B&e 2marchapril2010

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Vol. 21 No. 2

Early American Midwestern Glass

At Auction

March - April, 2010

Show Reports

Puzzle Trade Cards

Find the missing pieces in this issue!



Vol. 21 No. 2

March - April, 2010

No. 188

Table of Contents FOHBC Officer Listing 2008 - 2010 .... 2 President’s Message .............................. 3 Recent Finds .......................................... 4 At Auction ............................................. 5 Shards of Wisdom ................................. 6 Paper Trail ............................................. 8 A Book in Review.................................10 Regional Reports ................................. 12 Genessee Valley Bottle Collectors Association John DeVolder ............................... 26

Souvenir China Steve Rush ...................................... 28 Early American Midewestern Glass Dave Maryo ................................... 30 Legends of the Jar Bruce Schank ................................ 32

Barrel Containers from the Capstan Glass Company Barry L. Bernas .............................50 In Pursuit of the Elusive Diamond G Bill Lockhart ...................................... 56 Classified Ads & Ad Rate Information ... 62

Show Reports ...................................... 38

Show Biz ............................................. 66

When Mr. Libbey Went to the Fair Jack Sullivan ................................. 44

Membership Additions and Changes... 69

Regional Reports continued ....................................... 48

Membership Application ..................... 71 Membership Benefits .......................... 72

Don’t miss an issue - Please check your label for expiration information. Fair use notice: Some material above has been submitted for publication in this magazine and/or was originally published by the authors and is copyrighted. We, as a non-profit organization, offer it here as an educational tool to increase further understanding and discussion of bottle collecting and related history. We believe this constitutes “fair use” of the copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you wish to use this material for purposes of your own that go beyond “fair use”, you must obtain permission from the copyrighted owner(s).

WHO DO I CONTACT ABOUT THE MAGAZINE? CHANGE OF ADDRESS, MISSING ISSUES, etc., contact the Business Manager June Lowry, 401 Johnston Ct., Raymore, MO 64083; Phone: (816) 318-0160 or email: OSUBuckeyes71@aol.com To ADVERTISE, SUBSCRIBE or RENEW a subscription, see pages 62 and 71 for details. To SUBMIT A STORY, send a LETTER TO THE EDITOR, or have COMMENTS and concerns, Contact: Jesse Sailer, 136 Jefferson Street, East Greenville, PA 18041 Phone: (215) 715-2611 or email: jsailerbotmags@verizon.net BOTTLES AND EXTRAS © (ISSN 1050-5598) is published bi-monthly (6 issues per year) by the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors, Inc. (a non-profit IRS C3 educational organization) at 401 Johnston Ct., Raymore, MO 64083; Phone: (816) 318-0160; Website: http://www. fohbc.com. Non-profit periodicals postage paid at Raymore, MO 64083 and additional mailing office, Pub. #005062. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bottles and Extras, FOHBC, 401 Johnston Court, Raymore, MO 64083; ph: (816) 318-0160. Annual subscription rate is $30 or $45 for First Class, $50 Canada and $65 other foreign in U.S. funds. The Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors, Inc. assumes no responsibility for products and services advertised in this publication. The names: Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors, Inc., and Bottles and Extras©, are registered ® names of the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors, Inc., and no use of either, other than as references, may be used without expressed written consent from the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors., Inc. Certain material contained in this publication is copyrighted by, and remains the sole property of, the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors, Inc., while others remain property of the submitting authors. Detailed information concerning a particular article may be obtained from the Editor. Printed by Modernlitho, Jefferson City, MO 65101


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Bottles and Extras

Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors Business & News The Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors is a non-profit organization for collectors of historical bottles 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 2008-2010 President: Richard Siri, PO Box 3818, Santa Rosa, CA 95402; phone: (707) 542-6438; e-mail: rtsiri@sbcglobal.net First Vice-President: Bob Ferraro, 515 Northridge Dr, Boulder City, NV 89005; phone: (701) 293-3114; e-mail: mayorferraro@aol.com Second Vice-President: John Pastor, PO Box 227, New Hudson, MI 48165; phone: (248) 486-0624; e-mail: jpastor@americanglassgallery.com Secretary: Ed Herrold, 65 Laurel Loop, Maggie Valley, NC 28751; phone: (828) 926-2513; e-mail: drbitters@mindspring.com Treasurer: Alan DeMaison, 1605 Clipper Cove, Painesville, OH 44077; phone: (440) 358-1223; e-mail: a.demaison@sbcglobal.net Historian: Richard Watson, 10 S Wendover Rd, Medford, NJ 08055; phone: (856) 983-1364; e-mail: crwatsonnj@verizon.net Editor (acting): Jesse Sailer, 136 Jefferson St., East Greenville, PA 18041; phone: (215) 715-2611; e-mail: jsailerbotmags@verizon.net Merchandising Director: Kent Williams, 1835 Oak Ter, Newcastle, CA 95658; phone: (916) 663-1265; e-mail: KentW@ppoa.org Membership Director: Gene Bradberry, PO Box 341062, Memphis, TN 38184; phone: (901) 372-8428; e-mail: Genebsa@comcast.net Convention Director: R Wayne Lowry, 401 Johnston Ct, Raymore, MO 64083; phone: (816) 318-0161; e-mail: JarDoctor@aol.com

Business Manager: June Lowry, 401 Johnston Ct, Raymore, MO 64083; phone: (816) 318-0160; e-mail: OSUBuckeyes71@aol.com Director-at-Large: Carl Sturm, 88 Sweetbriar Branch, Longwood, FL 32750; phone: (407) 332-7689; e-mail: glassmancarl@sprintmail.com Director-at-Large: Sheldon Baugh, 252 W Valley Dr, Russellville, KY 42276; phone: (270) 726-2712; e-mail: shel6943@bellsouth.net Director-at-Large: Cecil Munsey, 13541 Willow Run Rd, Poway, CA 92064; phone: (858) 487-7036; e-mail: cecilmunsey@cox.net Midwest Region Director: Jamie Houdeshell, PO Box 57, Haskins, OH 43525; phone: (419) 722-3184; e-mail: JHBottle@hotmail.com Northeast Region Director: James Bender, PO Box 162, Sprakers, NY 12166; phone: (518) 673-8833; e-mail: Jim1@frontiernet.net Southern Region Director: Jack Hewitt, 1765 Potomac Ct. Lawrenceville, GA 30043; phone: (770) 856-6062 e-mail: hewittja@bellsouth.net Western Region Director: Bill Ham, 4237 Hendricks Rd, Lakeport, CA 95433; phone: (707) 263-6563; e-mail: billham9@gmail.com Public Relations Director: James Berry, 200 Fort Plain Watershed Rd, St. Johnsville, NY 13452; phone: (518) 568-5683; e-mail: jhberry10@yahoo.com


Bottles and Extras

March/April, 2010

Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors

President’s Message By the time this issue gets in your hand, the Board of Directors will be meeting at Baltimore. That city has become the site of our spring meeting with the annual show the site of our second meeting of the year which is the meeting most referred to in the bylaws. I would also like to point out that the Baltimore Antique Bottle Club provides the FOHBC with a table at their show at no charge which we set up to encourage collectors to join the FOHBC . In previous issues, I stated that the Board was reviewing the bylaws to bring them up to date with the changes that have occurred over time. We were to have voted on the revisions at the Baltimore meeting. Well, that’s not going to happen. After several drafts and a few conference calls we are still working on them. At the March meeting, I hope we will have completed the revisions. Getting 18 Board members to agree on revisions is not an easy thing. However, the revisions will be ready to vote on at the Wilmington, Ohio meeting. I have been hearing good things about our magazine, Bottles & Extras, from lots of people. When I look at other publications from organizations that I belong to, it’s the one I like the most. In the next issue, I will be able to tell you about the Virtual Museum project that the FOHBC will be developing.

NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE

Any member in good standing can file to run for an FOHBC board position. Must be filed by

April 1st.

Contact person: Bill Ham Western Region Director billham9@gmail.com

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

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President: Richard Siri PO Box 3818 Santa Rosa, CA 95402 (707) 542-6438 rtsiri@sbcglobal.net

Ferdinand Meyer V will head the program that develops the site. I’m looking forward to it and think it will be a tremendous asset to the FOHBC. Don’t forget to get in your reservations for the National Show in Wilmington, Ohio in August. It should turn out to be a big show and you would not want to miss it. If you would be interested in purchasing a FOHBC shirt at the National, let June Lowry know in advance so she can get an order put together prior to the show. Check out the ad in the Jan.-Feb. issue for descriptions and prices. There will be a slate of nominees for officers and directors in the May–June issue of Bottles & Extras. If you would like to run for one of these positions, you have until April 1st to file a nomination form with the election committee. Contact is Billham9@gmail.com Been raining for the last 12 days (as of Feb. 1) in both Northern and Southern California. Rain totals are up to average for the first time in 5 years . The ground is finally wet; I’m going out and try to probe a hole to dig. Sincerely, Richard Siri - President FOHBC

Where there’s a will there’s a way to leave collections to FOHBC Did you know the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors is a 501C(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. An example of a bequest would be:

(This is not legal advice, please consult an attorney)

I give and bequeath to the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors, 401 Johnston Ct, Raymore, MO 64083, the sum of $____________ to be used as its Board of Directors determines. 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 us in your donation plans. Richard Siri, President Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors


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Bottles and Extras

RECENT FINDS Hello, I have come across what might be a spectacular find here in Tennessee. Please review the attached pictures and give me your professional opinion on this bottle of Paine’s Celery Compound. The Cork is in very good condition which I found amazing. I have possession of the box, the customer survey form and the Testimonial Booklet. The Bottle is immaculate with both Labels and is Full! Thank You, David Anderson

appears in 1932 by Glenshaw, I am assuming the number “33” represents the year of issue. Can anyone concur with this idea? Mike Elling, Sharon, Tennessee

All Nehiphiles In what was a very lucky break, a seller from Alton, Illinois on eBay, offered a near-mint Springfield NEHI embossed silk stocking bottle for $9.99 on “Buy It Now!” All Springfield stocking bottles are scarce because this bottler, a Mr. Messer, did not regularly offer the large 9 oz NEHI bottle. Instead, for more than a decade he continued to use the standard 6 oz, Chero Soda Water bottle. When he did go larger, he issued his own proprietary design 8 fluid oz “Messer’s Sodas” in light green glass. It has a vague resemblance to the Chero twist bottle, however, the 17 flutes go vertical up the glass instead of twist. I have one of these bottles in my collection dated 1929. Though I lack the known Springfield, Illinois, Chero-Cola twist, I do have four examples of his Chero Soda Water in 6 oz pyramid points design; a 1924, 1926, 1929, and a 1935. The 1935 is in clear glass and the base says “Messer Bottling Co.” This NEHI stocking bottle has Glenshaw Glass Company markings. It has a standard “square-G” emblem on the bottom opposite a number “5”. Then, on the cusp of the bottle, the terms “G1” are seen opposite “33”. Because the square-G logo first

*****HELP NEEDED***** Strike it Rich? Want to Share? This is your venue!

This is the opportune time to share your recent finds with fellow collectors. Make this your column. You’ll see how infectious this can become for others to follow. We welcome your write-ups and your photos. Remember: This space belongs to you


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At Auction Auction that ended January 18, 2010 and held by American Bottle Auctions encompassed 325 rare and vintage bottles and grossed over $275,000.

The top lot was a Chalmers Catawba wine bitters bottle, graded 9.8 out of 10 for condition and considered one of the top five western bitters known. The bottle - trademarked Sutters Old Mills, Spruance Stanley & Co., Proprietors - had an applied top and boasted loads of whittle in a brilliant bluish aqua color. No better example. $19,600.

“Four Our Country Eagle” pint flask, over 150 years old with sheared lip and pontil, in a color best described as tobacco green with striations of olive. It depicted a 20-star flag surrounded by six ribs. $14,560.

Baltimore-Sunburst half-pint (circa 1840-50), graded 9.8, a superior high-quality example in a light to medium pinkish copper color and a superior high-quality example. $11,200.

Spectacular Bridgeton New JerseyWashington bottle with sheared lip, open jagged pontil in an outstanding medium to deep amber coloration near the base. $10,080.

Washington/Baltimore Glassworks portrait pint flask showing the Baltimore Monument and a bust of George Washington (circa 1830-50) with rolled lip and pontil in a medium green and somewhat crude with surface irregularities. $8,400.

A flawless Miller’s Extra E. Martin Old Bourbon Trademark, the most desired of the Cutter fifths with strong embossing and an overall beautiful patina to the glass. $8,960.


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Dear Mrs. Lowry, I can no longer conceal my elation and deep gratitude for your very gracious and generous response to my modest request to include an article in Bottles and Extras on my favorite uncle, mentor and inspiration for bottle collecting, James A. Rogers, resident of my native Manchester, New Hampshire. Nearly a year ago, while visiting “Uncle Jim,” a life-long antique bottle enthusiast and ardent subscriber to the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors’ stellar publication, Bottles and Extras, I made the decision to become a subscriber myself. It was at that time that I recalled having met you and your husband some years ago at the Mansfield, Ohio, show. It had been my intention for many years, as an expression of affection and gratitude to my Uncle Jim, to write a short article that would serve to chronicle three decades of a shared love for antique bottles. When I learned that you were the individual responsible for receiving, editing and (perhaps) including such an article in your excellent magazine, I was encouraged to, say the very least. Now that my dream (and prayer) that such an article (as a loving tribute to Uncle Jim) actually see publication has been fulfilled, I am filled with gratitude. Indeed, it was your singular intervention, encouragement and generous cooperation in recent months that has turned what was but a dream, into a very personal reality.

Thank you for your every encouragement, and the quality of personal, tireless professionalism that has now become a permanent and priceless tribute to a man whom I, among countless others in the antique bottle collecting world, shall always love and admire. Again, in behalf of our (Rogers and Colman) families, please receive, as well as convey to your excellent staff, our deep and heart-felt gratitude.

Off to early morning fishing he sometimes will go, and hopeful that he will come back with something to show.

Cordially, Dr. Peter Lee Colman

Dar Furda Western Regional News Editor

Bottles and Extras

Bill: May you have many more years to grow! May you have many more years to go! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES TO YOU!

(A poet, I’m not, but the feeling just struck me.)

Happy Birthday Bill This poem is a tribute to our Southern Regional News editor, Bill Baab, who turned 75 on Friday, January 29, 2010. Years will come and years will go, yet Bill’s good work will continue to show. Many a writer you probably did guide, you are to be complimented for you tried. Know that Bill will write and Bill will proof, Bill is smart, he won’t let anyone goof. The FOHBC depends on your brain power, and your readers seem fascinated by the hour. If Bill has another book to write, know that he will try it with all his might.

ATTENTION NEW FOHBC MAILING ADDRESS All correspondence to be sent to:

FOHBC 8426 Clint Dr. #142 Belton, MO 64012


Bottles and Extras

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NOTICE!!

Contest entry closing date is June 1, 2010

Each year at this time, the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors conducts contests among the membership to determine the best writers, best show flyers or posters and best newsletters. Applications can be obtained by writing to June Lowry, 401 Johnston Ct., Raymore, MO 64083, or e-mailing her at (OSUBuckeyes71@aol.com) Deadline is June 1 and entries must be sent to the FOHBC’s Carl Sturm, 88 Sweetbriar Branch, Longwood, FL 32750 by or before that date. Five newsletter entries and five poster/flyer entries must be sent with each application. Individuals and members of FOHBC-affiliated clubs are eligible to enter.

Notice to members In preparation for a new Membership Directory, we need verification of the information we have on file. Please review the information on your address label and send in corrections. Also, if your email or telephone number has changed, please send in that new information. If you would just like to send in current information for us to use and verify against our records, you are welcome to do so. You can either send through the mail or email or telephone or fax to: June Lowry FOHBC Business Manager 401 Johnston Ct. Raymore, MO 64083 OSUBuckeyes71@aol.com. 816-318-0160 or 816-318-0162 (fax)

The Writer’s Award Contest is composed of three divisions: 1–Best Original Research / Information Article: Includes research in such areas as glass houses, specific products, companies or manufacturers, druggists, saloons, liquor dealers, dairies, distilleries, breweries and/or the people involved. 2–Best Original True Story: Includes stories about personal experiences and acquaintances of collectors as they pursue their hobby. Possible topics include a memorable dig, shop and auction experiences, a lucky find, or an interview with an interesting person. 3–Best Original Fiction Story: Collectors are no strangers to fantasy. This category will allow those with dreams and visions to share them with fellow collectors. Show Poster / Flyer Contest entries will be judged on a points system under the following categories: Essential Information (40 points): Club name, location of show, date of show, time of show, contact individual listed, FOHBC logo, early admission policy, admission charge, 5 points each. Appearance (50 points): Layout, Graphics, Lettering, Color, 10 points each. Show features: Items for sale, Food, Parking, Exhibits, Lighting, Raffles, Miscellaneous, 10 points total. The Newsletter Contest will be judged in three categories worth a total of 100 points. Newsletters submitted must have been published during the 12 months preceding the deadline – one entry per club. 1–Substance: Includes research/information articles on club members and club activities and subjects of interest to bottle collectors. 2–Style/Appearance: Includes the newsletter layout and includes graphics, lettering, color and visual appeal. 3–Entertainment value: Includes the satisfaction and enjoyment that readers obtain from the newsletter.

Thank you for your assistance. If we do not receive updated information, we will use the information we currently have on file.

Winners will be announced and awards presented at the annual FOHBC National Show and recognized in a future issue of Bottles & Extras. Winners unable to make the show will have their awards mailed.

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Puzzle Trade Cards A healthy mind is a great asset. Modern day neuroscience has established that throughout life our brain continues to make and lose brain cells and neurons. We can sharpen our minds and protect our minds from decline through mental stimulation (1). Historically, puzzles were first recorded in the book, “The Voyage of Robert Dudley to the West Indies,” published circa 1595 (2). Today, puzzles are divided into multiple categories. The picture puzzle was an early puzzle form appealing to all ages. The patent medicine industry employed the picture puzzle trade card to promote their products. There are several examples of picture puzzle trade cards in Kit Barry’s illustrated book, “The Advertising Trade Card” (3). From 1874 to 1889, Dr. E. C. Abbey of Buffalo, New York, published the “Toll Gate Puzzle Card” series which consisted of five puzzle cards (figures 1-5). The cards advertised Cutavago, Dr. Abbey’s Great Specific For Skin Diseases. Also advertised was his book, “The Sexual System And Its Derangements” (1882; Buffalo, N. Y.). The book sold for 10 cents or 3 for 25 cents. It was “a moral book, for both sexes, clothed in plain paper and proper language” (figure 6). Dr. E. C. Abbey published a sixth puzzle card called “The Truant Boys” (1887), which also advertised Cutavago and his book (figure 7).

Figure 1

Figure 2

Submitted by Dewey Heetderks, M. D. References: 1. Naugle, Richard. Seven Steps That May Help You Maintain a Better Brain. Cleveland Clinic Health Advisor, 11(10)6, Oct , 2009. 2. Kendall, G., Parkes, A. and Spoerer, K . A Survey of NP - Computer Puzzles. International Computer Games Association Journal, 31L1) 1334, 2008. 3. Barry, Kit. The Advertising Trade Card Book. Blatchley’s Printers, Nov., 1981.

Figure 3

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Figure 4

Figure 6

Figure 5

“Paper Trail� is a regular feature which showcases the wide world of bottlerelated ephemera, from trade cards and post cards to letterheads and blotters. Readers are encouraged to submit items for publication. Simply scan or photograph your item (JPG please), add a short paragraph or two about the item, and include a photo of the bottle to which it relates. E-mail your contribution to:

s.ketcham@unique-software.com or Ph: (952) 920-4205 or mail it to: Steve Ketcham, PO Box 24114, Edina, MN 55424 Figure 7


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Parkesburg Bottles by Gerald L. Treadway, 2009 138 pages, well illustrated By Bill Baab Southern Region Editor I consider antique bottles as works of art in glass. Many have wonderful graphics, and the colors developed by glass factories during the 19th century are just wonderful. But what appeals to me the most is their histories. Not just the histories of who manufactured them, but the histories of what they contained and who sold them, especially as they relate to one’s home town. Ever hear of Parkesburg, Pennsylvania? Every now and then, a book containing local bottles and histories comes along that is well worth whatever the author wants for it. Such a volume is the 138-page, well-illustrated Parkesburg Bottles, by Gerald L. Treadway. Located in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania, Parkesburg is in Chester County not far from Philadelphia. That last part is important because, as the author points out, the Dyottville Glass

March - April, 2010

Works in Philly manufactured some of the early Parkesburg soda and mineral water bottles. Treadway has compiled a detailed history of soda and mineral water manufacturers in his home town; namely, John R. Owens, whose squat and blobtop bottles came in shades of dark green. Owens operated from the 1840s through the 1880s. Another bottler was Alexander Jimason from the 1860s-70s era. The histories of 13 drug stores and 17 dairies, all of which produced bottles, are to be found in this well-researched book. Among the pharmacy histories are the Wal-Mart dating to 2001 and other modern drug stores. Why? Treadway’s book will be around for many years when such histories will be even more important. I particularly like the map showing the locations of bottled milk dealers in the Parkesburg area from 1900-1977. Each of the histories is accompanied by photos of the known bottles, bits of advertising and other go-withs. I am so impressed by the book and its contents that I have sent check for $25 to Gerald L. Treadway, 410 Strasburg Ave., Parkesburg, PA 19365 to add one to my ever-growing library of bottle books. The price includes shipping charges. Why don’t you do the same? Dairies of Pennsylvania Volumes 1 through 4 Compiled by Ralph S. Riovo By Jesse Sailer One of my early interests in bottles was started by sneaking away while hanging with a high school friend to spend time perusing his fathers Milk bottle collection. They were mostly all Pennsylvania dairies. Once out of high school I was introduced to the bottle hobby by chance when I took a job with Jim Hagenbuch while attending college. This is when I met Ralph Riovo, DBA The Purple Cow.

Bottles and Extras

Ralph has put together an extensive compilation of all known Pennsylvania dairies in four incredibly informative Volumes. (Vol. 1, Southeastern; Vol. 2 Northeaster; Vol. 3 Southcentral; Vol. 4 Northecentral) including colotr color copies of photos of caps and photos of milk wagons, delivery trucks and bottles. You can pick up your copy at his shop in Kutztown, Pa. or at any of the bottles shows on his schedule for $30. A copy can also be obtained for an additional $3.00 postage: 4276 Reservoir Hill Rd., Macungie, PA 18062 PH: (610)-966-2536. email: thepurplecow@ erols.com or www.papurplecow.com Ralph is always available to talk milk bottle collecting and also supplies stryofoam bead milk bottle filler and generic caps for milk bottle display. In an attempt to continually improve the publication and educate our readers, we are adding this new column dedicated to books that we or our readers feel would be of interest to our readers. Please contact: Jesse Sailer 136 Jefferson Street, East Greenville, PA 18041 jsailerbotmags@verizon.net with any book that you feel would be of interest and should be included. Thank You in advance for your contributions. The more participation, the better the magazine can become.


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THE JERSEY SHORE SHARDS Jersey Shore BC, Toms River, N.J. The December meeting featured the annual Penny Auction Night. All were encouraged to attend, and bring friends and family. Members brought a dish to pass, and there was a show and tell, a raffle bottle and egg nog. An extensive show calendar with great information covered 11 eastern shows through May. The editor suggested the club bottle book be updated. Volunteers were sought to assist. The club website (www.bottleclub.org) has debuted. “Things are moving along lately.” An article on “So When was the Tin Toy Created?” revealed that tin toys actually date back to the Middle Ages, c. 1200. Many were pewter, but a tin toy chair was discovered. The Veterans Day theme for the November meeting, actually held on Nov. 11th, Veterans Day, brought some very interesting items relating to the holiday. There was also a brick from the “Jersey Devil House” and antique beach sand buckets. The JSBC dealer contract for the 38th Annual Antique Bottle, Postcard & Local Memorabilia Show & Sale on May 2nd was included as part of the newsletter. The club membership application was as well. TRAVELER’S COMPANION Greater Buffalo BCA, Buffalo, N.Y. President Peter Jablonski reminded everyone about the December Christmas party and Bottle Bingo. Roast beef was provided by the club and members brought a dish to pass. The club purchased $310 worth of bottles for Bottle Bingo at the September show. The club had 50 paid members in 2009. They voted to donate $150 to the church where meetings are held. The deposit for the 2010 show has been paid already. The newsletter editor, Craig Maefs, reminded members that the newsletters can be sent by e-mail to save on both postage and printing. All

Northeast Regional News Chris Davis 522 Woodhill Newark, NY 14513 (315) 331-4078 cdavis016@rochester.rr.com

THE DIGGER The Richmond Area BCA, Richmond, Va. The December newsletter began with an article on “Scuba Diving for Bottles,” by Dallas Weston, complete with color photos of the divers and some fabulous finds. Many early black glass bottles were found. The authors had a table at the October show & sale where they were “discovered.” They were asked to write articles for the newsletter due to the number of inquiries, “How did you find these bottles?” Dallas has been diving for everything from seashells to fossils to artifacts since 1988. His wife, Holly, has been doing it since 1996. Their many dives reached new heights (or depths) during the “Summer of the Bottle,” when 29 black glass onions were found! Over 150 bottles, including 55 black glass, were found this year alone! The regular column, “Completed eBay and Online Auctions,” was highlighted by an amber Hutchinson embossed “McAdam & Donnelly, Ginger Beer, Richmond, Va.,” with embossed hops, at $1,400 plus buyer’s premium. Thirty-one other bottles were listed, with about 50% selling in excess of $100. The Digger has a new editor - Bart Bradshaw. “Articles are needed for future editions. Please send the editor a story about your winter hunt for bottles.... it doesn’t matter if it is one sentence or pages long, one picture or many...” THE BOTTLE WORM Apple Valley BC Club, Winchester, Va. Members voted to have the 2010 show and sale at the same hall on Sunday, Sept. 19th. Some changes will be made to the dealer contract this year. The Christmas party was held at the Butcher’s Block Buffet in Stephens City, Va.

Bottles and Extras

the photos are clear and in color! An emailed newsletter is received instantly. Future programs include the Polish Mafia in East Buffalo, by Mike Rizzo, author of the book, They Call me Korney. Others include a speaker from the local bicycle museum, and “Stained Glass Windows in Buffalo.” An outstanding article in the December issue was titled, “Helena Modjeska: the Bottle and the Actress,” by Daniel Domino. The bottle that inspired the article was a “Larkin Soap Co. Modjeska Derma Balm” discovered at the Buffalo bottle show. Research is half the fun! The 11th annual show & sale was covered with many photographs (in color if you have it e-mailed). The crowd was strong. All dealers were treated to a lunch of pizza and chicken wings, courtesy of the club. Show Chairman Dave Potter was thanked for a job well done. Club members have expressed an interest in purchasing a bottle cleaning machine. Other ideas brought forth for thought include reducing the amount of business conducted at the meetings. Others would like to more fun activities like going out for beer after the meetings. These ideas will be discussed along with any other suggestions in the near future. BITS AND PIECES Empire State BCA, Syracuse, N.Y. The Christmas party was held at the December meeting. The club provided turkey and ham, and members brought a dish to pass. A “Vaughn’s Lithontriptic” medicine bottle from Buffalo was the door prize! A “Chinese Raffle” was conducted after dinner. To participate, a wrapped gift valued at $12 - $15 was brought. Then began the fun, or “shennanigans,” as president John Golley stated. A new format for the meetings has been initiated. Speakers are up first before the business meeting. Then the speakers don’t have to sit through the meeting, and can get an earlier start home. It seems to be working. A report on the club’s fall show in Scriba, N.Y. last October was written by treasurer Dave Tuxill. The show was once again a sellout, with bottles and jars being predominant. Two


Bottles and Extras

educational displays were presented by club members. Dave Mott displayed miniature bitters bottles. Mark Yates had a display of New York state medicine bottles. Jan and Larry Rutland were on hand from the National Bottle Museum. The appraisal table seemed unusually quiet this year. Attendance was on par with previous years, however. This show is noted by many of the dealers for its fine food service and very jovial kitchen staff. The pies are worth the trip to the show on their own! “Advertise Free in Bits and Pieces” is a new benefit of membership. Several members have taken advantage of this offer. The editor created a full page, with easy-to-read ads in larger, bold print. The club’s “mini-show” takes place at the February meeting every year. All friends from the neighboring bottle clubs are welcome to participate. It seems like a nice way to spend a cold winter evening in early February in upstate New York! It has become a popular annual event. Long time spring show chairs John and Carol Spellman will be stepping down after this year’s show. The show will be held March 28 in Brewerton, N.Y., north of Syracuse. Dave Tuxill is learning the ropes from the Spellman’s this year and will assume the duties next year. Golley presented the January program on “Dr. Kilmer and His Medicines,” and it was very well received. Tom Kanalley provided an extensive listing of the “Breweries of Auburn, N.Y. and Cayuga County,” dating from 1813 - 1938, for the January newsletter. Some information on each brewery was included. BALTIMORE BOTTLE DIGGER Baltimore ABC, Baltimore, Md. The club’s holiday party, also known as “Bottle Festivus,” with holiday music, meat platters, bottle bingo, prizes and bottles galore, was held in December. President John Toft Sr. calls it “. ..a celebration of our bottle family and what brings us together.” Members were encouraged to bring a small portion of their collection as a way to get to know eachother better (and to let others know what we collect). Sixty-eight people attended.

