard copy.
Electronic text files should be in Microsoft Word.
Electronic photo files should be in JPEG, TIFF or EPS format.
Resolution of 300 dpi at actual publication size is preferred but as low as 150 dpi (at double publication size) is acceptable.
SUBMISSION POLICY—Classified ads:
All ad copy should be typewritten, clearly & legibly printed, or sent via e-mail.
The FOHBC will not be responsible for errors in an ad due to poor quality, illegible copy.
The FOHBC reserves the right to refuse any advertising.
Please send articles/images to fmeyer@fmgdesign.com or mail to business manager noted on bottom of previous column.
Antique Bottle & Glass Collector
Thursday, July 31 - Sunday, August 3, 2025
Antique Bottle Show & Sales, Bottle Competition, Early Admission, Seminars, Displays, Awards Banquet, Membership Breakfast, Raffle, Children’s Events and more…
