B&e 3mayjune2010r

Vol. 21 No. 3

May - June, 2010

Louis Lacour

Record Breaker!

Early American Midwestern Glass Part II

Black Glass Bottles

Vol. 21 No. 3

May - June, 2010

No. 189

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 Board Meeting Minutes.........................10 Regional Reports ................................. 12 FOHBC Virtual Museum Ferdinand Meyer V ....................... 26

Louis Lacour Eric McGuire ................................ 28 Glennie Burkett Tribute ...................... 37 Legends of the Jar Bruce Schank ................................ 38 Black Glass Bottles Cary Adelman .............................. 44

The Dating Game: The Strange Case of the Aetna and Arsenal Glass Works Bill Lockhart ...................................... 50 2010 FOHBC Wilmington National Contracts ............................................. 59 Classified Ads & Ad Rate Information ... 63 Show Biz ............................................. 66

Early American Midwestern Glass Part II Globular Bottles Dave Maryo ................................... 48

Membership Additions and Changes... 69

Billy Winter’s Log Cabin Garth Ziegenhagen ........................ 49

Membership Benefits .......................... 72

Membership Application ..................... 71

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 63 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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May - June, 2010

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: 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

May - June, 2010

Bottles and Extras

Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors

President’s Message The Board meeting at Baltimore was very productive with several issues settled. See the minutes printed elsewhere in this issue.

Ferdinand Meyer V and Elizabeth Meyer made a presentation of the Virtual Museum. The concept was very well done and was exciting to see. He said that the site shouldn’t be as good as other websites, but way ahead of them. I believe that he will live up to statement. To be able to sit in front of your computer and view categories of bottles and outstanding private collections that are not ever publicly displayed will spike the interest in bottle collecting for sure. The possibilities of this site would be endless, from bottle to glass house history, target balls, insulators, canning jars, etc.

We will be having conference calls discussing the project leading up to the Ohio Convention. One thing we do know now is that this project will cost 60K plus or minus and that’s for the mechanics to build the site. Ferdinand will supply direction and oversight which is worth as much as the mechanics of it. He’s going to do this pro bono. The internet is certainly the way to go. Younger generations won’t hardly pick up a magazine or read a newspaper. I keep a small library in the throne room, but I guess they can take their I-POD or BLACKBERRY or whatever with them. Also, when the site starts generating hits

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

in the thousands or more, there is the distinct possibility that advertisers would help to fund the future of the site.

The FOHBC needs a candidate for treasurer. This person needs to be proficient in accounting and also have knowledge of a 501-c/3 nonprofit corporation. If you fit the bill and want to run for office, please contact election committee chairman James Bender.

There has been a good supply of bottles being offered by various auction houses and the results have been a mixed bag, with some record prices and some bargains. The diggers are hard at work here in the West, but the poor easterners with all that snow and then rain has made it impossible in a lot of areas to do anything with a shovel except move snow and fill sand bags .

Don’t forget Ohio in August --- it will be here before you know it. Information is on line at the FOHBC website and here in the magazine.

As for myself, I just added six more Hostetters to my group. Can’t wait for the Virtual Museum to have an exhibit featuring Hostetters!

Sincerely, Richard Siri - President FOHBC

Where there’s a will there’s a way to leave collections to FOHBC

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

FOHBC 8426 Clint Dr. #142 Belton, MO 64012

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

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May - June, 2010

Bottles and Extras

RECENT FINDS Recent Find from Ralph Van Brocklin Every once in a while a flask shows up at a show or on eBay that really sparks an interest in me. The pictured straight-sided flask is not a style that I collect, so I don’t usually make more than a note of what the bottle sold for, save a picture of it, and look for it to show up as a pumpkinseed or coffin.

But, this one is a little different…

The Fearless Saloon – what a great name! I cannot tell you what prompted the name, but, I can give you a little history to go with the bottle.

The first listing that I found for a Fearless Saloon in San Francisco was in the 1898 Pacific States Telephone Directory. This saloon was located at 2 California Street and I am unable to trace the proprietor. The proprietor was not the same as those operating the first establishment I could find at 71 3rd Street, as Charles J. Berendes and John D. Feldermann were at 120

East South (selling liquors) and 218 East South (operating a saloon and lodgings), respectively, in that year.

I was unable to find a saloon at 71 3rd in 1899, finding the first one at that location in the 1900 San Francisco Directory. Not specified by name, it was run by Berendes and Feldermann. By 1902, Berendes is no longer in partnership with Feldermann and Feldermann continues as the sole proprietor into 1920. The first listing I have specifying the establishment as the “Fearless Saloon” is found in the 1904 San Francisco Directory.

Interestingly, there is a listing as the “New Fearless Saloon” in the 1907 San Francisco Directory, suggestive of required remodeling/reconstruction following the 1906 earthquake.

Starting in 1910, John D. Feldermann opened a new establishment at 1718 Fillmore. When he opened Feldermann’s German Grill, he apparently sold the Fearless Saloon to Chas. F. W. Webber Jr., as Webber’s listing is found in the 1910 San Francisco Directory. I have no listings for Webber prior to that point.

In the 1912 Telephone Directory, the listing at 71 3rd Street is for the Fearless Saloon. The 1914 Telephone Directory notes a name change to Webber’s Bar and Grill. I do not own a 1913 Telephone Directory and the 1913 San Francisco Business Directory does not specify the name of the establishment.

From the above, we can date this flask to the period from 1910 through 1912 or 1913, with it likely having been made in the initial year of the business.

Webber’s Bar and Grill continues through at least 1918.

What is it?

During a dig in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, this iron-pontiled cobalt soda was unearthed. Appears to have some type plant embossed on it. Does

anyone have any information? If so, please contact either June Lowry, 816318-0160, OSUBuckeyes71@aol.com or Jorge Ocasio, 717-380-1015.

*****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

Bottles and Extras

May - June, 2010

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At Auction Heckler Auctions Smashes New World Antique Bottle Auction Record!

A new World’s record for the highest selling bottle at auction was set in the Norm Heckler auction April 1, 2010.

The bottle is referred to as the “firecracker flask” because of the names of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson embossed on the medial ridge of the flask along with the date of 1776.

Adams and Jefferson both died on the 4th of July 1826, exactly fifty years after the signing of the Declaration and that’s why they also call this the “Fifty Year Flask.”

This flask is in commemoration of that event. Most importantly, this example is one of the few known in the color blue. The hammer came down at $86,000, which along with the 17% buyer’s premium comes to a tidy $100,620.

The bottle was listed thusly; Lot 61 “General Washington” and Bust - “T.W. D.” and Eagle Portrait Flask, Kensington Glass Works, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1820-1840. Brilliant deep sapphire blue, inward rolled mouth pontil scar, pint. GI-14 Exceptional color in this “firecracker” flask. Strong impression and extremely rare color. A great bottle in every way. Ex William Pollard collection, Warren C. Lane, Jr. collection.

The new record beat the old record set

by American Bottle Auction for the sale of a Bryant’s cone-shaped Bitters. That bottle came to $68,750, a record in 1999.

The Bryant’s sold in 1999 was found in San Francisco at the big dig. It sold for $68,750.

Lot 91. A “RUSS’ / ST. DOMINGO / BITTERS - NEW YORK”, (R-125), brilliant medium olive green, 9 7/8”h, smooth base, applied tapered collar mouth, perfect. A large glob of glass, located in one base corner, appears to have been left over from the previous blown bottle . Glass Works Auctions of East Greenville, Pa. auctioned this bottle in 1998 at the FOHBC Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. In an auction at Glass Works Auctions closing March 15 it sold for $6,900.00

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Bottles and Extras

HELP!!

I’ve been collecting and digging since 1971 and know many collectors, yet, no one seems to be able to identify this one. One man told me that he thought that he had seen one in milk glass. The measurements are 95% accurate. Can anyone help me?

Michael ph: (936) 329-8838

Basket makers having a ‘wrap session’ After being shown Richard Siri’s feature story on Covered Bottles (Bottles and Extras, Jan.-Feb. 2010), members of a basket makers hobby group in Augusta, Georgia became inspired to wrap their own versions. Three of the members hamming it up after twining their bottles are (L-R) Laura Lee Zanger, Bea Baab and Gloria Trevathan. (Photo by Bill Baab)

Hi Jesse, I just found an article online that was in Bottles and Extras, Winter 2005, that discussed metal shots, and also discussed distillers in Philadelphia in the 1800s. I am a direct descendant of Alexander Young and I appreciated reading the article. I have attached several pictures that I think you will find of great interest. I also found some old distilling tools in my father’s house which I restored, one of which measures the specific gravity of the alcohol in the whisky.

The brewing book is from 1843, and

Alex’s son Wilson (from his first marriage to Rachel Dunbar), who only lived to 30 years old (1824-1854), is the author. The name Maitland and Young, the name of the company at that time, is written on one of the pages, as well as other men who served as “washmen”, “dragmen” and “malt men.” Other pages include measurements of the corn and rye mash temperature, gravity, and assorted other measurements. The pictures include two cases for measurements. Case One includes a brass and bronze plumb bob with assorted brass weights that would be placed into the whisky to measure

Bottles and Extras

May - June, 2010

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The first Wilson Young, 1850

the specific gravity of the alcohol, a key measurement in the distillation process, as well as a silver and bronze thermometer, and an ivory slide rule to work all the computations. Case Two includes a solid brass scale with a sliding weight on the right and a wooden scraping tool that would be used

Young Distillery Scale and case.

Young, his great great great great grandson.

I am not a bottle collector, but I would love to get a YPM Whiskey bottle or a shot glass to go with my tool collection, so if you know where I may be able to find one and purchase it, I would appreciate the information.

Young Distillery corkscrew.

Brewing Book Wilson Young.

to scrape the ingredients into the cup for measurement. There is also a picture of a corkscrew with a wooden case that has Alexander Young Distilling Co, Y.P.M. Whisky, 700 Passyunk Ave., Off Monroe St., Philadelphia, Pa. silk screened on the outside. Lastly, I included a picture Wilson Young not long before his death.

I am a direct descendent of Alexander

Jim Barker jybarker@aol.com Bottles and Extras regrets the following errors: March/April, 2010 issue: Early American Midewestern Glass title in the Table of Contents should have read: Early American Midwestern Glass Early American Midwestern Glass article on page 30: The date 1860s in the first full paragraph should have been 1760s.

First page of WIlson’s Brewing Book reading “Wilson Young Foreman of Southwick Brewery.

Last classified on page 65: The last word in the first line should have been over

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May - June, 2010

Bottles and Extras

T. A. Snider Preserve Company According to an 1888 article cited by Betty Zumwalt in “Ketchup, Pickles, Sauces,” the T. A. Snider Preserve Company was founded in 1879. Shown here are three examples of ephemeral advertising the company produced to promote their various products. While the company began in Cincinnati, Ohio, the 1920s vintage ad shows a ketchup bottle and bean can with labels indicating the company was then located in Chicago, Illinois.

Submitted by Steve Ketcham

Likely given to stores as a promotional item, this multi-colored rug measures roughly 52 inches by 40 inches. Notice how the rug’s image closely matches the upper portion of the magazine ad.

Circa 1890-1900 color lithographed, ten-piece puzzle.

Puzzle box.

Circa 1920 magazine ad.

May - June, 2010

Bottles and Extras

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Oregon Grape Bitters

The pink & white item is likely a counter-top change tray change tray. The caption should read: Wolters Bros. & Co. counter-top change tray advertising their Oregon Grape Bitters and Horseshoe Whiskey.

The second item: Two sides of a two-color gold watch fob given by Wolters Bros. to one of their biggest distributors.

Item three: An original label from San Francisco.

Item four: An 1888 letterhead from a Montana distributor of Oregon Grape Bitters, “The Great Rocky Mountain Remedy.”

Item five: Pictured here is the rare Oregon Grape Bitters bottle with labels. This bottle is extremely rare, as are any of the go-withs. The company began offering the brand around 1885. The San Francisco version of the bottle is clear and does not turn sun-colored amethyst. The Deer Lodge, Montana, version of the bottle is known to turn amethyst.

Submitted by Richard Siri

Item 3

Item 4

Item 1 Item 3

“Paper Trail” is a regular feature which showcases the wide world of bottle-related 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.

Item 2 (front and back)

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

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May - June, 2010

FOHBC Board Meeting

Bottles and Extras

Baltimore, Maryland March 6, 2010

President Richard Siri called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. with the following board members present: Bob Ferraro, John Pastor, Alan DeMaison, Richard Watson, Carl Sturm, Jamie Houdeshell, James Bender, Bill Ham and James Berry, constituting a quorum.

Minutes from the 2009 Annual Board Meeting in Pomona, California, had been distributed to the board members prior to Baltimore and President Richard Siri called for discussion or a vote to approve. Bill Ham moved to accept, all board members present voted in favor to accept.

Treasurer Alan DeMaison provided a detailed accounting of the treasurer’s report to the board for discussion and also expressed concern that the Federation has been running a deficit. The board had a brief discussion of the report and Jim Berry made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report. Jim Bender seconded the motion, Richard Siri called for a vote and all approved.