March - April, 2010

Member William Anderson, M.D., is collecting information on Baltimore bottles that were not included in the Baltimore Bottle Book’s first three editions. At the November meeting, Gary Reiter gave William a shard of an unlisted medicine: “Morgan & Co. Quick Relief Lotion.” Research revealed quite a lot of information. The whole front panel with the embossing was intact and a sketch was made for the 4th edition. Bottle reference books were donated by Nick Benedict. They will be sold by silent auction to help create a scholorship fund for a Loch Raven student. Nine books, including “Poison Bottle Collectors Guide” by Roger Durflinger, “Bitters Bottles” by Richard Watson, and “American Bottles and Flasks and Their Ancestry” by McKearin & Wilson, were sold. Andy Goldfrank was the subject of “Digging the Dirt On”, a membership bio or profile. He was 14 when he started collecting, after he began digging privies from the 1860s in his hometown. Andy collects “whatever I dig tht is colored or pontilled that will look good in my kitchen window.” His favorite? A “McCollick & Co., New York” fancy pickle bottle in dark aqua with an iron pontil. The 30th Annual BABC Show & Sale on March 7th was sold out by December with a waiting list of 30! Inquiries have been received by mail, e-mail and phone, according to show chairman Eric Ewen, from all over the country. There are 238 dealers from 28 states and three foreign countries signed up. Signups for the many volunteer duties were conducted at the club meetings. Members were asked to help distribute show cards and flyers throughout the area. Bob Ford won the 11th Annual Distinguished Service Award for his many years as show chairman, and contributor to the club as club historian, board member, and much more. As Toft remarked, “Bob Ford has been a major asset to the club, and I am proud to honor him tonight.” The plaque read “In recognition of your long-time leadership of our bottle show and your willingness to help the club in many ways.” Congratulations to Bob.

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Nic Queen was the “Digging the Dirt On” subject in January. Nic has collected for 6-8 years, ever since he discovered a bottle in the woods near Glen Burnie. That led to more bottles found. A year later, he heard about the “big show” from a friend. “I went and was absolutely knocked over the minute I walked in the door!! I was hooked, right then and there.” Nic likes to collect Baltimore and some D.C. bottles. PROBE Pittsburgh ABC, Pittsburgh, Pa. The January meeting drew 15 members. Membership dues were to be paid by March 31st. Elections are in April. Discussion ensued on “What are your views on the purpose of the club and why attend meetings?” The four most popular answers included socializing, to hear about new acquisitions and digging stories, to find out more about the hobby, and programs. Declining membership, in many clubs, was discussed and ways to stimulate interest were outlined. Chuck Henigan suggested that “we tap the wealth of knowledge that our older members have. Some have been with the PABC for many years and have various collections that they could talk about at a meeting.” Chuck then agreed to be the first speaker! January’s program was “best acquisitions of 2009,” which brought forth flasks, stoneware, sodas, jars, whiskies, medicines, doll heads, Civil War artifacts and more. The PABC Member Profile was Chris Oskin in the January Probe. He’s been a member for 16 years and has collected since age six. His brother, Emil, got him interested from his digging in neighborhood dumps. Chris collects “just about everything,” but especially likes bottles and crocks from the local small towns. He also collects clasped hands flasks, Pikes Peak flasks, double eagles and medicines. He loves the research behind the bottles he’s found and hopes a catalog of Pittsburgh area bottles will someday be written. Chris also has a passion for old maps and books.


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BOTTLES ALONG THE MOHAWK Mohawk Valley ABC, Utica, N.Y. The annual Christmas party was held at the December meeting. The club provided a meat platter and drinks. A large crowd turned out. An article entitled “California Perfume Company, 1886 - 1939,” with a number of interesting pictures and illustrations, was reprinted from two articles found by the editor on the internet. There’s a CPC website: www.californiaperfumecompany.net . CPC became Avon Products, Inc. and today is the largest direct seller of cosmetics and beauty products, with 5.8 million sales representatives in 110 countries. Many will recall the great exhibit at the 2008 York Expo. Sadly, the newsletter included the obituary of well-known bottle dealer and Saratoga-type bottle collector Bob White, of Canton, N.Y. He and wife Barbara attended many of the bottle shows in the Northeast area. He will be very much missed. The annual “Giant Show & Tell” program was held in January at the Durham Library. In other news, the club’s officers have all volunteered to run for another year. The slate includes Jim Berry (President), Jim Bender (Vice president), Valerie Berry (Secretary) and Peter Bleiberg (Treasurer). Club member Howard Dean has agreed to be the columnist on Mineral

March - April, 2010

Bottles and Extras

Water Bottles for “Antique Bottle & Glass Collector” magazine. He replaces longtime columnist George Waddy. Howard is very well known in the hobby, likes to write, and is the author of four books. Did I mention he is also in the FOHBC Hall of Fame? Congratulations are in order. An article sure to please collectors of early American glass was reprinted from the Onondaga Gazette of April 10, 1857. This is a first-hand account of the Mt. Pleasant Glass Works in Saratoga County, N.Y. This is definitely a rare look back at an early, productive glasshouse. APPLIED SEALS, Genesee Valley BCA, Rochester, N.Y. The club held its first meeting at the new location, Buckland Park Lodge, a brand new building a short distance from the old meeting site. The annual charity auction was conducted before a large turnout of members. Many donated bottles, antiques, and other items. All the proceeds were donated by the club to Bethany House, a home for battered women, and Mercy Flight Central, emergency helicopter transport. A total of $1,082 was raised for both charities. This was the club’s 19th annual benefit auction. Club member Doug Nicot once again did an outstanding job as auctioneer. Joanne Washington served as auction clerk, and Kel Kelsey as cashier. Top lot was $75 for a “Clark & White”

mineral water. An afghan made by member Yvonne Woodworth expressly for the auction brought $70. An article reprinted from the July/ August Adirondack Life, “A Mountain Town Made of Glass,” was all about the Mt. Vernon Glass Works. Of course, many mineral waters were produced there. Something on the order of one bottle every nine seconds was produced per glass blower for twelve hours a day! The 41st annual show & sale, scheduled for April 18, is progressing well. As of January, over 50% of the 200 plus tables have been sold, with some six exhibits signed up. Aaron & Pam Weber also reported the Super 8 would be the show headquarters and the site of the hospitality room. Correspondence inquiries received by e-mail were reprinted in the newsletter. There were three from Illinois, Michigan and New York. Information was sought on “Sagen’s Dairy” bottles, a “Brownside’s Old Tom London Cordial Gin” and a “C.L. Hammond’s Fiery Dragon, Patd. Oct. 30, 1866” bottle. Return e-mails were provided. January’s speaker was Chris Franco, on “Beacons of Life” on lighthouses. Chris is facilities director and board member of Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse on Lake Ontario near Rochester. His skill at photography made the slides of a number of lighthouses a thrill to see.

Antique Bottle Club of Northern Illinois (ABCNI) Dorothy Furman is Joe Coulson the newsletter editor of the 10515 Collingswood Lane ABCNI’s Pick and Probe. Jeff Fishers, IN 46038 Dahlberg is club president. The (317) 915-0665 club has been holding its jcoulson@leaderjar.com meetings at the Antioch Senior Center, 817 Holbeck, Antioch, Hello, bottle collectors! Welcome Illinois. In the December newsletter, we to another installment of the Midwest heard the following from Dorothy: region news report. We have moved into Well, it was that time again for the colder seasons now (Fall and Winter). election of officers, and the same slate Snow is on the ground in many places. agreed to continue on. How is that for Be sure to stop and take a little time from Democracy? your busy bottle schedules to send in your John Panek gave a report on the news items, because we LOVE to hear Chicago show, which he said was from all of the Midwest bottle clubs! great. There wasn’t a tremendous

amount of traffic through the door, but the dealers all did well. He gave high praise to the Kamorowskis for setting up the Chicago display, which he said was spectacular. Pete Peterson noted that the Findlay, Ohio show was a good one with over 300 people through the door. The November meeting program was presented by Dan (the great orator) Puzzo. It was titled “American Glass, Or IS IT?” It was quite a history lesson as Dan pointed out how the making of glass was major to our growing as a nation. Dan’s love of glass began when he worked in a glass-making factory. He displayed a German Rhine wine bottle, but was it made in Germany? It is debatable

Midwest Regional News


Bottles and Extras

because the Germans didn’t use an iron pontil, which this one had. So, glass that seemingly came from one country could have been manufactured in one and sent to another for filling. Other examples of glass attributed to one country, but could have been made in another, included a blown three-mold, hand-cut crystal – Irish? It was an 1826 pressed glass decanter, which could have made its way back to Europe. Dan noted that American colors were far superior to the colors of glass blown in Europe. Also shown were items from 1780, 1810 and 1850. As the glass has no marks, it is anyone’s guess – European or American? For information on joining the ABCNI, you may contact: Dorothy Furman, 26287 W. Marie Ave., Antioch, IL 60002. Circle City Bottle Club Martin Van Zant is the newsletter editor. Here is a report from him in the club’s November newsletter: Hello, everyone. Hope the weather is treating you well. We need to start thinking about where we can have our first show. I would like to start looking at places that may be able to host the Indy show. I have heard through the grapevine that we would get some support, as long as there are no conflicts with other shows. Sonny Mallory will be giving a digging presentation at the next meeting. This is a slide show that Sonny and his digging partner put together. We should start having an agenda for the meetings from now on. We are getting bigger every month. If we don’t have items of interest then people won’t want to come. So, for the next meeting, we will have Sonny’s presentation, and if you want to bring in your favorite recent find that would be great. Martin is drumming up support for this new bottle club in Indianapolis, Indiana. The club meets the last Wednesday of the month at Ben Davis High School, 1200 N. Girl School Rd. (Door 17, Room U102). You may contact Martin by email at mdvanzant@yahoo. com or postal mail at 208 N. Urban St., Danville, IN 46122 or by telephone at 812-841-9495.

March - April, 2010

Findlay Antique Bottle Club (FABC) Editor Tom Brown of the FABC its Whittle Marks. Tom typically reprints several articles for club members. We have one minor correction to make concerning last issue’s photo with the tall handsome gentleman standing under the stuffed animal head. The picture is actually showing Fred Curtis (Findlay Bottle Show Chairman)! In the November newsletter, Tom had the following to say about their recent show: The 33rd Findlay Antique Bottle Show is now history. We owe a big thanks to show chairman Fred Curtis, who managed to squeeze some extra sales area using the display cases. We had such a great response from dealers that, as usual, we sold out all table spaces, and the cases gave some dealers a chance to at least set up. Outside sales were also very good this year as the October weather made this a fairly decent day to be selling outside. We also thank all club members who faithfully show up on Saturday morning and get all the tables and chairs set up. We had to rent twelve tables to cover the amount of tables we needed for the show. Thanks also to the members who covered the tables and also made such great side dishes enjoyed at the dinner. The economy certainly presented us a challenge this year, and we did have about 250 people come through the doors. Most dealers reported fair sales, and some even had very good sales. The true enjoyment comes from seeing the many friends that we all make in this hobby of bottle collecting. As we all age, I still think the real challenge will be to get some new blood involved in this great hobby. I did have a young man buy some bottles from me who also was at the show last year. To him the bottles were neat, and I sold him a Hires Root Beer circa 1948 that still had the true listing of roots and ingredients that old style soda had in them. He and his mom were amazed at what was really in a bottle of Root Beer. So there is some new interest out there. A big thanks to all members who took care of the admissions table, took

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flyers and spread them around Ohio and everywhere else they went this year. I took them to South Bend, Evansville and Friendship, Indiana, and all the flea markets we went to. So every little bit helps promote the show and the hobby. We all look forward to next year’s show! We did hold an election of officers at the November meeting and will continue the 2009 officers into 2010. Richard Elwood, president; Jeff Klingler, vice president; Marianne Dow, secretary/ webmaster; Fred Curtis, show chairman; Mike Bauer, treasurer; and Tom Brown, newsletter editor. Thanks to Marianne Dow, the club is breaking new technology ground by participating in the world of internet social networking by maintaining a Blog (http://finbotclub. blogspot.com/) and Tweeting (http:// twitter.com/FinBotClub). You can follow the happenings of the club on your computer at those places. The FABC has a good website with pictures from annual shows.You should check it out: http://fabclub.freeyellow. com/home.html. Monthly club meetings are held at the University of Findlay. They usually have their annual show and sale in October. To find out more about their monthly newsletter, send a note to: Findlay Antique Bottle Club, P.O. Box 1329, Findlay, OH 45839. Flint Antique Bottle Club Tim and Angie Buda (newsletter editors) for the Flint, Michigan club submitted their newsletter. They do a nice job of creating their newsletter as a PDF file and e-mailing it to club members (you can see color photos!). In the January newsletter, we learned the following: We had a great turnout at the December club dinner – thirty members and three guests. The weather cooperated again this year with just light snow. It was good to see some of our new members come out and some others for the first time. Be sure to mark your calendars now for the spring dinner that will be held on the second Thursday of May. Contracts for the March 21st, 2010 Show were sent out on January 4th,


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except for club members who had one included in last month’s newsletter. Be sure to let me know if you still need one. If you are unable to attend the club meetings and need flyers to distribute, please contact me and I will mail them to you or can send you one by e-mail, and you can print some off. Please don’t forget that our flyers are one of our best forms of advertising for the show, and your help is needed to get them out to the public. The club’s next show and sale is March 21st, 2010 at the Dom Polski Hall, 3415 N. Linden Rd., Flint, Michigan. The club meets on the second Thursday of the month, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., at the Grand Blanc Heritage Museum, 203 Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc, MI 48439. Bill Heatley is club president. For information on joining the Flint Antique Bottle Club or about their next show, you may contact: Tim Buda (secretary/ treasurer), 11353 Cook Rd, Gaines, MI 48436, phone 989-271-9193. Huron Valley Bottle & Insulator Club (HVBIC) Michele and Shaun Kotlarsky are newsletter editors for The Embossing, the newsletter of the Huron Valley Bottle & Insulator Club. Bob Powell is the club president. A new edition of the newsletter has not been available since December 2008. We would love to hear from someone in this club with recent news! The club said they will meet quarterly in 2009. The HVBIC meetings are held the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the First National Bank, 8080 Challis Rd., Brighton, MI. You can find out much more about the club online at their website: http://hvbic.org. Old newsletters also can be viewed there. Iowa Antique Bottleers (IAB) Mark Wiseman (newsletter editor) and Mike Magee (secretary) do a wonderful job each month reporting the IAB happenings. Club president is Clyde Jones. In the January newsletter, Mike Magee submitted the following old newspaper article from The Ottumwa Daily Courier, September 15, 1903. The

March - April, 2010

article was titled: “May Open Potteries: Said to be Movement on Foot to Renew Business in Iowa.” Two potteries formerly conducted in the vicinity. Iowa is richest state in the West in Potter’s Clay. Several years ago, the old pottery on Richmond Avenue in South Ottumwa, in that vicinity known as Richmond, was operating in full force and until recently a pottery was conducted by A.W. Melcher near the new station of Rutledge, on the Milwaukee cut-off. Neither Pottery has been operated for some time, and in fact, all over the state this same condition has existed. There is now talk of a revival in the pottery business in this state. The announcement that a new pottery is to be opened in Eldora is taken in manufacturing circles as indicative of a tendency toward the development of one of Iowa’s sources of wealth which has hitherto been practically untouched. Iowa is rich in potter’s clay. It is a coal producing state and in the vicinity of the coal beds deposits of clay are always found. It is not lack of material which has heretofore held the pottery business of the state in the background. The obstacle in the way of establishing potteries seems to have been the difficulty of competing with the output of the Ohio potteries, also with the galvanized iron utensils, which have been on the market at a price decidedly discouraging to the friends of the potteries. It is stated that the combination which controls the majority of the potteries of the country is also a powerful obstacle to the starting of independent industries along this line. There are a few potteries in Iowa which are doing a thriving business. The largest of these is located at Fort Dodge. Rich deposits of clay are also found in Van Buren, Delaware, Muscatine, Wapello and Henry counties, all of which are worked to some extent. The IAB newsletters always contain wonderful digging stories by Mark Wiseman. He has a regular column, “The Digger’s Scoop,” that tells of his local digging adventures with his dog, the old truck and various digging friends that join him. You can find out more

Bottles and Extras

about IAB membership ($15/yr.) from Mark Wiseman, 3505 Sheridan Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310-4557. Kalamazoo Antique Bottle Club (KABC) Al Holden is the newsletter editor. A new edition of the newsletter was not available at this time. The Kalamazoo club has started posting meeting minutes on their website: http://www. kalamazoobottleclub.org/. We would love to hear from someone in this club with recent news! Chuck Parker is the club president, and you can contact him for more information about their club at 607 Crocket Ave., Portage, MI 49024 (ph: 616-329-0853). The club meets regularly at the Kalamazoo Public Library, located at 315 S. Rose Street. Midwest Antique Fruit Jar & Bottle Club (MAFJBC) The MAFJBC has members nationwide and is heavily fruit jarfocused. Their meetings are generally held the first Sunday of the month at 1:30 p.m. in the Cantina at Minnetrista, which is located in Muncie, Indiana. Dave Rittenhouse is club president. Joe Coulson (yes, that’s me!) is the newsletter editor. At the December club meeting, I gave the program on “Ball Buffalo Jars: The Earliest Jars of the Ball Bros. Glass Mfg. Co.”. George Ball (uncle of the Ball brothers) was a Baptist preacher in Buffalo, New York. He placed Ed Ball as an apprentice with A.W. Aldrich. Mr. Aldrich was a member of George’s church, and he owned a company that manufactured copper tea kettles and wood-jacketed oil cans. After a few weeks, Mr. Aldrich offered the oil can division to Ed for $200. Uncle George loaned them the money. Ed brought Frank in to help. Frank turned out to be a master salesman. After a month, the Hanover Street factory caught fire. They were insured. They rebuilt at 55 Main Street. The brothers improved on the wood-jacketed oil can patents and no longer had to pay any royalties to Mr. Aldrich. They expanded into tin cans


Bottles and Extras

and then glass-bodied oil cans. The tin cans corroded and glass-bodied oil cans would be better. I displayed an early Ball Brothers Price Booklet from my collection. The booklet showed the items that were for sale at this time in history. According to F.C. Ball’s Memoirs, the story is told that a group of Canadian glassblowers talked the brothers into setting up a small glass furnace with the idea of blowing the bodies for their glass oil cans. Initially they contracted for the glass bodies. This became a very successful product.

Joe Coulson

I shared a copy of the patent (#D13806) for the Diamond Oil Can (1883). This was a glass-bodied oil can. I also displayed a 1-gallon Diamond Oil Can from my collection. They started work in 1885 on a new glass works on Porter Street in eastern Buffalo. They knew that it would be more profitable to make their own (and no shipping breakage). At this point, they decided to expand into making fruit jars, since they had excess capacity of glass at their new glass works. In the late 1870s, John. L. Mason’s patents fell under the control of the Consolidated Fruit Jar Company. With the expiration of Mason’s patent in 1879, other competitors quickly joined in, adding their own logos and marks. You might say that the brothers were “at the right place at the right time.” It is possible that their first fruit jar was the BALL BBGMCo (monogram) FRUIT JAR. In 1975, there was only one example of this jar known (there are maybe 10 or so now). The first reported example of this jar was donated to the Ball Museum by Mrs. Dorothy Powers. I

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displayed my examples of this rare Ball jar. During the years of approximately 1885-1886, they produced the BBGMCo (monogram) jars. I read the story from F.C. Ball’s Memoirs about how they discovered what was causing the amber color in some of their glass batches (a very humorous story based on the personalities of the glass workers of the time). Only 4 examples of the BBGMCo jars are known in an amber color. Two are half-gallons and two are quarts. One of the quarts is in the Minnetrista museum, and the other examples are privately held. I displayed my example of the rare amber half gallon BBGMCo. I pointed out that there are several different BBGMCo monogram variations. There are also many different variations of the glass top seal lids for these jars. I showed examples of the lid in milkglass in regular mouth and midget size. I also showed many of the variations in aqua. I know that there are more examples out there that I haven’t been able to find for himself . Until this point in history, all of the jar lids were the “Mason’s Improved” style (glass top seal lids with a metal screw band). During the early 1880s, only the Consolidated Fruit Jar Co. and Hero Glass Works were allowed to manufacture lined metal screw caps, because they owned the patents. Other companies, including Ball Brothers, had to wait until the Boyd patent expired in 1886. At this point in time, the Porcelain BBGMCo Lined jars would have appeared on the scene. The embossing on the jar indicated that the jar closure was a lined metal screw cap. The porcelain or milkglass lining would help protect the food contents from coming in contact with the metal lid. These jars were made for a short time after the Boyd patent expiration and before the plant fire of 1886 (although it is not fully known the extent of damage that the 1886 fire caused). This also possibly explains why the original metal screw caps for this jar are so hard to find. I displayed an aqua set of the Porcelain BBGMCo Lined jars (midget pint, quart, half gallon) as well as a clear half gallon (previously from Phil

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Robinson’s museum). I also displayed an original midget screw cap for these jars. I have not been able to acquire a regular mouth example, but know of others who have them. The lining says “Ball Bros. Glass Mfg. Co. Buffalo, N.Y.” The plant fire of 1886 and the subsequent discovery of an abundance of natural gas in the midwest marked the end of the Buffalo jar era. In 1884, natural gas was discovered in Findlay, Ohio. In Muncie, Indiana in September 1886, natural gas fuel was discovered at a depth of only 922 feet. The Ball Brothers began their move to Muncie, Indiana in 1887, where they would keep their headquarters for over a hundred years. The November newsletter continued with the “Legends of the Jar” series, and the featured collector was Jeff Harper, a dedicated Ball jar collector in Houston, Texas. Bruce Schank has been doing a wonderful job of interviewing longtime fruit jar collectors and showing us pictures of jars from their collections. These articles have also been appearing in Bottles & Extras. In the December newsletter, I shared a picture of a milkglass fruit jar lid that I recently purchased in an eBay auction. The lid was embossed “BALL PERFECTION NO. 2 PAT. APR.10, 1900 MUNCIE IND.” The lid was dug in a dump that has items dating back to the 1870s. The seller thought the lid might bring $5 and was very surprised at the final result. These lids can bring several hundred dollars. The seller said they can’t wait to go back and dig around some more. Good finds (and profits) are still being made!

Rare milkglass Ball Jar lid


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The MAFJBC has a website: http:// www.fruitjar.org. Future meeting details as well as lots and lots of pictures from their semi-annual shows can be found there. Minnesota’s 1st Antique Bottle Club (MFABC) Barb Robertus is editor of the MFABC newsletter, The Bottle Digger’s Dope. Linda Sandell takes care of the printing and mailing. The November issue contained a trip report by Steve Ketcham, and it was titled “A Bit About New England.” (Note: this report was also printed in the November issue of the North Star Historical Bottle News. Steve is president of that club). Chris and I had the pleasure of spending several weeks in New England this fall. We drove east through Wisconsin, Michigan and Canada and visited Niagara Falls. Once in New York, we headed to the Saratoga and Ballston Spa area and toured the National Bottle Museum. Space is limited in this old storefront venue, so there are not as many educational displays as one would wish. The one thing I would like to see the museum accomplish is more identification of the many bottles that are on display. To the novice, the many shelves full of history must seem like a jumble of glass. Ralph Work’s wonderful collection of Saratoga water bottles is now in place, but the lighting is weak and none of the bottles are identified. We spent several days in Maine enjoying Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. In New Hampshire, we walked the Franconia Notch and rode the aerial tramway to the top of Cannon Mountain. From there we could see vistas of Maine, Vermont, New York, Canada and New Hampshire. Throughout the trip, the mountain roads we traveled were dressed in their finest fall colors. While visiting Cape Ann, I was able to accomplish a quick “dig” in the port of Gloucester, Massachusetts, when we happened upon a construction site near the harbor. The area was once a part of the bay, but was filled in with debris and built upon late in the Nineteenth Century. A pile of debris sat next to a trench that

January - February, 2010

had been excavated for footings, and I was able to root around a bit while the crew was on lunch break. Lots of heartbreaking broken stuff, but I did score a Sawyer’s Bluing bottle as a souvenir of the experience. Our next several nights were spent in Sandwich on Cape Cod. Not only did we get to enjoy the beautiful Cape Cod beaches, I was able to once again wander among the decanters, scents and perfumes, glass toys, tableware, vases, lamps, and a host of other glass forms fill the shelves of this educational museum. Live glass blowing demonstrations are given daily. Should you go, be sure to allow lots of time to take it all in. Following Cape Cod, we were off to Connecticut for the Columbus Day weekend tailgate swap meet in Norm Heckler’s field. A very good crowd turned out for the event and sales were good. An auction in Norm’s Civil War vintage barn followed, and then many of us packed up and drove about 80 miles to New Hampshire to partake of the Keene Bottle Show the following day. This one is always a sell-out, and we felt lucky to get a table. Our next stop was Bennington, Vermont, where we spent a couple of days exploring the area shops and touring the Bennington Museum. The beauty and variety of the stoneware produced in this city during the Nineteenth Century is in evidence in many wonderful displays here, but that is only the beginning. An amazing collection of Grandma Moses paintings is found in this museum as well. Other displays featured quilts, early American glass and early American furniture. Overall, we were happy with the antiques shops we visited. Some had only top-notch antiques, some were mediocre, and some were no better than flea markets. We did notice that some had closed since our last visit two years ago, a sad commentary on the state of the economy. We also noticed that some dealers were still offering bottles we saw two years ago, but the prices had not been adjusted to account for the current market. I suspect some of those same bottles will be on those same shelves

Bottles and Extras

when we next head to New England. We did have some good luck finding bottles. In one shop, a dealer had only recently purchased a few boxes of bottles from an estate. In fact, most of the bottles were still on the table, unpriced, when we entered the shop. We helped him with some prices and were able to purchase four for ourselves. On the trip home, we also found a nice piece of Red Wing pottery in an Ohio mall. Even if we had not purchased some nice old glass and stoneware, the museums we visited and the old glass we were able to view made the trip a good one for this happy collector and his very tolerant spouse. The club now has a website to promote their Bottle Shows: http://www. antiquebottledepot.com/ Membership in the MFABC is $10/ yr. For more information, please contact Linda Sandell, 7735 Silver Lake Road #208, Moundsview, MN 55112. North Star Historical Bottle Association (NSHBA) Doug Shilson is newsletter editor for the North Star Historical Bottle News. Doug does a great job each month reporting the club’s latest happenings. He puts a lot of effort into recording all the details that take place. Steve Ketcham is club president. Here is what Doug Shilson had to say in his column in the November issue – his column was titled “Doug’s Bottle Cracks: My Thoughts:” Want to be an editor? Here is all you have to do. Helps if you have a computer, and hope that it doesn’t crash or all of a sudden has a mind of its own. Just when you think you have all the stories printed and ready to go to the printer, someone wants to add something to their story! Or for some reason, your computer changed the story you have typed in a way that moved some paragraph to not look like a paragraph. In other words, a mess. Or you pressed the wrong button and “bingo” everything disappears! Argggg! Newsletter should be at least three pages worth of bottlerelated, or other (to fill a void) stuff! Or anything printable you can find, anywhere.


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No one sent in anything to you? (Fancy that!) No problem, pull your hair out, in my case, there isn’t much, so you have to go to other sources. Which is EVERY month to find something to print to wake up our members. Yes, each month times 12. No sooner than I get done with one issue, I start looking for next month’s stories. But, it’s nice to have two of our own members. Boyd Beccue sends in his stories every so often. And Boyd knows how to find the history. So does our president, Steve Ketcham, who has his own report that fills a whole page plus other stories as well. Maybe I can just use that and save a whole lot of money, now that leaves four more pages to fill. Plus an article from Kim Johnke from South Dakota, Rick Olsen from Mankato to name a few, helps. After getting the pages (three) together, two-sided, and making the trip to the printer, (you can wait or come back later) either way, it costs gas and time, unless you want to walk, especially in the winter, and if the printer doesn’t break down, or goes out of business, you find another source. The place I go to, I have worked out a deal that we can print 70 copies for less than $45! That’s three pages (twosides). Been going to these guys so long that I know them personally. But then again, I have been editor for 13 years this time around. (Remember those days, Fran?). After getting those stories, if you are lucky, that is, and the three pages have already been printed, you have to fold, add membership labels, again using the computer to get the names and print the labels unless, of course, you want to write all the names and get carpal tunnel in the process. Don’t forget the stamps on each! Oh yeah, the postal bosses would like us editors that send out many newsletters to use those “sticky” little stickers to seal at least one end, so other letters that have been sent don’t end up inside your newsletter. And make sure you send them out to a few others that would like our newsletter, such as libraries, historical societies and other clubs who we trade with, and don’t forget the FOHBC, who actually has an editor for area club newsletters only.

January - February, 2010

I sent a copy to Midwest Regional News Editor Joe Coulson, who lives in Fishers, Indiana. Without Joe, our newsletter doesn’t get its time in print, so other bottle hounds who subscribe to Bottles & Extras can read what’s up in the land of flying bugs. It’s not just ours, but Joe has to tell about eleven other newsletters, just from the Midwest alone! (Another reason to subscribe to Bottles & Extras). Then I deliver the bunch to the local post office. There! Ready to take over? Any takers? Be my guest! Or, if not, you get me! How lucky can you get? (I just got to ask for a raise!) Here is what Doug had to say in his column in the December issue – his column was titled “Doug’s Bottle Cracks: What They Didn’t Tell You on the History Channel! HIDDEN TREASURE???”: November 10th, 2009 (Thaindian News), the Missouri-based American outlaw / robber, Jesse James, has not only inspired books and movies but also a full-fledged documentary. “Jesse James: Hidden Treasure,” a two-hour-long film, was aired on the History Channel last November. History states that Jesse, who is said to be the most famous member of the 19th century gang, the James-Younger gang, had amassed over $1.5 million in gold and cash in order to finance his lavish criminal lifestyle and his secret society, “Knights of the Golden Circle.” (Note from the History Channel website) The documentary shows Ron Pasture (a resident of Kansas) leading the hunt for the treasure that was shelved by Jesse long before his death. Ron is convinced that the murder of Jesse (by Robert Ford) was nothing but a ruse in order to help him flee. Like Ron, there have been other historians who believe that the murder of Jesse James, which was a national sensation in its time, was an elaborate plot which eventually helped him to escape justice. There have been rumors time and again that Ford had killed someone other than Jesse, but the fact is not supported by the DNA tests. The film, shot in early August in Jacksonville, Beekman Bank, Beekman House and the Hanley Farm, also explored rumors that Jesse had been

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working for the U.S. Government secretly and that the man shot was Jesse’s cousin and not Jesse himself. The crew and cast refuse to unveil whether they found the treasure or not and ask the people to tune-in to find out the truth behind the “Jesse James Hidden Treasure.” A Planter’s Paradise! And the Ball Mason Fruit Jar. Webster’s dictionary: PLANT: Meaning (slang) A swindling plot. Something deliberately placed or planned as to give a false impression. Interesting story, right? What they didn’t tell you is just how did that treasure get to where they found it? The moment I saw what happened, it just made me want to say: Hey, that’s a plant if I ever saw one. Don’t get me wrong here, it’s one of my favorite programs. Watch it all the time. But this one program sure made me want to scratch my head and reach into the TV to say that’s the most bogus thing I have ever seen on the History Channel, ever! This story is about the good ol’ boys back when the landscape was more woods than people and tall prairie grass instead of beautiful mown lawns. I love to read about the desperados that got away with millions of cash, gold, silver and much more. The wild west was the nature of these United States in the 1800s. Lawless, adventure and gold on the prairie, hidden and waiting for the new generation to find and claim it for theirs. Ahh, the good old days. Just like bottle digging is today. A treasure in every hole. But wait, what if someone got to your “Glory Hole” before you did? And planted some bogus glass, knowing that you will be digging in this spot the next day? Ummm! As I was sitting in my comfortable chair, munching on some potato chips with a cold beer next to me and listening to the two or three “explorers” who were talking about Jesse James and all the money he and his gang “picked” up by robbing the citizens in trains, stagecoaches, banks, etc., and if you added up all the plunder, it would amount to at least $1.5 million. But wait, was Jesse a part of the secret order of “Knights of the Golden Circle?” (What the heck is that?) Where did Jesse bury all that treasure?


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Was it for the Knights? Or did Jesse have Alzheimer’s disease and forgot where he buried all his treasure? Wait just a gol darn minute here! Did he leave some clues? Maybe on a hard dirt wall on a hill side he scratched in the “rock” (along with many other marks left by the modern teenagers) a set of double “JJ.” In case you were not paying attention, the two “JJ” were supposed to mean “Jesse James.” And perhaps just below his “JJ” was the buried cache? Or some other code to tell one of the Golden Knights to dig for it? That is if they can find this place, in the middle of nowhere! But wait, this story gets better. The explorers (planters) seemed to use the phrase, “the old folks always buried their precious gems and stash (money) and maybe some gold, in old Mason Jars.” These “planters,” using their metal detector, went back and forth looking for the loot! The detector started to make that sound of finding some kind of metal. One of them started to dig with a small shovel, then went to a trowel to dig slower and move the very loose sand around? (Why use the shovel in the first place, I was thinking). The camera man that was with the film group got real close, (maybe too close) as the person moving the sand around uncovered a bright gold object, but wait a minute, he kept trying to re-bury it by moving the loose sand over it? What? As I could easily see the bright gold object. As if he didn’t find anything yet, but uncovered a silver object to the other side of the one foot hole! Well, wouldn’t you know it, it was an old silver coin. Then he slowly moved his trowel around again to uncover (that he covered in the first place) to find this piece of gold object, like it was the first time he saw it? It was still in view of the camera as if to keep it a secret just for the view history buffs. It doesn’t end at this spot. Nope, there’s more! Right about here there was a pause in the action and the ads came on, “Wait until you see what they find next!” Just a few feet from this “rare” and outstanding find, the other member of this group of “planters” with his trusty metal locator found another spot, just

March - April, 2010

below a large tree. Remembering the Mason Jar that was mentioned earlier, just had to be at this exact spot? Why? The program was coming to the end. Well, lo and behold, one of the members of this fine group of “honest” History Channel “planters” located another loud beeping noise from the metal locator. Again, as the camera man got real close, so close to tell what they found in a very shallow hole was a Mason Jar. Ummmm, they did mention this several times during the course of the program! Just how close did he get? (Remember, this jar was in this hole for many years). I could read every word embossed on this super rare jar??? “BALL / MASON” quart jar. Nice and mint metal screw cap. Note: Every jar that I dug up was in horrible condition that needed a tumble to get it half way presentable. Most were without the cover. Supposed to have been in the ground since the 1880’s? Note: Just to make sure that Ball and Mason were on certain jars during this time frame, I made contact with Bob Clay, who collects Ball Jars. His response follows: Hi, Doug: Sure sounds like something fishy going on, I believe! The first jars embossed Ball MASON were made right at the turn of the century. And just a note to be more precise, Jesse James, having died in 1882, could NEVER have even seen a Ball jar of any kind, since Ball made their first jars in late 1884 or early 1885. And a jar having a zinc lid of any kind “usually” wasn’t what folding money would have been buried in – not if it was intended to be left awhile, as any dampness in the soil would quickly deteriorate the zinc cap and then the paper inside would be exposed to the ground minerals and dissolve to basically nothing within a few years. Gold coins could have been stored this way though, as not much in the ground will deteriorate gold. Even a gold or silver coin buried for a hundred years will come out of the ground in almost as good shape as when it was placed, or lost there. (I love coin hunting with a metal detector). That said though, I can recount many stories of locals here in Oklahoma burying their “stash” in something as fragile as a coffee can, which wouldn’t

Bottles and Extras

last very long at all in the ground. Glass itself would not deteriorate, but anything having a metal lid certainly would, and would allow ground water to get inside the jar, which would eventually render paper money worthless. Being that supposedly gold and 1800s coins were what was stored in the jar, that is entirely possible. But only if stored in a barn or root cellar or cave and not buried. Zinc caps in the ground itself do not last very long. But there is NO way that Jesse James himself could have ever used any jar made by Ball. Thank you for your question – it proved to me that I am not the only person that notices little things like out of period jars in movies and documentaries. Like seeing a Civil War scene having a Ball Perfect Mason jar on the shelf. :o) If you need additional info, just let me know! :o) Note: A big THANK you to Bob Clay who has a nice web site. http://cgi3. ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUser Page&userid=bobclay For more information on joining the NSHBA, please contact Doug Shilson: 3308 32 Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55406-2015. Ohio Bottle Club (OBC) Phyllis Koch (editor) and Donna Gray (secretary) always do a very nice job with The Ohio Swirl, the OBC’s newsletter. John Fifer is club president. The following article was written by Gary Beatty and it appeared in the November issue – it was titled “The Trip to Bountiful:” One of my all-time favorite stories is “A Trip to Bountiful.” It was written by Christian A. Gray. Horton Foote adapted it to the big screen. He also was the screen writer for “To Kill A Mocking Bird,”, which starred a great actor, Gregory Peck. Geraldine Page, one of the all-time great actresses of stage and screen, was the star of “A Trip to Bountiful.” For her performance she won the Oscar for best actress. The story is of a lonely and often ignored elderly lady, who through her loneliness often escaped her ordeal in life by reminiscing of her childhood home, “Bountiful.” After her inability


Bottles and Extras

to get family members to take her there for a visit, she runs away and catches a bus to Bountiful. When she arrives she finds nothing left but ruin. Her old home still stands but completely void of her cherished memories. No apple pie in the window cooling, no sweet mother to pull her to her bosom. As she sat down on the old porch, her heart wracked with disappointment, her eyes filled with Gold’s wonderful tears to help wash away the hurt, she recalled the words of the poet William Wordsworth: “What through radiance which was once so bright be now forever taken from my sight, Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower, We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind, In primal sympathy, which having been, must ever be, In soothing thoughts that spring out of human suffering, In the faith that looks through death, In years that bring the philosophic mind.” I love that poem also. The poem speaks of the memories of youth that cannot be recaptured, but as an adult you can learn from the sorrow and pain, which lends surviving-character as the sap does to the mighty oak. By now you are wondering what does this have to do with “Bottles?” Well, this October, Betty and I decided to take a trip, a vacation, a retreat that we badly needed. So we decided to travel from our Florida home back to Bountiful (Ohio). We also decided we would continue on to Woodstock Valley, Connecticut to take part in Norm Heckler’s Fall Bottle Fest. We had not been there in years. Unlike Geraldine Page’s sad return to Bountiful, our trip was most Bountiful. It started when we finally arrived in southwest Ohio. We made our way to the antique malls on Interstate 70 at Springfield. We purchased some good bottles and old advertisements, including a super nice blob beer from

March - April, 2010

Bryan, Ohio in gorgeous yellow amber, and a cobalt blue handled globular flask for $65. We would see one like it at Heckler’s for $250. “Eureka!” we shouted. We also got a “Lediards Knickerbockers Schnapps.” This is an American Schnapps made by the same people who put out the extremely rare “Lediards Bitters, N.Y.” After a couple of days with family at Lancaster, Ohio, we pointed the trusty Chevy toward Zanesville and onward to Pennsylvania. In a small town before Shippensburg, we visited a very small antique shop. Betty bought a nice piece of costume jewelry and we were going out the door when I spied a dusty old amber bottle on a bottom shelf behind the counter. I asked the elderly and most charming lady if I might see it. What she said brought a reaction to my face my wife would tell me later in the car. I have not bent down to that shelf (on the bottom) for years. In fact, I don’t think I can get down there! May I get it, I asked? Sure, go ahead. I got down on my knees (they’re not so young either) and pulled out the dusty old amber bottle. It was a St. Drakes Plantation Bitters. The price sticker had long ago faded out the price. I asked her what she would take for it. She took it in her hands, turned it a couple of times, looked straight into my eyes as she sized me up, and said, “Give me $25,” and I said sold. She put it in a sack. We said our good-byes and returned to the car. Once in the car, I wiped the bottle clean and it was not amber but a beautiful cherry red puce. Betty looked at me and I at her speechless. I can’t do this, I said, and returned to the shop. Forget something, she inquired? Almost, I said. What’s that? Something I learned from an old friend 40 years ago. Please accept this and I handed her $75. She was shocked. When I returned to the car I not only felt better, I got a sweet kiss from Betty. We hit a lot more shops and finally arrived at Putnam, Connecticut where we spent the night. At 8:15 a.m., we pulled into Heckler’s Field of Dreams. We no sooner exited the car when the first people we saw were Buckeyes.

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It was Jim & Jamie Houdeshell and Jamie’s mother, Muriel. Jim was driving his Texas Cadillac (Suburban). What a great reunion we had. It would be one of many as we encountered many old friends. Norm was his usual gracious accommodating self. I got to see and talk with one of my favorite bottle friends, John Pastor. I also met the gentleman who recently purchased a cobalt W.H. Ware Fish Bitters for $88,000. I was fortunate to handle Elvin Moody’s many years ago. What a beauty. Norm’s field was filled with tailgaters with every kind of bottle you would want. I bought a scruffy old ale that came out of the Chesapeake Bay and a knockout Old Dr. J. Townsend’s, iron pontil in a beautiful teal green. Betty found a Perrine’s Apple Ginger in mint shape with a super color of apricot amber. After several more purchases and our wallets much lighter, we decided to head out. It had been a beautiful trip with the changing of the leaves, Mrs. Heckler’s corn chowder, donuts, apple cider and great fellowship. Oh yes, one more thing, we stopped in an antique shop in Coventry. They had two bottles, one a super crude demijohn, the other a Stoddard master ink. What the heck, we took them both. As we were leaving the shop, three cars of bottle collectors that we had seen at Heckler’s pulled in. Betty and I looked at each other and grinned for we had one-upped them. When we arrived back home in Florida, we were exhausted but brimming with memories from A Trip to Bountiful. We would like to say to the Ohio Bottle Club members, just as Geraldine Page’s mind wandered back to Bountiful, our minds often wander back to Barberton, Akron, Wadsworth and the friends we treasure more than the bottles. You are the memories that we yearn for. For more information on joining the OBC, please contact Berny Baldwin (treasurer), 1931 Thorpe Circle, Brunswick, OH 44212. The club also has a new website which can be found at: http://www.ohiobottleclub.com. Details about their milk bottle book can be found there also.


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Wabash Valley Antique Bottle & Pottery Club (WVABPC) Martin Van Zant is editor of The Wabash Cannonball, the WVABPC’s monthly newsletter. Peggy Zimmer is club president. Michael Elling gave a report on the WVABPC’s recent annual sShow in the club’s December newsletter: The 12th Annual Wabash Valley Antique Bottle and Pottery Club opened the event with an auction on Friday night, November 20th, 2009, at 7 p.m. The two-hour, fast-moving auction highlighted over 300 items, most of them antique bottles of every class. Some notable prizes that changed hands were a circa 1890 Burnett’s Cocaine bottle that went for $7.50; a series of large store

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advertising beer bottles that brought from $7.50 to $10 each (empty); a patriotic wartime milk bottle showing an echelon of fighter planes in attack formation (in two colors) brought $155, and a Terre Haute soda water bottle in near mint condition brought $12.50. The Saturday event opened at 7 a.m. and ran until 2 p.m. There were 36 dealers from seven states who provided 45 tables of material. The free admission on a sunny and warm day brought out 150 patrons who viewed some of the rarest glass bottles and pottery available from the Illinois and Indiana area. Delbert Roley, of Stewartville, found a scarce white/red ACL twist neck soda bottle from the Cardinal Beverage Co., made in 1950. Near Mint, it was tagged

at $17. Also, Delbert got a scarce version of the Elk Beverage Company, a Vernor’s Ginger Ale brand in 8 oz white/blue colors and tagged at $17. The picture is a standard Elks logo over a disk. I was finally able to nail the elusive Terre Haute NEHI Upper 10 Hansom Cab bottle in near mint for $2. It is green glass, has the Good Housekeeping Seal, and was made by Owens-Illinois Glass Company in 1940. The classy Hansom Cab and Top Hat with gloves are a standard design for this famous citrus drink. The WVABPC holds the monthly meeting at Shadows Auction Barn, 1517 Maple Ave., Terre Haute, Ind. Club dues are $10/yr. For more information, please contact Gary Zimmer (treasurer), 10655 Atherton Rd., Rosedale, IN 47874.

club secretary Linda Buttstead, can be found elsewhere in this issue. The St. Pete club members know what to do to advertise their event. The Bradenton Herald carried a front page story and color photo on New Year’s Day. In her January newsletter, The Glass Bubble, she summed up the show from her point of view, while show chairman George Dueben was to give his during the late January club meeting. Club members met at the Industrial Arts Center in Gulfport where glass blower Owen Pach gave demonstrations on glass blowing the old-fashioned way during the February club meeting. During the December meeting, a slide show featuring the awesome collection of Charles Gardner was shown. Linda did the photography years ago at the Gardner home in New London, Conn.

TAB, Doc’s Draft Root Beer, Dr. Pepper and Simba Cola cartons were featured in full color. Sterling also has a fantastic collection of “throwaway” bottles, signs and other memorabilia. Best of the Best winners were Whit Stallings (Raleigh Dispensary Flask, best bottle under $50), Sterling Mann (No Deposit–No Return metal Coke sign, best go-with over $50), Pem Woodlief (Kittrell, N.C., mini jug, best bottle over $50) and DeeAnn Williams (Mountain Dew Auto Cooler, best go-with under $50). Instead of a “Blast from the Pat” photo, Marshall featured a “Drop from the Top” photo showing a privy digger beneath an overhanging boulder held up by two flimsy wooden poles. Club webmaster Robert Creech maintains a neat site in which can be found the December newsletter and others at www.raleighbottleclub.org. Check it out. Marshall noted that his newsletters this year will be published bi-monthly, starting with the February issue.

Southern Regional News Bill Baab 2352 Devere Street Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 736-8097 riverswamper@comcast.net

BRRRRRRR! You don’t hear many weather statements like that from the Sunshine State. Dress of the day at the 41st annual St. Petersburg Antique Bottle Club show and sale included jackets, mittens, scarves and maybe even ear muffs as temperatures plummeted into the 30s last Jan. 8-9. Those who attended the previous 40 shows and sales held by the club, also known as the Suncoast Antique Bottle Collectors Association, enjoyed mostly typical Florida winter weather – highs in the 70s. But even if it was a deep freeze outside this year, temperatures inside the Manatee Civic Center were balmy. This region editor and his wife were scheduled to attend, but feared the Alberta Clipper that invaded the Deep South meant rain and icy roads, so we opted to stay in Augusta to celebrate our 44th wedding anniversary on Jan. 8. The St. Pete show report, written by

Bottles and Extras

Marshall Clements, newsletter editor of the Raleigh (N.C.) Bottle Club, finished off last year with an outstanding Bottle Talk for December. Featured was the fantastic collection of “No Deposit – No Return” cartons of club vice president Sterling Mann. Most consumers rip apart cartons to get to the bottles, but somehow these escaped demolition. Pepsi-Cola, Coca-Cola, Tru-Ade,

Melissa Milner, who edits The Groundhog Gazette for The State of Franklin (Tenn.) Antique Bottle & Collectibles Association, featured photos of some of the great show and tell items brought in by club members.


Bottles and Extras

Included was a Ladies’ Home Journal of March, 1948, the month and year Melissa admits to have been born. She was soothed by winning the $25 door prize during the December meeting. She reprinted an article on pot lids written by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Bruce R. Pynn, who lives on Ontario, Canada. The December issue carried an article on carbonated beverage bottle closures gleaned from the historic glass bottle identification and information website. Johnnie Fletcher, president of the Oklahoma Territory Bottle & Relic Club, and editor of its newsletter, Oklahoma Territory News, noted that last year was a very good one for finding Atchison, Kansas ale bottles. Companies that used that style of bottle included Burkhart & Pretzel (aqua and amber) and William Hekelnkaemper (aqua, amber and green). He authored a feature article, “Sometimes You Succeed, Sometimes

March - April, 2010

You Fail,” in his January issue. Francis Wilz, Todd Stillings and Kenny Burbrink joined Johnnie in Atchison. One pit yielded a Dr. D.M. Bye/Combination Oil Cure Co. / 316 Illinois St. /Indianapolis, Ind./The Originator Copyrighted. It was one of three found and was joined by three M. Noll drug store bottles and an S.F. Stoll Ph.G/Druggist, all from Atchison. Another pit gave up bottles from M. Noll, McPike & Fox, Taylor & Co.,and Kaffer & Benning, all Atchison druggists, and an A. Breunert’s Pharmacy / Kansas City, Mo. bottle. Mark Wiseman (with Elsie the Pup) contributed an Iowa Digging article detailing digs in Tama. Quality bottles found included a Log Cabin Sarsaparilla, Warner’s Safe Diabetes Cure and Warner’s Safe Nervine, and a Congress Water from Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The Horse Creek Bottle Club, of Warrenville, S.C., did not meet during December. Donnie F. Garrett, of Lexington, S.C., an authority on Edgefield District (S.C.) potters and

pottery, was our speaker for January. He brought signed and unsigned pots and jugs from his personal collection. He noted what has become known as the South Carolina decorated pottery tradition started in 1840, with no proof existing that it started earlier. He called Thomas Chandler “the finest master potter whoever turned a piece of pottery in South Carolina.” He showed a piece marked Phoenix Factory / Ed SC with an “L” impressed on the shoulder, probably John Landrum. Garrett is slowly working on a manuscript for a book on Edgefield District potters and pottery. It will contain his personal observations and statements, some of which are sure to become controversial in the Southern pottery collecting world. I hope to be privileged to edit it and can hardly wait. Club member Harvey Teal, of Columbia, S.C., last year acquired a treasure trove of correspondence between the Landrum and Stork pottery families. He will present a summary of his finds during the February program.

meetings.” Members have been asked for their input on the subject. The board will let the members know when a conclusion has been reached. Mike and Jodee Holzwarth were not able to continue on the board for 2010; however, they were thanked for their time and energy spent during the past year. Tracy Crede has been welcomed as one of the club’s newest members. Sad news to report is the loss of lifetime member 70 year-old George Wade Foott Jr. who died last December. Rick provided a photo and background for their January 2010 issue of their newsletter. Besides being a mechanical engineer for Boeing in Seattle, Wash., he was employed by the Johns Manville and Alpine Medical Lab in Colorado. He was a published artist and illustrated a number of books about Colorado history. He and his wife Shirley were on the board of this club for many years. They had also published the Dump Digger’s

Gazette during the time they were on the board. George had been club vice president at one time as well. Many of us have heard of Absorbine Jr., a medication for athlete’s foot. However, I think that few of us know the background on this. Perhaps fewer have dug or viewed a mid to late 1890s (or turn of the century) embossed Absorbine glass bottle. Treasurer Don Hunt provided a great picture and an interesting article that appeared in the January 2010 issue of the Gazette. In addition to the information Don put in the newsletter, he added the W.F. Young, Inc. and Absorbine website: www.absorbine.com for those of us who want to check it out. The story of how the business got started is fascinating, as are most stories of earlier times. Some excellent show and tell items were pictured, in color, in the January 2010 newsletter. A cobalt poison was among them. Another was a Gallinger and Ault Pearl Cream from Goldfield, Colo. Most of us are familiar with the common, clear catsup bottles. There was

Western Regional News Ken Lawler & “Dar” 6677 Oak Forest Drive Oak Park, CA 91377 (818) 889-5451 kenlawler@roadrunner.com

Antique Bottle Collectors of Colorado – Dump Digger’s Gazette Third term President Rick Sinner will be taking the club through his final term this year. He has said that his club has a solid membership base that attends meetings. His report also includes the fact that members seem “truly interested in the hobby of collecting.” It was also noted that members were treated to some significant programs in 2009. Further words from Rick are that their “annual Leadville show has become one of the best ones in the nation.” One of the main topics of conversation has been the board of directors agenda item which is the “frequency of

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a picture of a catsup bottle with a paper label from The Beebe Crauel Pickle Co., Denver, Colo. (I would think that it had to have been unusual to have seen a catsup bottle with a paper label). The bottle and label appeared to be in pristine condition. The last two pictures were of a rare Gowenlock’s Pharmacy, Colorado Springs, Colo., and an Ed. F. Trunk, Denver, Colo. dose cup. Forty-Niner Historical Bottle Association – Bottle Bug Briefs President Mike Dolcini started off in an upbeat manner by hoping that everyone was well and “bottle happy.” There is no better greeting than that in a President’s Message. He feels that “Things in the bottle world are looking up. Better bottles are moving very well despite the state of the economy. Western bottles in particular are in great demand, especially bitters, sodas, and whiskeys. Rare examples are going through the roof and even common specimens are, in many cases, steadily rising in value as demand by collectors increase.” Mike is encouraging members not to be shy about bringing in their items for show and tell, no matter what they are. He is also looking forward to hearing from members with stories about their finds. Mike Henness presented a program showing his display of western blob top, iron-pontiled sodas. There were varying shades of colors from cobalt to green and aqua. He had duplicates of the same bottle each with a different shade of color. Mike talked about variants with white or red stripes or crosses. He asked members if anyone knew anything about these red stripes and crosses. Apparently, they still remain a mystery. He went on to say that the bottles were blown in the east and filled in the west. Some were not meant to be drunk from the bottle but rather to be mixed with other drinks. Some of us have seen Mike’s magnificent display of sodas for sale at shows. His bottles are very impressive. Show chairman Steve Abbott had undergone a successful three-way bypass surgery on New Year’s Eve. A note in the newsletter says that he is doing well and looking forward to getting back into

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attending meetings. You can’t keep a good show chairman down for long. He is already thinking about the planning that will go into next year’s show. Here is what some of the members brought in for show and tell. Kent Williams showed torpedo sodas and Egyptian glass; Roger Quinn and Dean Wright displayed their sodas; Monte Moore unboxed several colored insulators. Monte tells the story that he was a railroad employee who (on his own time) walked the tracks looking for insulators. John Erickson brought a Woodland Dose Glass, a fruit jar and a whiskey; Gregg Millar brought pictures of anchors he found while diving, and a case gin; Mike Peters, another diver, brought in several items he found diving in the Sacramento River such as 32 dominos and Chinese coins in a deteriorating tin box. Herb Yue dug a rare crystal cider soda water! Most everyone likes to read about what kind of raffle items are won at meetings. Lucky Herb Yue won a green case gin; Gary Lundlee took a Union Glass Works soda; Gregg Millar got a cornacopia flask; Jim Kuykendall ended up with a Doyles Hop Bitters; Kathy Merwin broke the luck of the guys and won a Reno quart beer; Mike Henness took home a Warner’s Safe Cure; Ken Edward won a Carter master ink; Gary Lundlee took home an aromatic schnapps and Steve Abbott won the sack of walnuts donated by Jim Kuykendall. Las Vegas Antique Bottles and Collectibles Club – (No Name for Newsletter – Yet) The reason there is the word “Yet” opposite the club name above is, that Secretary Rebecca Glantz has been asked to take over the editorship of this club’s newsletter. Rebecca said in her “A Word from the Editor –“ that “Of course, Dottie and Dick will forever be my editing heroes.” Dottie has been keeping in touch with Ken and I from time to time and has entertained us with some of her articles. I remember from past newsletters that some catchy names have been submitted for consideration. This may be the time to “dig” (no pun intended) out those names

Bottles and Extras

and select a name for your newsletter. Now to read on to see what else is in Rebecca’s first-effort newsletter. She has already started out by including some new items of interest. There is her suggestion of “Let’s Keep Our Eyes Open” wherein she is seeking to include names of collectibles that members are looking for. She will put that information in upcoming newsletters with the hope that members will keep their eyes open when looking around and let you know if they see something you might want. There is another great idea in her “The Final Word” blurb about “finials.” Talk about progress in the Las Vegas Club: Here is what Rebecca reported (while wearing her secretarial hat). The first order of business after President Mike Presley opened a business meeting was that “Glenna Dunna introduced Ralph and Dee Morris, who became new members. They collect Delft, nipper bottles and have many classic refurbished cars. Josephine Merchant introduced Patty Zimmerman, who collects dolls and “stuff” and she became a new member. Other new members included John Pandella, who collects a variety of treasures, and Phil D., who collects art glass and art pottery. That is FIVE new members garnered at this meeting! I would think that this is probably a record breaker. Los Angeles Historical Bottle Club – The Whittlemark A review of 2009 was written in Dave Maryo’s President’s Message. He said, “We had a great year in 2009 with interesting monthly meetings and hosting two bottle shows.” He thanked members for their support and for electing him to a second term as president. He then moved on looking forward to 2010 accomplishments. Secretary Ken Lawler wrote of our experience of attending the Tulare Show. Tulare is a good two-hour drive up I99. It used to be organized by Carl and Richard Simon, but as of the last few years, the insulator folks have taken on the responsibility. The insulator folks have maintained a good quality show with insulators, bottles and collectibles. Club member Scott Yeargain had a table loaded