President Richard Siri called for a discussion on a proposed resolution by Cecil Munsey regarding Honor Roll and Hall of Fame voting. The resolution proposed that in the future, voting for inclusion on the FOHBC Honor Roll or Hall of Fame be based strictly on the criteria outlined in the current Honor Roll and Hall of Fame guidelines and not be subject to discussions of a personal nature or the proposed inductee’s conduct beyond what has been submitted in the proposal. Bill Ham moved that we reject the proposal by Cecil Munsey therefore allowing discussion of any proposed inductee’s conduct within the hobby. Dick Watson seconded the motion to reject the proposal and the board voted unanimously.

President Siri brought fourth the Hall of Fame and Honor Roll Guidelines that were drafted August 23, 2009, for discussion. A discussion followed regarding how to make the guidelines available to the membership, either through the magazine or the website. After further discussion, Dick Watson moved to accept the guidelines, Jim Bender seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.

President Siri next brought fourth the nominations of Scott Grandstaff and Kitty Roach to the FOHBC Honor Roll for discussion. Following discussion, Alan DeMaison made a motion to accept both nominations into the FOHBC Honor Roll. Carl Sturm seconded the motion, all approved.

Next, President Richard Siri brought up the nomination of Jeff Wichmann for FOHBC Honor Roll. Following a brief discussion, Bob Ferraro moved to accept the nomination of Jeff Wichmann to the Honor Roll which was

seconded by Alan DeMaison and unanimously approved.

Jamie Houdeshell was recognized by President Siri and took the floor to provide the board with an update on the 2010 National Show in Wilmington, Ohio. Jamie has begun passing out contacts at various shows including the St. Petersburg, Florida Show, Columbus, Ohio, and various others that he has attended. In addition, a mass mailing of contracts to dealers is in the works.

Next, President Siri called for a discussion on the status of Dave Clint’s manuscript. It was discussed that the manuscript has been turned over to the Colorado Bottle Club and no further action by the board is warranted at this time.

President Siri brought fourth an agenda item regarding the Federation making a donation to the West Virginia Glass Museum. Dick Watson noted that the Federation has a museum affiliation with the Wheaton Museum in Millville, New Jersey. John Pastor reminded the board that Alan Demaison earlier reported that the Federation is currently running a deficit and that it may not be the appropriate time to donate funds. Following further discussion, the motion was tabled.

President Siri next called for discussion on future FOHBC National and EXPO Shows. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding proposed show locations, oversight of the shows, responsibilities of both the Show Chairman and the Conventions Director board position. The board had previously voted on a compensation package one year earlier, March, 2009, for the Convention Director in the amount of $2,500.00 per show plus 10% of the net profits. It was discussed that the 2010 National Show has a strong local contingent of volunteers and competent Co-Show Chairmen being Jamie Houdeshell and Joe Hardin, therefore taking the burden of running the day to day operations off the shoulders of the FOHBC Conventions Director. John Pastor brought forward a proposal to discontinue the compensation of $2,500.00 to the Conventions Director. It was reasoned that this compensation could be reinstated on a case by case basis if necessary in the event that the Conventions Director must also assume the role of Show Chairman and carry on the day to day activities of running the show. The motion was seconded by Jim Bender and approved unanimously.

Further discussion regarding a proposal by Gene Bradberry for the 2011 National Show in Memphis, Tennessee, a proposal by the Western Region for the 2012 EXPO to be held in Reno, Nevada, and discussion

by John Pastor and interested parties to host the 2013 National Show at a location to be determined in the New

Bottles and Extras

May - June, 2010

England area. Bill Ham proposed that we accept Memphis as the location for the 2011 National Show subject to a satisfactory proposal being submitted to the board with further details. The motion was seconded by Bob Ferraro and unanimously approved. Bill Ham further proposed that we accept Reno, Nevada for the site of the 2012 EXPO. Jamie Houdeshell seconded the motion which was approved by all board members present.

Richard Siri next brought fourth the agenda item regarding a vote of confidence for the standing President.

Alan Demaison made a motion to provide a vote of confidence for President Richard Siri. John Pastor seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.

President Siri continued on with discussion of the agenda item regarding the proposed slate of nominees for the 2010 elections and turned the floor over to Bill Ham and the nominations committee. Discussion ensued regarding the timing of the nominations and that the slate of proposed officers be printed in the May / June issue of Bottles and Extras. Further, that acceptance of additional nominations be given until June 1st, with the final slate of nominations to be printed in the July / August magazine with ballots to be returned to the elections committee in July for tabulation by the elections committee consisting of James Bender (who was appointed by President Siri to chair the committee), Bill Ham, Gene Bradberry, Sheldon Baugh and Dick Watson.

President Richard Siri turned the discussion to the agenda item regarding compensation of the Business Manager position. After a brief discussion, Alan Demaison moved that the current $750.00 per month compensation for the Business Manager cease as of May 31, 2010. The motion was not seconded, and therefore, no change in the current compensation level will take place.

President Siri turned the floor over to Bill Ham to continue discussions regarding the proposed Bylaws revisions. Various provisions of the bylaws were discussed including Article VI, Geographic Regional Officers and Structures, and adding a fifth region; Article VII, Meetings and Conduct, that email and other communication between Board members that are stated as confidential shall be treated as such and not shared with non Board members, and Article VIII, Terms and Elections: That ballots shall indicate if a candidate was recommended by the board of directors. Bill Ham moved that the board adopt a change to article VIII, section B. Richard Siri seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously to adopt the motion.

Following the discussion of the proposed bylaws revisions, President Siri turned the floor over to Ferdinand and Elizabeth Meyer for their Concept Presentation of the Virtual Museum of American Historical Bottles and Glass.

Ferdinand and Elizabeth passed out to each of the board members, a detailed spiral bound booklet outlining their concept for the virtual museum. Ferdinand followed with

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a visual presentation that paralleled the hardcopy handout and walked the board through the many and varied concepts of the museum including but not limited to a Home Page, Galleries, Exhibitions, Research, Museum Shop, Membership, Giving, and a Press Room. Following the conclusion of the presentation, Ferdinand and Elizabeth answered questions and held an informal discussion regarding the timing and related costs of bringing this concept to fruition including possible methods of fund raising. Richard Siri then made a motion that the board accept Ferdinand Meyer’s presentation and move forward with the concept. Jamie Houdeshell seconded the motion which was approved unanimously. Following the vote, President Richard Siri adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted, John Pastor, 2nd Vice President

NOTICE NOTICE

Any member in good standing can file to run for an FOHBC board position.

Must be filed by

June 1st.

Contact person: Jim Bender, Northeast Region Director Jim1@frontier.net PH: 518-673-8833

NOTICE

NOTICE

Can you find our Western Region Editor, Dar Furda??

See page 65 for the answer.

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May - June, 2010

Tuxill, “Stoneware;” Thomas Kanalley, “Dr. Campbell’s Hair Invigorator, Aurora, N.Y.;”, 12 Horse Brewery Collectors Club, “12 Horse Brewing Co.;” Bob Kennerknecht, “Sunburst Flasks,” and Chris Davis, “Past Times: Memory Jugs & Folk Art Bottles.”

Programs scheduled for spring included “The Origins & Development of Iron” by Jim Nicoll, of Genesee Country Village, which included a discussion of the Conestoga Wagon. In April, a fasconating program was given

by Bing Reaves Sr. and friends on the “Buffalo Soldiers,” an all-black peacekeeping regiment formed in 1866. May featured Peter Jablonski, of Buffalo, who presented “Time Capsule in Your Backyard,” on privy digging.

Newsletter editor Jim Bartholomew offered past issues of “Applied Seals,” going back to March 2006, electronically or by mail. What a good way for new members to catch up on the club.

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

Applied Seals Genesee Valley Bottle Collectors Association, Rochester, N.Y. Membership Chairman Jim “Bart” Bartholomew made his annual reminder to get those dues in for 2010, which had been slow in returning.

Membership in GVBCA and other clubs are quite a bargain when you consider all the benefits. Newsletters, websites, meetings, speakers, show & sale, and so much more. Audrey Stecher is by far the luckiest raffle winner in the club, both at the shows and monthly meetings. She won yet again in February. There were two raffles that month. Her husband Jack won the other.

The club’s budget was presented by treasurer Kara Bartholomew in the February newsletter. There was a twoyear comparison along with the 2010 budget. It was passed and Kara was thanked for a job (very) well done.

The 41st Annual Show & Sale was progressing well and on track with previous years. Contracts were coming in strong for the 200+ table show on April 18th. A special raffle, with tickets selling for $10 with a guaranteed prize of $1,000, will not only make someone very happy, it will generate $1,000 for the club coffers. Another hospitality get together is planned at the Super 8 show headquarters, with pizza, wine, beer and much more. Doug Nicot is in charge.

Show and dealer chairs Aaron and Pamela Weber are doing a great job.

Exhibits have always been a big part of the Rochester shows, as far back as the first year’s. This year is no exception.

There were 12 signed up, according to exhibit chair Chris Davis: Jim Becker, “Newburgh Glass Co., Newburgh, N.Y.”; Frank Clement, “Made of Mud” (bricks); Jim Bender, “Clevenger Glass”; Howard Dean & Neil Moore, “NYS Saratoga-type Bottles;” Don Keating, “Aqua Open Pontil Medicines;” Jan Rutland, “Glass Paperweights;” Frank Starczyk, “Mucilage Bottles;” Dave

Bottles Along the Mohawk Mohawk Valley ABC, Utica, N.Y. February’s program was given by member and past president Fred Capozzella on “Early Utica Potters,” including the famous Whites of Utica Pottery. It was a power point program, with an accompanying display. It was very well-received.

The club has reserved display cases at two local libraries, which happen to be the month before the annual show.

Exhibitors were welcome. This will clearly help promote interest in the May 2nd show, the club, and the hobby of bottle collecting. January’s meeting was billed as the GIANT SHOW & TELL and went over very well, according to President Jim Berry. This seems like a very good way to attract members to a meeting in the wintertime.

The bus trip to the FOHBC 2010 National Show, in Wilmington, Ohio August 6-8, has been promoted heavily in several club newsletters in central and western New York state. John and Carol Spellman, of the Empire State BCA, are planning and coordinating the trip. Cost for transportation and lodging is $300/ couple, with banquet, early admission and meals extra. Interested? Contact John & Carol at spellmanjc@tds.net Newsletter Editor Jon Landers

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provided another great article, “Utica, N.Y. and the Bottle Wars of the 1880s & 1890s.” It was all about local bottlers who were arrested for possessing bottles that didn’t belong to them. “People caught violating this statute were given a severe penalty,” Landers stated. Many bottlers would try to re-use someone else’s bottles, thereby not having to buy the often expensive bottles themselves.

Now you know where the familiar embossing “This Bottle Not To Be Sold” comes from. This helped curb this somewhat common practice. It appears many bottlers had the empties returned, like the dairy industry, for re-use, saving everyone money along the way. Theft of bottles caused a problem. The article is very interesting and well worth a read if you have an opportunity.

March’s program was given by member Ron Weir on “Food Bottles and Jars,” featuring the collection of Jim Bender. This was yet another power point presentation. I’m sensing a pattern here. Mark Yates donated a box of bottle reference books for the club library and was thanked for his generosity. Books can be expensive, especially those out of print.

The MVABC hosted the Northeast Region meeting of the FOHBC during the weekend of the annual show. Club vice president Jim Bender serves as Northeast Region director. The show and sale on May 2nd was called “the best and biggest show ever,” located in a nice, well-lit facility, with great exhibits.

Jon Landers’ article, “The Thurston Hotel, Frankfort, N.Y. & A Rare Whiskey Flask,” told the story of the establishment that went back to 1854, and a slug-plate flask which dated about 1903. The most colorful part of the article dealt with the Prohibition years! There were a few fires, but the business still survives as Thurston’s Restaurant and Bowling Alley.

The Digger The Richmond Area BCA, Richmond, Va. The 2009 RABCA dinner was held at the Capital Ale House. The 2009 contest award winners received ribbons and included: Randy Faison (best item dug Meglodon shark tooth), Doug Arrington (best bottle dug - Rahily sample whiskey from Petersburg), Randy Faison (best Richmond bottle - pontilled E. Baker’s Bitters), John Yunkun (best item acquired

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- Fleming & Christian Vinegar pitcher from Richmond), Bruce Wadford (best bottle acquired - R.B. Stone embossed quart milk from Blackstone), and Rick Burchfield (club appreciation award).

The February meeting featured a program on milk creamers by Rick McCormick. The new editor, Bart Bradshaw, is doing a very nice job.

Articles have been requested to help him out. A humorous digging article was entitled “Like 3 Squirrels in a Nut House,” a fun read.

The Bottle Worm Apple Valley BCC, Winchester, Va. The January show & tell went well, with eleven members present. Max and Richard were thanked in particular. All those who provided food were thanked.

The show & sale was held April 25th at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, south of Harrisonburg, Va. Traveler’s Companion Greater Buffalo BCA, Buffalo, N.Y. The club’s new website can be found at http://gbbca.bfn.org Editor Craig Maefs has been instrumental in launching the new, improved site. The club also has a “Group” on Face Book, of which you can become a “Fan.” Just do a search of the GBBCA. “Stained Glass” was the program in March by Chuck Lachiusa, and was quite interesting to all. Other programs included “Buffalo Postcards,”, by Dr. Joseph Bieron, and “Exotic Animals” in May, by Mark Carra. I have not read the review of this one yet!

The club recently donated $50 to the National Bottle Museum. They are also considering club T-shirts. As usual, the monthly show & tell was very active with many participating. This is a great way to learn about bottles and other items, as well as getting to know your fellow members a little better. The newsletter documents each month’s show & tell with many good photographs and captions to match.