Bottles and Extras

with bottles. Ken purchased an emerald green pepper sauce from Scott. We ran into several LAHBC members up there that were either buying or selling or both. We noticed that Tom Hanna was holding an empty bag on his shoulder. With hubby at her side, Maxine managed to tax Tom with making several trips to their vehicle to unload the “shoulder bag.” Some of our club members in attendance were Dwayne Anthony, Dennis Rogers, and Bob Manthorne. Our club member Robert Frank drove down from Lompoc to join in on the walkabout to view the offerings. Ken said that “There were some nice displays on insulators and the connecting pins and posts that they were screwed onto. Someone had a neat display of barb wire. Actually there were a couple of barb wire displays that were outstanding. There must have been hundreds of samples all neatly attached to the cases. All were labeled with names and dates.” As with any collection, it takes time, money and background research to put it together. Further it takes more time to set up displays and to have printed material available for people who view them. We are constantly reminded that history goes hand in hand with collecting. Another article by Ken covered the Auburn show. He described a trip we made to a nearby antique shop before we made it to the early bird entry at the show. He called out the names of 14 LAHBC club members he ran into at the show who were either buying or selling. He was checking out the tables and pointing and clicking his camera. There were the quality bottles exchanging hands as Ken darted about in the two buildings noticing names of folks from different parts of California and from out of state. There seemed to be a steady stream of folks taking their new finds out to their vehicles and making return trips to dealer tables. Northwestern Bottle Collectors Association – The Glassblower R. J. Bargarella started off the club’s show and tell portion by showing his greenish Philadelphia beer, Brown Stout. Richard Siri has added to his Pure Cream Rye collection. He brought in his latest

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additions, two clear back bar Bottles. One bottle is a cylinder; the other is a flaired, fluted bottle. It is apparent that Richard enjoys increasing the size of his collection. Richard also showed some Indian basket-covered bottles. Normally embossment of the covered bottles cannot be determined because of the covering. However, Richard has adopted a process that reveals the embossment. He brought in x-ray photos to prove it. Some of the bottles were a Bird Cutter, Warner safe, IXL Bitters and a Henley’s Bitters. Ron Puccioni reports that this new activity should keep Richard busy for awhile. Member Jess Solis and John Burton shared some information with the club. Jess entertained folks by telling a story about one of his experiences. John followed by showing slides, on his computer, of the club’s bottle show. He also brought along additional slides to show which were of the Watsonville Can Show. Oregon Bottle Collectors Association – The Stumptown Report The best news of all to report is that this club has a couple of new members. One member is Shelly Caldwell from Portland, Ore. She has already gone digging at an old dump site. She got into some 1950s stuff and is getting practice for future digs. Ramona Ferry is the second new member to join this club from Alaska! Ramona’s membership was a Christmas present from members Jim and Jean Burns. They report that “she’s a good all-around general bottle collector who likes to dig and enjoys reading about old bottles.” Club member Nate Weimer was the first Alaskan to join this club. If you readers are eager to learn about great show and tell items and some exciting digging stories, read on. Bill Bogynska as club secretary, informs readers about show and tell items; as editor he includes articles or stories received from club members. Following are some examples of show and tell items: “Mark brought an 1860s snap case half-pint historical flask with Pittsburgh Eagle and Pike’s Peak on it; an iron-pontiled Traveler’s Companion/(star) flask that Kim dug in her first outhouse

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in New York, a post-Civil War clasped hands/Eagle historical flask; a pontiled cornucopia/urn flask and a pumpkinseed with a glass drip inside hanging down. “Scott brought several sizes of cobalt blue W.H. Hooker/Acker’s English Remedy bottles, a miniature clear Acker’s English Pills bottle and a box of Acker’s Dyspepsia Tablets.” Now comes the digging part you have been waiting for. According to Bill Bogynska’s Editor’s Report, Alan Hale is the author of the following digging story: “On any Saturday Digging Eastern Oregon and Washington.” He covers the months of September, October and November. September is a little uneventful, but at lest Alan and a digging buddy got invited by a construction company owner to check out seven sites in Walla Walla where some houses were being demolished. They went on a warm Saturday; however, when they started to probe they realized that the ground was too hard so they couldn’t get their probe into the ground more than six inches. Alan says “We tried to dig several spots – can’t go down over a foot – large rocks everywhere.” It turns out that they were unsuccessful at other lots, too. He says that they were excited but frustrated. October doesn’t sound like it starts out too well, either. Alan’s first sentence reads “So, now to the bottle dump from hell.” With additional permission from the same guy, off the two diggers go to check out a different dump site. It turns out that it is below five to six feet of dirt and rock. The diggers think that above that level would be “stuff” from the 30s and 40s. To dig under six feet calls for a backhoe. One is hired to dig several trenches. Once hired this “project by now” went on for six Saturdays! Their first Saturday, it rained all day, but they stayed trenchbound regardless. Alan named some not so impressive finds, but later in the day he says “my digging partner uncovered a 5-inch green square Lipman Wolfe & Co., Portland, Ore. bottle, whole and undamaged. We are happy.” He described the following five Saturdays as spent unearthing many plain bottles and more common embossed and broken ones. He also reported that they had “numerous cave-offs and lots of digging out.”

Continued on page 49 ......


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Bottles and Extras

Genessee Valley Bottle Collectors Association By John DeVolder

The hobby of antique bottle collecting got started in our section of New York state during the 1960s. During the summer of 1963, I was digging a woodchuck out of a wood pile for my dog when I picked up my first bottle, a plain white and tan pottery ginger beer. At that moment, something happened to me (he got hooked!) and I spent my summer digging out dumps. The only exceptional find was a Tippecanoe, which I packed away inside a box. I got away from the hobby over the next three years, but after my brother, Dave, got married in 1966, he suggested that we collect bottles together. On Jan. 3, 1969, 10 collectors met at the home of Henry and Virginia Gesell to form the Genessee Valley Bottle Collectors Association. In addition to myself, our hosts and their daughter, Janice, the others were Pete and Muriel Van Dilst, Jack Stecher, Tom and Nancy Hopper and Burt Spiller. John Guttenberg was named president, Jack Stecher vice president, Nancy Hopper secretary and Allan D. Moore treasurer. Dues were $3 a year. An organizational meeting held Jan. 16 attracted 27 members. I became the first editor of the club newsletter, Applied Seals, but Uncle Sam came calling and my brother took over as newsletter editor. Serving in the U.S. Army (1969-71) interrupted my collecting and kept me away from the huge growth experienced by our club. Having been an integral part of the club’s formation, I felt a bit lost when I returned from the service. The hobby had changed quite a bit during those two years, really coming into its own. Bottles were no longer considered junk or given away and many were being sold for a lot of money. Digging was still a way of finding some good things, but most dumps had been dug out. My brother found a friend

John DeVolder ponders a question during GVBCA’s 1988 show and sale. (Courtesy of John DeVolder)

1969 publicity photo for GVBCA show: (from left) Jack Stecher, Nancy Hooper, John Guttenberg and Allen Moore. (Courtesy of John DeVolder)

and digging partner in Bill Huff. After leaving the Army, I fit in with them and we spent a lot of time digging in mostly town dumps. Some of those ran to depths of 10 to 20 feet. The best bottles always seemed to be around the roots of trees so many trees were to fall because of our digging. One tree in particular, perhaps some 80 feet high, fell one hot summer’s day with an atom bomb-type mushroom cloud of dust and a loud crash. It scared the three of us off the dump that day and when we later returned, we discovered that tree had been behind the local police station. Why we weren’t arrested, we don’t know, because we continued to dig there. Our digging ethics left a lot to be desired. We would dig to the bottom, then mushroom the layer so the hole collapsed along with some 10 or 15 feet of fill dirt above it. We never found anything great in one piece, but did come up with threadless insulators, pontiled sodas, mineral waters, decent inks and medicines. I never found a historical flask or a bitters in one piece. My first club office was that of treasurer during the late 1980s and since then I have served as president and held many other positions, including being show chairman for more years than anyone else. The presence of Burton Spiller, who later was enshrined as a member of the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors Hall of Fame, is among the reasons why our club flourished. In 1969, he wrote a column called Bottles East for Western Collector magazine. Spiller, who suffered a loss of hair early in his life, was the good-natured butt of Dave DeVolder’s “Remedy for Baldness.” The club was compiling


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Those at head table at banquet of 1970 GVBCA show included (from left) Jack Stecher, Dot Villard and Charles Gardner. (Courtesy of John DeVolder)

a membership directory and Guttenberg appointed member John Martinelli chairman of the education committee. The latter came up with an idea called “Primer for Bottle Collectors,” to help educate members about antique bottles. Installments were published on the back pages of Applied Seals, with “Bottle Glass” the first subject. Other Primer topics included Classifying Bottles, Melting Pots, Furnaces and Bottle Molds, Reproductions and Fakes in a two-part series, New York glass factory histories, how pontils come about, bottle categories and insulators. Spiller gave a comprehensive talk about “The Patent Medicine Kings of Rochester” during the September 1969 program and the newsletter editor noted club membership had spurted past 400. In 1970, Martinelli succeeded Dave DeVolder as newsletter editor and published an interview with Charles Gardner in the January issue. Rochester was tapped as the site for the Federation of Historical Bottle Clubs national show in July of 1970. Guttenberg was named federation chairman for 1971

Evelyn and Dick Bowman at GVBCA’s 1972 show with insulator exhibit. (Courtesy of John DeVolder)

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and Martinelli second vice chairman. In 1971, Evelyn Bowman succeeded Martinelli as newsletter editor. She did such a wonderful job that, even after John DeVolder left the Army, she continued as editor. “She was such a natural and did such a good job that when I returned in March of that year, it was mutually agreed that she would continue,” John said. In the early years, we’d Kel Kelsey sports a club sabotage our show displays. tie during an early 1990s Goldfish were found GVBCA show. (Courtesy of swimming in a fountain that John DeVolder) was a prop for one display. Another had a backdrop that looked like Col. Sanders, with a Kentucky Fried Chicken box, bones and wrappers placed in the backdrop. It could have been made much better by showing a video taken of a woman in evening dress diving into a dumpster to get those new props! Back in those days, the hobby produced one laugh after another and I feel a lot of the “fun-fun” has gone from today’s times. The fun of finding something really nice is getting further and further between finds. The post-1970 show report included the most expensive bottle sold was an amber Jenny Lind flask for $350. Charlie Gardner bought a cobalt Wynkoop’s Sarsaparilla and Jack Stecher an emerald green U.S. Syrup, both pontiled. The chance of very nice bottles being found at shows back then was very good. At one New England show, I wanted to buy a pontiled amber pepper sauce for $270, but didn’t have the money. The man wouldn’t trade and Burt Spiller later added it to his collection. Club meetings were always exciting or interesting and members hated to miss them. On Jan. 15, 1970, lacking transportation, Bill Huff walked for five hours from Sodu Point to Rochester, some 25 miles in all, to make the club meeting. The July issue of the newsletter noted that club membership had climbed above 600. Highlights of my personal connection with the hobby was meeting Charles Gardner twice, once before entering the Army and the other during my honeymoon. I attended a 1968 banquet in Syracuse where he was the guest speaker. He showed slides of his fabulous collection and then issued an invitation to all to visit him and his wife, Nina, in New London, Conn. He had added a special room to his home that housed his collection and I remember seeing three walls of windows with shelving that displayed a rainbow of colorful bottles. .


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Souvenir China

Western mining towns are well known for their rough and tumble atmosphere. Mention a booming gold strike town like Victor, Colorado, circa 1898, and it brings to mind false front saloons with whiskey-soaked saw dust floors, rough sawn wooden assay offices and narrow alleys between the “line” where the nightlife mined the miner’s pockets. The words “Fine China, Made In Germany,” are way down on the list of things associated with late 19th and early 20th century mining districts. Yet souvenir items made from fine china were nearly as plentiful as bawdy houses. Sold from drug stores, department stores and grocery stores, the very fragile fine china souvenir pieces specific to the mining towns can still be found in surprising numbers and variations. They were articles meant to advertise the specific store, as well as entice the folks back home in the eastern states of what they were missing out west. Often wildly colorful and intricately detailed, many of these china pieces portray specific large mines, such as the Independence Mine in Victor, Colorado, and mining smelters such as the hugely famous Anaconda Smelter in Anaconda, Montana. It is my feeling that the china souvenir pieces representing large mines may have been ordered as much to sell mining stock as to impress the tourists. Pressed out in the shape of everything from candy trays to fancy vases, much of this china was made by Wheelock & Company in Germany. Other china companies that may be found include Janroth, Germany and D.E. McNicole, of East Liverpool, England. Wheelock China, however, appears to have been the most prolific manufacturer. Not to be outdone, eastern coal mining towns, as well as mining towns in the Tri-State Lead and Zinc Mining District of southwestern Missouri,

Bottles and Extras

By Steve Rush Log Hill Mesa, Colorado southeastern Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma and the Upper Peninsula Michigan copper mines, produced many fine pieces advertising souvenir china. The western hard rock mining districts, however, were shorter lived, and the souvenir china from these areas is a bit tougher to find. As mineral-bearing ore was found in a general location, a town would spring up, be named in favor of some local landmark or founding figure, stores and saloons built, and souvenir china ordered to commemorate the town and mines. Many times in the west, these towns disappeared almost as quickly as the china would arrive at a store, as the pay rock was found to not extend beyond the grass roots. Mining town china from shortlived towns such as Sneffles, Colorado and Seven Troughs, Nevada, are most sought after and rarely come to light. Mining town souvenir pieces can be found in custard glass, milk glass and ruby-flashed glass, as well as fine porcelain china. The images were applied in much the same manner as a silk-screened image on a piece of clothing, and the photographs contain a surprising amount of detail. The source for much of the souvenir mining china found today is antique bottle shows, general antique shows and, of course, the ubiquitous eBay. Several fine pieces, however, have been found in the dumps and outhouses of long abandoned towns. One piece was unearthed by the author at a mine near Silverton, though I was never able to establish why a hard rock miner may have wanted such a fragile item in his meager bedroll. The colors and designs of mining town china make fine additions to any shelf or cabinet holding a collection of beautiful antique bottles. The history that goes with them make it that much more enjoyable to collect. Good hunting!

Gold Dredging Feather River. Oroville, Calif. Souvenir plate. Depicts a scene on the Famous Feather River in California’s Mother Lode Country. These huge dredge boats would float in a pond of their own making, bringing up thousands of tons of river gravels per day, separating the gold from the gravels, and spilling the gravels back into the river or along the river banks.

Steam Shovel at work Chapin Mine Iron Mountain Mich. Beautiful custard glass container.


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Independence Mine, Cripple Creek, Colorado. Fancy candy dish. Beautiful dish showing the mine and mine buildings of one of the most famous mines in the Cripple Creek Mining District. The Independence Mine brought forth millions of dollars of gold for its owner, Winfield Scott Stratton, and was located near the town of Victor.

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Souvenir miner’s shaving mug, inscribed with “A Lancashire Miner’s Prayer...”

Reverse of the miners’ shaving mug

The Silver Smuggler & Molly Gibson Mines. Large serving china pitcher. Mine buildings and mine track of this large Aspen, Colorado, Mine.

Smelter At Anaconda. Souvenir plate. This scene depicts the large smelter at Anaconda, Montana. Circa 1890’s

Picturesque Park City. Fancy souvenir plate. Depicts several scenes, including mines, in Park City Utah.

Pueblo Smelting & Refining Co., Pueblo, Colo. Fancy candy dish. Depicts a scene of this smelter working to reduce ore likely brought down from the nearby Cripple Creek, Colorado, Mining District. Circa 1890’s.

The Prospector In Cripple Creek. Cup and saucer. Depicting a fully outfitted miner and his stalwart and trustworthy burro.

From left to right, pictured are the Silver Bell Mill and Mine, the Daly West Mine, the Anchor Mine, St. Mary’s Church and School, and the Lincoln School.


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Early American Midwestern Glass By Dave Maryo

What is early American midwestern glass? It was made in the first glasshouses of the Ohio River area. The glass was produced in the late 1700s and early 1800s by craftsmen trained in the Stiegel tradition of glass manufacturing. Henry Stiegel was an ambitious man who brought the finest glass blowers and craftsmen from Europe in the 1860s to produce glass in America. Stiegel produced glass in a quality matched only by the finest glass houses in Europe.

Midwest glass manufacturing locations.

After a period of less than 10 years, his business was in financial trouble and closed. This may have been a sad day to lose the factory producing the finest glass in America, but it was the beginning of a unique new style of glass to be made in the Ohio River Valley. Most of Stiegel’s craftsmen moved west and trained a new generation of highly skilled glass artisans. These glass makers had the talent to produce outstanding glassware

Midwest pattern dip molds

using the local raw materials in the midwest. Colors of early midwestern glass were beautiful green, blue and amber using the local sand and ash. The glass produced was usually thinner than the glass made in the New England states. The high quality glass produced was in brilliant colors with outstanding clarity not often found in American glass of the time. Early midwestern glass factories produced bottles and table ware as well as window glass. Most of the early

midwestern glass was freeblown and shaped rather than using bottle molds. German-style dip molds were used to produce patterns on the glass to be free-blown, but some flasks and other bottles were made using bottle molds. The free-blown items were the “art glass” of this period of American glass production. Clear glass that was produced in the midwest at this time was not as common as the colored pieces. Pittsburgh glass houses produced the majority of clear glass and some was cut and polished. Early midwestern glass can be a very beautiful piece of art work created by some of the finest glass craftsmen of the time. Thank you, Mr. Stiegel, for your vision and ambition that allowed early midwestern glass to be highly prized by collectors today. Sources: Two Hundred Years of Blown Glass, by Helen and George McKearin, Bonanza Books, 1950. American Glass, by George and Helen McKearin, Crown Publishers, 1973. Early American Bottles and Flasks, by Stephen Van Rensselaer, Revised Edition Edited by J. Edmund Edwards. 1971.


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2010 National

Bottle Show The Biggest and Best! The Findlay Antique Bottle Club is proud to be the sponsor club for the 2010 National Bottle Show. We are working hard to make this the BIGGEST National Show in Federation history! The show will be in a wonderful new facility that was designed for shows -- the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio. With room for 600 dealer tables, this show will be HUGE. The table rents are super low -- there’s unlimited FREE parking. Easy unloading/ loading -- the show building is all on one level -- NO STEPS! The Roberts Centre is adjacent to a beautiful new Holiday Inn as well as a great restaurant, Max & Erma’s. There are many more hotels and restaurants nearby. Easy to find for drivers, Wilmington is within a “golden triangle” anchored by Dayton, 35 miles to the northwest, Cincinnati, 60 miles

to the southwest and Columbus, Ohio’s capital city, just 65 miles to the northeast. Wilmington is easily accessible from Interstate-71. exiting at Ohio Route 73 east or U.S. Route 68 south, and is located at the crossroads of U.S. 68 and U.S. 22. Ohio Routes 3 and 73 also intersect in Wilmington. Wilmington is a great location, just a short drive from the Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus airports. It is also about an hour’s drive from Springfield, Ohio, which has 3 of the biggest and best antique malls in the state, including the Heart of Ohio Antique Center which is on Martha Stewart’s “Best Antiquing” list. The show is a multi-day event, August 6-8, and we will have a banquet, an auction, displays, FOHBC meetings, and so much more. You can read all about the show on the Findlay Antique Bottle Club’s website: finbotclub.blogspot.com.

Contact Show Chairman Jamie Houdeshell for contracts and information: jhbottle@hotmail.com - (419) 722-3184. To advertise in the show program, contact Marianne Dow: finbotclub@gmail.com - (419) 648-5600.

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By Bruce Schank [Editor’s Note: This article is a result of long time collector and author Bruce W. Schank reaching out to very long time collector Mr. Mason, Don Burkett.] Don was born September 8th, 1930 at the very residence he resides at today. Amazingly, after college and a shortlived first marriage, he came back to where it all started and has remained there to this day. Don is a graduate of Adrian College and has a masters degree from Eastern Michigan in Ypsilanti. Don taught junior high for the first eight years of his career and then government studies his last 25 years in a high school setting. Don told me that teaching was an extremely good life for him. Many years ago Don decided to go to a religious festival one Sunday in Chautauqua, N.Y. with his mother and Glennie. While there, his mother said, “there’s a flea market, you should stop.” Don surprisingly said, “What’s a flea market?” So they all went in and walked around. There just happened to be a man with a trailer with boxes of fruit jars and he was selling them. Don’s thoughts went back when as a rambunctious kid he’d go to his grandfather’s dump and break fruit jars and bottles by throwing rocks at them and here they are now worth money. Well, that was enough to set the future Mr. Mason on the straight and narrow in regards to such atrocities since he was now quite interested in them. Interestingly, the first jar Don ever bought was a badly stained aqua Trademark Lightning quart with no bail, metal tie or lid for $2 at a show in Tecumseh, Mich., in the fall of 1970. He cradled that jar in his arms and carried it all the way home. He still has that jar to this day and that is the only non-Mason embossed jar in his

Don Burkett holding his favorite Mason jar. An incredibly crude Mason’s (Cross) Patent jar.

collection. This jar was the initial trigger that embarked him on a now famous 39+ year collecting and selling journey. At this same juncture, Don came across a few bottle magazines with articles about bottle shows. After going to a few shows, he thought that it would be possible to collect every fruit jar that was ever made and then quickly realized this wasn’t going to happen. In 1972, he finally decided to collect only jars embossed with the word Mason on them. Don, of course, is famous in the hobby to this day as “Mr. Mason,” a nickname given to him by Vivian “Granny” Kath in November 1977 because he had been sending her so much information and rubbings on varying Mason-embossed jars. When I arrived at Don’s home, he immediately began apologizing that his jars were not displayed as nicely as other

collectors. I suppose it was due to the fact that Mason Bright, who lives only a hop and a skip away from him, has a basement done so professionally it seems as though you are in a museum. I wasn’t bothered by Don’s basement, though. As a matter of fact, it was really neat and kind of quaint and reminded me of the old days gone by when I was able to find a hole-in-the-wall in my area with myriads of bottles and jars all over the place and in which I’d explore for hours picking up hundreds of items looking for just one small treasure to go home with. Don has literally hundreds and hundreds of jars and what’s really unique is the fact that every single jar has at least the word Mason embossed on it. It doesn’t matter where as long as the word Mason is embossed someplace -- it’s a keeper to Mr. Mason. One particular jar that struck my attention at the onset was a fantastic deep cornflower blue Mason’s CFJ Patent Nov 30TH 1858 quart. Don told me the story of how that jar was in an auction in his very town of Monroe and the bidding went to a whopping $24. Well, he managed to be the high bidder on that jar and on his way home he was thinking to Spectacular cornflower himself, “Oh blue Mason’s CFJCo my, what have Patent jar. I done. What am I going to tell Glennie?” Back then Don just didn’t have a whole lot of money and $24 was a large amount to divert into a single fruit jar. Glennie, being the wonderful person that she is, was very happy for him that he had gotten that superbly colored jar.


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Improved Jar. Don, of course, was completely speechless looking at that stunning jar and all he could verbalize was “Oh!” Bill says to him, “Don, you should have this jar.” “Wow” he said! He couldn’t believe it that Bill would think of him like that. So in the end Don paid $400 for that jar and he was so appreciative of the fact that Bill could have just bought the jar himself and kept it. *Man, this is friendship and networking at its finest as far as I’m concerned.* While set up at Indy one year, Glennie came to Don and said, “There’s a man set up on the fifth floor who wants people to come up and look at his jars.” Don told her, “OK, I’ll get up there.” About a half A view of the back end of Don’s basement. hour later, Glennie tells Don that no one Don told me that one looking for them at the has gone up there yet to look at his jars. So he goes up of his most exciting jar time in that area. Suffice and Margaret acquisitions was a Mason’s it to say, he picked up Shaw was T Patent that he acquired many really scarce Mason in the room from Jerry McCann at a jars over the years at that standing there show and they are all in bottle show in Grand Rapids holding on to a many years ago. Don was his collection to this day. midget Albany at his table and a kid came Unfortunately, Don didn’t Aniline jar. So up to him and said, “I want have the money to buy a lot Margaret tells to show you a jar.” Don of amber jars back in the Don, “You looked at it and said “what earlier years and that’s why should have the (expletive deleted)! He he bought so many more this jar because just about busted a gut and reasonable priced aqua, it says Mason’s asked the kid where he got clear and blue jars that were Patent on the the jar from and the kid said always different variations. base.” Well, “in a box across the room.” At the time he bought them, Don told me Don ran right over there and they didn’t go for a lot of Rare midget Albany that drool was began rummaging through Rare (only one known) money, but now they’re Aniline jar. running down the boxes looking for other Mason’s T Patent jar. all probably $100 jars and his chin as he looked at that jar. If his good jars and came back to better. his table and asked the kid Don’s acquired a lot of memory serves him correctly he believes if it was for sale but the kid jars over the years through the jar was priced at $175 and he asked if hemmed and hawed and word of mouth. Between that was her best price. The lady said, “I said no. Don’s heart sunk as friends and acquaintances think so,” especially in light of the fact he said, “Oh My!” Then out who know he’s looking for Margaret told her she’d buy it if Don of the blue Jerry came over Mason jars of all kinds, didn’t want to. While walking around at a to his table and told him people would contact him he’d sell him the jar at a fair about jars which he could Montgomery, Ala., show many years price. Don was so happy and hopefully use. An example ago, Don met Dick Harris who had a grateful. of this came while at a barrel there. Dick immediately said Findlay, Ohio show one to him, “You might be interested in Don’s favorite show used to be in York, Pa. year. Bill Dudley was something I have,” and he pulled out a According to him, you standing in front of his solid pour 1858 Mason. Of course, Don could always find a lot of table with an older couple went “Oh My!” yet again (I’m seeing a 1858s and it seemed that Rare amber Mason’s who was holding an amber pattern here, folks) and managed to get Improved jar. most people weren’t really quart shoulder seal Mason’s it for what Don says was a reasonable


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price. This solid threw out a price. Then the owner came Don about a trade. Well, Don obviously pour is just one back with another price a little higher liked the Columbus jar so he went to of the crudest and he said fine so he bought it. Don his house and they traded even up. Don pieces of glass laughingly claims Phil Murphy nearly to this day suspects the man thought I have ever seen gave up collecting when he moneywise he was getting and a fantastic heard Don had bought the the better while Don thought 1858 go-with. jar because Phil would have possibly the same in the What I find loved to have had the jar opposite. But the bottom amazing about himself. And surprisingly, the line was both ended up with this solid glass jar came right out of Phil’s a jar they really liked and pour is the fact own backyard. And despite wanted. Don claims this is it has the screw this being the most expensive one of the few trades he has thread area jar he has in the collection, ever made in his long and included which all Don can say about this illustrious collecting career. I have not seen wonderful acquisition is that Art Snyder happened Rare 0ne-of-a-kind on any other he was very lucky. If the kid to have a clear quart Atlas solid pour Mason’s solid pour. And hadn’t called and the seller Strong Shoulder Mason with Patent. the overflow hadn’t been such a nice HA grippers in his collection is pretty darn nice, too, if I do say so guy, he wouldn’t have this that Don had wanted badly myself. incredible Mason jar. for a very long time. Anna Rare The Columbus Don mentioned he happened to Another phenomenal jar Mae Snider asked him and Al Mason’s jar. know a young collector in Illinois from in Don’s collection is a clear Vignon to catalog Art’s jars quart The Columbus Mason’s after he passed away and Don thought to whom he had purchased jars in 1986. One day, he Patd 1858. He knew a person himself that he would end up going home received a call from this in Fort Wayne, Ind., who with that jar. Don claims there are only young man, saying he knew owned the jar, but he wasn’t two known examples. Both he and Al a person who owned a quart able to pry it from him. Then spent two days amber IG Mason jar. So Don one day he was walking cataloging Art’s quipped, “Well, there aren’t through an antique store in jars, separating any” and the young guy Michigan and found a ½ pint the common retorted, “Yes, there is.” So he Globe jar on the shelf. He from the rare gave Don the owner’s name looked at the base and the jar and scarce. After had a price of $22 on it. Well, cataloging all and number. Don called the owner and he seemed like a it was a no brainer to say of the jars, Don really nice person. He really the least so he bought it. He hadn’t seen the wanted to see the jar bad thought to himself, “I really Atlas jar and because he thought it was a like this jar even though it asked Al about doesn’t say Mason on the it. Not knowing fake. So the owner shipped Rare amber IGCo the jar to him. He opened up Mason’s Patent jar. jar.” Don called the fellow the rarity or the the box and when he pulled who owned the Columbus jar significance of the jar out with a friend at the table he and brought the jar to his house. Because the jar, Al had put Rare Atlas Strong said, “My God…that’s the real thing!” the man was partial to half pints, he was it in a box with Shoulder Mason with Don had no idea what to offer him, but he very interested in the Globe and asked common jars. HA grippers.

Don’s fantastic colored grouping of Mason 1858 jars.


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Don got it, but when reading more. He remembers Granny over Art’s notes and final Kath saying she didn’t write requests, he couldn’t believe for people collecting amber that there was a special Van Vliets, but instead for mention that this particular the ordinary collectors. He jar was to go to Russ Crupe. thinks the hobby is lacking Apparently there had been a many of these ordinary trade between the two and collectors now. Don claims Art had never taken the time nobody is going to start out to get the jar to Russ. So buying thousand-dollar jars if the one and only jar in Art’s they never collected before. entire collection that Don “If you’re going to get burnt, wanted didn’t go home with you’d better get burnt on a $5 him. Incredibly, only this Outstanding colored jar rather than on a $100 jar Root Mason jar. past spring a good friend of or better.” He feels you can Don’s had the opportunity to make a pretty nice collection buy the only other example out of common jars and he of this rare jar and did so. never liked the term “junk” Then he turned right around jars. In Don’s opinion, and sold it to Don at the there are no junk jars -- just Mansfield show. Of course, common jars or jars most Don was happy as the dickens advanced collectors aren’t to get it. It reminds me of the interested in. saying that good things come Don mentioned that Roy to those who wait and that Brown used to sell more was entirely true for Don in good jars than anyone he can this situation. A jar in his top remember with the exception 10 want list came his way of Greg Spurgeon. Roy would when he didn’t even expect have some really good jars it to happen, simply because on his sales table as well as yet again a close friend was a few common ones because Scarce error Mason’s he never forgot the ordinary looking out for him. Patent jar. Don didn’t really have collector. Don had a heck of any tragic jar stories to relate lot of respect for him because to me since he has never of that fact. broken a jar of any major Don would say to significance. In 1976, he says beginning collectors what someone stole an LG midget a lot of other advanced worth $250 at the time off collectors would say, “buy of his table at a show. That the best jar you can with what was a whole heck of a lot of money you have.” If you’re money back then and to this buying jars and thinking of day he has never found out selling them one day, that’s who did it. one thing. Don says he didn’t Don mentioned that buy his jars with the idea of collecting overall has lost selling them one day. He loves some of its fun and mainly all of his jars from the $5 ones because he can’t find to those costing thousands anything that he’s looking Nicely colored half- of dollars and the cheaper for anymore. He’s worried gallon Mason Fruit ones are just as much a part jar. about the hobby because the of the collection as the rest. main idea now seems to be who can get Although the more common ones don’t the best most expensive jars. And no mean as much to him as the “better” one seems to be interested in the more jars, they are still an integral part of his “common and inexpensive” jars any collection because they say Mason on

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them. Don says newer collectors should specialize, whether it’s color, or closures, or whatever, and doing so will make it far easier to realize goals. Don also told me collecting has given him and Glennie a wonderful opportunity to travel, know a lot of people they wouldn’t otherwise know and make some of the best friends they

Rare Shield Union cap in very good condition.

Rare Mason 1858 cap.

Extremely difficult to find original Sealtite lid.


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Some of Don’s oversize and oddity jars. A shot of Don’s numbered and lettered Mason’s Patent jars.

one such circumstance of many lately that I have encountered. My wife was away on an emergency and I was feeling a bit down. Yes, once again your humble author was temporarily Mr. Lonely. I was feeling a bit down and the weather was really lousy on a Friday morning in late October and through my fogged and gloomy thought processes a brilliant idea came to light. Why not take a trip and visit with some other collectors, especially some oldtimers. With the persuasion of a very good collector friend, I made the 545-mile, 9-hour trip to visit with Mr. Mason and another well known collector and I must say wholeheartedly I am that much the richer now for the experience. When I arrived at Don’s home, I

have ever had and solely he really doesn’t have that due to collecting fruit jars. much more room left down Don says Glennie, being in his basement. He’s 79 and the wonderful person that it’s tougher to do the things she is, has put up with his he once did easily since he’s collecting all of these years. losing sight in his left eye. No doubt Don has made He worries that he might not many good friends over the be able to drive in two or years, but one in particular three years and that will cut is Mason Bright. If he ever into his fruit jar activities in needed anything and for a huge way. He also claims whatever reason, Mason it’s getting tougher to find would be there for him. He good jars for resale now. met Mason many years ago He’s sold many good jars at Flat Rock and they talked over the years to supplement Rare Calypso for hours about fruit jars. his income and that is slowly Mason jar. Nancy and Glennie hit it off getting harder and harder to immediately and became close friends. do. Sales have been Don is without a doubt an advanced tough of late and he fruit jar collector. His goals are currently says people just aren’t to simply find some of the toughest buying the more Mason jars that he hasn’t come across common jars anymore in the 39 years he has been collecting as they once did. He and that’s a daunting task, to say the has some really nice least. He has an astounding 16 different $5 and $10 jars but jars with letters in a shield, but still they’re not moving. needs nine more. You don’t ever see Despite all of these these jars for sale, Don claims, and he things, Don is still an realizes he might just never find them. indomitable positive There are also many numbered jars he and cheerful person. is still looking to acquire. One such jar, Sometimes, it a Mason’s 119, recently sold for way takes unfortunate too much money than he was willing to circumstances in part with. order to accomplish Don says he really can’t expand extraordinary positive his collection all that much because things. This was just Don’s Toledo, OH sodas and blue colored Mason jars.


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spent the entire day with them and had such a good time. Their hospitality was more than I ever could have expected. Don (Mr. Mason) absolutely has a fabulous collection of Mason jars and so many rare, scarce and sleeper jars among them that it’s impossible to even begin to mention them all. Rummaging through his basement, I felt like a brand new collector again looking for special treasures, except Don’s basement is chock full of incredible treasures. He has probably the most complete sets of numbered and lettered Don & Glennie Burkett’s picturesque home setting. 1858s in the country, along with was nicely surprised to see the idyllic just about every kind of jar imaginable picturesque setting in which he and that has the word Mason embossed Glennie lived. It was somehow exactly on it. Don also has a large amount of what I expected of a small town Toledo, Ohio sodas and many more Midwestern home setting. Don and items all over the basement, making it Glennie Burkett are just simply some of a truly memorable venture. Don has a superior knowledge of fruit the most dear and wonderful people I have ever had the fortune of meeting. I jars that only comes from hands on and

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time in. He is so beloved by the collecting community it amazes me. I won’t soon forget my visit with Mr. Mason. It was worth all of the time, effort and driving to be with a man I as well as many others consider a “giant” in the hobby. Don is someone who has truly shaped the fruit jar collecting landscape over the years and continues to do so even to this day.

Another Chapter: It is with sad hearts that we need to report that after this article was completed, Glennie, Don’s wonderful wife since 1965 passed away on February 11. A follow up and obituary will appear in the next issue of Bottles and Extras


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Show Reports

Hutchinson, Kansas 2009 Show By Stan Hendershot

Don’t tell me you missed it again! If the reports of last year’s show and sale were not enough to convince you to come this year – you missed out again! The small club that is getting started in Hutchinson, Kansas, put together another great show! The fun started at set up and never ended. One of the things I love about this show is that you can actually drive into the building to unload your wares and set up – no carrying of heavy boxes! But, as you know, you must be ready to be met at the table by a crowd that is eager to buy just as soon as you put the items up on the table. Isn’t it great to make sales even before you have to arrange your table? The set up time was priceless as we spent time greeting good friends, visiting, looking for treasures to add to our collections, swapping stories, and working up an appetite. This is the only show I remember setting up at that provides free drinks and a homemade barbecue dinner, complete with homemade sweet potato or key lime pie! Thanks Laura! The dinner alone was worth the price of the table rent! As word spreads about the show so does the drawing area. There were dealers from Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Missouri,Texas,Arkansas, Nebraska, and New Mexico! Iowans – where are you? Some of the dealers who set up were: Gerry and Kathy Phifer, Bruce Mobley, Larry Jim Gray with his new book. Oiler and Kent Johnson, Carl Jabben, Steve Hesse, Mary and Stan Maslanka, Ron and Carol Ashby, Marc McLendon, Richard Carr, Michael and Marcia Matey, M.D. Anglin and Fran Brown, Winston Painter, Boone Jeffers, Randy Kaiser, Mel and Sandy Shootman, David Faith, Mark Law, Henry Heflin, Stan Hendershot and Prentiss

Some nice Coca-Cola trays.

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Whitehed, Jack Mullen, Russ Goering, Mike McJunkin, Jim Hovious, Steve Conrad, Steve Miller, Chris Dimitt, Chuck and Kathy Norris, and Jerry Simmons. It was a nice addition to have a table set up with trade tokens and the opportunity to purchase the book on Kansas Trade Tokens that Larry Oiler and Kent Johnson had put together. I found several trade tokens from bottlers or from my current home town that just had to make their way home with me. It was also nice to have another bigger dealer of postcards set up. The postcard collectors and dealers have been slow to respond to this show and they are missing out. I culled some nice cards out of my Kansas collections that had not been offered for sale before by me and one of the few other card dealers there bought over $800 worth of them. That helped make my show.

The best of Kansas.

There were bottles and crocks of all kinds, and from all areas there: figural bitters, colored sodas, mineral waters, historical flasks, fruit jars, inkwells, etc. Of course, I have an affinity to Kansas bottles and some of the bottles I saw there (not all for sale) were a beautiful colored whiskey flask from Jones Bothers in Topeka, Kansas; a Topeka Citrate of Magnesia, and an assortment of squat ales and amber quart blob beers from Leavenworth and Atchison. Some of the nicer Kansas bottles that traded owners were a Leavenworth City, K.T. (Kansas Territory) bottle and a shiny, red amber, Seelye’s Black Horse Liniment from Abilene. As usual, the walk in items added to the fun and excitement. One visitor brought some target balls with him including a cobalt blue quilted Bogardus Patent, one not often seen in Kansas. Another lady brought a show box full of postcards to sell, and a local man brought in a fascinating old trunk stamped with the Otto Keuhne Preserving Company logon on the side. One dealer bought a mint, with stopper, Junction City, Kansas, blob top soda a man brought into the show to sell. And, another dealer traded a pontiled medicine from New Hampshire for a nice Mike Jordan won the green-tinted Old Sachem Bitters AB&GC Peoples Choice for his cone ink display. barrel. These were some great


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walk-ins, but, they didn’t beat last year’s walk-ins. Last year a collector/ dealer bought a Brandon & Kirrmeyer squat ale bottle from Leavenworth and another lady brought in a bottle that was later taken to a national auction firm and sold for over $20,000. The displays were Seeley’s Black Horse Liniment. both fun and educational. The Most Educational ribbon (supplied by The Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors) went to Jerry Simmons for his

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New Mexico Privy Digging display. The People’s Choice ribbon (supplied by Antique Bottle and Glass Collector) went to Mike Jordan for his Ink display. The 1st Place wooden plaque sent to Russ Gehring for his Root Beer display. The 2nd Place wooden plaque went to Mark Law and Gerry Phifer for their Otto Keuhne History display. And, the 3rd Place wooden plaque went to Jim Hovious for his Warner Safe Bottles display. Of course, nothing beats the fellowship that happens at the shows as collectors share stories, educate each other, and make plans for future bottle digs and outings together. Who knows – maybe next year (2010) we can add a club bottle dig to the slate of events. Whether we have a dig or not, come out to the Third Annual Antique Bottle, Postcard & Relic Show & Sale in Hutchinson, Kansas. You won’t be sorry!

St. Petersburg, Fla., Bottle Show

Displays were hot, but weather was not By Linda Buttstead, Club secretary

PALMETTO, Fla. – Paul Conner’s figural bottle collection stretched over two tables, wowed the judges and won the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors Most Educational Award at the 41st annual Suncoast Antique Bottle Show and Sale at Manatee County Convention and Civic Center here Jan. 8-9. Conner, from Ocala, Fla., also won a hand-blown cobalt bottle for first place. The bottles were embossed SABCA and blown the old-fashioned way by Owen Pach in nearby Gulfport. . The People’s Choice Award, presented by Antique Bottle & Glass Collector, was won by Charlie Livingston for his stunning display of torpedo and round-bottomed sodas. He also won a yellow free-blown bottle for third place overall and the olive blown bottle as well. Livingston is president of the host club. Richard King, of Tampa, also had a figural display that earned second place and a red free-blown bottle. The club lost its original site when, following the 2009 show, officials said the National Guard Armory wasn’t going to be available. When it became evident the Manatee County

A bird’s eye view of the St. Petersburg, Fla. show. (Linda Buttstead photo)

This is one of two tables loaded with neat figural bottles displayed by Paul Conner, of Ocala, Fla. (Linda Buttstead photo)

Here’s Charlie Livingston’s incredible award-winning display of torpedo and roundbottomed sodas. (Linda Buttstead photo)

Civic Center would be the place this year, the club voted it in. Another change came when the show was shortened from Friday through Sunday to Friday and Saturday. But it didn’t hurt. We had space for 130 tables at the armory, but Charlie Livingston (left) we had 170 tables at this show, receives award for his round plus room for displays. We were bottomed and torpedo soda thrilled to learn that center staff display from FOHBC board not only would set up tables member Ed Herrold. (Linda and chairs (for a minimal fee), Buttstead photo) but would take them down and clean up. That service was really appreciated by our club. Show chairman George Dueben made up a large chart showing where dealers were set up. My husband, Bill, sorted the name tags I’d made up into alphabetical order and we taped dealers’ names onto the tables so there was no confusion


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as to who sat where. The name tags were placed by the labels. We had lots of help from Frank Giovenco, John Dougherty and George’s sonin-law Ken and others. Every little bit was a great help. We started out with five displays, but because of various things, wound up with three. We had four door prize drawings for visitors and also Richard King (left), of free bottles for children 12 and Tampa, Fla., receives under. We hope that will get second-place award from Carl Sturm, former them started participating in our FOHBC president, from great hobby. In the end, we had Longwood, Fla. (Linda enough free bottles left over to Buttstead photo) give to any adults interested. About 150 of 200 pamphlets containing club information also were handed out. I have been told that we may have sea shell show as our

CANYONVILLE 2009 By Richard Siri

The Canyonville, Oregon Bottle and Insulator show held last October at the Seven Feathers Hotel and Casino featured several nice displays and was well attended. The facilities there are first class. The Jefferson State Antique Bottle, Insulator, & Collectibles Club furnish the FOHBC at no cost a table for the magazines andmembershipliterature and we did pass out a bunch and signed up a couple of new members. Dave Medina, with his display of boxed medicine, Garth Ziegenhagens, Oregon

Bottles and Extras

neighbor in the civic center next year (Jan. 7-8, 2011) and that’s good news. Also, center officials said a new roof will be installed and new LED lighting will help brighten the place. The potential 2012 show dates are Jan. 13-14. We had as many people come through our show for two days as we have experienced in the past over a three-day show. Folks were interested in doing things and (because of the cold weather) it had to be indoors so our show became a destination. We had visitors from the Florida east coast as well as from Georgia, the Carolinas, Maine, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Michigan and probably other states. This year, we were not able to have a buffet, but center officials granted us permission to order pizzas. We placed an order with Domino’s for 50 assorted pizzas. They arrived in two batches – one of 28, the other of 22, and you would not believe how fast 28 pizzas can disappear. We fed all the dealers and even some of the early buyers got some. We also served coffee and donuts before 9 a.m., on Saturday to the dealers. These little personal touches were much appreciated by those who benefited. took home the Dealers’ Choice, Most Educational and People’s Choice awards. Bill Ostander displayed purple insulators from all over the world. There also were examples of insulators altered by

Bill Ostrander, Medford, Oregon

radiation (irradiated). Never saw so many different colors of purple. Bruce Silva had a great bitters display and Garth Ziegenhagens showed his Oregon whiskey flasks Vince & Jackie Harbick, which, I believe, is the most Sherwood, Oregon complete group of its kind.

Terre Haute 2009 Bottle Show Exceeds Expectations Photos and text by Michael M. Elling

Dateline: Terre Haute, Indiana, Shadow Auction Barn The free admission, 12th Annual Wabash Valley Antique Bottle and Pottery Club opened the event with an auction on Friday night, November 20th at 7:00 PM. The 2-hour, fast moving auction highlighted over 300 items, most of them antique bottles of every class. Some notable prizes that changed hands were a circa 1890 Burnett’s Cocaine bottle that went for $7.50; a series of large store advertising beer bottles that brought from $7.50 to $10.00 each (empty); a patriotic wartime milk bottle showing an echelon of fighter planes in attack formation (in two colors) brought $155.00; and a Terre Haute Soda Water

General view of Shadow Auction Barn location on 1517 Maple Street shows part of table layout and customers.


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bottle in near mint condition brought $12.50. The Saturday event opened at 7:00 AM and ran until 2:00 PM. There were 36 dealers from 7 states who provided 45 tables of material. The free admission on a sunny and warm day brought out 150 patrons who viewed some of the rarest glass

Character glass and soda bottle dealer Michael Elling, of Sharon, Tennessee, opens for business at Terre Haute Show.

bottles and pottery available from the Illinois and Indiana area. Delbert Roley, of Stewartville, found a scarce white/red ACL twist neck soda bottle from the Cardinal Beverage Co., made in 1950. Near Mint, it was tagged at $17.00. Also Delbert got a scarce version of the Elk Beverage Company, a Vernor’s Ginger Ale brand, in 8 oz white/blue colors and tagged at $17.00. The picture is a standard Elks logo over a disk. I was

October 17, 2009 - Florence, Alabama Show a Success

The new bottle and advertising show opened at the Underwood-Petersville Community Center, just north of Florence, Alabama, at 9:00 AM on Saturday, October 17th.

Robert and Timberly Sledge (standing) receive high praise from dealer and Jackson, Mississippi show chairman, John Sharp. John says this is a very good show!

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finally able to nail the elusive Terre Haute NEHI Upper 10 Hansom Cab bottle in near mint for $2.00. It is green glass, has the Good Housekeeping Seal, and made by OwenIllinois Glass Company in 1940. The classy Hansom Cab and Top hat with gloves are a standard design for this famous citrus drink. (above) Tim Pillow, of Evansville, Indiana, shows off proud early aluminum store token for F.W. Cook Brewery of that city. Dated 1891, the coin is one of first store token applications in that metal. (right) A surprise table item was a rare 1922 Buddy L Keystone US Mail truck. Made from actual sheet metal of the Packard Motor Car Company, in Detroit, this stunning scale replica was built strong enough for a tot to sit upon and steer! Dealer Gary Zimmer, of Rosedale, Indiana, has it tagged at $1200.

Mild weather and stable gas prices brought 50 dealers who displayed 70 tables of fine merchandise at the community center. All major categories of collectible were available meds, crocks, sodas, milks, advertising and glassware! It was a buyer’s market because dealers were cutting prices on mainstream items. Rarities, however, were withheld until

Stanley Word of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with his two children had able hands helping that day.


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Bob Barnes of Henderson, Tennessee, wraps customer purchase. Bob says he had fine sales in main soda categories.

current market levels were reached. It is estimated over 200 locals attended the free-attendance event. Robert and Timberly Sledge, show organizers, say they are encouraged and are booking the center again for next year!

General photo of show reveals many customers attending their first show of this type. Many questions were asked regarding antique bottle values and care.

The Third Eastside Spectacular Antique Bottle and Brewery Collectibles Show was a Record Breaker!

Photos and text by Mike Elling

Dateline: Bellville, Illinois, Saturday, November 14, 2009. Warm sun, falling gas prices (to $2.49/gal), strong publicity, and good fellowship, brought out a record 250 dealers of bottles, advertising, jars, neon, and crocks from throughout the midsouth. One dealer came all the way from England to set up a table. There were 270 tables sold at the Belleclair Fair Ground Center, in Belleville, Illinois. More than 580 customers paid the $2.00 entry ticket, which gave them access to stunning door prizes. The dealers were so active from

The Brewery Wing of the show covers about 1/2 acre.

Typical wall gallery displays delicate paper and tin items that are considered scarce in today’s world of electronic real-time advertising techniques.

Ron and Priscilla Harszy, of Swansea, Illinois take a respite from brewery sales during short lull.


Bottles and Extras

General photo of show reveals many customers attending their first show of this type. Many questions were asked regarding antique bottle values and care.

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9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, they could not begin packing until after the 2:00 PM closing time. Sales were brisk in all categories, though prices for standard items remained in the slump of the economy. It was still very much a buyers market!

Coca-Cola Refresher

Enclosed find the picture taken from the front cover of Coca Cola’s own magazine, “The Refresher” September 1957 issue. The scene is from an actual drug store in Atlanta, Georgia. The girl in the picture is Lynn Thompson. The boy is Jimmy Shepard. There are no actors in this picture. The other people are customers and employees. The girl is now a lady and I am her Pastor. She is a member of my church in Boca Grande, Florida. Lynn and Jimmy were both 16 years old. Jimmy is also still alive. Thought the readers of Bottles and Extras would really enjoy this picture. Look at the cost of a dinner! How about five cent Cokes? I had one of these pictures made for my bottle room and had Lynn autograph it for me. She is truly a gracious Southern lady. I am a past FOHBC Treasurer and Vice President. I am originally from the Ohio Bottle Club. Yours in the hobby, Gary Beatty, Life Federation Member PS Her name now is Lynn Thompson Magee

This photo was taken by Jo Barber in Western Australia at Christmas time. The flowers are called Bottle Brush Flowers.

Cover Girl: The Coca-Cola Company in 1957 published an in-house magazine called “The Refresher.” The cover of its September issue featured local youngsters, customers and employees in an Atlanta, Georgia drug store. The girl was Lynn Thompson, the boy Jimmy Sheppard. Both were 16 years old. Check out the cost of the Cokes and the turkey dinner. What ever happened to those in the photo? Jimmy is still alive, while the girl is now Mrs. Lynn Thompson Magee, of Boca Grande, Florida, according to her pastor, the Rev. Gary Beatty, former treasurer and vice president and a life member of the FOHBC. “I had one of those photos reproduced for my bottle room and had Lynn autograph it,” said Beatty, former member of The Ohio Bottle Club.

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When Mr. Libbey Went to the Fair By Jack Sullivan Special to Bottles and Extras

In my Toledo family, he was always known as “Mr. Libbey:” Edward Drummond Libbey (Fig. 1), the tycoon who built his glass companies to be foremost in America. My aunt had been his executive secretary and told many stories illustrating his ability and generosity. Only recently, however, have I learned that by going to a fair, Libbey made possible the invention of the automatic bottle machine -- perhaps the most important event in glass industry history for bottle and glass collectors.

Fig. 2: William Libbey

Fig. 1: Edward Drummond Libbey

The Libbey story begins in 1872 when William Libbey (Fig. 2), Edward’s father and part owner of the Mt. Washington Glass Company, became an officer of the New England Glass Works located in East Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1818, the company was struggling financially when William joined it. An effort to revive its fortunes by sponsoring a pavilion at the 1976 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition had proved a financial disaster and closure threatened. In 1878, William took over as CEO of New England Glass. Edward Libbey went to work for his father in 1872 as a chore boy, rising to a clerical position by 1874. Originally planning a career as a minister, Edward

yielded to his father and at 26 became a partner in the firm, precipitating the change in the name of the business to W.L. Libbey and Son. When William died in 1883, Edward Libbey, at the early age of 29, took over the glass works. During the next five years, Libbey managed to keep the company afloat despite financial woes, chronic fuel shortages, and labor problems. In 1888 he agreed to move his glass works to Toledo, Ohio, in exchange for

some generous concessions from city fathers. They provided him a four-acre factory (Fig. 3) and land for 50 worker homes. In August of that year, a special train arrived in Toledo with 50 carloads of machinery and 250 workers. Despite the fact that the new home for the glass works had ample natural gas and good transportation via railroad and Lake Erie, Libbey’s company continued to lose money in Ohio. To be successful, the young businessman believed, his newly named Libbey Glass Company badly needed a national reputation. In order to obtain that recognition Libbey made up his mind to go to a fair. Not just any fair. It was the Columbian Exposition of 1893, a gigantic world’s extravaganza held in Chicago (Fig. 4), meant to commemorate Columbus “discovering” America. Libbey asked company directors for $200,000 to build a pavilion. They vigorously opposed his proposal. The idea was a total waste of money, the directors contended, just at a time when the company was cash-poor. They also reminded him of the financial bust that the Philadelphia Exposition had been. Undeterred, Libbey borrowed money from private investors and plowed ahead. He secured exclusive rights to build a fully operating glass factory at the Exposition

Fig. 3: The Libbey Glass plant


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Fig. 4: The Chicago Columbian Exposition

-- the only American glass firm represented. He also arranged that his pavilion would be located on the Midway promenade where thousands would pass it every day. He hired a well-known architect, David Stine, to Fig. 5: The Libbey Fair Pavilion design a building that was Libbey’s most popular exhibit was both a pavilion able to hold 2,000 people and a factory, including a 10-pot furnace an entire room with glass furnishings, in the design (Fig.5). Visitors could including screens, window curtains and actually watch glassware being made lamp shades. Enchanted with these items, a by 40 handpicked glass blowers Libby well-known stage actress asked Libbey to make a glass dress. He obliged and she, as brought from Toledo. shown here, modeled it (Fig. 6). The dress became one of the most popular exhibits at the fair. Although a New York Times writer predicted that glass dresses would become the fad of the future, the garment proved too brittle for general use. Enter Her Royal Highness, the Spanish Infanta (Princess) Eulalia (Fig. 7). After a visit with President Grover Cleveland in Washington, she traveled to Chicago to represent Spain at the Exposition. A world celebrity, the mere mention that Eulalia would be visiting the fair on a particular day reportedly could increase attendance by 50,000. The Infanta, fascinated by the glass dress, made repeated visits to the Libbey Glass Pavilion. Her presence generated tremendous publicity for the glass Fig. 6: The glass dress company. The Princess asked Libby to

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Fig. 7: Princess Eulalia

make a second glass dress for her. He obliged and in gratitude Princess allowed him to use the Spanish royal insignia in his advertising. Libbey in turn had his craftsmen create a new cut glass pattern he called “Eulalia,” (Fig. 8).

Fig. 8: The “Eulalia” pattern bowl

Unlike many of the exhibitors, Libbey charged to get into his pavilion. It cost a dime and when the factory proved very popular, Libbey raised the tariff to a quarter. For that fee, visitors could observe his workers hand-blowing and cutting glass. The price of admission could be applied toward the purchase of glass souvenirs. Popular among them was a glass inkwell in the shape of the Fair’s Administration Building (Fig. 9).

Fig. 9: Fair headquarters glass inkwell


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Bottles and Extras

Paperweights were another specialty item, made and sold on the premises. The Libbey factory turned out a wide range: Some depicted other pavilions at the fair, including the Indiana State Building (Fig. 10), the Ohio State Building (Fig. 11), and, in color, the Horticultural Pavilion

Fig. 17: Art Nouveau paperweight

Fig. 10: Indiana Pavilion paperweight

Fig. 14: Liberty Bell paperweight

Fig. 11: Ohio Pavilion paperweight

Fig. 12: The Horticultural Pavilion

Fig. 15: Columbus landing paperweight

Fig. 18: Salt and pepper shakers

The fair glass makers also turned out fancy “art nouveau” pieces like the stylized face weight shown here (Fig. 17). Other souvenirs were glass slippers, cups and saucers, and a highly unusual salt shaker in the shape of an egg (Fig. 18). The egg displayed the Libbey logo (Fig. 19), as did many other glass items.

Fig. 19: Libbey logo

Fig. 13: Libbey building paperweight

(Fig. 12) and Libbey’s own glass factory (Fig. 13). Other subjects were the Liberty Bell (Fig. 14), Columbus landing in the New World (Fig. 15), and a glass ax that featured the face of George Washington, an obvious allusion to the cherry tree legend (Fig. 16).

Fig. 16: Washington’s hatchet paperweight


Bottles and Extras

Fig. 20: “American Brilliant” punch bowl

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More expensive cut glass also was offered for sale. One highly popular exhibit was a huge ornate cut glass punch bowl hewed from a single block of glass that subsequently was exhibited in the Toledo Museum of Art. It was masterpiece example of a style called “American Brilliant.” Libbey Glass Co. became identified as a prime creator of this form of art glass. Shown here are examples of the Libbey’s “Brilliant” craft (Figs. 20-22) as displayed in a punch bowl, decanter, and perfume bottle. When the Chicago Columbian Exhibition closed, more than two million people had visited Libbey’s pavilion. An estimated 20 boxcar loads of glass had been sold. The company, as hoped, had received considerable national media attention. The name Libbey had become synonymous with fine glassware. Edward now was able to place his fine cut glass products at some of the most prestigious stores in America, including Tiffany’s in New York. His American Brilliant glass products would become the popular rage for two decades. A company catalogue reflected the fashion (Fig. 23).

Fig. 24: Mike Owens

machines to produce light bulbs, tumblers, and lamp chimneys, Owens in 1903 invented the automatic bottle blowing machine (Fig. 25) for Libbey. It was perhaps the most important advance in the history of glass, resulting in a wide range of products that were now made affordable to the general public. It also helped launch bottle collecting as a popular hobby.