The club lost a good friend in Harvey Holzworth, Jr., who passed away in February. Harvey had a passion for the nautical history of the Great Lakes. GBBCA had a party at his property at Point Albino. President Peter Jablonski has been very busy presenting programs to a variety of local groups and organizations -- including privy digging

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and Buffalo Brewing History. He has also launched a new website, www. antiquesbuffalony.com.

Jersey Shore Shards Jersey Shore BC, Toms River, N.J. The club’s 38th Annual Antique Bottles, Postcards & Local Memorabilia Show & Sale was held at the Brick (N.J.) Elks Club on May 2nd.

The March program was a mini flea market. Members were asked to bring something to sell and a friend or two. The theme for show & tell was “something different.” December’s meeting was quite busy, with a “penny auction” and a varied show & tell featuring historical flasks, mop cans (some sell in excess of $500!), poker chips, postcards and more.

You can see this article in an extended version by going to www.BottleClub. org , but the article written by David T. Tripet has quite an intriguing title!: “The Jersey Devil Bottles & the Legend of the 13th Child Born in New Jersey - Was He Killed by President Monroe?” I will refer you to the club website. I think you will want to read this!

The Applied Lip Finger Lakes BCA, Ithaca, N.Y. The FLBCA’s new website can be found at www.fingerlakescollecting.org.

Toby Dean serves as both president and Federation representative. Abbey Nash is newsletter editor. February’s program was an FOHBC slide show, which can be rented upon request, and was given

by Jay Travis, first vice president and program chair.

An interesting comparison of memberships was mentioned. This year, there are 44. In 1973, there were 104!

A plug for the nearby Corning (N.Y.) Museum of Glass said the museum is open daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and open until 8:00 p.m. on Memorial Day through Labor Day. What a glass collector’s paradise!

The club’s three events have been officially scheduled: the Spring Thaw Flea Market held March 14th; the bottle show, Oct. 3rd; and the First Frost Flea Market, Nov. 14th. Located in the beautiful surroundings of the Finger Lakes, all are held at the Dryden Fire Hall, Dryden, N.Y. Ray Thomas was the speaker at the January meeting, about “useful

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and valuable items he has recovered at the local recycling and trash center he works at.” It’s interesting what people will throw away. February’s speaker was on fire grenades, another slide show provided by request from the FOHBC. Bits and Pieces Empire State BCA, Syracuse, N.Y. The February meeting was a mini show & sale, and was very well attended. There were at least 15 sellers who rented tables for a nominal fee, with many more attending on a cold winter night. The event has really grown in popularity, and made some money for the club as well.

Members of several neighboring clubs, included Rochester and Ithaca, attended. This was a very good opportunity to bring some prospective members into the club, as pointed out by president John Golley.

John & Carol Spellman worked on the 40th Annual Show & Sale held March 28th at the Brewerton Fire Hall, Brewerton, N.Y., north of Syracuse. This was John & Carol’s last year as show chairs, after serving the club for many years. They will be spending more time in Florida during the winter. I attended the show as a dealer. The crowd was very strong, with a good line at show opening. The show sold out at least a month in advance. Dealers brought quality items and came from across New York state, with one dealer from New England. There were over 55 sales tables. The appraisal table was busy for much of the day, manned by Charlie Betts, John Golley and others. Having this as part of the show really must have boosted the attendance numbers.

It seems sales were better than last year for most. There were two huge cakes and awards to commemorate the show.

Thanks to John & Carol!

The ESBCA has a new website, designed by member Rich Alonso.

Check it out at: esbca.weebly.com. Mark Yates presented “Privy Finds - Beyond Bottles” at the March meeting. Mark is an avid digger, along with a number of fellow clubmembers.

Baltimore Bottle Digger Baltimore ABC, Baltimore, Md. The program at the February meeting was presented by Gayle Shank from the Maryland Historical Society.

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The 30th show & sale report by chairman Eric Ewan stated there were dealers from 28 states and three countries participating in the March 7th show.

Winners of the “Best Of” awards at January’s meeting was dominated by Chris Rowell, who won “Best Baltimore Bottle,” “Best Acquired” and tied with John Patterson for “Best Dug!” Don Smith won the final category, “Best GoWith.” Congratulations to all!

The featured member in “Digging the Dirt On” was Marc Turner. Marc was introduced to bottle digging only a few years ago by Greg Franklin and has

been hooked ever since. His core area of collecting is now Baltimore pontilled medicines and druggists, along with poisons, which he enjoys the colors and shapes of, along with those embossed with skull and crossbones. His great interest in open pontiled medicines results from a fascination with this period in Baltimore history.

Tote bags commemorating the club’s 40th Anniversary were given to members who attended the February meeting. They are designed with the club’s logo and have a side pocket and shoulder strap -- “perfect to use when shopping for bottles and collectibles.”

Members are requested to wear their name tags during the meetings. It was noted there were 58 adults and 6 children at the January meeting.

The March program was “BABC 2010 Show Finds.” The February meeting and executive board meetings were cancelled due to heavy snow. The show was right on schedule thanks to the hard work of Eric Ewan and his committee. The extensive show committee schedule was published.

Many members participated by helping with setup, dealer registration, security, dealer snack buffet, admissions, handstamping, appraisals and cleanup.

1895; E.H. Peacock Brewery, The Peacock Brewery, The Rockford Brewery, (Peacock Brewery) A.P. Peterson, 18941899; and C.A. Peterson, 19051911. These are just a few of the many bottles that were shown in a variety of beautiful colors.

For information on joining the ABCNI, you may contact: Dorothy Furman, 26287 W. Marie Ave., Antioch, IL 60002.

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.

Midwest Regional News Joe Coulson 10515 Collingswood Lane Fishers, IN 46038 (317) 915-0665 jcoulson@leaderjar.com

Hello bottle collectors! Welcome to another installment of the Midwest Region news report. Most of the news this time around covers the months of January and February. Be sure to stop and take a little time from your busy bottle schedules to send in your news items, because we LOVE to hear from all of the Midwest bottle clubs!

Antique Bottle Club of Northern Illinois (ABCNI) Dorothy Furman is editor of the ABCNI’s Pick and Probe. Jeff Dahlberg is club president. The club has been holding its meetings at the Antioch Senior Center, 817 Holbeck, Antioch, Ill. At the January club meeting, Dahlberg showed a great collection of Rockford blob beers. He noted that although Rockford had only one major brewery there were many bottlers and some of the examples he shared were: T.J. Abbott, 1892-1899; J. Carlson, 1907-1909; Gust Ericson, Schlitz & Schlenks, Pabst, 1896-1899; Renfo Brewing Mickelob Beer, 1900-1901; Larson & Lundberg, 1898-1899; Geo. Lincoln Saloon & Bottling Works, 1869-1888; James Walsh, 1872-1925 (was the successor to Lincoln Bottling Works and bottled Miller’s Milwaukee Beer); C.J. Nelson & Co., 1896-1901; H. Nordquist, 1894-

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Circle City Bottle Club Martin Van Zant is newsletter editor and he had the following to say in the February newsletter: Hello, bottle lovers and friends alike. The club is coming along together better than ever. We are growing and have a group of people who are “regulars,” meaning they have been showing up for just about every meeting. We have come a long way from three years ago when there were just two or three of us at the meetings. We have had a regular attendance of about 10 members every time.

If you’ve been watching eBay, I hope you’ve noticed that things are picking up again. There have been several good Indiana bottles on and continue to be.

There is also an influx of bottles, period, being placed on eBay. The milkman still continues to sell good milks. Some of these milks are one-of-a-kind, and you may never see one for sale again. Keep your eyes and ears open, and I hope you find a goodie.

Van Zant is drumming up support for this new bottle club in Indianapolis, Indiana. The club meets the last

Findlay Antique Bottle Club (FABC) Tom Brown (newsletter editor) of the FABC submitted their newsletter (Whittle Marks). Tom typically reprints several articles for club members in their newsletter.

The March newsletter had the following article, which was submitted by club member Joe Clevenger. The title was “Koch Beverage Company.”

In 1850, Karl Kolter and his son, Charles,cametoAmerica,fromWallhalben, Germany, in search of a better life. They settled their family in Wapakoneta and started a brewery in 1860. Their beer was called Old Vienna. The new company was a total beverage company. They bottled beer, artesian water, soft drinks and made ice. The business flourished, and Charles handed down the business to his son-inlaw Henry Koch.

The 1920s were a time of change for the company. Prohibition was supposed to stop the company from making or selling beer. Officially the company produced what is known as near beer. However, rumor had it that the old beer wagon still ran at night. It was during this period that the Koch family began to look to the soft drink industry as their main business.

By the 1930s, the company was bottling its own flavors of soda, along with the Mission brand of soda and CheroCola. By the 1940s, the company was bottling Squirt.

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By 1941, the Koch family wanted to expand their business. To do this they purchased the Consolidated Bottling Company of Lima. This company was the local Pepsi franchise. The Wapakoneta plant was used to bottle other flavors of products.

By 1947, the company stopped producing beer, and the beer routes were sold to another firm. At that time the Kochs began bottling Dad’s Root Beer in the old Kolter Brewery KK bottles. The only Dad’s Root Beer labeling was on the bottle caps. The company continued this practice for many years.

In the 1960s, the company was bottling Pepsi, Teem, Dad’s Root Beer, Kickapoo Joy Juice and its own WapaKoneta flavors. One flavor was a drink called Pep-Up. This was bottled in the yellow labeled bottles. The white labeled bottle was used for club soda. In 1967, the company moved to a new plant 20 miles away in the city of Lima. The plant’s grand opening was attended by movie star Joan Crawford. She was the wife of the president of national Pepsi.

In the 1960s, the company released such novelty beverages as Kickapoo Joy Juice and Wapakoneta Moon Sauce. Kickapoo Joy Juice was a lot like Mountain Dew and Wapakoneta Moon Sauce commemorated the Apollo 11 landing on the moon.

Growth of the industry in the 1960s led the Koch family to expand by purchasing the Corpus Christi, Texas Pepsi franchise in 1972. In January of 1980, the Lima plant was sold and the family moved to Texas full time. Today, the family still operates the Corpus Christi plant.

The FABC has a good website with pictures from their annual shows. You should check it out: http://finbotclub. blogspot.com. You can also keep up with them on Twitter at: http://twitter.

Elwood com/FinBotClub. Richard is club president. Monthly 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, Whittle Marks, send a note to: Findlay Antique Bottle Club, P.O. Box 1329, Findlay, OH 45839.

Flint Antique Bottle Club Tim and Angie Buda (editors) for the Flint, Michigan club submitted their newsletter. They do a nice job of creating their newsletter as a PDF file

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and emailing it to club members (you can see color photos!).

Thirty-two members were present at the February meeting to hear Joe Follett give a very interesting history about fruit or canning jars, whichever you want to call them. I think we sometimes fail to realize their importance in history over the past 100 hundred plus years. We would like to thank Joe for taking the time to share this information with us. I think sometimes we tend to dwell on the colors, shapes and values of our bottles rather than the actual use for which they were intended. Thankfully, the makers and users of them had enough advertising sense to vary the colors and designs enough to make many of these jars so appealing to collectors to this day.

In Memoriam, Dan Bell: July 23, 1939 to February 24, 2010. One of our long-time members, Dan Bell, passed away from a recent illness. There was no funeral. Dan’s only living sibling is his brother, who is a missionary in Haiti. He will return to the U.S. sometime in the spring when a memorial will be held.

Dan joined our bottle club in 1977 and was a valued member who was willing to help out anywhere he was needed.

Until Dan lost the sight in one eye, he was one of the most reliable members to attend meetings. Even after that, he seldom missed a meeting. Dan was a member of a number of different bottle clubs across Michigan. He was an avid collector of Thumb Area memorabilia, especially Milk Bottles and souvenir glass. Dan’s collections are on display at the Capac Museum and make up an important part of their displays. Dan was what one would consider a full time volunteer at the museum and was very committed to researching the history of all his many collectibles. His vast knowledge of Thumb Area bottles and his willingness to help out will be sorely missed. Godspeed, Dan. The West Michigan Antique Bottle Club had another successful show. There was a full compliment of 56 dealer tables and attendance was good, considering they were dumped on by a snow storm the night before. Our president, Bill Heatley, was set up at the show and reported excellent sales.

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

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Blanc, MI 48439. For information on joining the Flint Antique Bottle Club or about their next show, contact Tim Buda (secretary-treasurer), 11353 Cook Rd, Gaines, MI 48436, phone 989-2719193.

Huron Valley Bottle & Insulator Club (HVBIC) Michele and Shaun Kotlarsky are editors of The Embossing, the club newsletter. Bob Powell is 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 HVBIC meetings are held at the First National Bank, 8080 Challis Rd., Brighton, MI. You can find out much more about the HVBIC online at their website: http://hvbic.org. Their old newsletters 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. President is Clyde Jones.

According to the club’s February newsletter, the 2010 IAB Show & Sale will be at Prairie Meadows on July 31st, 2010. Sales tables will cost $25. Display tables will be free. There will be a guarded space for the displays. If you have a display for this event, please let Tom Southard know in advance. A plaque in memory of Don Faas was obtained

by Clyde Jones. Each year, a deserving IAB member’s name will be placed onto it. The name selected for 2009 is Chuck Erb. Chuck Erb thanked everyone for the presentation. Anyone who wants to recommend the name of an IAB member who should be placed on this plaque for 2010 should contact Clyde Jones.