Fig. 25: Owens with his bottle machine

Fig. 21: “American Brilliant” decanter

Fig. 23: Libbey 1896 catalogue

Fig. 22: “American Brilliant” perfume bottle

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With his glass company enjoying prosperity for the first time, Libbey was able to maximize another resource -- Mike Owens (Fig. 24). Owens was an IrishAmerican employee of Libbey, a selftaught genius who had been working, with the blessings of the boss but highly limited funding, to mechanize glassmaking. The enhanced company profits allowed the inventor to flourish. After designing

Owens subsequently invented a machine that made flat glass. Out of his inventions grew three new firms -Toledo Glass Company to make tumblers and lamp chimneys; the Owens Bottle Company, and Libby Owens Sheet Glass Company. They established Toledo as the glass capital of America and made rich men of Libbey and Owens. All this resulted, remember, from Edward Drummond Libbey’s historic decision, overcoming strenuous opposition, that he and his glass works go to the Fair. Notes: This article and illustrations is drawn from a variety of Internet and printed sources. Portions have previously appeared in the Swirl, the magazine of the Ohio Bottle Club, and in my blog, bottlesboozeandbackstories.


48 ... Regional Reports continued from page 25

With further permission and determination the two diggers returned to Walla Walla in November. The houses were mostly up at the construction sites, but they pulled out their Sanborn map and looked around the area. After a few minutes they gave up looking at the Sanborn map because the outbuildings were located too close to the new house. They took off to the other side of the alley and just took a chance at a spot. With the aide of a backhoe, rock was scrapped from the surface uncovering some good evidence that it would be worth digging further. The hole ended being only four feet deep where the diggers found their treasures. One of the finds was reported by Bill Bogynska to be very significant. That find was a halfpint A. Schwartz/Walla Walla, W.T. coffin flask with a small bruise in the lip. They found additional Walla Walla bottles. There was a Jesse Moore-Sole Agents-glob top whiskey; inks, pepper sauces, pickle jars and other interesting bottles. Here is the Postscript that so aptly describes the end of the three-month saga: “In a note that came with the article, Alan says that it was fun and hard work. He writes ‘God Bless Nice Construction Owners.’ He said the owner was great and helped in the pit, so they split the bottles three ways with him. The backhoe operator volunteered his own backhoe and time, so Alan and his digging partner each gave him $50. They also dug two other lots. One was empty. They got around twenty bottles off the other, but they were just plain machine made and tool top bottles. Alan got the coffin flask. The owner got the glob top whiskey. They each got five embossed drug bottles and the miscellaneous bottles.” Phoenix Antique Bottles & Collectibles Club – The A-Z Collector Ever hear about an “Ugly Bottle or Item” contest? Members of this club came up with an idea. Here is what was noted “We are going to have an ‘UGLY BOTTLE or ITEM’ contest!” The idea came from remarks made at a meeting talking about how ugly black bottles are. “There was a movement to have

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a CONTEST! The contest won’t be limited to just an ugly bottle.” Members are to look through their vintage items or collectibles to find something that will qualify. “There will be first, second and third-place winners, with prizes for all!” There should be some interesting items brought in and shown. Editor Betty Hartnett mentioned a community outreach opportunity. It was her intent to bring an empty box to a meeting on behalf of the “Packages from Home” organization that supports our troops overseas. Betty said that she has been involved in this project in another organization she belongs to. She listed food and hygiene items that our troops need. The bottom line is that Betty would like to take a full box of donated items to the other organization to ship overseas. If you want to visit the “Packages from Home” organization, Betty has provided their website: www. PackagesFromHome.org. There should be some positive comments in a future newsletter regarding what collectibles members picked up as a result of their annual club field trip. Tucson was the destination. The goal was antique shops in Tucson and also to attend the Tanque Verde antique meet. Lauren Kormylo was the trip leader for this club event. President Robert Richshafer remarked in his President’s Message that “the biggest challenge the club has in 2010 and beyond is membership. I ask everyone to put their thinking caps on and over the next few months, see if we can come up with a plan.” Reno Antique Bottle Club – digger’s dirt There is a proposed program that sounds like it will call for a meeting room full of excited members when it is presented. There was a lead-in sentence under the program section of the newsletter that introduced the thought that there is going to be an extraordinary program coming up. Here is how it reads “Retired State Archivist, Guy Rocha, will present ‘Truths or Myths.’ We will find the truth behind how Reno got its name, the state capitol’s silver dome, the Levi pants (riveted jeans) and their

Bottles and Extras

connection to Reno; along with other fascinating stories. It will be a great program.” Hopefully someone will write an article on that program so that our magazine readers can drool. Maybe some of us ought to go about checking out an archivist in our areas and invite them to a meeting to give a program. What a chance for an interesting history lesson. Let’s see how it goes for this club. Here is one of President Marty Hall’s ideas that he has come up with. It is for an outstanding raffle bottle. The bottle is a dark amber, Hall’s Barrel Bitterscirca 1842. Members better make a mad dash to the meeting room door and bring plenty of raffle ticket money, to boot. Here is another Marty Hall first: “For this year’s show, Marty is working on a display contest. The contest will feature the J. F. Cutter, Star and Shield Whiskey (Fifths and applied top versions only). The contest will be known as the ‘ShootOut’ and there will be a special award for the best of the best.” Marty do you ever sleep? All kidding aside, Marty, you are one energetic guy with refreshing ideas to keep things exciting. Under one of the Bits and Pieces: areas of the newsletter there was a brief explanation entitled “The history behind barbed wire and the Indian influence.” It is stated exactly as written. “In 1835, Jacob Haish, an immigrant from Germany, noticed the natural barriers that the Plains Indians used to corral their livestock. They used the Osage Orange plant which can send out six-foot runners of tangled thorny barbs in a year’s time. Haish ran a nursery type of business and developed a durable form of hedge for fencing, using the Osage Orange plants. Using the principle behind the thorny fences, Haish applied for a patent in 1874 for the first barbed wire. He then built a factory that made nine different types of wire. The Indians referred to the new barbed wire as ‘the devil’s rope.’ Footnote: The Plains Indians also let the Osage Orange bushes grow into trees and used the wood to make their bows. The wood was so perfect it was traded for Indian maidens, horses and blankets.” *Excerpts taken from Albert Hall’s “The Devil’s Rope.”


Bottles and Extras

San Diego Antique Bottle and Collectibles Club – The Bottleneck At the latter part of 2009, at the club’s Christmas party to be exact, President Mike Bryant presented some awards. This is how he described that event in his Prez Sez Message: “At the party, I took the opportunity to give a few members special recognition awards for outstanding service to the club. Our treasurer, Ken Gallo, and librarian Terry Monteith were both recognized for going that extra mile on behalf of the club. Billie and Eileen Westfall were also recognized for their willingness to volunteer to help the club when needed. Clair Cunningham, someone who does so much for this club behind the scenes, and makes my job a lot easier, was given a special President’s Award for Outstanding Service.” Mike went on to say that there are so many more members who deserve special recognition, and their contributions to the club will be noted throughout the year. This club is celebrating its 45th birthday. As part of the header for this newsletter there is the wording, “The World’s Oldest Active Bottle and Collectibles Club Established 1965.” Mike calls Vanessa Monteith the “Queen of Cakes.” She baked the club’s birthday cake to celebrate this special occasion. Somewhere along the line, Jeff Spangler should be showing up at a meeting with some DVDs he has made from the two VHS tapes Terry Monteith gave him. The DVDs will house some bottle digs that the club will want to view. What a program that would make. Talk about club members becoming interested in what other club members bring for show and tell! Kirby Johnson brought in what he thought was just a neat soda bottle. Carol Serr saw it and right away she challenged herself to find out what the names on that bottle were doing on that bottle when it was made in the U.S. She did her research and then wrote a two-page article for the newsletter. She started the article with describing what the embossment was on the fancy, but colorless soda. She said that on the shoulder of the body are the embossed words “GLASGOW” and “HAVRE.” Carol commented that both are familiar

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cities in Europe; Glasgow, Scotland, and Le Havre, France. The base has the wording “PROPERTY OF COCA COLA BOTTLING CO.” After much intense research she had it all figured out. A quarter of the way through the second page of her article she stated “Mystery solved.” If you are interested in reading the entire article you might want to contact Mike Bryant and ask if you can read, “Kirby Johnson’s Fancy Soda Bottle Mystery Solved.” There wouldn’t be enough space in this column to state all of her findings. I wouldn’t want to leave anything out by condensing the article because it would ruin the content. Just trust that she did an extensive search and didn’t give up until she had the answer. Mike Bryant wrote a short article entitled “If I Only Had a Crystal Ball.” He says “Have you ever wished that you had a crystal ball to peer into the future to see what bottles or collectibles might become valuable one day?” Mike writes that Dan Aykroyd (comedian, actor and entrepreneur) owns several wineries and a partnership interest in a Canadian distillery. It seems that “Dan has come out with Vodka inside a glass skull. It is called Crystal Head and is triple filtered over Herkimer Diamonds (quartz) and is said to be very pure. The glass skull is produced by Bruni Glass in Milan, Italy.” This special product came out in September 2008. Some 5,400 cases were produced and split among five U.S. cities, San Diego being one of them. Mike said he saw the bottle on EBay for the first time. He picked one up for $10.50 but others were going for much more. The price changed between skulls being empty or with contents. Nevada was one of the cities that received part of the 5,400 case split; so Mike made a trip to a Nevada liquor store and picked up three full ones. He said he bought one for his collection and two others were Christmas presents. The hope is that what he purchased will become a collector’s item one day. Washington Bottle & Collectors Association – Ghost Town Echo Here is a different idea for a theme for show and tell. Someone came up with the idea that was stated “A and

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Z from the alphabet.” Secretary Keith Ferguson wrote that “a few things that run through my mind that start with ‘A or Z’ are, amethyst, aqua, American, amber, Anacortes, and with ‘Z,’ it’s a little harder, but maybe, Zarembo, Zenith (Wash.), Zanesville, Zillah (Wash.), Zimmerman (Ore.) or use your imagination and see what you can come up with.” Member Tony Vincent of Seattle wrote a two-page article. Here is part of it. It is entitled, “Collecting Washington State Pre-Pro Shot Glasses. The State of Washington boasts a wide variety of Pre-Pro (PreProhibition) shot glasses manufactured for use in advertising and marketing of local establishments. Pre-pro shot glasses are typically about two inches tall, made of very thin glass, have labels that are generally white in color and appear to have been acid-etched. While researching material for this article, according to the pre-pro. com website (whose author, Robin Preston, has graciously permitted use of its material for this article), Seattle alone had over 122 distillers, rectifiers and liquor wholesalers listed in local directories from 1889 to the beginning of Prohibition on December 31, 1915. Thirty-four of these establishments (liquor companies/hotels/bars, etc.) produced sixty-eight known Seattle shot glasses that have been documented in the pre-pro.com database to date. An additional 55 shot glasses from various cities in Washington such as Bellingham, Everett, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver and Walla are also listed.” Tony went on to cover the variety of different shapes and sizes. He warns that “collecting shot glasses can be a time-consuming, expensive proposition.” He states that there is a scarcity of these fragile pieces of history that are nearly 100 years old. “Some states’ glasses command premium prices and the most expensive tend to be West Coast glasses, especially those from California.” He mentioned other expensive states can include Colorado, Florida, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington.


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Bottles and Extras

Barrel Containers from the Capstan Glass Company By Barry L. Bernas

Introduction In past issues of Bottles and Extras and other venues, I’ve introduced a wide variety of containers made by workers in the factory of the Capstan Glass Company. These nautically trademarked items were manufactured between April 1919 and February 1938.[i] Figure 1 has a picture of this firm’s signature logo. Over the years, Capstan officials usually grouped specific styles of Figure 1 packers’ vessels under a single series of mold numbers. While not all products followed in line with this observation, the 5800 assembly of jars has up to this point been dedicated to one pattern. In this edition, I’d like to take a look at this type of food container. Barrel-Shaped Jars The outward profile of this kind of jar is familiar to most of us. On grocery store shelves today, we find mustard, pickles, sauerkraut, etc. packaged in barrel-shaped glass containers. In my opinion, the issuance of this style of container by managers of the Capstan Glass Company wasn’t significant or unique. I say this because in all of the different advertisements from this concern that I’ve seen, there hasn’t been a picture of this specimen offered for sale. Likewise, no design patent for it was issued to any Capstan employee or assigned to this South Connellsville, Pennsylvania concern by another individual. In fact, other glass container makers were turning out similarly shaped vessels. Since competing manufacturers were putting out a like product, I guess Capstan officials decided to follow suit to keep up with the competition and meet the demands of their customers. Up to this point in time, I’ve been fortunate enough to come across five examples of barrel-shaped containers

from Capstan Glass that have representative keg motifs molded onto their outer surfaces. For whatever reason, company officials settled on the 58XX numbering scheme for these decorative vessels. From left to right in Figure 2, the smallest to the largest sizes of these jars are shown.

These are its finish, body and base. Its 3/4th of an inch long finish has three segments. The first is a 3/8th inch long threaded area. On it is a 1/8th inch wide, semicircular shaped, shallow continuous screw thread. This portion of the container’s sealing apparatus starts just below the lip and descends in a spiral

Figure 2

5806 I discovered that Capstan Glass personnel made a barrel-shaped and ornately patterned jar when I initially ran across an example several years ago in an antiques mall in Ohio. Of course, it came home with me. It is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3

This model is the smallest size yet to be reported. It is clear in color and 4 1/16th inches tall. Weighing six ounces empty, it holds about eight ounces of water when filled to capacity. There are three basic parts to this attractive jar.

fashion around this region for a little more than one turn. A metal screw cap with a 54 millimeter diameter completes the closure. On this specimen, the gold lacquered sealer has the following inscribed on its top surface. A cursive capital “E” outlined in red serves as the center piece for additional packer advertising. Above the “E” is a green rectangle with curved top and bottom segments. Within this geometric form is the subsequent wording laid out in curved format on three lines – REG. U. S. PAT. OFF. – Edwards – BRAND. Inside of the top segment of the “E” is a green oval with the phrase – A TREAT TO EAT. The bottom portion of the cursive character carries the final piece of this packer’s promotional. In green letters, the next phrases appear one above the other – PURE – FOODS - PACKED BY WM EDWARDS CO. - CLEVELAND, O. Figure 4 has a picture of this cover. The next part is a 3/16th inch long bracket “]” shaped feature which protrudes outward from the finish. Finally, the last segment is a 1/8th


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number 5808. This clear glass example can be seen in Figure 5. It is 4 3/8th inches in height and weighs seven and three-fourths ounces when empty. At the overflow point, its measured capacity is ten ounces.

Figure 4

of an inch long vertical addition which starts directly under the protruding bracket and ends at the shoulder parting line (mold seam) which demarcates the finish from the body. To the eye, the design molded onto the exterior of both halves of this food container makes it resemble a miniature keg. Twenty-four, flat- surfaced planks serve as the staves. These start at the shoulder parting line and end at the top of the sixth hoop near the base. Aligned beside one another around the outer circumference, each is of equal height, width and form. With the bracket feature in the finish serving as the top hoop, five other 3/16th wide rings seemingly hold the barrel together. Three each are seen on the top and bottom sections. Two dots, simulating rivets or screws, keep the rings in place. All told, the body region (shoulder parting line to the bearing surface) on this version is 3 5/16th inches in length. Inside of the bearing surface on the post bottom mold style of base (side seams end at this point on the underneath side of the container) is a concave shaped depression. A Capstan Glass Company logo is prominent in the center.[ii] Above this shipboard insignia is the number 5 (probably a mold series digit) while beneath it is the mold number 5806. If the metal closure is an original, some sort of prepared food or condiment, perhaps mustard, from the William Edwards Company, was contained within this model. 5808 The second barrel-shaped jar with a corresponding stave and hoop outer pattern from Capstan carries the mold

Figure 5

The 3/4th inch long finish on this model consists of a threaded region, a protruding neck and a canted out and downward segment which melds neatly into the jar’s body. A 58 millimeter metal screw cap would be used to seal the contents securely within this container. For the initial part, the threaded area is 3/8th of an inch in length. On it is a 1/8th inch wide, semicircular-shaped, shallow continuous screw thread. This portion of the closing mechanism starts just below the lip’s surface and winds around in a descending fashion for a little over one turn. For the rest of the finish, the neck comes in two segments. Initially, there is a 1/4th inch long bracket J-shaped piece that protrudes outward directly under the threaded region. As was the case on the 5806 edition, I believe this feature represents the top hoop around the mouth of the barrel. Beneath it is a 1/8th inch in length part which slants downward at an approximate 170 degree angle. [iii] A mold seam or shoulder parting line separates the finish from the container’s body. Around the outer circumference of this section, there are twenty-four, flat-surfaced panels of equal size, form and width adjoined side by side. These represent the staves of the keg. In addition to the bracket neck feature, five other simulated hoops combine to bind the barrel design together. Each one is

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3/16 inch long. Two hoops are around the top of the vessel’s body right under the neck with the remaining three on the bottom segment. Two mock rivets hold each of the five rings together. From the shoulder parting line to the bearing surface, the overall length of this region is 3 5/8th inches. This example also has a post bottom mold style of base. After the bearing surface, the underneath area has a 1 3/4th inches in diameter concave surface. Directly in its center is a 7/16th inch in diameter circular valve mark with the Capstan Glass Company’s trademark inside of it. Above this nautical symbol is the probable mold series number 4. Positioned at the underside of the shipboard equipment logo is the likely mold number 5808. I was lucky enough to acquire this example at the 2007 Pittsburgh Antique Bottle Club’s show and sale. Unfortunately, this model was dug without a label or corresponding metal screw cap. Thus, I’m unable to venture even a guess as to what product was originally packed within it. th

5813 The next size of barrel shaped and applicably patterned jar from the Capstan Glass Company that I’ve come across is shown in Figure 6. You’ll note that two examples are depicted.

Figure 6

Each one is clear in color, nearly 5 inches tall and weighs ten and onehalf ounces devoid of contents. Their capacities calculate to sixteen fluid ounces at their overflow points. The 11/16th inch long finishes on both of these models are slightly different in composition than those witnessed on the related 5806 and 5808 numbered specimens.


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Looking at the jar on the left in Figure 6, it has a 3/8th inch in length threaded region with four, 1/8th inch wide, 1 ½ inches long, raised, semicircular shaped, slanted lugs as part of its sealing tool. To complete the closure on this model, a 63 millimeter Amerseal quarter-turn metal cap is required. On the smaller examples (5806 and 5808), a bracket J-shaped protruding feature followed next after the threaded area. However, on this larger edition, a 1/8th inch wide and 3/16th inch long annular bead is found instead. Directly under the diminutive bead is a 1/8th inch long vertical segment which ends at the shoulder parting line. The Capstan container on the right-side in Figure 6 has similar measurements and features for all of the parts of its finish except the threaded region. As opposed to a four-lugged sealing mechanism, this sample has a 1/8th inch wide, semicircular-shaped, shallow continuous screw thread. This raised aspect starts just below the vessel’s lip and angles downward as it winds its way around this piece of the finish for little more than one turn. A 63 millimeter metal screw cap finishes off the closing method. The body on both jars is 4 1/4th inches in length when measured from the shoulder parting line to the bearing surface. Twenty-four, flat-surfaced staves compose part of the barrel design on their outer surfaces. Assembled in a side-by-side motif around the outer circumference, each is of equal size, width and form. These simulated wooden planks start at the bottom of the first hoop and end at the top of the sixth one. Still another difference between the 5813s and the 5806/5808 issues is apparent when looking at the hoops on the containers in Figure 6. On these models, there are six 3/16th inch long rings (three on the top and three on the bottom) with two simulated rivets holding each together. Unlike their 5806 and 5808 counterparts, the annular bead isn’t an integral part of the barrel pattern as the protruding bracket “]” shaped feature was on the smaller prior specimens.

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Both the lugged and continuous thread jars in Figure 6 have a post bottom mold style of base. The left side container rests on a 3/16th inch wide flat surface. The example to the right of it has a smaller, 1/8th inch wide flat bearing surface as the stabilizing part of this vessel. Inside of the bearing surface on the left-hand edition is a 2-inch-in- diameter concave shaped surface. Its mate to the right has a similarly formed depression that is 2 1/8th inches in diameter. No valve mark is visible on either jar. In the center of each concave surface is a Capstan Glass Company trademark. Below it on the left side barrel container is the mold number 5813. Above it is the likely mold series number 6. Conversely, the right side sibling has the 5813 series of digits above the logo with same mold series digit (6) below it. Since these two 5813 numbered containers hold one pint of liquid, I’m guessing that there is at least one, if not two, other models between it and the 5808 edition that are yet to be identified. There is something else to keep in mind about the right-hand jar in Figure 6. The 63 millimeter diameter of its mouth and the style of sealing apparatus on it made it adaptable for a metal insert and screw band of the same dimensions. Thus, once emptied of its original contents, this issue from the Capstan Glass Company could be reused for home preserving purposes. It is readily apparent to me that the housewife who was attracted to this jar for the product therein also got a stylish added benefit with her purchase. 5814 ¼ The barrel jar in Figure 7 is remarkably similar to its 5813 cousins. While slightly shorter in height (4 15/16th inches) and a little heavier in weight (ten and three-fourths ounces), it holds the same amount of water at the brim (16ounces or one pint). Turning to the initial part of this model, the entire three-section finish is 1/16th of an inch shorter (5/8th inch) than any of the 5813 variants (11/16th inch). However, the sealing method, annular bead and vertical segment all are

Bottles and Extras

Figure 7

designed the same and have exactly the same measurements as their 5813 mate on the left in Figure 6. For the body, it is 4 3/16th inches in length or 1/16th inch shorter than both 5813 editions (4 1/4th inches). The raised keg motif on the outer surface is precisely portioned as the barrel pattern described in the 5813 portion of this article. The manner in which the Figure 7 specimen was designed and manufactured differed slightly from the three previous sizes of barrel jars from Capstan Glass. On this example, there is a cup bottom mold kind of base (side seams terminate at the bottom parting line or mold seam which separates the body of the jar from the base) vice a post bottom version. Being 1/16th inch in length, the final circular part of the jar in Figure 7 has a 2 7/16th inches outer diameter. In the center of this slightly concave surface is the Capstan Glass Company’s trademark. No valve mark is visible. Above the maker’s logo is the likely mold series number 7. Below the nautical symbol is the mold number 5814 1/4. The odd-looking fractional mold number may have some significance. It could be indicative of a particular product that was originally packed within this container. I’ve seen ketchup/catsup bottles that have whole number mold identifiers with the fractions ¼ and ½ added after them. Before it wound up in a dump, could this jar have started out life as a tomato flavored condiment container? Additionally, since this barrel-shaped vessel had a different design characteristic, I wonder if it was added by Capstan officials to the 58XX product at a later date in response to a customer requirement?


Bottles and Extras

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5830 The last jar in the 58XX assembly is also the largest size discovered to date. See Figure 8 for a picture of this packers’ container. Without a cover, it is 6 11/16th inches in height. Empty, it weighs one pound two and one-fourth ounces. When filled to the brim with water, its capacity is 32-ounces.

Figure 9

Figure 8

As you would expect, the finish on this bigger model is taller than any of the other examples that were previously shown. Composed of the usual three elements, the first part of this stout vessel is 1 inch long. The initial region of the finish is 5/8th of an inch tall. On it is a 1/8th inch wide, semicircularshaped, raised, deep continuous screw thread. Starting just under the lip, this sealing means descends around this area for about a turn and onefourth before terminating above the next feature. Following immediately thereafter is a 1/4th inch wide and 1/4th inch long annular bead. The last component of the finish is a 1/8th inch long vertical segment that ends at the jar’s shoulder parting line. A 70 millimeter metal screw cap would provide the airtight seal for this container. For this example, the original contents may have been processed fish, probably herring. I say this because my model came with a gold lacquered metal screw cap with an orange and black colored circular advertisement on its top surface.[iv] It is shown in Figure 9. The 2 1/8th inches in diameter circle has an orange background with four concentric tiers within it. In black capital letters, the following is found

around the cover’s outer tier – HANSA BRAND MARINE HERRING. In the same area but in smaller black capital letters placed above the words – MARINE HERRING – is the phrase – CONTENTS 32 OZS. Below the same two words (MARINE HERRING) is found – PACKED BY VITA FISH PRESEVING WORKS, N.Y. – in small black capital letters. Inward from the first is the next circular tier. This section has a mostly black background with orange lettering on it. By using the face of a clock and the hour hand thereon, I will describe the positioning of the following phrases within this segment. The word – TRADE – is at the eleven o’clock site. To the right of it at the one o’clock position is the trailing part – MARK. Between the seven and four o’clock spots is the advisory – KEEP IN A COLD PLACE. Another 3/16th of an inch wide circular backdrop follows as the third tier. It is also mostly black in shading with orange lettering thereon. Cupped around the top of it is the phrase – HANSA BRAND. Opposite it are four different geometric forms with an unidentified design within each one. The last and innermost tier is composed of a black-colored circle with an orange crest (possibly representing the Vita Fish Preserving Works). Looking at the crest, I can identify two inwardly facing seahorses with three other designs stacked one atop the other in the center. I don’t know what they signify. Below these features, there are three rectangles that make up the bottom part of the crest.

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Inside of the top left one is the word – FORTITER. The lower center edition contains – DEFENDIT. On the top right is the other word – TRIUMPHANS. I didn’t take Latin during my educational upbringing so I’ll leave it to those who do recognize these words to come up with an appropriately translated meaning.[v] From the shoulder parting line to the bearing surface, I calculate the body of the container under this section to be a little over 5 1/2 inches in length. As with all the other examples in this article, twenty-four, equally formed, flat-surfaced staves are assembled side by side to make up the underlying outer barrel design. Six 3/16th inch wide hoops (three at the top and three at the bottom) with two coupling simulated rivets or screws each are overlaid to hold the keg motif together. This version also has a post bottom mold style of base. Inside of the bearing surface, there is an initial 3/8th inch wide slanted downward smooth area. It is followed by a 1 7/8th inches in diameter flat region. In the center, the embossed Capstan logo stands out. Above it is the mold number 5830. On the opposite or lower side of the trademark is the likely mold series digit 9. As was the case with the earlier 5813 edition (right side jar in Figure 6), there is a second utility aspect to consider about this example as well. The diameter of its mouth, style and size of its screw thread and dimensions of its annular bead are the same as those seen on any standard, Mason-type, bead seal fruit jar of that time. Thus, once emptied of its original contents, this edition from Capstan Glass could be used for home canning purposes, if desired by the owner. Postscript Do the five jars I’ve just described constitute the full line of barrel-shaped and patterned jars within the 58XX series? Without a product catalog from the Capstan Glass Company to use as a guide, I can’t say for sure. Nonetheless, my intuition tells me there are probably many more containers in the keg motif


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yet to be discovered and reported. It is my impression that this pattern was much too popular for only a small number of sizes to have been produced. Are you thinking about expanding your collecting interests into another area? Why not consider putting together a collection of barrel-shaped and patterned jars from Capstan. To make it even more challenging, try to assemble this stylish group by finding examples which have original labels and metal caps. On a wider scale, a set of Capstan containers of this ilk would compare nicely with similarly patterned jars from other glass makers. Just think of the discussion possibilities that could result when guests encounter your home display of these items. Whatever your interests may be, the gauntlet has been thrown down. I’m asking for your assistance in finding and recording the existence of other sizes of the barrel style of food container in this series, labeled and/or originally capped examples of the ones disclosed in the article and finally, other Capstan

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trademarked jars in the 58XX series that aren’t barrel shaped/patterned. If you run across any of these, I request that you contact me directly so that the documentation process can be started. In the meantime, happy hunting for this decorative piece of Capstan ware or whatever item satisfies your collecting passion. BLB Bibliography and Footnotes Tumblers, Jars and Bottles; A Product Identification Guide for the Capstan Glass Company, South Connellsville, Pennsylvania, Barry L. Bernas, 239 Ridge Avenue, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325, 2007, pgs. 1, 10 and 54. The Capstan Glass Company was incorporated in the State of Delaware on April 12, 1918. Its factory opened on April 17, 1919. The first shipment of glass containers left the plant on June 9, 1919. The name – Capstan Glass Company – was officially changed in the concern’s original charter to the Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation of Pennsylvania on [i]

Bottles and Extras

February 18, 1938. Anchor Hocking officials kept the former Capstan works operating in South Connellsville until September 1938. Once shutdown, this facility remained closed until Anchor Hocking directors reopened it on March 15, 1941. [ii] There is no trace of a valve mark on this jar’s base. In itself, this fact is unusual for a machine blown container. [iii] Note that this segment differs from the same part of the finish on the 5806 edition. [iv] I’m hopeful that this screw cap was an original but I’ve no way of proving my aspiration at this point. [v] I don’t know if the left to right order in which I listed these words is correct. The sequence could be left, right and lower. An Internet Latin to English translation website gave the following meanings to the three words: FORTITER – bravely, valiantly, strongly; DEFENDIT – to support, to defend, to ward off, to protect, shelter and TRIUMPHANS – triumphal.