Mike Magee submitted the following “News Re-used” for the February newsletter. The news item was from The Waterloo Daily Courier, June 1, 1889.

“Important Bottling Decision:” The Iowa State Bottlers’ Association has just completed its first case for the violation of Sec. 5052 of the new code relative to the use and sale of bottles of another. Some time ago, Geo. Klop’s place of business at Cherokee was searched under the law, and there was found in his possession several hundred bottles belonging to different members

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of the association. Immediately the association began a vigorous prosecution against Mr. Klop for the violation of this law, which resulted in his conviction. The statute provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to fill bottles, boxes, casks, kegs or barrels with name or other mark of ownership stamped or marked thereon, or to use, sell, dispose of, buy or traffic in or wantonly destroy the same without the written consent of the owner, and the association has determined to see that this law is strictly complied with and to prosecute all offenders thereof.

–F. Harbach, Sec., Des Moines, & Wm. Ewald, Pres., Waterloo.

A report was given by Mark Wiseman in the March newsletter concerning the recent Red Wing Mid-Winter Collectors Society Meeting in Des Moines over the weekend of February 12th-13th.

The event was very well attended with big crowds for the show and sale and Saturday night auction. This event has been in Des Moines for quite a few years and will be back again in 2011. Tom Southard was hitting the room sales as early as Thursday night, with this writer trying to keep up. I think Tom was selling as well as buying a few items. I managed to buy a four-gallon crock and a very rare glass Des Moines butter jar. The educational sessions on Saturday morning are always enlightening, and I attended the Iowa Potters session given

by Michael Smith of the State Historical Society first, and then the Red Wing Dump Digging presentation by Steve Showers and his wife, Phyllis. Following the show, the Saturday Night auction is always exciting, and I managed to purchase a whiskey pottery giveaway from the “Isaac Weil and Sons, Minneapolis” company – Tom said it was “UHL” pottery. Tom was buying items for re-sale, and Steve Showers bought an advertising bowl. Others seen at the event were Kevin Williams, Lowell Reed, Kevin Anderson and many other friends. The whole weekend was a lot of fun and a good break in a long winter.

Mike Magee submitted the following “News Re-used” for the March newsletter. The news item was from The Waterloo Daily Reporter, December 17, 1904. “Jugs from Holy Clay – Inventor Wm. Raab Presents Father Cooney With 3,000 of Them:” A fund is being raised by St. Joseph church members through the sale of

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miniature jugs constructed by William Raab from clay gathered in the holy land. The jugs are very small, just large enough to hold three drops of water, and are suitable for watch charms and souvenirs. Mr. Raab is the inventor of the trinkets, and has presented Father Cooney with 3,000 of them to be disposed of at ten cents each, the fund thus raised to be devoted to church use. The clay from which the jugs are made was gathered in the garden of Gethsemane by Rev. Leen. Inscribed on one side of the jug is the Lord’s prayer, in letters so small that the aid of a powerful microscope is necessary to distinguish the words.

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 about IAB membership ($15/yr.) from Mark Wiseman, 3505 Sheridan Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310-4557.

Jelly Jammers Margaret Shaw is editor of the Jelly Jammers Journal. Pat Van Dyke is president.

Here is Pat’s President’s Message from the Winter 2010 issue: Dear Friends, Happy New Year!

The Jelly Jammers met at The Signature Inn at our scheduled time, Saturday, January 8, 2010. We were saddened that Deena and Tom Caniff could not be with us, but twenty other dedicated collectors attended, including Meredith Robinson, a long-time member and past president, who enjoys seeing her friends, even though she is no longer able to collect.

Ask Elaine DeMaison about her fabulous Christmas box from her husband, Alan. We all enjoyed seeing the treasures.

My story of the eleven “glasses” purchased in Vermont last fall is still a mystery. I had hoped to identify them as Greentown, but no such luck.

August 6 to August 8 will be the National Bottle Show in Wilmington, Ohio, which is halfway between Columbus and Cincinnati. I was so excited about going, until I realized the 7th is our granddaughter’s wedding day – wouldn’t you know!

Margaret and Ed Shaw have made a DVD of the club meetings from the

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1980s, 1990s to the present. It has been suggested we preview the DVD when we meet in July. Our meeting in July will be at the same place, at the same time.

Sunday we would drive to the Greentown Museum for a special tour with the emphasis on jelly glasses. I am to make the arrangements and will contact you, so stay tuned. Happy Hunting, Pat. The next meeting of the Jelly Jammers is Saturday, July 10th, 2010 at 9 a.m., second floor conference room, The Signature Inn, 3400 N. Chadam Lane, Muncie, Indiana, in conjunction with Midwest Antique Fruit Jar & Bottle Club events. You can find out more about the Jelly Jammers membership ($15/yr.) from Margaret Shaw, 6086 W. Boggstown Rd., Boggstown, Indiana 46110; email: meshaw@franklinisp.net.

Kalamazoo Antique Bottle Club (KABC) Al Holden is the newsletter editor. The club has started posting meeting minutes on their website: http:// www.kalamazoobottleclub.org/ In the February newsletter, we learned that Jack Short passed away. Jack Short and Ernie Lawson started the Kalamazoo Antique Bottle Club over 30 years ago.

Here is an excerpt of what Holden had to say about Jack: Many years ago I met Jack Short and Ernie Lawson. I just cannot think of one of them without thinking about the other. Jack and Ernie came to me when they both decided to look into the hobby of metal detecting. These two guys took to the detecting hobby like ducks take to water! Soon I got to know the two of them very well. I remember all-too-well that one of their favorite topics, when we got together, was one that they wanted to interest me in the worst of ways -antique bottles.

I can remember when they talked me into coming to an antique bottle club meeting for the first time.The meetings then were being held in the Washington Square area at the big United Methodist Church on Stockbridge.That night the club was having a special guest speaker, Norm Heckler. Mr. Heckler is like “Mr. Antique Bottle” to collectors all across America! The club had a small turnout that night. I was sort of embarrassed for Mr. Heckler, but the excitement that Jack and Ernie had for antique bottles quickly took a strong hold on me.

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Not really knowing where to start with my new bottle collecting hobby, Jack made me an instant collector! Jack had just moved into the home, where his wife Betty still lives, on Owen Drive.

In Jack’s mind, the moving wasn’t complete. At the time Jack’s amazing bottle collection was still packed in several boxes out in his shed. Not sure what he would do with all of them at the new location, he offered to sell them to me for pennies on the dollar!

To Jack, these old bottles were precious treasure that he worked hard to find and unearth. These were bottles that Jack had spent countless hours digging with Ernie at old dumps and trash pits all across the Kalamazoo area! Jack wasn’t trying to just unload them for extra cash, or to get them out of the picture; he took many things into consideration before offering them to me. Jack wanted the collection to be appreciated and displayed.

Thanks to Jack and Ernie, my vocabulary was expanded to include names and words like Moses Atwood, Seven Sisters, Scott’s Emulsion, Dr. Kilmer, Spavin Cure, Warner’s Safe, Mandrake Bitters and many more!

I heard first person how they came to see the area’s first two newly discovered America’s Best Bitters bottles. That all came about as the result of an article written about the two part-time dump diggers in the Kalamazoo Gazette! So, there I was with new friends, a new hobby, and an instant collection!

When I think back on it, my wife must have thought that I had lost my mind when boxes of old bottles showed up in the driveway! Jack and Ernie went out of their way to tell me everything there is to know about old bottles. Thanks to Jack and Ernie, I soon became the new owner of countless antique bottle books and magazines and years of research material!

I put up several narrow pine shelves on the wall of my detector store, and then I carefully put all of those old beauties on display. Jack was very proud of the way it turned out, and I think he enjoyed the collection more than he ever did before.

Whenever I was busy at my store in the spring time, Jack was always happy to come in and lend me a hand. He really enjoyed talking to people about treasure hunting with a metal detector or digging old bottles!

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One day, I was sorting through some old photos when I found a couple that were taken back around 1973, back when I worked for a machine shop in Kalamazoo called Wheeler Roll. I was trained by a retiring German master machinist. My job was building machines for the papermaking industry. Some of the machines took over a solid year to build.

Before the machine was shipped out to its new owner, the company would call in a professional commercial photographer to take pictures of it. I happened to notice a stamp on the back of the photos that said, “Jack Short Photography!”

I didn’t know Jack back when he took those pictures, but he sure remembered taking them, and he was sure surprised to see me back when I had still had hair.

Jack went on to share many photos with me for years to come! Jack was indeed a great photographer, and he was one who loved to share his God-given gift!

Jack truly invested his talent in others, just as the Lord Jesus taught his disciples! What I mean is this: Jack was always helping others by photographing items for the detector club, the bottle club, the local university and the new Kalamazoo Museum. Those are just the areas that I know about! Jack was always busy at the metal detector and antique bottle clubs with his camera looking for that perfect shot. Then, no matter how late it was, the very minute he got home, he was at his computer posting his pictures for everyone to enjoy!

Jack was always thinking about others! One day the Kalamazoo Museum asked Jack to photograph some recent acquisitions. The now closed Kalamazoo Creamery donated dozens of tiny waxed product sample cartons from the Michigan Cottage Cheese Company from Otsego, which was my grandfather’s business. The museum wanted to keep only a couple of the sample cartons. So, Jack talked them out of the rest of the cartons for me! I was able to surprise my mother and my seven siblings with these family treasures for Christmas gifts --all thanks to Jack!

Jack was always fascinated by my computer, especially when I got hooked up to the Internet. I’ve never considered myself all that good with a computer, but Jack was busy picking my brain to learn whatever he could. Jack went on to become a very active computer user, unlike many in his age group.

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For several years, Jack would send out little proverbs by e-mail with a new one on every single day! I wonder to this day where he could find all of these things! They were the kind of clever sayings that you would find on those changeable signs in front of churches.

Also, he would send many beautiful pictures that he would find, or many of them he would take himself. Jack could see beauty in so many things that we all take for granted! For a while Jack would puzzle us by sending a little piece of a picture then ask his computer family, “What is it?” The next day came the rest of the picture.

Like I said, Jack and Ernie came as a pair! They both looked forward each year to the Kalamazoo Antique Bottle Show and they both liked to help me with my detector display. I mean to tell you that they could not wait! They both looked forward to that weekend like a kid waits for Christmas!

I can remember when Jack and Betty used to take their motor home to Alabama each year. Ernie and I would miss Jack each winter, especially at the detector and bottle club meetings. It was always great to welcome him back.

I was at my store when the terrible phone call came and I learned about Jack’s passing. In some ways, it was rather shocking, but not totally. Lately I must admit, like Ernie, I was worried about Jack overdoing it. I was, and still am, very weak from my cancer treatments, while at the same time Jack seemed to defy his age! Since they sold their motor home and stopped going south for the winter, Jack was always busy stocking up his wood pile for winter heating. Jack was proud to be cutting, splitting and stacking firewood at over 80 years old and he went about this like he was 30!

I’m not certain why he sold his motor home and stopped those winter trips to Alabama. Jack even belonged to a metal detecting club down there. He was so proud that he was the only member of that club with his brand of detector, and he could keep up with the best of them!

I believe it was Gulf Shores, Alabama, where the Shorts spent their winter. Also, if I remember correctly, the area where they stayed was wiped out by a hurricane. That seemed like the end to their winter trips. Jack really loved to run his metal detector down there, and he came back with some great stories.

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When Jack had his brush with death just a few years ago, after having a terrible internal infection, one of the things he was afraid of was that he wouldn’t ever be strong enough again to do his metal detecting! He sure did a great job of bouncing back! It almost seemed as if he was getting younger!

Jack was really taken aback when he learned about my having cancer.

He always showed concern for me and was always trying to cheer me up. Even though he sent out a lot of e-mail, when he wanted to tell me something he would either call me on the phone or drive to the shop. Jack’s daughter lives in the Otsego area, and he would rarely go to see her without stopping in to visit with me. Jack was very proud of his daughter, Spring.

He used to mention her very often.

The evening before Jack passed away, I was busy in the store with a couple who were interested in buying a metal detector. Working alone, I sometimes get interrupted when the phone rings. It seemed as if I would get a phone call after about every ten words that I spoke to them. I had a feeling they were growing tired of my running to the phone every other minute. The last call to interrupt me that day was from Jack.

He was wondering why I hadn’t e-mailed him his detector club newsletter yet.

I was afraid that I was a little rude sounding as I explained my frustration to poor Jack about the phone interruptions.

I explained that I would e-mail him a newsletter as soon as I could get one put together as a web page. After the customers had gone, I called Jack back to apologize for my behavior and explain things to him in more detail. He was really glad that I called him back, and so am I. I’m especially glad that I squared things with him now that he is gone. Do you have loose ends that you should tidy up?

I have always been outspoken about my Christian belief, and nobody knows that better than my close friends. I can tell you that Jack was one of those who shared my faith and I know, without any doubt, that I will see my friend again one day.

Chuck Parker is club president, and you can contact him for more information about their club at: 607 Crocket Ave., Portage, MI 49024 (ph: 616-3290853). The club meets regularly at the Kalamazoo Public Library, located at 315 S. Rose Street.

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Midwest Antique Fruit Jar & Bottle Club (MAFJBC) The MAFJBC has members nationwide and is heavily fruit jarfocused. 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 president. Joe Coulson (yes, that’s me!) is the newsletter editor.

The January club meeting was replaced by the Fruit Jar Get-Together on January 9th at The Signature Inn in Muncie, Indiana in the second floor conference room. President Dave Rittenhouse opened the event and welcomed a full room with about 50 people in attendance.

Dave reminded everyone that the MAFJBC will not have a show in July.

We will continue to have one show in January. Dave said that there will be a get-together at the hotel in July. The club will have a block of rooms at The Signature Inn in July. More details can be found at a link available on our club website.

Darrell Plank told us a story about a recent eBay auction purchase. He said that he noticed a listing for a group of wax sealers. In the main picture, all you could see was a group of aqua jars.

There were four pictures in the detailed listing. One was a common FCGCo, and another was a common Dillon. The fourth picture showed a darker colored jar against a black background, and he really had to study it to see that it might be a better jar. The auction description had several paragraphs about the aqua wax sealers. The very last sentence mentioned “also a cobalt blue wax sealer.” Darrell won the auction and this was the jar he brought for show and tell. It was a beautiful dark cobalt blue quart wax sealer (the kind that takes a Willoughby stopple). The jar got quite a reaction from the crowd when he displayed it. Darrell was very happy about this purchase. Good finds are still being made!

Don Burkett displayed an aqua quart (RB #544) C. Burnham & Co./ Manufacturers/ Philada with an original closure. This jar was special to Don because it came from a barn on the Springer farm in the area where the Gettysburg battle took place during the Civil War. The jar had a small crack in the internal lug. Don’s theory is that

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a mini-ball shot from a gun during the famous Civil War battle went into the barn and glanced off that jar and caused the crack. There was a lot of laughter in the room as Don told this theory with a “straight face” (Don is famous for his humor).

Mary Harper told us that she takes credit for getting her husband (Jeff) into the fruit jar collecting hobby. She said that once every 10 years she gets a good Christmas gift idea. This year she had a neon sign custom made for Jeff, and the sign says “Ball Jars” on it. This is a reproduction of an original Ball neon advertising sign that was displayed during Minnetrista’s “Can It!” exhibit. Mary showed us photos of the sign.

Tom Schmm mentioned that several years ago he had to sell his collection to pay for medical bills. He said it was nice to come back to the Fruit Jar GetTogether. He says he gets to visit about 30% of his collection here!

Phil Smith warned us that a reproduction green Jumbo elephantshaped jar is being sold. He has seen them on eBay with a Buy-It-Now option for $30. The original jar sells for $850. The embossing is clearer on the original. The glass is thicker on the reproduction. It is easy to tell them apart when an original is sitting next to a reproduction, but it may not be so easy to spot a reproduction online.

The Barnetts say, “Thanks to All”: Please add this note for us, because we have so many people to thank (Norm and Junne Barnett).

January 13, 1974 to January 10, 2010 Our first MAFJBC jar show was just great, because it was our club’s first. It was in a new Ramada Motel in Richmond, Indiana. The previous Sunday there were 7 rooms reserved.

Jar collectors filled the hotel, and the manager was ecstatic. Fruit jar collectors were there from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, New York, and Missouri.

The following years we met so many new friends, some who are still around collecting. We have traveled from coast to coast chasing the elusive unusual fruit jars, winning some and losing some.

Now moving on, “old age” and health that is not A-1, Norm has decided to let others enjoy the love he has had for his collection. Lately, we have been so blessed with help from you collectors

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in getting our jars, luggage and such from the car to the motel and to the convention center, we appreciate this very much. Whoever said ‘old age is golden’ sure as h##l hasn’t been there, just ask us...

Special Thanks to the guys who helped Norm up the stairs to the Jar GetTogether and those who stopped by the room to reminisce about the many times, jars, and places — and even disagree about a few things, it was so good for him. Thanks also to you guys who help me [Junne] carry bags, suitcases etc. from the car to the convention center. I may be small, but I always thought I was a tough old bird… now I am beginning to think I’m just an old bird!

Yes, our time of collecting the elusive, regal old fruit jar has come to an end, but it has been one of the happiest times of our lives, and just because we won’t be sitting behind a dealer’s table, be sure to look around, if at all possible we will be there visiting with our many friends. The Barnetts (you can keep in touch with the Barnetts by mail at: P.O. Box 38, Flat Rock, Indiana 47234).

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.

In the January newsletter, it was reported that a very interesting evening was had by some Minnesota First club members. The North Star Bottle club had extended an invitation to attend their Christmas gathering at the Fire Museum. We visited and ate many wonderful goodies. Much bottle talk was heard, and Steve Ketcham announced to all that Pat Sorenson had passed away.

Don Vessey had taken much time and packed up part of his collection of fire grenades. How fitting at the fire museum! Don will open the museum on his own time for those interested in a tour, as Don is a retired fireman. His collection is extensive, and we all learned so much as he discussed the danger of the contents – carbon tetrachloride. Thanks again North Star – a fun evening.

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The following memoriam for Pat Sorenson was also in the January newsletter: Pat was one of our first members some 37 years ago! We had some great times with Pat and Neal. Remember the parties the Sorensons hosted for our special bottle meetings?

Halloween especially, where we all came dressed as a special bottle! Games just too funny – like blowing a ping pong ball to your partner across the basement floor, or checking out your husband’s legs (while blindfolded) and trying to I.D. it from all the others. Pat was a collector of many wonderful things. Stepping into her home’s lower level was like walking into a museum. Flasks, bitters, whiskey nips, Victorian lights, butter molds and the list goes on and on. We will all miss this great gal.

At the February meeting during show and tell: As Dick McChesney, “Mr. Coke”, is a closet collector of elephants, a very large one was given to him by Fran Rutherford. This is NO SMALL ELEPHANT, as we determined it was 4 ½ feet long and just as big through the body! Steve told us about the two shows he recently attended. The Milwaukee show, which has about the same attendance as ours, and the Hamms Beer show in Edina.

We all were so excited for the program that Dick McChesney had prepared for us. As none of us knew anything about the Coca-Cola Company having chewing gum in its history, this was such a surprise. Dick came with the most beautiful advertising pieces. The first one was of a lovely lady standing in a garden (a die-cut cardboard) with a great assortment of colors, and framed saying “The Gum that Stays Pure,” from 1903. The second was a glass container, or jar with a glass lid, embossed with the words Coca-Cola Gum Co. We decided this must have been used in a drugstore on a display counter. These pieces are so rare, and we felt really honored to have them in our hands. Makes you wonder how these great advertising paper or cardboard could have lasted so long.

The club now has a website to promote their Bottle Shows: http:// w w w. a n t i q u e b o t t l e d e p o t . c o m .

Membership in the MFABC is $10/yr.

For more information, please contact Linda Sandell, 7735 Silver Lake Road #208, Moundsview, MN 55112.

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North Star Historical Bottle Association (NSHBA) Doug Shilson is editor of 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 president.

In the February newsletter we heard the following “From the President’s Roll Top Desk” (Steve Ketcham): Nice going, North Star! Our January auction, attended by 21 hearty souls, raised a record-breaking $509 for the club treasury! Thanks to Doug and Winnie Shilson for keeping the books during the auction and to Jim Carlson and Sean Ketcham for helping the auctioneer keep the event rolling. We saw generous donations from many of our members this year, and we had some spirited bidding as well. Tim Nelson, our biggest spender of the evening, wins a free membership for 2010. Dennis Nygaard also wins a free 2010 membership for donating the item drawing the largest bid. Thanks to all who helped us keep North Star in the green!

As if the fun of our auction action wasn’t enough, we also had a display of small-town whiskey bottles set up by a number of our members. It was just great to see so many bottles come out of various collections for all to enjoy. Mark Youngblood suggested we have more of these one-night mini-displays at future meetings. All agreed we should do this again, perhaps with sodas, drugstores, or whatever the membership chooses.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind our diggers of two homework assignments they were given at the January meeting. First, we hope to have a few boxes of lesser bottles to give out to children who attend the March bottle show. Please bring them to the February or March meeting, and Dennis Nygaard will take it from there. The second assignment was to write about your most memorable dig. Tell about time, general location, with whom you were digging, what was found and what made the dig memorable. A couple of paragraphs are all we need from each of our earthmovers.

In the March newsletter it was announced that North Star members Dennis Nygaard and Steve Showers have been nominated for induction into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall

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of Fame. Congratulations, Steve and Dennis!

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 president.

The “President’s Message” in the February newsletter by Terry Crislip: The time to emerge from winter hibernation will soon be here. Club members don’t rely on Punxsutawney Phil or Buckeye Chuck for a sign that winter will soon be over. It is the calendar of upcoming shows that announce spring is fast approaching.

The promise of discovery begins with the Baltimore show. A caravan of vehicles from Ohio is as common a sight as the swallows returning to Capistrano. Next, there is the Mansfield show, always a grand time for selling, buying and catching up with old friends.

Let’s not forget our members who are anticipating trading in their snow shovels for shovels to start on their digs.

Yes, the promise of spring is approaching and none too soon! See you at THE NEXT MEETING. 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.

Wabash Valley Antique Bottle & Pottery Club (WVABPC) Martin Van Zant is editor of The Wabash Cannonball, the WVABPC’s monthly newsletter. Peggy Zimmer is president.

Martin reported the following in the club’s December newsletter: Wow, the New Year is here and so is the cold ol’ weather. If there is one thing that is for sure, it is I am tired of it already. The ground is frozen solid. The only good thing I can think about is that the next week it’s going to be about 40 degrees, ahhhh, finally a little warmer weather.

Last month, we had our annual Christmas dinner and what a nice treat. There were twenty or thirty people in attendance. What a lovely time we had. Thanks to all those who brought in food and drinks. Also thanks to Peggy and Gary for getting the meats. While we’re making Thanks, let’s thank John and Mary Newman for letting us use their facility. It is a grand place to hold our meetings, and we are thankful for their kindness. If you don’t know about Shadow’s, then check them out sometime. They hold some wonderful auctions. They also have a website, www.shadowauction.com.

We also held elections for club

officers. There really wasn’t too much to change. Peggy Zimmer, the current president, has agreed to stay on as president. We had to twist her arm as she is also the president of her sorority this year. Thanks again for stepping up and taking care of business. Speaking of business, Gary Zimmer has decided to stay on as club treasurer. Gary has been the treasurer for three years now.

This helps the club be consistent, I think.

Thank you, Gary, for continuing on and helping the club out.

The vice presidency has changed hands this year. Mark Long has been vice president for the last year. Thank you, Mark, for your time in the seat. Ronald Van Zant will be taking his place as vice president. Thank you, Mr. Van Zant for stepping up and helping out. This is my father, and no, he doesn’t sing for Lynard Skynard. He will give autographs, however. Ha. Ed Newman will remain on as secretary. Thank you, Ed. Ed is also the guy who sends out the club postcards and emails. Ed is also hosting a club website – make sure to stop by and check it out: http://wvabpc.org.

The WVABPC holds their monthly meeting at Shadows Auction Barn, 1517 Maple Ave., Terre Haute, IN. You can read several of their past newsletters at the club’s website: http://wvabpc. org. Club dues are $10/yr. For more information, please contact Gary Zimmer (treasurer), 10655 Atherton Rd., Rosedale, IN 47874.

members benefit, too, because illustrations can be seen in full color instead of drab black and white.

Clements and Mrs. Buttstead also file their Bottle Talk (Raleigh, N.C. Bottle Club) and The Glass Bubble (Suncoast Antique Bottle Collectors) newsletters online.

The trio also mails printed copies to members who are not “computerfriendly.”

In her February issue, Mrs. Milner illustrated the show and tell segment of the January club meeting with color photos of an unusual Red Rock Cola bottle displayed by Sam Crowder. The applied color labels are usually red with white lettering, but this one is white with

red lettering. Richard Begley brought in a Botl-O soda from Johnson City, Tenn., a 12-ounce NEHI and a 7-ounce Barq’s Root Beer from Johnson City.

The editor featured Private Die Proprietary match and medicine stamps, including Barry’s Tricopherous, Rumford Chemical Works and Horsford’s products, among others. These are interesting “gowiths,” and can be purchased from stamp dealers specializing in revenue stamps.

(One such dealer is Eric Jackson, P.O. Box 728, Leesport, PA 19533-0728).

In her March issue, Mrs. Milner provides some personal background on the collecting lives of herself and husband Fred. Great color photos of Fred’s demijohn collection and some of her fruit jar collection are featured. They even have some antique farm tractors.

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

Melissa Milner has joined Marshall Clements and Linda Buttstead as bottle club newsletter editors who have “gone green.”

Mrs. Milner edits The Groundhog Gazette, the newsletter of The State of Franklin (Tenn.) Antique Bottle & Collectibles Association. She decided to file her 2010 issues online as a way to save the club postage expenses. Club

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Also in the newsletter is a feature on vending machines.

Clements is now publishing his newsletter on a quarterly basis, with the January-February issue featuring Christo Cola, a drink manufactured in the early 1900s and sold in onion-shaped bottles.

Also featured in full color were photos of bottles brought in by club members. A pint Faygo Moonshine bottle with full label came from Sterling Mann’s collection of no deposit, no return containers. Whitt Stallings showed a pre-prohibition foil label Silver Dollar Rye Whiskey.

Club president David Tingen gave a program on how to identify the manufacturers of bottles based on embossed markings on their bases. He quoted from researcher Bill Lockhart’s “The Dating Game” carried in the 2004 issue of Bottles & Extras.