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The Dating Game

Bottles and Extras

In Pursuit of the Elusive Diamond G By Bill Lockhart

This will be a bit different from our usual articles and will be much more informal. It is basically a look at how I traced a single manufacturer’s mark and determined who used it. Typically, we just present the finished product with virtually no pathway – no discussion about how we get from our first notice of a mark to the discovery of the glass house that used it. Already, I have used the word “we” in my descriptions. Typically, The Dating Game is written by the members of the Bottle Research Group – Bill Lindsey, Carol Serr, Pete Schulz (listed in the order in which we came together) – and me, of course. The others are involved in various pursuits, and I did most of this research alone, so it is just me this time. While I’m introducing, I should tell you just a bit about how we work. Our long-range goal is a to write a book or a multi-volume series about manufacturer’s marks on bottles. During the process, we are publishing articles in various places (notably Bottle and Extras) about some of the marks we have researched. Another little side trip concerns how we select what to research, and that occurs in several ways. Since we are basically writing our book in alphabetical order by companies, some of our articles are just based on research we found interesting. Sometimes, we encounter a snowball effect, where a look at one mark leads us into other marks, other companies and other bottles. We will have one of those coming up next time. Often, we are sparked by questions from collectors or archaeologists about bottles they have found that they cannot identify. Sometimes, we strike out; other times, we open a door to a whole new world. Sometimes, we just encounter a new (to us) mark on eBay or on a bottle we spot in an antique store or a bottle show. In this case, a man (not even a collector) bought a box of bottles at

Figure 3 – Base of Old Quaker flask with Diamond-G mark

look at. One, however, was an “Old Quaker” flask with an embossed picture of an obvious Quaker man on one side. The base was embossed “D-134 / M-87-C / 67 {G in a diamond} 7.” The diamond was narrow (unlike the elongated diamonds used by the Illinois Glass Co. and several others) – like a box tilted onto one corner – with the “G” inside (Figures 1-3).

Figure 1 – Old Quaker flask with paper label

Figure 2 – Embossed Quaker on reverse of flask

a flea market and asked me to look at them. They were pretty typical “junk” bottles – generic (slick-sided), colorless – the sort that you usually do not even

Federal Liquor Codes For those not familiar with liquor bottle codes, the federal government created a new law at the end of Prohibition that required specific markings on the heels or bases of all bottles that were made to contain liquor. The new code went into effect November 1, 1934. Most noticeably, the warning – FEDERAL LAW FORBIDS SALE OR RE-USE OF THIS BOTTLE – had to be embossed prominently on the shoulder of each bottle. As an aside, some eBay sellers post that the third word is “PROHIBITS” – but no one has ever shown us an actual bottle with that word. The law clearly required the word “FORBIDS,” and that is all we have ever seen on bottles. In addition, several codes had to be embossed on the base, heel, or the combination of base and heel of each bottle (Glass Packer 1934:502-503). These codes contain important information in liquor bottle identification. First was the user’s permit number. Users were defined in three categories: Distillers (D), Rectifiers (R) (i.e., people who “doctored” whiskey by adding something to it), and Importers


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(I). This code used the initial letter, followed by a dash, then a one- to three-digit identifying number. For example, a mark of “D-435” would indicate the Abbott’s Brandy Co. (Figures 4-6). The second code set had two or three parts. The most common form was {manufacturer’s number} {manufacturer’s logo} {date code}, although the logo could be replaced by a dash, if the glass house either did not use a logo or preferred to place it elsewhere. Thus, a code of 1-5 would indicate that the bottle was made by the F.E. Reed Glass Co. (the receiver of the first liquor code – No. 1), and the bottle was made in 1935 (Glass Packer 1934:502-503). The system remained in use until 1964 (Busch 1991: 121), although various changes occurred, and, as always, there were occasional exceptions – legal or otherwise. For example, even though most glass houses only received a single number, the Owens-Illinois Glass Co. was given several, possibly because of its sheer magnitude. A few others also received more than one number. Unfortunately,

Figure 4 – Code markings – Style 1 (Glass Packer 1934:503)

Figure 5 – Code markings – Style 2 (Glass Packer 1934:503)

Figure 6 – Code markings – Style 3 (Glass Packer 1934:503)


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our only lists (courtesy of the kind folks at Owens-Illinois) were from 1969 and 1973. At this point, we have been unable to locate any of the early lists for either user (distiller) codes or manufacturer (glass house) codes. At some point, manufacturers were allowed to emboss the federal warning on the bottle base instead of the shoulder. This, however, was very late in the sequence, although we have not discovered a good date range. The other change is important. All initial date codes were just single digits. While that was irrelevant during the 1930s (e.g., 6 would equal 1936), it became more complicated when the 1940s rolled around. The problem would not have mattered until 1944 (3 could only equal 1943; the law did not take effect until November 1934), but some kind of statement (or possibly a regulation) was apparently made during 1940. Most glass houses began using two-digit date codes at that point. A few, however, were inconsistent, so single-digit date codes may not be entirely reliable. It is also important to note that the number to the left is not the date code. As tempting as it may seem, a “56” to the left, is one of the codes for the Owens-Illinois Glass Co. – not a date code for 1956. The code to the right of the Owens-Illinois logo (or to the right of the dash) is the real date code – even if it is only a single digit. Collecting Data Looking back at our Old Quaker flask, the “D-134” had to be the distiller; “M-87-C” is an unknown code, not shown in the 1934 formula; 67 indicated the glass house (a factory that was not on 1969 or 1973 lists); the Diamond-G (possibly the logo for the unknown glass house); and “7” was most likely 1937. I had seen so many exceptions that I was not willing to be firm about the date yet. Now, it was time to collect data, so I looked at one of my favorite resources – eBay. One seller reported an identical flask, with the addition of “HALF PINT” below the “D-134” and a date code of “6.” Another was the same (without the “HALF PINT”) but with a “5” date code. Both had the “67” glass

March - April, 2010

house code. Later, after more searching and quite a few more examples, those were the only date codes I discovered that were associated with the DiamondG mark. Of course, the glass house that used the Diamond-G mark also made other flasks besides the ones for Old Quaker (Figures 7 & 8).[1] I checked my archaeological reports and found that Hull-Walski and Ayres (1989:87) recorded a slight variation embossed “67 D - 126 5 / 1012 {G in a diamond} 6 / DES. 92901 PAT.” William Guyer received Patent No. 92,901 for a bottle design on July 31, 1934 (not the Old Quaker bottle design). He assigned the patent to Joseph E. Seagrams & Sons, Inc., Laurenceburg, Indiana. It now looked like the date codes on my bottle and the ones from eBay were for 1935-1937.

Figure 7 – Different flask with Diamond-G mark (eBay)

Figure 8 – Base with Diamond-G mark and rectifier code R-502 (eBay)

Bottles and Extras

I began searching the local antique stores and found another container marked “D-9 / 51 {G in a diamond} 5 I / M-163 AIPT” on the base. The number “51” is not on either glass house list, and the “5” is likely a date code for 1935. Other Old Quaker flasks reported on eBay had the letter “M” or “F” in the glass house symbol (not code) position and some variation of the M-{2-3 digit number}-letter code (whatever that code means). Two other flasks (without a Diamond-G mark) were reported by different eBay sellers as each being marked “D-9 83 41 M 167 F,” suggesting 1941 date codes. Another had a “70-H8” code series (probably, the “H” was actually the H-superimposed-over-ananchor mark – Anchor Hocking). The Anchor-Hocking Hypothesis It was now time to try to come up with some tentative solutions, so I began by looking in our files for companies whose names began with the letter G. Several “G” companies could probably be eliminated. By 1969, Glenshaw Glass Works used #14 and #176 as manufacturer’s codes on liquor bottles, so the “67” code was unlikely. The Glass Container Corp. used #22; Gayner Glass Works, a division of Star City Glass Works, used #123 (Anonymous 1969; Dept. of Treasury 1973), so these were also poor choices. The Graham Glass Co., too, could be ruled out; it was sold to Owens 1916 and lost its identity by 1927. From empirical research, Carol Serr determined that the “67” code was used by the Anchor-Hocking Glass Co. Since this same “67” code was on all the bottles with the Diamond-G logo, it was logical to assume that Anchor-Hocking was the maker of those bottles, so I began testing to see if that hypothesis would work. As Carol predicted, the number appeared on several flasks that were also marked with the Anchor-Hocking logo. For example, an Old Quaker flask had a basal embossing of “Lou-D-2 / 67 {Anchorand-H mark} 56 / M 858.” This mark, an “H” superimposed over an anchor, was used by Anchor-Hocking from 1938 to ca. 1977 (Figure 9).


Bottles and Extras

Figure 9 – Old Quaker flask with AnchorHocking base and code #67

That led to a closer look at AnchorHocking codes on liquor bottles and flasks. One bottle with the Anchor-Hocking logo was reported to have a “51” code in the glass house position. By the 1969 and 1971 lists, Anchor-Hocking only used the number “9” (Anonymous 1969; Dept. of Treasury 1973), so we do not have a good time sense for the use of the “51” company codes, and we have not seen the “51” associated with Anchor-Hocking in any other context (although it was on at least one Diamond-G flask noted above). It is possible, however, that AnchorHocking used the number in the 1930s (as noted above, several companies were assigned more than one number – e.g., Owens-Illinois or Brockway). Our empirical research shows that Anchor-Hocking used both “13” and “67” by at least the early 1940s. If the “70-H-8” base (noted above) really did have the Anchor-H mark where the seller only indicated an “H,” then the number would have been used by AnchorHocking as early as 1938. This would actually become important later. There is no question that AnchorHocking made liquor containers from its inception, but the probable date codes of “5” (presumably equaling 1935), “6,” and “7” on flasks with the Diamond-G mark is problematic. Anchor and Hocking did not merge to become Anchor-Hocking until 1937. This suggests that there may be a problem with the codes. As noted above, date codes on liquor containers generally consisted of two digits by 1940, although there were exceptions. Flasks with the “5” date code could, therefore, date to 1945, although that is unlikely – especially with “6” and “7” codes on the flasks. All this was interesting, but it did not seem to be leading me anywhere. The problem now was: How do you explain

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a “G” in connection with AnchorHocking? Isaac J. Collins and E.B. Good formed the Hocking Glass Co. in 1905, so maybe Good had a big ego and wanted a logo with his initial on it. But how would Collins feel about that? There seemed to be no other founders’ names that began with “G”; this appeared to be a dead end – at least for now. Looking at Distillers’ Codes Trying to force the various codes associated with the Diamond-G and other marks on Old Quaker flasks to fit with Anchor-Hocking did not seem be working, so I tried a different tack. Maybe the “G” inside the diamond indicated the distiller, instead of the glass house. The mark was in the glass house “position,” but we have encountered unusual exceptions before. Further empirical research revealed that both the D-2, D-9, and D-134 distiller’s codes are associated with the “Old Quaker” brand. Although the brand name was first used in 1878, Old Quaker brand was registered by the Corning Co., Cleveland, Ohio, in 1879; by the Corning Co., Peoria, Illinois, in 1894; and by Corning & Co., Peoria, in 1905 (Snyder 2002). Each of the “D” codes may reflect a different distillery where Old Quaker was produced. The Corning Co. (or Corning & Co.) was in business from at least 1879 to 1918, and its main product was Old Quaker, a brand of whiskey (Pre-Pro. com 2006). Although much older, the Schenley Products Co. (predecessor of Schenley Distillers Corp.) bought the Schenley, Pennsylvania, distillery in 1923 and acquired the Old Quaker brand (along with several others) prior to 1933. During 1933, Schenley purchased the Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and drew the first barrels of Old Quaker from that facility in 1936 (BourbonEnthusiast.com 2005). In 1846, W.P. and G.W. Squibb began business at Aurora, Indiana, as Rectifiers. With Frederick Komos as a partner, the Squibbs built a distillery in Indiana in 1867. In 1871, Komos sold his shares to William P. Squibb. W.P. Squibb & Co. obtained Distillery No. 8, and that passed

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to Schenely in 1933, with the acquisition of Squibb. J.W. McCulloch introduced Green River Whiskey in 1891, and the Green River Distilling Co. acquired Distillery No. 9 by at least 1911 (probably much earlier). Schenley gained control of the Green River distillery in 1940 (BourbonEnthusiast.com 2005). But, none of this seemed to fit with a DiamondG mark. It was all a red herring. We have been unable to trace the D-134 number in a historical context, although it shows up frequently on the bases of Old Quaker flasks from the 1935-early 1940s period. Both the screw-top, metal closure flask embossed with a profile of a Quaker, and the Diamond-G mark seem to be closely tied to this period, although the flasks continued to be made until at least the late 1950s. Flasks of this sort were also made by at least the Fairmount Glass Works (Figures 10 & 11 – note the much nicer embossing of the Old Quaker picture) and the Owens-Illinois Glass Co., as well as the user of the Diamond-G mark. If Anchor-Hocking were, indeed, the user of the DiamondG mark, it had discontinued that logo in favor of the Anchor-H mark no later than 1940 and probably by 1938.

Figure 10 – Fairmount Glass Works logo on Old Quaker flask (eBay)

Figure 11 – Old Quaker embossing on Fairmount flask (eBay)


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The Solution Frequently, we have discovered that the answer was in front of us all the time – although sometimes it just was not obvious. In this case, taking yet another look at the history of Anchor-Hocking provided the key. Anchor-Hocking was formed as a conglomerate of several companies, and everything fell into place for me as I reread our own Anchor-Hocking file. According to the Winchester JournalHerald (10/12/1965), the General Glass Corp. was organized in 1931 and took over the Turner Glass Co. plants. Hocking Glass Co. owned 50% of General and acquired the remaining assets in 1935. In 1937, General was dissolved, and all assets became part of Hocking. This was Hocking’s initial breakthrough into the glass container field. All Old Quaker (and other) flasks with Diamond-G manufacturer’s marks that we have found have date codes of “5,” “6,” or “7” – generally the latter two dates. These dates are a perfect fit for the General Glass Co. dates of operation. Since General was entirely absorbed into Anchor-Hocking in 1937, the plant number “67” continued to be used by Anchor-Hocking for a currently unknown period of time. In our sample, the “67” code does not show up until 1940 (a “40” date code), but the eBay flask with the “H” manufacturer’s mark (as stated above, most likely the Anchor-H logo) had an “8” date code, very likely setting the “67” code as being used by Anchor-Hocking in 1938 – immediately after General Glass was absorbed by Anchor-Hocking. Postscripts There is one loose end to tie up – the “51” code on the base of one flask with a date code of “5” (1935) and the DiamondG mark. It was also reported by an eBay seller in association with AnchorHocking’s H-and-anchor mark. There are at least two possible explanations, beginning with the most likely. First, the Turner Glass Co. may have decided to join the rush toward liquor container manufacturing at the end of Prohibition, thereby obtaining the number “51” in 1934. When General Glass took over, it then used the Turner number, while it waited for its own number (67) to

March - April, 2010

process. Thus, the “51” code would probably only show up on flasks made during 1934 or 1935, with the DiamondG and “51” codes together only showing up in 1935. When Anchor-Hocking took control, it would have inherited both codes. It may be that Anchor-Hocking used different codes for different plants. Second,(and I think this is unlikely), General could have been overloaded with orders and asked a currently unknown company to make some Old Quaker flasks with molds that had the Diamond-G mark. The other company used its own “51” code. Although this has been a discussion about liquor flasks, there was at least one other product with the DiamondG logo. Roller (1983:238) illustrated the mark as found above the word MASON’S on an aqua jar, but he included no details and had no identification for the manufacturer. Roller’s drawing of the Diamond-G mark almost exactly matches the mark embossed on Old

Bottles and Extras

hundreds of other bits of information and to Owens-Illinois for allowing them to share information. Thanks to Pete Schulz, friend and fellow BRG member, for finding and making available the Glass Container article that provided the key to unlocking the codes. A final bouquet of gratitude to my wife, Wanda Wakkinen, for listening to my endless speculation on these and other bottle-related issues. Sources Anonymous, 1969 “Industry Liquor Bottle Permit Numbers: Glass container Manufacturers Authorized to Manufacture Liquor Bottles.” n.p. BourbonEnthusiast.com 2005 “Schenley History Time Line.” BourbonEnthusiast.com. Http://www. bourbonenthusiast.com/forum/viewtopic. php?t=1620&postdays=0&postorder=asc& start=0 Busch, Jane 1991 “Second TimeAround:ALook at Bottle Reuse.” In Approaches to Material Culture Research for Historical Archaeologists, pp. 113–126. The Society for Historical Archaeology, California, Pennsylvania. U.S. Department of the Treasury 1973 “Liquor Bottle Manufacturers, July 1, 1973.” Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Washington, D.C.

Figure 12 – Diamond-G mark on a waxsealer fruit jar (Roller 1983:238)

Quaker flasks (Figure 12). These jars were almost certainly made by the same company – General Glass Co. – that made the flasks from 1935-1937. Acknowledgments I would like to thank the other members of the Bottle Research Group for all their assistance (and skepticism) in this and all of the other research I have conducted independently. Virtually everything I now do concerning historical bottles has been tremendously influenced by my compatriots. Gratitude also goes to Russell Hoenig and Phil Perry, both of Owens-Illinois, for providing the 1969 and 1973 lists of the glass manufacturer numbers for liquor bottles and literally

Glass Packer 1934 “Liquor Bottle Regulations Summarized for Glass Packer Readers.” Glass Packer 13(2):502-503. Pre-Pro.Com 2006 “Corning & Co., Peoria, IL., 18801918.” Pre-pro.com, a Web Site Devoted to the Appreciation of Pre-Prohibition Shot Glasses. http://www.pre-pro.com/midacore/ view_vendor.php?vid=PIA13744 Roller, Dick 1983 Standard Fruit Jar Reference. Privately published. Snyder, Robert E. [2002] Whiskey Brands. Privately published, Amarillo, Texas. The example (Figures 7 & 8) was used by a rectifier with the code R 502 – currently unknown to me. [1]


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Classified Ads FOR SALE MANY EYEBATHS FOR SALE BREAKING UP COLLECTION Glass – China – Metal – European Rarities. List & Photos. Email: rogereye@yahoo.co.uk For Sale: Amber pink flask – Jas Tharp’s Sons, Wines & Liquors, Washington, D.C.; Dr. Humphrey’s Medicated Holland Gin, Jos H. Baker & Co, Phila – flask shape; Radway’s / Sarsaparillian Resolvent / RRR / Ent according to Act of Congress; Very early crude Johann Hoff/ Berlin; Round 3” pontiled A Richard’s & Co/combined/Glue & Cemet; 1 ¾” round pontilled Mounsey’s / Preston/ Salts. Contact: Greg Gifford, ph: (215) 530-8645, email: grgmam@aol.com. For Sale: Redbook #1927; amber Mason’s Patent Nov 30th 1858 – reverse: CFJCo with original CFJCo monogram lugged lid - $2800; shipping/postage and insurance extra. Contact: Perry Driver, 902 E 129th Dr, Live Oak, FL 32060, ph: (386) 3643206, email: perry.driver@navy.mil For Sale: Long SASE with one stamp for one of these lists. Please specify which list. Long SASE with two stamps for four lists. Blob top list – 12 bottles. Hutchinson list – 25 bottles. Bottle list #3 – 37 bottles. Jimmie Brown: $10 each Hutchinson list – 1 Minnesota, 11 New Jersey, 20 New York, 2 Pennsylvania or $300 for all. All bottles plus postage. Contact: Zang Wood, 1612 Camino Rio, Farmington, NM 87401, ph: (505) 327-1316. For Sale: Florida bottles. 1) Speers Pharmacy. West Palm Beach, 5 ¾” tall, dug, $135. 2) 1935 12-25-23 Coke, West Palm Beach, dug, $40. 3) Miami Bottling Works, hutch, cleaned, excellent condition, $145. 4) 1924 clear 11-16-15 Coke, Key West, have five available, call for prices, 5) 1907 – 1909 Miami SS Coke “Root”, aqua, three available, $200 each, 6) Pennock Plantation, Jupiter, Fla, slug, quart milk, 1940s, $100.

Bottles and Extras


Bottles and Extras

Contact: Larry Smith, ph: (561) 743-7278. For Sale: Stoneware advertising: mini canteen flask, GAR Davenport, Iowa, June 12-13-14, 1900 $265. One half pint jug, Radium Water from Sequoyah Hotel, Claremore OK, $145. One half pint jug, Old Mission Whiskey, Kline Bros., Portland Oregon, $210. Ginger beer bottle, Henry-Brown Co., Sierra Club, Glendale California, $80. All prices include shipping and insurance! Contact: Thomas Noel, 1385 Norsworthy Rd, Kirksey, KY 42054, ph: (270) 489-2440, email: jugging@ mchsi.com. For Sale: DVD “History of the Clyde Glassworks, Clyde, N.Y.” Fifty five minutes long. Traces the glass factory from 1827 – 1922. Actual film taken in 1911 of bottle production. A great gifr for a collector bottle club or a glass history buff. $20. Contact: John M Spellman, ph: (315) 365-3156, email: spellmanjc@tos.net. KETCHUP, PICKLES, SAUCES 19th Century Food in Glass Betty Zumwalt, author 498 pages of pictures & research of glass containers the early food industry utilized Smyth Bound - $25 Mark West Publishers PO Box 1914 Sandpoint, ID 86864 For Sale: Small letter variant cobalt C. Sundell. One of two known. This one has a mold imperfection in the embossing making it unique. It is also a true cobalt unlike the other being teal. I own both known variants. Both are damage free. Lightly spun. All residue remains. Damage free except expected ground wear and light staining. $185 Firm. Contact: Ralph Wenzel, 9961 Chetwood Dr, Huntley, IL 60142, ph: (847) 833-8424, email: constructingrw@comcast.net. For Sale: Mining artifacts and mining town bottles. Bottles specific to Colorado. Artifacts include hard

May - June, 2009

goods, photographs, ephemera. Visit our ebay site – The Mine Shop/ sanjuanslim. Contact: Steve Rush, ph: (970) 249-2309, email: nevsmith@ ridgwayco.net. For Sale: Mini jugs – scratch – 1) “The Midway” Chas. Mahan Elwood, Ind, $100, 2) Forster & Thompson Gen’l Mdse. Edmund, Okla, $400, 3) Complements Mosley Bros 206 E Marshall (Douglasville, GA – 1918 Dun & Bradstreet), $200, 4) Complements Prospect Market 2604 E 18th St – Gregory Vinegar (Kansas City, MO – that library), $150, 5) J.W. Palmer Nelson County Whiskey (Savannah, GA page 38 & 39 Bottles and Extras Summer 2005 – Baab), $150, 6) Old Corn Whiskey H.L. Sprinkle Distillers Co Jacksonville, FL, $300, 7) Ridgeway Straight Corn Whiskey – sprinkle, $150, 8) Sweet Mash Corn – Sprinkle, $150, 9) Atlantic Coast Distilling, $150, and others. Contact: Ralph Keiffer, PO Box 1325 MacClenny, FL 32063, ph: (904) 259-7775. For Sale: Collecting Soda Pop Bottles; Oregon Soda; Washington Soda; Et Al bottle books. Visit Hutchbook.com and Seattlehistorycompany.com for details. Contact: Ron Fower, email: hutchbook@yahoo.com. For Sale: Soft Drink Bottlers of the U.S. Volume I, VT and NH book and CD published by Platform3Research. The complete listing of all known soft drink bottlers within New Hampshire and a Vermont, 1800 to present, including dates of operation, ownership/management, addresses and all known brands and flavors bottled. Fully illustrated with current and historical images. Sections arranged alphabetically by city and brand/flavor. This is volume one of a multi-volume series covering the U.S. bottling industry. $39.95. Contact: Platform3Research, www. createspace.com/1000251725 or www. platform3research.com.

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WANTED Wanted: Old amber coke bottles 1900 – 1930 from South Pittsburg, TN and anywhere in North Alabama. Contact: Eddie Bellamy, 804 Busbey Ave, Bridgeport, AL 95740, ph: (256) 6080719, email: CEBellam@tva.gov. Wanted: Sacramento whiskey: THEO. BLAUTH/WHOLESALE WINE/&/LIQUOR DEALERS/ SACRAMENTO, CAL. Barnett #55. Contact: Steve Abbott, ph: (916) 6318019, email: foabbott@comcast.net. Wanted: Top dollar paid for green embossed Western fifths and flasks. Rare Western bitters including Cassin’s Grape Brandy, G.A. Simon’s and Lacours Bitters. Applied top California beers from the 1880s including Jacob Denzler, M. Kreiss, H. Metzler and any others. I’m looking for New Almaden Vichy water bottles. Contact: Stephen Hubbell, ph: (253) 851-7036, email: morphens@centurytel.net. Wanted: Rarer American poisons. Also want Marinette, Wisconsin and Menominee, Michigan bottles and memorabilia. Also looking for a Coughlin hutch from Marinette, WI. Contact: Henry Johnston, ph: (715) 923-9351, email: poisonman@cybrzn. com Wanted: Pontiled medicine bottles from Pennsylvania towns especially Philadelphia and also later medicines (circa 1840s – 1880s). Serious collector. Contact: David Adams, 203 Ment Rd, Schwenksville, PA 19473, email: polecat1777@yahoo. com. Wanted: YOU! To read the Findlay Antique Bottle Club blog. Go to Finbotclub.blogspot.com or email finbotclub@gmail.com for information and link to our great articles and lots of pictures. Also, don’t miss our famous October bottle show – the best little bottle show in the Midwest!


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Wanted: Any bottles with the name MODOC embossed on them. Contact: Bill Reeves, PO Box 252, Cedarville, CA 96104, ph: (530) 279-6304 Wanted: Any bottles embossed Rawsonville, Michigan. Contact: Michael ph: (936) 329-8838. Wanted: Hutchinsons: El Dorado/ Bottling Co/Dawson, Y.T. (Yukon Territory), H.A. Ralu./Colon/R.P. (Panama), New Mexico, Old Mexico, Spain, Guatemala, Cuba, Costa Rica, and any other foreign country. Contact: Zang Wood, 1612 Camino Rio, Farmington, NM 87401, ph: (505) 327-1316. Wanted Wanted Wanted Can you please HELP ME. Western Spice Mills peppersauce bottle in fine condition. Needed for family member. Contact: Laurent Torno, 34 N Brentwood, Suite 11, St. Louis, MO 63105, ph: (314) 721-3911 (leave message, I will return all calls) Wanted: Indiana Coca-Cola straight sides, 1915, 1923 and foreign Coke and Pepsi bottles. Contact: Ray Davidson. 9464 W 1300 N, Elwood, IN 46036, ph: (765) 552-2374, email: Davidson.ray@comcast.net. Wanted: Hayner mini jug, Ohio blue decorated stoneware, Ohio pontiled medicines. Visit us at Heart of Ohio Antique Center (#3132/3255). Contact: John and Margie Bartley, Donnels Creek Antiques, PO Box 53, North Hampton, OH 45349, ph: (937) 9648080, email: jbartley@woh.rr.com. Wanted: Miniature oil and kerosene lamps – circa 1870 – 1890s. One or collection. Contact: Perry Driver, 902 E 129 th Dr, Live Oak, FL 32060, ph: (386) 364-3206, email: perry. driver@navy.mil Wanted: J. Gahm blob top beers from Boston in odd colors. Contact: Tony, ph: (352) 368-2129, email: tsaugustyn@cox.net

March - April, 2010

Bottles and Extras

Wanted: Hutch embossed – Joseph Zapf, West Palm Beach FLA. Finders fee added to price. Contact: Larry Smith, ph: (561) 7437278.

Wanted: emerald green half-pint scroll flask(s). Contact: Merle Slay, 6425 149 th St. Ct. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332, ph: (253) 858-2267, email: merleslay@aol.com.

Wanted: Postcards, wooden tokens, milk bottles – all from Colorado dairies. Contact: George VanTrump Jr, PO Box 1537, Wheat Ridge, CO 80034, ph: (303) 232-3542, email: JoGeorge@q.com.

Wanted: Foust Distillery bottles, jugs, calendars, etc. Also blue decorated stoneware from Pfaltzgraff York, PA and Baltimore, MD. Thank you. Contact: Jerry Lee Blevins, ph: (410) 357-4285.

Wanted: South Carolina slug plate soda bottles. Paying top prices for ones I don’t have. Also, any South Carolina bottle questions, just drop me a line. Contact: Eric Warren, ph: (803) 951-8860, email: scbottles@ aol.com.

Wanted: Savannah, New York Flag Salt Remedy Co. items: invoice, lettered envelopes, store window displays, etc. Contact: John M Spellman, ph: (315) 365-3156, email: spellmanjc@tos.net.