Some years ago, Clements found two Old Quaker whiskeys with original labels.

He purchased the pint and half-pint, thinking there might be two or three other sizes to find and he’d have a complete set. Today, he has more than 30 different Old Quaker bottles and used them as an example to talk about the hobby.

“If you have a child, grandchild, niece or nephew who likes to sit at the computer, why not get them interested in collecting some unique and inexpensive bottle? Our hobby is slowly dying. Some of the bottle shows are going away due to poor attendance. It seems like the

same people are at every show and most of the time merchandise just moves from place to place. We need some new faces and a renewed interest to keep our great hobby alive and well. Very few of my Old Quaker collection are valued at more than $20 so almost anyone can afford them.”

Members of the Suncoast club enjoyed watching glassblower Jackie Ballard in Gulfport, Fla., “do her stuff.”

Club member Joe Dill brought his collection of oldtime bottle-blowing tools, but Jackie used more modern tools.

The “objets d’art” that she produced were auctioned off to club members, but they weren’t allowed to take them home right away. The objects were put into an annealing oven to gradually cool.

If that didn’t happen, they could have shattered.

Photos of two territorial drug store bottles from Oklahoma were featured on the cover of Johnnie Fletcher’s Oklahoma Territory News for February. One bottle was embossed Carson Drug Co. / Druggists / Tecumseh, O.T. (Oklahoma Territory). The other rarity was an M.L. Bragdon / Druggist / Muskogee, Ind. Ter. (Indian Territory). The publication is the official newsletter of the Oklahoma Territory Bottle & Relic Club.

Fletcher always includes digging stories penned by himself, or one of his many digging buddies, and the issue proved to be no exception. His Kansas friend, Ed Stewart, authored “A Good

Spring in Atchison,” the Spring being in 2009. He was joined by Jerry Callison, Richard Carr, Todd Stillings, Francis Wiltz and Mark Wiseman (with Elsie the Pup).

Several privy pits were found and netted the diggers eight Byrne’s Pharmacy / T.V. Byrne / “The Home of Great Goods” bottles, a Kaffer & Benning Druggist bottle from Atchison, among others. Stewart, Stillings and Wiltz on a later dig unearthed a United States Navy / Blood &V Rheumatic Remedy / Chas.

B. Mumford / Kansas City, Mo. Atchison drug store bottles included W.V. Ingham, George Barton, J.W. Allen & Co., M. Noll’s Pharmacy, McPike & Fox and an H.C. Arnold / Druggist (vertically in mortar & pestle on a column / 5th & Main Sts. / Kansas City, Mo. Fletcher, Stewart and Wiltz wrapped up the Springtime episodes. Finds included Atchison pharmacy bottles from J.W. Allen & Co., S.O. Bereman, Job Moses / mortar & pestle / Johnson & Bereman / J&B monogram, Simons and McConaughy, Augustus Lang and the Symns Grocer Co., Atchison. An M.H. Knox / (Star) / Druggist, Memphis, Tenn., bottle also was found.

The April issue was dominated by Mark Wiseman (with Elsie the Pup), who wrote about digging adventures in Iowa during the spring of 2009. No fewer than 27 color photos accompanied his article.

Fletcher also regularly runs “Oklahoma bottles sold on eBay.”

at Abraham Lincoln High School in Denver and two club members in attendance had been taught by him.

Robert authored several books on Colorado ghost towns. The DVD showed his visiting ghost towns such as Animas Forks, Eureka, St. Elmo, Tin Cup and many more well known sites. For a short while, that evening, members could go back in time to when folks worked hard to earn a living and put food on the table. One wonders about those bottles that they threw away at that time.

There was a picture of club Treasurer Don Hunt receiving the Baxter/Eatwell Award from Glen Preble. This award had been written about in the Colorado report in a previous issue of this

magazine. Congratulations, Don, for having earned this award. Anyone who has held your position in a club knows that it isn’t easy keeping track of the club’s money and getting the books to balance. I have a feeling that you are the kind of guy who goes “above and beyond” the call of duty to help keep the club energized.

Rick tells of a family named Thatcher who contacted him to volunteer to take over the library display duties. They would be willing to contact libraries in the Denver metro area and also set up and take down the items members have loaned the club for library display purposes.

During one meeting the club had what they called a “Club Inventory Auction.” The club auctioned bottles that were donated to the club in the

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 Rick Sinner reported that over 40 members turned out to view the Robert Brown DVD on his jeep adventures during the 1950s and 1960s. These adventures took place in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The DVD was from the estate of Robert Brown. What made the meeting so interesting was that Robert Brown had been a teacher

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recent past. The bottles were purchased by a local couple many years ago when they visited mountain towns of Colorado. The collection consisted of national patent/proprietary bottles, inks, Leadville druggists, and a wide variety of bottle types, shapes and colors. The auction was a combination of active and silent bidding. The active bidding was primarily for single bottles and the silent bidding was primarily for groups of bottles.

There were some nice color photos of two Kuner Pickle Company items brought in by Michael Miller that had appeared in one of the newsletters.

Bob Hansen brought in two recent-past finds. One was a rare mini-jug from Colorado Springs. The other was also a rare mini-jug: Brook Hill Whiskey, Compliments of Pete Reilly, Pueblo, Colorado.

A REMINDER: The club is still looking for someone to set up a web site. Rick says, “It would be so neat for the ABCC to display photos of our last meeting, photos of show and tell items, photos of our Leadville show, historical articles on Colorado items, etc.” He and other club members are hoping someone will contact them soon.

Forty-Niner Historical Bottle Association – Bottle Bug Briefs Food bottles took center stage when Max Bell set up 25 of them on a table and started his program. The bottles still had foil labels attached and intact. It was stated that his bottles were probably the finest and largest group of lead foil-labeled foods to be found in one collection. Max stated that the majority of the bottles were dug out of the Embarcadero area in San Francisco.

“The bottles were dated from 1848 to 1852, made in the East, with the majority attributed to Wells Miller and Provost Co.” Max pointed out that the bay mud preserved the labels, corks and often the contents. He said that the contents of food bottles were plums, peaches, sliced lobsters, chutney, mixed pickles, gherkins, blueberries, sardines, lemon jelly, tomato sauce, currents, pepper sauce, a mixture of oil, vinegar and pepper corn. “Bottles we call berry bottles could have contained thirty to forty different food products.”

Max found bottles with manufacturers’

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names such as Wells Miller and Provost Co., William Davis, Peter Giraud, L. Bernard and Converse and Robins.

At the end of the program, Max gave an explanation of early canning and told how San Francisco Bay was filled in. There were four pictures of those bottles in one of the club’s newsletters that clearly show the foil labels. Those bottles would make a great show display.

The members then swung right into their show and tell items. Mike McKillop brought in a belt buckle he found. He actually found it near Freemont’s camp in Northern California. An eagle holding arrows was on the buckle. It was thought that it may have belonged to a soldier in Col. Stevens’ 1846 First New York Regiment Volunteers. It was written that Col. Stevens’ First Regiment served in Northern California. It was known that his soldiers scattered throughout the gold field. If the buckle can be authenticated as coming from Col. Stevens’ First Regiment, then it could be quite valuable. We hope that Mike can enlighten us on that fact one day. “Mike also brought a box of pregold rush Mexican era artifacts.”

Mike Peters brought an iron pestle and a cobalt hair grower. Roger Quinn showed a cork screw he found that was from San Francisco and he also showed some colored medicines.

Tom Lehr brought some things he found. He brought a belt buckle, one large knife and a smaller knife with a rounded tip called a dirk. He said that it was similar to the dirks used by sailors on sailing ships. Dean Wright showed brightly-colored Eastern bottles, bladder remedy, Kilmers, Warners Heart Remedy and a Dr. Pearson’s. Doug Henriet “dug around” at garage sales and in antique shops.

He came up with a pre-Columbian jug shaped like a large pumpkin seed that had a whistle in its stopper. He had a variety of bottles that included a beer, whisky and an El Dorado ink and he even found a large glass mail box. Jerry Rickner showed his cobalt iron-pontiled sodas and a light blue J C Parker soda.

There will be a future program by Mike Peters who will be talking about “colorific” bottles. That should be something to look forward to.

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Golden Gate Historical Bottle Society – The Corker As usual Gary Antone was upbeat in his President’s Message. He said that he feels that “the collecting interest is as good as ever.” He got this feeling from what he saw first hand, and the feedback he got from folks at various shows he has attended. He even listed several websites, auction sites and blogs, in another section of his newsletter. He says that he visits these sites on a frequent basis and finds them helpful. I’m sure if you contact Gary he will provide you with that list. His email is: packrat49er@ netscape.net.

Gary reports that he and wife Darla put a lot of miles on their vehicle while attending Western shows. This seems to be their yearly commitment to themselves. They take a break from their club responsibility as president and editor, plus the planning of their annual show. They are still open to helping others in many ways, but especially in supporting their local and “not-so-local” shows. They see some very nice Western bitters and whiskeys change hands at shows. Additionally they distribute their own show flyers at those shows. They take flyers to antique stores in the various areas.

They are an enterprising couple. Hats off to you guys and to those in your club who work hard to help you!

REMINDER: Darla has an ongoing need to fill your club newsletter.

She will accept any interesting writeups such as your finds at garage sales or antique stores. Sometimes a person can purchase a treasure that is worth much than what they paid for it.

Readers love this kind of story. It only takes a few paragraphs and maybe a picture of your item. Check with Darla. She will help you with this.

Las Vegas Antique Bottles and Collectibles Club Secretary/Editor Rebecca Glantz writes in her “A Word from the Editor” message that she works at the Imperial Palace Hotel gift shop. The good news is that she is working the “graveyard” shift, allowing her to continue to attend club meetings. Keep your eyes open in the gift shop, Rebecca, sometimes some unexpected interesting items can be found in them. You may find

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something that you could purchase to bring to a meeting.

There was a flood of guests at one meeting earlier this year. There was Wendy, introduced by Madeline.

Wendy has a miscellaneous collection going at the moment. Pocket watch collectors Wayne and Mitch joined in on the meeting and Roxella introduced Robert Morris from South Africa.

Robert is a collector of antique model trains. Anne Marie Dulin, also among the group of guests, collects toys and dolls.

Two club trips have been boardapproved. Tom Steele, the trip wagonmaster, has put together a list of antique shows and other events.

Club members will work to this list in deciding what to attend.

John Kaupilla presented a program about his own mechanical 1930s tin toys that he had as a child. He showed his Merry Go Round, Ferris Wheel, Roller Coaster, Farmer in the Dell toys and his tin chicken. He told of his farmland youth and of his times of playing with his tin toys. It is amazing that he was able to keep them in such good condition. Little did he realize that he would be talking about them as a collectible one day.

Back in the February newsletter, Dennis Sedor had written an interesting piece on Valentines. There was a picture of an old heart-shaped candy box with ribbons, lace and a large bow on it and an early old card. The items in the pictures showed as delicate and very detailed pieces of work. Dennis wrote that conversation hearts were invented in the 1860s. He said these first hearts had printed paper notes tucked inside the candy boxes. An example of one of the notes read “Please send a lock of your hair by return mail.” By 1902 the sayings were printed right on the candy hearts. “Richard Cadbury, the son of John Cadbury, the founder of Cadbury’s cocoa and chocolate company was the first one to invent the famous box of Valentine’s Day candy, in 1868. Another interesting fact about the 1800s is that doctors commonly suggested patients eat lots of chocolate to soothe their nerves and calm their emotions. Esther Howland, a native of Massachusetts, is known for selling the first mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards in the 1840s. It is apparent

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that the tradition has become a multibillion dollar industry today.

It is a given that history is woven into the stories about any category of collecting. It is always interesting to learn something new about something old.

Los Angeles Historical Bottle Club – The Whittlemark Club member Dick Homme volunteered to replenish our Members Only bottles collection. He purchased five outstanding Members Only bottles, for our club, at this year’s Las Vegas Show. He purchased most of them from members who were selling at the show. It was decided to place all five bottles up front on President Dave Maryo’s table so that the lucky person, whose raffle number was drawn, could make his or her own choice. That member happened to be Dave Garcia.

A wide smile spread across his face as his right hand swiped a rare Bay City soda right out of the selection of five without a moment’s hesitation The remainder of the bottles to be selected at the next four meetings are: an amber Lightning fruit jar, a cobalt lattice diamond poison bottle, a John Wieland’s SAC beer and a rather light blue Stafford quart master ink. LISTEN UP MEMBERS: Dave Maryo put this enticing sentence in his President’s Message: “So, make plans to be at the meeting if you would like to be in the raffle for one of these great bottles.”

Show and tell earlier this year was in keeping with the Valentine’s Day theme. It was perfumes, cosmetic bottles and related items. Four of Val Wippert’s pontiled perfume bottles circa 1820 – 1850 and a blue art deco piece were displayed; Dave Maryo brought in two scent perfume bottles that are circa the late 1700s. He also had three ceramic pots with decorated pot lids. Two of the pots were from Philadelphia, Pa., and one was from Paris, France. The lids were vibrant with color and markings. These pots were circa 1850s. I think I remember that one lid actually had 1850 on it.

Secretary Ken Lawler showed his two cobalt hair dye bottles that he dug a few years ago in Aliso, in Los Angeles.

They are embossed in Japanese and translated by Ken as saying NICE.

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Ken had spent four years in Japan in his 20s so he had some knowledge of the language. Ken believes his hair dye bottles to be circa early 1900s. Pictures of the above show and tell items appeared in the club’s newsletter Something worth reporting is a visitor who found us on our website and attended a meeting earlier this year. She lives in Pennsylvania. She was given some information on how to find a club nearest to her. Her name is Leslie Townsend, so if anyone gets an email from her you might want to open it and see if you can help direct her to a meeting. She was out here on the West Coast on business, and found time to join us. It turns out that she is a very enthusiastic young woman who has inherited some interesting “stuff” from her father. We told her that we wished she lived close enough to join our club.

Doug Gilmour, from Glendora, California was a visitor and then became an instant member all at the same meeting. We haven’t had time to get to know much about him yet, but he said that he wants to “dig.”

President Dave found time in his busy schedule to research and write a comprehensive article for our newsletter. It is entitled, “The World’s Largest Winery Humbled by the Temperance Movement.”

Dave detailed the business from the beginning in 1900 to the end of the once-recognized business of worldwide fame. He wrote about the success and then the realization brought about

by Prohibition that changed the way the founder/owner of the winery chose to conduct business. Dave’s article takes us through the death of the founder/ owner and beyond. He also reports that in 2006 a real estate investor group purchased the owners property with the intention of developing it into mixed commercial property. Flipping over to the other side of the coin, Dave is thinking that “we can only hope that the plans to preserve this historic winery as part of local history will continue as the economy begins to recover.”

Montana Bottle Collectors Association – The Big Sky Glass Gazette Congratulations on your club’s decision on a name for your newsletter.

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It is perfect. Montana is known for its big open spaces and there certainly is a “big sky” above. When Ken and I visit Montana it seems like there is no one else on the road for miles.

The “Glass Gazette” portion is a good combination, too, as club members hope to collect old glass. The word Gazette suggests earlier times of pioneers and collecting.

President Ray Thompson said that Show Chairman Bill Henness prodded, or was it prompted Ray to get some information out to the good folks as to what is going on in the Association. Ray said that “for the lack of a better excuse, after their show last year that bottles took a back seat to several other priorities taking us to California, Alaska, Connecticut and Alaska.” If I remember right there was some surgery sandwiched in there somewhere. Regardless, it looks like the Thompson duo had a busy schedule. It even looks like they visited Alaska twice.

By the time you read this issue of the magazine there is a good chance that the Montana Bottle Club’s June 4-5 show will probably be “just about history.” Even so, here are some of Ray’s thoughts, “From the Desk of the President” message: “Of primary interest is the change of ownership for several collections around the state. Collections that began in the late 1960s have new homes and some have been divided up. Where this affects you is the potential availability of rare bottles at the Butte show and sale. As I see it, the few sales that I am aware of signify the stage in life of many long-time collectors. Let’s see, if you were 25 when you started collecting in 1970 that would make you 65 today. Are your priorities now the same as then? I doubt it and that is what makes it pretty exciting. There are many good bottles out there that are ripe for the plucking. You all need to be inquisitive about old collections, because who knows what you will find.”

Many of us know Ray as an easy going, casual kind of guy. Don’t let his demeanor mislead you. He is always excited about the hobby. For one thing he is working on a story that will be published in this magazine sometime in the future. It is a story about the

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history of bottle collecting in Montana.

Ray is also looking to others to see if they have a short story to share about an event in their collecting career that could enhance his story.

The club newsletter could also use stories of adventures or of a particular find. Ray says it this way: “The editorial staff of The Big Sky Glass Gazette is seeking articles about most any aspect of our collecting hobbies including but not necessarily limited to antique glass bottles.” He goes on to include crockery, insulators, breweriana and historical advertising related to Montana. Additionally, if anyone has a nostalgic story about bottle digging (past or present) or pictures and an article about a show they attended, that would also greatly enhance the newsletter. If you have an idea regarding the newsletter, please contact Erich Weber or any of the other board members of the club. For your convenience, Erich’s email is eeweber@bresnan.net. Don’t hesitate this is your chance to share your stories with others.

Northwestern Bottle Collectors Association – The Glassblower Editor John Burton reported the results of his investigation into selecting a venue for the club’s 2011 show. His investigation led him to the Catholic church in Windsor. From what he found out he advised that the club would be better off staying with the Santa Rosa Fair Grounds.

Ben Bouch suggested having programs at some of their club meetings. He suggested bringing in guest speakers. Discussion took place and it was decided that among the members themselves is sufficient expertise and knowledge to provide their own presentations. In fact, it was felt that most members would be willing to give a presentation.

Another suggestion came from R.J. Burgarella. His idea is that members should try to bring in some young bottle collectors to meetings to start getting them interested in the hobby. That is a good idea that all clubs should adopt, when possible.

President Eric McGuire explained how he got inspired to write an article for the club’s newsletter. It came about when Frank Ritz brought two bottles

Bottles and Extras

to a meeting that shared the same embossed wording, which was, DR. MOTT’S WILD CHERRY TONIC. The interest as to which bottle was the oldest further challenged Eric when he noticed that the two bottles virtually looked identical in manufacture.

It turns out that Eric researched and followed Aaron Hubbard Powers through his life until he found some answers as to how his name ended up on one of the two tonic bottles. There are two pictures of tonic bottles in the club’s newsletter first of which Eric calls (Bottle A). He said that this bottle was the first of the two bottles embossed, DR. MOTT’S WILD CHERRY TONIC, with A.H. POWERS & CO. as proprietors. He further explains that, “It was blown from about early 1884 to no later than 1887 when Powers liquidated his business and moved to Fresno County, focusing entirely on agriculture.”

To further quote Eric, “The second version (Bottle B) of the DR. MOTT’S WILD CHERRY TONIC bottle, is embossed with the name of SPRUANCE, STANLEY & CO. as proprietors. Close examination of the bottle shows the seam mark of the slug plate, indicating the mold had been modified. Other minor ‘fingerprints’ show the mold to be identical for each variant.”

Eric was fortunate to run into a newspaper article which he was able to incorporate into his article.

It appeared in the Sacramento Daily Union. It is taken from the issue dated January 1, 1880. It mentions activities of an A.H. Powers up to that point. He also found an advertisement that was in the September 20, 1879 issue of the same newspaper. There is a clear picture of that advertisement in his article, as well. You can easily read both the newspaper article and the wording on the advertisement with a hand-held magnifying glass.

Eric, by the time I finished reading your article and trying to give a concise accounting of same, I felt like I knew the family. It is well worth reading.

It is apparent that you spent many hours compiling the information that appears in your article. Good job.

Regional Reports continued on page 60

Bottles and Extras

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Have you made your reservations yet?

You won’t want to miss this summer’s FOHBC National Show, August 6-8. It is being held at the spacious Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio. The rooms at the adjacent Holiday Inn have already sold out! There are many other hotels in the area, but rooms go quickly, so make your plans now.

Table prices are a real bargain! With space for almost 600 dealer tables, it’s going to be a very BIG show, folks!

FOHBC members get a hefty discount, making tables only $35. So go ahead -- take 2 or 3!

SHOW CONTRACTS: Contracts will be mailed out to everyone we have on our huge mailing list. When you get your contract in the mail, please fill it out and mail it back right away. If you haven’t received a contract packet, just email us and we’ll mail one off to you. Or you can go to the FOHBC website, and print one out, and mail it in.

You can even pay for your contract with your credit card, online, via Paypal (email for instructions -- you do not need a Paypal account to make a payment).

We will also be handing contracts out at the Mansfield Bottle Show in May, live and in-person. Just look for Jamie, Joe, or Marianne.

You can fill it out and turn it in to us right there at the show!

Advertise in the Souvenir Program: Another bargain, as you reach zillions of bottle collectors! Souvenir Programs are given out to all show attendees, so your ad will be seen by everyone who comes to the show. All advertisers receive a copy, too, even if they can’t attend. We will gladly help you create your ad. Ads start at $30.

Writers Wanted: We are looking for authors to contribute articles for the Souvenir Program -- please! Especially anything about Ohio/ Midwest bottles. As mentioned, zillions of bottle collectors read the Souvenir Program. And you’ll get a free copy, too.

Displays: the Good Deed that gets rewarded!

Doing a display is a fun way to share and show off your collection, as well as educate and contribute to the bottle collecting hobby. We provide the tables and as much space as you want. And the really good part of doing a display is that you will get a FREE admissions pass to the show. That includes Early Bird Admission on Saturday, too -- a $50 value!

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FOHBC Awards Banquet: Friday night will be the festive Banquet and Awards Ceremony. The All-YouCan-Eat Buffet is $30 per person. Join us in honoring those who are being recognized by the FOHBC for contributions to the bottle collecting hobby. Sheldon Baugh, noted expert on the Shaker Communities, will be giving an entertaining talk. There will be prize drawings, too, including $100 to spend at the show. Be there to enjoy a full evening of socializing with bottle collectors and dealers in a relaxed non-show atmosphere.

Collectors Getting Auction Fever! Needed: Medicines, Cures, and Tonics... Bottles, that is!

There will be a bottle auction on Saturday night. It is feefree -- that’s right -- there is no sales commission*. You can consign your GOOD bottles, and you’ll get the entire bid amount!

We’ll have the auction items online in a photo catalog, too, so they can be previewed before the show weekend. Remember, serious collectors are coming from all over the country, and why are they coming? To BUY BOTTLES! So bring us your treasures. Be sure to talk to Jamie

by July 1st to get your bottles catalogued in to this special once-in-alifetime auction! * There will be a 10% buyer’s premium.

As the proud sponsor-club, the Findlay Bottle Club members are working with the Nat’l. Show Chairman, Jamie Houdeshell, on putting it all together -- the banquet, auction, displays, meetings, seminars, and so much more. Have any questions? You can read all about the show on the club’s website, where you can also sign up for email updates.

Contacts: Show Chairman Jamie Houdeshell: jhbottle@hotmail.com - (419) 722-3184 Co-chairman: Joe Hardin jkcollectables@gmail.com (937) 371-0264 To advertise in the show program, contact Marianne Dow: finbotclub@gmail.com - (419) 648-5600 For more info about doing a display, contact John Bartley (937-9648080 jbartley@woh.rr.com Print out a SHOW CONTRACT FORM here -- http://www.fohbc. com/show_forms_and_publications.htm The Findlay Club website -- http://finbotclub.blogspot.com/

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LOUIS LACOUR

Bottles and Extras

By Eric McGuire and Warren Friedrich

“Gold for the taking!” Those words were irresistible to legions of men, and even a few women, after its discovery at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California, in 1848. Dreamers, adventurers, thieves and just plain desperate folks trying to make a better world for themselves, all came together – nearly all setting foot in, and funneling through, San Francisco, the gateway to gold country.

A majority did not find their fortune in gold; however, many partook of the riches by way of the commerce necessitated from servicing a virtually instant republic that California became. At first, nearly everyone felt some obligation to outfit themselves with pick, shovel and pan and become immersed in the odyssey. Reality usually hit very quickly. It was backbreaking work in wilderness conditions. Many became ill, died or at best, quickly disillusioned. A few had the foresight to see the opportunities in plying their trade skills in a country literally crying for all societal services and amenities. Others, who were unskilled but energetic, saw gaping holes in the fabric of commerce and quickly filled niches, some very simple, that made them wealthy beyond their wildest dreams.

The early life of Louis Lacour is difficult to trace. He was born on February 26, 1821 in Saint-Fargeau, Borough of Joigny, Departement of l’Yvonne, region of Burgundy, France, about 120 miles southeast of Paris. The son of Louis Michel Lacour and MarieJeanne Morignot-Epoigny, his full name was Jacques Louis Sebastien Lacour.

His father was a wealthy landowner in Saint Fargeau. He died on May 14, 1843, while Louis was attending Ecole Polytechnique in Paris. Upon his father’s death, Louis received his inheritance but it is said that he squandered the money.

(1) With little left he decided to gamble on the California gold rush. Another locally derived family tradition states that he left Paris, France, in 1849, and came to California, via New York, after he pleaded with his father to receive his family inheritance early so that he could begin a new life in California.(2)

This version is to be less believed since Louis’ father had died at least seven years before he left for California. Regardless, he arrived in San Francisco aboard the steamer Panama on March 21, 1851.(3) Lacour began his mining activities in the vicinity of Sonora where he continued his search for the elusive metal until 1854, when he went back to France for awhile. He returned to San Francisco on June 1, 1855, and again went to Sonora. He finally returned to San Francisco in September 1856 where he was employed as a clerk for the liquor company of A. Barbier & Co. (4) Barbier also maintained a store in Sonora which is where their association may have begun.

The early West was often a difficult theatre within which to operate a business.

Lacour was no exception in encountering a variety of business troubles. While the court system was established early in San Francisco, and was a force in meting out justice from about 1855, it simply couldn’t keep up with all that was illegal – or unjust. Lacour himself was well known by the justice system, even though he was generally considered a respectable addition to the community.

Friends and enemies were easily made and they often changed seats. One of Lacour’s early dealings gone awry was with Pierry Maury, a fellow Frenchman and San Francisco importer of French

liquors. One Saturday in October of 1856, Lacour could not contain his passion when a business conflict erupted into a physical confrontation at the corner of Montgomery and Washington Streets and, “he struck Maury a severe blow in the face.” That unfortunate deed cost Lacour a $100 fine in Police Court (5) , but it was a pittance compared to the $15,332.22 that Lacour was obligated to pay Maury caused by a business-related action he brought against Lacour in the Fourth District Court in the following April.(6) One can’t help but wonder how Lacour’s previous physical indiscretion may have swayed the case.