Wanted: Quality western bottles. I love western glass! Currently seeking: Dr. Millers Ratafia, W.B. Shasta Soda, glob top whiskies, glob top flasks with “horizontal” Wormser especially sought. Early western medicines, Jamaica gingers. Check out my website: oregontrailantiquebottles. com, Contact: Dale Mlasko, ph: (541) 601-0245, email: dalmlasko@charter. net. Wanted: Stoneware wanted: Preprohibition advertising jugs, crocks, pitchers, churns, rolling pins from all states and all sizes. Will pay premium prices for jugs from small towns and saloons. Also want pre-prohibition shotglasses, signs, cork screws, tokens and back bar bottles. Contact: Thomas Noel, 1385 Norsworthy Rd, Kirksey, KY 42054, ph: (270) 4892440, email: jugging@mchsi.com. Wanted: I only need THREE more embossed dose glasses – one from Arizona, one from Utah, and one from South Carolina. Paying top dollar. I also have dose glasses to trade. Contact: Tracy Gerken, 113 Kings Cross, Brunswick, GA 31525, ph: (912) 269-2074, email: 1gerken@ bellsouth.net.

Wanted: Colorado advertising items from Boulder County towns – Allenspark, Boulder, Caribou, Eldora, Eldorado Springs, Gold Hill, Jamestown, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Lyons, Magnolia, Marshall, Nederland, Salina, Sunset, Ward, Valmont, etc. – bottles, brochures, calendars, china, jugs, medals, plates, ribbons, signs, spoons, stocks, tokens, trays, etc. Contact: Rick Sinner, 4041 Kingstown Pl, Boulder, CO 80301. ph: (303) 444-2498, emails: rsinner@comcast.net. Wanted: Texas bottles: 1) Scruggs & Scruggs Silver Eagle Sour Mash – Dallas, 2) Wooten Wells Mineral Water hutch, 3) Corsicana Bottling Works hutch, 4) Terrell Bottling Works hutch and Florida hutches. Also U.S. Navy Pepper, U.S. Navy Mustard, Professor Byrnes Celebrated Florida Water, Fruit Growers Trade Co jar and fancy stoneware wax seal jars that I don’t have. Contact: Ralph Keiffer, PO Box 1325 MacClenny, FL 32063, ph: (904) 259-7775. Wanted: Top quality drugstore/ apothecary, labeled patent medicines and advertising. One piece or entire collections. Top prices paid or consignments taken for my fall color cataloged absentee bid auctions conducted three times per year. Also looking for rare and unusual


Bottles and Extras

Dr. Komer bottles, advertisings, and gowiths. Contact: Terry McMurray, PO Box 393, Kirkwood, NY 13795, ph: (607) 775-5972, email: mcmurrayauctions@ aol.com. Wanted: Your problem-free seconds. Contact Marc Rosner, ph: (914) 4786164, email: Marosner@aol.com. Wanted: Interesting or unusual embossed soda bottles of 1920s – 1930s. Contact: Roger Hill, ph: (650) 380-9712, email rogerhillusa@ yahoo.com. Wanted: Blob top beer “Markmann, Phila., PA” Contact: Ed DeHaven, ph: (609) 390-1898. Wanted: Amber fruit jar pints and odd-closured jars. Contact: Ron Ashby, 418 E. Blackwell, Blackwell, OK 74631, ph: (580) 363-5154. Wanted: Mining artifacts from ore cars to paper goods. Also Colorado mining town bottles, mining items and maps specific to the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. Contact: Steve Rush, 545 Coral Bell Dr. Montrose, CO 81403, ph: (970) 249-2309, email: nevsmith@ridgwayco.net. Wanted: California collector looking for “Southern California Packing Co. Los Angeles Cal.” wording around palm tree and building with word “ours” on lid and front of some jars. Redbook number 2679-5. If you have knowledge of these jars, I would like to hear from you. Contact: John Swearingen, ph: (805) 492-5036 or email: fruitjars@verizon.net. Wanted: Flaccus dishes and Winchester, Virginia items. Contact: Roger Fletcher, 2868 Ashby Station Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630, ph: (540) 631-0058. Wanted: Bottles and jars with wild swirls, huge bubbles, foreign contaminants such as nails, wire, pieces of metal, etc. in the glass. Also looking for bottles with

May - June, 2009

outrageous crooked necks or overall crudity. Prefer all the above to be tooled top era or earlier. Contact; Dwayne Anthony, 28390 Saffron Ave, Highland, CA 92346, ph: (909) 862-9279, email: insulators@open-wire.com. Wanted: Nebraska drug bottles, Nebraska stenciled pottery, jugs, crocks, whiskey or bitters. Contact: Tom Omer, 12108 N. 158th St., Bennington, NE 68007, ph: (402) 238-2309. Wanted: Interested in Hutchinson soda bottles? Visit hutchbook.com and consider joining the Hutchinson Bottle Collectors’ Association. Send any questions to hutchbook@yahoo.com. Wanted: Harrisburg bottle collector, Harrisburg, PA. Contact: Michael Hester, ph: (717) 232-0624. Wanted: Figural bitters – one or a collection, particularly interested in unique colors. Contact: Bill Taylor, ph: (541) 479-5165, email: wtaylor178@aol. com. Wanted: 1861 Hostetter & SmithAlmanac with picture of Dr. J. Hostetter on front cover and any pre-1890 information. Also a picture of George W. Smith. Contact: Doug Shilson (Hostetter Historian), 3308 32nd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55406, email: bittersdug@aol.com. Full credit will be given. Wanted: Columbia, California blob top soda R & H any condition and bottles from California’s mother lode area. Contact: Darren Romitti, PO Box 395, Tuolumne, CA 95379, ph: (209) 9283503, email: darrenrom9071@yahoo. com. Wanted: Delaware and college milk bottles. Contact: Rowland Hearn, 10 Wordsworth Dr, Wilmington, DE 19808, ph: (308) 994-2036. Wanted: Green River whiskey jug, “The Whiskey Without a Headache”. Any size from any state. Contact: Warren Dockins Jr, 3507 Bucksville Rd, Auburn, KY 42206, ph: (270) 542-4347.

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Wanted: Blob top San Francisco beer bottles; quarts, pints, and ½ pints; especially Eagle Brewing, McGrath & Mahony Golden Gate, A. Cappelli, A & R Postel, Pacific Bottling, amber and green quart Tweedie, green Seal Rock, green Chicago D. Meinke, Viking Brewing, Western D & K, U. S. Bottling, etc. Contact: Dale Guthrie, ph: (707) 527-2743. Mansfield, Always room for dealers, ever 300 inside, and lots of room outside. Last minute decision? Just come to the gate house on Friday May 7th or Saturday May 8th @ 7 am. Dont’s miss this big event. See our display ad for info.

Notice to Members

Take advantage of your membership benefits Use your free for sale and wanted ads Send to: June Lowry 401 Johnston Ct., Raymore, MO 64083 (816) 318-0160 OSUBuckeyes71@aol.com


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March - April, 2010

Bottles and Extras

FOHBC Sho-Biz

Calendar of shows and related events FOHBC Sho-Biz is published in the interest of the hobby. Federation affiliated clubs are connotated with FOHBC logo. Insulator shows (courtesy of Crown Jewels) are indicated with an insulator. Information on up-coming 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 June Lowry, 401 Johnston Ct., Raymore, MO 64083 or E-mail: OSUBuckeyes71@aol.com. Show schedules are subject to change. Please call before traveling long distances.

March 6 Coca, Florida The Central Florida Insulator Club will hold their Insulator swap meet (10 am 1 pm) at 6245 Date Palm St, Cocoa, FL 32927. Bring your own tables. Info: Alan Rodger, ph: (352) 383-4486. March 6 Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania The Chesapeake Bay Insulator Club’s 22nd Annual Show & Sale (9 am -2 pm with dealer setup 7 am - 9 am), at the Shrewsbury Fire Hall, Shrews-bury, PA (Exit 4 off I-83). Info: Charles Irons, ph: (302) 422-5712, email: Ironsjr@ verizon.net, CBIC website: www. insulators.info/clubs.cbic. March 7 Baltimore, Maryland The Baltimore Antique Bottle Club’s 30th Annual Show & Sale (8 am -3 pm), at the Physical Education Center, CCBC-Essex, 7201 Rossville Blvd, (I-695, Exit 34). Info: Eric Ewen, ph: (410) 265-5745, email: teresaanderic@ comcast.net, www.Baltimorebottleclub. org March 12 - 13 Chico, California The 44th Annual Antique Bottle, Jar, Insulator and Collectable Show &Sale, (Friday 10 am - 7 pm $5, Saturday 9 am - 4 pm free admission), at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, Chico, CA. Info” Randy Taylor, PO Box 546, Chico, CA 95927, ph: (530) 345-0519 evening or (530) 518-7369 cell, email: RTjarguy@ aol.com. March 13 Badin, North Carolina The Uwharrie Bottle Club’s 3rd Annual Antique Bottle & Collectibles Show &

Sale (8 am - 3 pm), at the Badin Fire Department, Badin, NC. Info: Todd McSwain, ph: (704) 474-0552 , email : mcswain8649@windstream.net March 13 St. Joseph, Missouri The 8th Annual St. Joseph Insulator and Bottle Show & Sale( 9 am - 3 pm with dealer setup at 7 am), at the American Legion Pony Express Post #359, 4826 Frederick Ave, St. Joseph, MO. Info: Dennis R. Weber, 3609 Jackson St, St. Joseph, MO 64507, ph: (816) 364-1312, email: stjoe-show2010@aol.com. March 19 - 20 Deland, Florida The Deland M-T Bottle Collectors Association’s 40th Anniversary Antique Bottle & Insulator Show & Sale (Friday early buyers $20 3 pm - 7 pm and Saturday 7:30 am - 9 am, regular admission free 9 am - 3 pm), at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, Deland, FL. Info: Brian Hoblock, ph: (386)8049635, email: hoblick@aol.com or Louise O’Quinn, ph: (386) 943-2766, email: oquinnlouise@hotmail.com. March 21 Flint, Michigan The Flint Antique Bottle and Collectibles Club’s 40th Annual Show & Sale (9 am - 3 pm) at the Dom Polski Hall, 3415 N Linden Rd, Flint, MI. Info: Tim Buda, 11353 Cook Rd, Gaines, MI 48436, ph: (989) 271-9193, email: tbuda@shianet.org. March 21 St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis Antique Bottle Collectors Association’s 40th Annual Show &Sale (9 am - 3 pm), at the Two Hearts Banquet Center, 4532 S. Lindbergh, St. Louis,

MO. Info: Pat Jett, 71 Outlook Dr, Hillsboro, MO 63050, ph: (636) 9483029, email: patsy_jett@yahoo.com March 21 Enfield, Connecticut The Yankee Pole Cat Insulator Club’s Insulator, Bottle, and Tabletop Collectibles Show & Sale (8 am 2 pm with dealer setup 6 am - 8 am). American Legion Hall, 566 Enfield St (US Route 5), Enfield, CT. Info: John Rajpolt, ph: (203) 261-1190, email: rajpolt@earthlink.net March 26 - 27 Morro Bay, California The San Luis Obispo Bottle Society’s 42nd Annual Show & Sale, (Friday, 3 pm - 7 pm, Saturday, 9 am - 3 pm), at the Morro Bay Veterans Hall, 209 Surf St, Morro Bay, CA. Info: Richard Tartaglia, ph: (805) 543-7484. March 28 Brewerton, New York The Empire State Bottle Club’s 40th Annual Show & Sale (9 am - 3 pm) at the Brewerton Fire Hall, 9625 Rt. 11, Brewerton, NY. Info: John or Carol Spellman, PO Box 61, Savannah, NY 13146, ph: (315) 365-3156, email: spellmanjc@tds.net. March 28 Bloomington, Minnesota North Star Historical Bottle Association and Minnesota’s First Antique Bottle Club’s 39th Annual Show & Sale (9:30 am - 2:30 pm), at the Holiday Inn and Suites, 3 Appletree Square (I-494 & 34th Avenue South), Bloomington, MN. Info: Steve Ketcham, ph: (952) 920-4205, email: steve@ antiquebottledepot.com


Bottles and Extras

April 9 - 10 Yorkville, Illinois The Wheaton Insulator Show (Friday 6 pm - 9 pm, Saturday 7 am - 4 pm) at the Kendall County Fairgrounds, Yorkville, IL. Info: Jason Townsend, ph: (630)6673357, email: jtins@gmail.com. April 10 Daphne, Alabama Mobile Bottle Collectors Club’s 37th Annual Show & Sale (9 am - 3 pm), at the Daphne Civic Center, Whispering Pines Road and US Highway 98, Daphne, AL. Info: Jim Simmons, 8851 Four Mile Rd, Irvington, AL 36544, ph: (251) 824-2697, email: josphs@emai. msn.com or Rod Vining, 8844 Lee Circle, Irvington, AL 36544, ph: (334) 957-6725, email: vinewood@mchsi. com or Richard Kramerich, PO Box 241, Pensacola, FL 32591, ph: (850) 435-5425, email: shards@bellsouth.net. April 10 Kalamazoo, Michigan The Kalamazoo Antique Bottle Club’s 31st Annual Show & Sale (10 am -3 pm), at the Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds, 2900 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI. Info: John Pastor, 5716 Versailles Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, ph: (616) 581-7005, email: jpastor@americanglassgallery.com or Mark McNee, ph: (269) 343-8393. April 11 Hutchinson, Kansas The Kansas Antique Bottle and Postcard Club’s Annual Show & Sale, (9 am - 3 pm), at the State Fairgrounds, Hutchinson, KS. Info: Mike McJunkin, 42 Sunflower, Hutchinson, KS 67502, ph: (620)728-8304, email: scarleits@cox. net or Jim Hovious, 6617 N. Kent Rd, Buhler, KS 67502, ph: (620) 543-6633, email: jimsantqbottles@earthlink.net. April 11 Tylersport, Pennsylvania The Bucks-Mont 15th Annual Bottle Show & Sale (9 am - 2 pm with early buyers in at 8 am), at the Tylersport Fire Company, 125 Ridge Rd, Tylersport, PA. Info: David Buck, ph: (215) 723-4048 or Greg Gifford, ph: (215) 699-5216.

March - April, 2010

April 11 St. Clairsville, OH The Ohio Valley Bottle Club’s Annual Bottle and Table top Antiques Show & Sale (9 am - 2 pm), at the Sibs in the Ohio Valley Mall, Exit 218 off I-70 next to JoAnn Fabrics, St. Clairsville, OH. Info: Tom Chickery, ph: (740) 6952958, email: tchick52@netscape.net April 11 Somersworth, New Hampshire New England Antique Bottle Club’s 44th Annual Show & Sale (9 am - 2 pm, early buyers 8 am), at the Great Bay Gallery, 25 Willard Dr, Somersworth, NY. Info: Gerry Sirois, ph: (207) 773-0148 or Jack Pelletier, ph: (207) 839-4389. April 16 - 17 Antioch, California Golden Gate Historical Bottle Society’s 44th Annual Antiques & Collectibles Show & Sale (Saturday, 9 am - 3 pm - general admission, Friday noon - 6 pm Early buyers $10), at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, Sunset Hall, Antioch, CA. Info: Gary or Darla Antone, ph: (925) 373-6758, email: packrat49er@netscape.net April 17 Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania Western Reserve Insulator Club’s 10th Annual Allegheny Valley Insulator Show & Sale (9 am - 3 pm), at the VFW Post #894. Info: Ron Barth, ph: (724) 845-8439 , email: rktbarth@ windstream.net. April 18 Rochester, New York The Genesee Valley Bottle Collectors Association’s 41stAnnual Bottle,Antiques, and Paper & Postcard Show & Sale (9 am 3 pm admission $4) at the Monroe County Fair & Expo Center, Minett Hall, Rt. 15A & Calkins Rd, Henrietta, NY. Info: Aaron or Pam Weber, ph: (585) 226-6345, email: gvbca@frontiernet.net April 25 Harrisonburg, Virginia The Historical Bottle Diggers of Virginia’s 39th Annual Show & Sale (9

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am - 3 pm), at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, US Route 11 (Exit 243 off I-81), south of Harrisonburg, VA. Info: Sonny Smiley, 1025 Greendale Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, ph: (540) 4341129, email: lithiaman1@yahoo.com April 30 & May 1 Jacksonville, Arkansas ArkansasAntiqueCollectorsExtravaganza (early admission Friday 3 pm - 8 pm $10, regular admission Saturday 9 am 3 pm), Jacksonville Community Center, #5 Municipal Dr, Jacksonville, AR. Info: Van Stuart, 2240 Hwy 27 N, Nashville, AR 71852, ph: (870) 845-4864, email: grapette7@gmail.com or Dean Marvel, 2930 Nutter Chapel Rd, Conway, AR 72034, ph: (501) 327-1042, email: deanmarvel@conwaycorp.net. May 1 Gray, Tennessee The State of Franklin Antique Bottle& Collectibles Association’s 12th Annual Show & Sale (Friday, April 30 setup & early buyers $10 12 noon -6pm; Saturday, May 1 general admission free 8 am - 2 pm) at the Appalachian Fairgrounds, Gray, TN (Johnson City, TN - Bristol, TN/VA area). 150 tables available. Info: Melissa Milner, ph: (423) 928-4445, email: mmilner12@ chartertn.net, www.sfabca.com. May 1 Perth, Ontario, Canada The Ottawa Valley Insulator Collectors 2010 Show & Sale at the Perth Fairgrounds. Info: Darcy La Frambois, ph: (613) 545-2423, email: dlaraspberry@hotmail.com or Robin Plewes, ph: (613) 256-7638, email: robin.plewes@cmcelectronics.ca or www.insulators.infor/clubs.ovic. May 2 Brick, New Jersey Jersey Shore Bottle Club’s 38th Annul Postcards & Local Memorabilia Show& Sale (8:30 am - 2 pm), Brick Elks Lodge, 2491 Hooper Ave, Brick, NJ 08723. Info: Richard Peal, 720 Eastern Ln, Brick, NJ 08723, ph: (732)267-2528, email: manodirt@msn.com or www. bottleclub.org


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May 8 Aiken, South Carolina The Horse Creek Bottle Club’s 2nd Annual Show & Sale (dealer setup 7 am - 9 am, general admission 9 am -3 pm), at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center, 1700 Whiskey Rd, Aiken, SC 29803. Info: Geneva Greene, ph: (803) 593-2271 or Mike Newman, ph: (706) 829-8060. May 8 Salisbury, North Carolina Piedmont Bottle Club’s 4th Annual Bottle and Pottery Show & Sale (8 am - 2 pm), at the Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S Boundary St (AKA Martin Lu-ther King Jr Ave), Salisbury, NC 28144. Info: John Patterson, ph: (704) 636-9510, email: ncmilks@carolina.rr.com or Jimmy Wood, ph: (704) 692-7888 or Chuck Rash, ph: (704) 732-0373. club web-site: www.antiquebottles.com/piedmont May 8 Tallahassee, Florida The 4th Annual Tallahassee Antique Bottle Show & Sale (9 am - 3 pm), at the North Florida Fairgrounds, Tallahassee, FL. Info: Britt Keen, 1144 Azalea Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32301, ph: (850) 8774490, email: britt_keen@hotmail.com website: www.floridabottles.com May 8 Mansfield, Ohio The Ohio Bottle Club’s 32nd Annual Mansfield Antique Bottle and Advertising Show & Sale (8 am - 2 pm with early buyers Friday, May 7 2 pm -6 pm), at the Richland County Fairgrounds, Trimble Rd Exit, US Route 30, Mansfield, OH . Info: Bill Koster, PO Box 585, Barberton, OH 44203, ph: (330) 690-2794 May 14 - 15 Columbia City, Indiana The NIA 2010 Central Regional Show (Friday: 3 pm - 7 pm with setup 12 noon - 3 pm; Saturday: setup 6 am -9am, show 9 am - 3 pm) at the Whitley County 4H Fairgrounds just off US 30In Columbia City, IN and one mile south on Lincoln Way. Info: Chuck Dittmar, ph: (260) 485-7669 or Gene Hawkins, email: gene.hawkins@mchsi.com.

March - April, 2010

Bottles and Extras

May 16 Washington, Pennsylvania Washington County Antique Bottle Club’s 36th Annual Show & Sale (9 am- 2 pm), at the Alpine Star Lodge, 735 Jefferson Ave (Exit 17 off I70), Washington, PA. Info: Russ Crupe, 52 Cherry Rd, Avella, PA 15312, ph: (724) 345-3653 or (412) 2987831, email: heidirus@gmail.com

Show & Sale at the centrally located Butte Civic Center Annex, 1340 Harrison Ave, Butte, MT. Friday, June 4 dealers in at 3 pm with early birds 4 pm to 8 pm. Saturday, June 5, doors open from 9 am to 4pm. Info: Bill Henness, PO Box 5301, Helena, MT 59601, ph:(406) 459-3038, email: bhenness@bresnan.net or Ray Thompson, ph: (406) 273-7780, cell: (406) 529-2255, email: KCthomp@aol.com.

May 16 Millville, New Jersey The New Jersey Antique Bottle Club’s Annual Millville Show & Sale (9 am - 3 pm), at the Elks Lodge, 1815 E Broad St, Millville, NJ. Info: Joe Butewicz 24 Charles St, South River, NJ 08882, ph: (732) 236-9945, email: botlman@msn. com.

June 12 Smyrna, Georgia The 40th Annual Atlanta Bottle and Pottery Show & Sale (9 am - 4 pm with early buyers at 6 am), at the Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna, GA. Info: Jack Hewitt, 1765 Potomac Court, Lawrenceville, GA 30243, ph: (770) 963-0220 or John Joiner, ph: (770) 502-9565, email: propjj@bellsouth.net

May 22 Coventry, Connecticut The Museum of Connecticut Glass’s Bottle and Glass Show, (9 am, early buyers 8 am), at the Museum of Connecticut Glass, Route 44 and North River Road, Coventry, CT. Info: www.glassmuseum.org. June 4 - 5 Butte, Montana The Montana Bottle Collectors Association’s 9th Annual Antique Bottle, Insulator, Collectable and Advertising

June 12 San Diego, California The San Diego Antique Bottle Club’s Annual Show & Sale, (dealer setup 7:30 am, early bird 8 am - 9 am $10, general admission 9 am - 3 pm $2), at the Al Bahr Shrine Tempe, 5440 Kearney Mesa Rd, San Diego, CA 92111, Info: Jim Walker, ph: (858) 490-9019, email: jfw@internetter.com, website:www. sdbottleclub.org.Attend a show!


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FOHBC MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY ADDITIONS & CHANGES New Members Dwayne Anthony 28390 Saffron Ave Highland, CA 92146 909-862-9279 insulators@open-wire.com Bitters, inks, poisons, sodas, general color, insulators Richard Collins 3162 Fiji Ln Alameda, CA 94502 510-865-5186 William DePeel 8760 Valley Rd NW Rapid City, MI 49676 231-331-4229 depeel@chartermi.net Warren Dockins Jr 3507 Bucksville Rd Auburn, KY 42206 270-542-4347 Fruit jars Mark Etheridge PO Box 164 Myersville, MD 21773 301-293-2659 drkilmer@earthlink.net Jay Kasper PO Box 3642 Victoria, TX 77903 361-572-3588 jamast@suddenlink.net Bitters, medicines, sodas and Texas bottles Tom & Judy Larkin 2500 Dylan Dr Marion IL, 62959 618-964-1321 judylarkin@hughes.net Fruit jars Jesse Mullen 7794 Hwy 70 E Brownsville, TN 38012 731-779-0203 themulls3@aol.com Bottles - cork - early bottles Irene Rossman & Nick Oestreich 502 River Road #4 Rio Vista, CA 94571 707-706-3825 415-623-8644 norcalbottlehunter@gmail.com Unembossed flasks, Western glass

Ed Prince 4508 Hickory Trl Redding, CA 96003 530-242-1341 bear_bubs@hotmail.com Pontiled bottles Michael Rawson 128 Woodhaven Livingston, TX 77351 936-329-8838 Laurent Torno, Jr 7111 Waterman Ave St. Louis, MO 63130 314-726-0407 314-721-3911 (cell) Ron & Carol Turner 10862 W Wikieup Ln Sun City, AZ 85373 623-594-9824 Ronturner@cox.net Soda and Arizona bottles Catherine Weide 1590 Gately Rd Jacksonville, FL 32225 904-221-3717 webmaster@platform3research.com ACL soda pop bottles Changes David & Joann Adams 203 Meng Rd Schnenksville, PA 19473 polecat1777@yahoo.com California and Missouri medicines Richard Addison 5673 Short Rd New Carlisle, OH 45344 937-308-4067 Fruit jars and churns Jerry Lee & Bonnie Blevins 20501 Gore Mill Rd Freeland, MD 21053 410-357-4285 jerrylblevins@comcast.net Pennsylvania & Maryland decorated stoneware, Pennsylvania whiskies, Foust Distillery Glen Rock, PA items Joseph Coulson 10515 Collingswood Ln Fishers, IN 46037 317-915-0665 joey2500HD@yahoo.com Fruit jars, Indiana bottles & related go-withs

Linda L. Fields 4025 Powrie Dr. Pensacola, FL 32504 850-478-7636 lfields99p@yahoo.com Garrett & company wine items Roger Fletcher 2868 Ashby Station Rd Front Royal, VA 22630 540-631-0058 Fruit jars and Flaccus dishes Ron Fowler 4518 35th Avenue NE Seattle, WA 98105 206-525-1050 hutchbook@yahoo.com Washington or Oregon sodas D. Creighton Hubbard PO Box 2 Thayer, MO 65791 Fruit jars

Mike & Lilarae Smith PO Box 2347 Yucca Valley, CA 92286 760-228-9640 mikesierra@telis.org www.weloveoldbottles.com Indian bottles, New Orleans bitters, and pontiled sodas M-T Bottle Collector’s Association Attn: Brian PO Box 2015 DeLeon Springs, FL 32130 386-985-1149 hoblick@aol.com Tri-State Bottle Collectors & Diggers Club, Inc Attn: John Patterson 20 Boston Pl New Castle, DE 19720 302-653-6435 delawarebottles@comcast.net winroc.googlepages.com/home


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Antique Bottle Club of Northern Illinois 35th Annual

Antique, Bottle and Collectible show and sale Sunday May 2nd 2010 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Antioch Senior Center 817 Holbeck Antioch, Illinois 60002 Free Admission Featuring Antiques, Early American Bottles, Fruit Jars, Stoneware, Postcards, Paper Ephemera, Advertising Items, Quality Glass and Collectibles.

*Dealer Space Available* For Information or dealer packet contact: Greg Schueneman or John Puzzo (847) 623-7572 anteak_gramps@yahoo.com (815) 338-7582


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Membership Benefits

The Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors cordially invites you to join a dedicated group of individuals and clubs who collect, study and display the treasured glass and ceramic gems of yesteryear. The Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC) is a non-profit organization supporting collectors of historical bottles, flasks, jars, and related items. 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. Federation membership is open to any individual or club interested in the enjoyment and study of antique bottles. The Federation publication, Bottles and Extras, is well known throughout the hobby world as the leading publication for those interested in bottles and “go-withs”. The magazine includes articles of historical interest, stories chronicling the hobby and the history of bottle collecting, digging stories, regional news, show reports, advertisements, show listings, and an auction directory. Bottles and Extras is truly the place to go when information is needed about this popular and growing hobby. In addition to providing strength to a national/international organization devoted to the welfare of the hobby, your FOHBC membership benefits include: • A full year subscription the Federation’s official bi-monthly publication, Bottles and Extras • One free ad per yearly membership of 60 words for use for “wanted” items, trade offers, etc. • Eligibility for a discount at FOHBC sponsored shows (National or EXPOs) towards “early admission” or dealer table rent • Access to a knowledge of the world of antique bottle collecting unavailable elsewhere • Contact information for clubs devoted to the study of historical bottles • A forum for your writings, articles, and editorials regarding the hobby • Participation in the nomination and selection of Federation members for the Honor Roll and Hall of Fame • Federation-sponsored writing, show poster, and newsletter-design contests • Free publication assistance for your book or manuscript • And more... We encourage Affiliated Bottle Club memberships by offering these additional benefits to your group: • Display advertising in Bottles and Extras at an increased discount of 50% • Insertion of your bottle club show ad on the Federation website to increase your show’s exposure • Links to your club website free of charge, as well as assistance with the creation of your website • Free Federation ribbon for Most Educational Display at your show • Slide programs for use at your club meetings • Participation in Federation sponsored insurance program for your club show and any other club sponsored activities Finally… We need your support! Our continued existence is dependent upon your participation as well as expanding our membership. The Federation is the only national organization devoted to the enjoyment, study, preservation, collection, and display of historical bottles. The FOHBC welcomes individuals who would like to contribute by running for Board positions or by sharing their expertise and volunteering their talents in other areas of interest such as contributions to our publications, assistance with the Federation’s National and EXPO shows, or through membership promotion. If you haven’t yet joined our organization, please do so and begin reaping the benefits. If you are already a member, please encourage your friends and fellow collectors to JOIN US!! For more information, questions, or to join the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors, please contact: June Lowry FOHBC Business Manager 401 Johnston Ct. Raymore, MO 64083 816-318-0160 OSUBuckeyes71@aol.com

or visit our home page on the web at www.FOHBC.com



Legends of the Jar! - page 34

When Mr. Libbey Went to the Fair - page 44

www.FOHBC.com


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