After the dissolution of Barbier’s business in that same year (1858), Lacour worked for Jean Castera, another fellow Frenchman and wholesale liquor dealer in San Francisco. Doubtless lacking in funds, Lacour did have an important business connection that could prove valuable to Castera. Lacour was able to enlist the help of his brother, living in France, to solidify business dealings with the importation of French wines. Most French wine dealers were reluctant to trade directly with San Francisco merchants for a variety of reasons, including the questionable success of the perilous journey of goods; the precarious financial solvency of the fledgling California companies; and a very real concern for not being paid for goods

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The Chateau of Saint-Fargeau, once owned by the Lacour family and the home of young Louis Lacour.

that were shipped. Castera contributed $9,000 and Lacour committed $5,000 to the new company and a successful business was born under the name of Castera & Co.(7) By late in 1859, the company was renamed Castera & Lacour which reflected an equal partnership.

Lacour was considered the more outgoing representative of the company who was known about town and much more accepting of American business practices.

Castera preferred to stay behind the scene. He was a quiet man, described as a gentleman, but spoke very little English.

He kept the books and dealt more directly with the now well-formed relationship developed with French liquor dealers, most importantly Bouche, Fils & Cie. of Mareuil-sur-Ay, France, with a branch office in New York City.

Dynamics within the company were about to change. P.H. Canavan arrived in San Francisco in 1861. He was employed by Castera & Lacour as a clerk, but by January 1, 1863, he held an interest in the firm. Including salary, he was given 7.5% of the profits during the first year and 10% for the following two years. A significant disagreement occurred between the three partners and in December of the same year Lacour dissolved his interest. Along with Canavan, Jean Castera reformed the business as Castera & Co. It appears that Castera and Canavan were of similar business mind and Lacour could no longer tolerate what he saw as unacceptable business practices. Lacour was about

to rock the City of San Francisco by exposing activities that were commonly known only to liquor companies dealing with their French counterparts.

In a series of moves that were probably calculated, Lacour insisted that the financial books of Castera & Lacour be physically moved to another “neutral” site so that during the dissolution process of the partnership he may have access to their contents. They were moved to the

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business of Theodore LeRoy, a trusted mutual friend and fellow wholesale liquor dealer. Equally as important, Lacour relinquished his interest in the partnership’s last shipment of champagne from France, consisting of 900 cases, which was currently under sail to San Francisco in the ship Jean Bart, from Bordeaux. In a bold move that must have been not only very difficult to perform, but also alienated him from many of his French countrymen, he became an informant with regard to a revenue tax scam that had defrauded the government out of thousands of dollars. Lacour also informed U.S. Customs of the location of Castera & Lacour’s financial records, which were promptly seized by government agents at Theodore LeRoy’s store, thus forming a virtual ironclad case against Castera.

When the 900 cases of champagne arrived in San Francisco on February 4, 1864, the cargo was immediately seized, and along with the books, became further evidence in a federal District Court case that became known as “The United States vs. 900 Cases of Champagne.” The trial began in February 1865. Castera claimed he was the sole owner of the champagne that arrived via the ship Jean Bart since his earlier settlement in dissolving the partnership with Lacour left Castera

Lacour family tombstones in the cemetery of Louis Lacour’s home town village of Saint Fargeau, France. Louis Lacour’s mother and father are represented on the left half of the stone on the right. (Photo courtesy of Florence Frigola, Ville d’Avray, France)

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holding all the seized property.

While Castera had cut a deal with Bouche, Fils & Cie. to purchase the champagne for one price, the invoice received from Bouche that accompanied the champagne was fraudulently reduced by $2,114. Since the ad valorem duty (i.e., U.S. liquor tax) was assessed at 50% of the value, and the value was normally based on the invoice price, the government was defrauded by $1,574. The evidence mounting against Castera was overwhelming and since Lacour was no longer a partner in the firm (and was also the informant), the burden of the perpetrated fraud fell completely upon Jean Castera. The government prevailed in this case, which was the first of several similar cases that shook the financial community, and Jean Castera mysteriously disappeared about six weeks before the trial started, with the assumption that he left the country. Castera was well aware that he was faced with an $11,000 fine and jail time. Apparently Canavan played such a minor role that he was not charged.

Immediately after dissolving his partnership with Castera and Canavan, Lacour had established his own business, “ Louis Lacour & Co., importers and wholesale dealers brandies, champagnes, and wines, 206 and 208 Jackson street.” (8) M.J. McManus was Lacour’s employee, but very little is known about him. He was, however, one of the two

Three adjoining newspaper legal notices published in the Daily Alta California in December 1863 and January 1864 described the establishment of Louis Lacour & Co., the dissolution of Castera & Lacour, and the reformation of J. E. Castera & Co., with P.H. Canavan as the silent partner.

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Louis Lacour’s first newspaper ad for his fledgling company appeared in the San Francisco Evening Bulletin of December 12, 1863. By some quirk of fate it appeared just below the ad for P. Maury, to whom Lacour had lost a large court settlement in 1857.

witnesses to Lacour’s bitters bottle federal design patent application. By 1867, Lacour shifted his emphasis from imported liquors to their manufacture. He also manufactured a cordial with the unusual name of The Elegant, which was obviously a head-on competitor to The Excellent brand that was marketed by the well-established partnership of Barry & Patten in San Francisco. (9) The Elegant was a cognac base to which was added coffee, Peruvian bark and other proprietary ingredients. (10) Lacour also manufactured his Lacour’s Essence of Jamaica Ginger, a ginger based alcohol laden product which was popular at the time and sold by a number of competitors. (11) None of these products are known to have been packaged in embossed bottles.

Lacour’s primary focus was his Sarsapariphere Bitters, for which he is best known. He committed a considerable marketing effort to the product, including designing a unique bottle, vaguely representative of a light-house, and received a design patent for the shape in 1868.(12) The advertisement to the left appeared in a number of newspapers throughout the western United States in 1868 and early 1869.

In order to provide further market protection, Lacour copyrighted the label for his product, incorporating his unique

conjunctive word SARSAPARIPHERE, strongly suggesting the use of sarsaparilla root along with the suffix similar to the French word for lighthouse – phare. (13) Lacour proudly advertised the merits of his marketing efforts surrounding his bitters and bottle by pronouncing . . . “their unrivaled sale has attracted remarks and criticisms of the trade.

Jealousy attributes their success to the fineness of their general style, and principally to the originality and beauty of the bottle which was conceived and manufactured by California artists.” (14) Who actually designed the bottle is not known; however, representatives of the San Francisco Glass Works undoubtedly had some involvement. The evidence is strong that Carlton Newman’s glass works blew at least some, if not all, of the Lacour’s Bitters bottles. As a result of the fire that caused a complete loss of the San Francisco Glass Works

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on July 24, 1868, Newman was forced to declare bankruptcy, since he was woefully underinsured. The records of the resultant bankruptcy action list Louis Lacour as a creditor, which may be interpreted as either due to the cost of unblown bottles owed Lacour or the cost of the private bottle mold(s) owned by Lacour and held by the San Francisco Glass Works, which were likely destroyed in the fire.

The Sarsapariphere Bitters label

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is a story in itself. Produced by G.T. Brown & Co., Grafton Tyler Brown was the black son of freed slaves who came to California in the late 1850s. He is considered California’s first black sketch artist. First employed by Charles C. Kuchel, previously of the firm of Kuchel & Dresel, he worked as a lithographer and eventually started his own business in 1866 when Kuchel died. Brown’s real passion was scenic art and eventually produced striking views of western towns

A copy of the front label for Lacour’s Bitters. The reverse label was also accommodated by the domed upper portion of the indented panel on the bottle, just as on the front. It also carried the essential wording but had no cut of a lighthouse. Instead it contained text relating to directions for use.

A copy of the U.S. Patent Office record for Lacour’s unique bitters bottle – noted as Design Patent No. 2,915, and dated February 4, 1868.

The design patent drawings as submitted by Louis Lacour for his bitters bottle.

and landscapes. He left California for Canada in 1882 and continued traveling throughout the West producing etchings and drawings. Brown died in 1918.

There are three separate molds from which the Lacours bitters bottles were blown. All are very similar with only minor variations detected. It is not possible to determine which mold was made first or why more than one mold was made for a bottle that didn’t achieve production levels great enough to cause a mold to wear out. We can only speculate on a number of scenarios, some of which include: • The original mold was damaged in an accident or lost.

• More than one mold was initially produced, thus allowing for a quicker production run. Each mold had its own associated lipping tool.

• After the original mold was destroyed in the San Francisco Glass Works fire, later molds were made for use at the Pacific Glass Works, the only competitor in town.

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Based on excavations that included the variant specimens it appears that all were made contemporaneously, or at least within such a short time span that determining an age and order of the different molds has not been successful.

All but the most discerning collector probably couldn’t tell the difference between the three mold variants of the Lacour’s Sarsapariphere Bitters bottles.

There are however several distinguishing features that set them apart. Probably the earliest variant which follows closely to the drawing that accompanies the Letters Patent, is recognizable by the period that follows the word, “Bitters.”

Two other features not seen on the other two variants are the original shoulder designs, seen in the original drawing, and the full bottom ring profile.

The Variant 2 mold is a transition bottle, featuring characteristics seen

The most distinguishing feature of the Variant 1 bottle is the period at the end of the word BITTERS. Variants 2 and 3 lack this feature.

on the earlier bottle as well as the later bottle. This bottle is seen with the same style lettering as the first variant, as well as the same style of top. A similar dot in the center of the base is also seen, although it is of a slightly larger size.

Two very different features of this bottle are the re-design of the shoulder area and top ring, the ring being of a more elliptical shape. The bottom ring profile is less than full-size, being more like two-thirds of a full arc.

The third variant is seen with characteristics of the second mold design and none of the first design.

Distinguishing characteristics that set this bottle apart from Variants 1 and 2 are the design of the top, this being unique,

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The lipping tool used to form the top of Variants 1 and 2 is either the same or they are separate but identical.

Bottles and Extras

Company in early 1868. The mining population was drawn like a magnet and generally congregated in a settlement informally called “Pioche’s Camp.”

Further, it is documented that “the city was located in 1869 by P. McCannon, L. Lacour and A.M. Bush. . . “ (15) An enduring legacy of this action is the main street in Pioche which is named in honor of Lacour.

In a letter written by Mrs. Carmichael Williamson, and read at the meeting of the formation of the Ely Mining District, within which Pioche’s Camp was situated, stated: “Meadow Valley, February 20, 1869 “Messrs. Smith, Townsend, McNeill and Others – Locating the City of the Future: “Gentlemen – With many thanks for the compliment allowing me to suggest a name for your City, I offer for your consideration ‘Pioche’ ..

The lipping tool used to form the top on Variant 3 is slightly different from the shape of Variants 1 and 2.

“Most Respectfully, S.E.C. Williamson” (16)

and a completely different lettering font to the embossing as well. Further, no dot appears in the center of the base. This mold design does however feature the redesigned shoulder & upper ring area and the two-thirds ring arc at the base with the second mold.

Variant 1 Lacour’s bottles have been found in colors of green, amber & aqua and all shades in between. Variant 2 bottles are mostly seen in shades of yellowish green, olive yellow and olive amber, while variant 3 bottles are found in different shades of amber.

The true business relationship between Louis Lacour and F.L.A. Pioche is not clear, but it is known that the burgeoning new southern Nevada city was literally crying for supplies of all kinds. Lacour’s trip to Pioche was at least dual in purpose. Not only did he have a hand in laying out the new city, he brought with him supplies that could be readily turned into a profit. “A man by the name of Lacour had put in a stock of goods. For prospectors ‘all broke’ and ready for anything that would furnish grub this was great news.”(17) One wonders how much of his remaining stock of LACOUR’S SARSAPARIPHERE BITTERS went with him to the wild mining town of Pioche, a place that challenges Tombstone, Arizona, as the most lawless and bullet ridden settlement in the American West.

Not all of his remaining bitters inventory went to Nevada, however.

With a mind to lighten the burden, Lacour actually sold most of his remaining bitters to his main competition, the Cassin Brothers! This act is verified by an advertisement in the Daily Evening Bulletin, running from Arpil 19th to May 14th, 1870.

CHANGES IN THE LIFE OF LOUIS LACOUR Changes were occurring in the life of Louis Lacour. The latest advertisements for Lacour and his products, were in 1869, and it is highly probable that no more bitters bottles were blown after the glassworks fire. Lacour seems to have changed his career direction about this time. Francois Louis Albert Pioche, the wealthy San Francisco banker, had developed a relationship with Lacour. Pioche had invested heavily in a mining claim in Lincoln County, Nevada, forming the Meadow Valley Mining

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The final advertisement for Lacour’s Bitters confirms that the remaining stock was being discounted by F. & P.J. Cassin, Lacour’s primary local competition in the fancy bitters market. Note the misspelling of the product name, which was not the first time this occurred.

Louis Lacour was still residing in Pioche in June of 1870 when the census taker documented him living with another Frenchman, E.M. Chantitle, and Tom Klean, from Massachusetts. Curiously, Lacour’s occupation is listed as a “miner” (18) . The census records often assigned this occupation to individuals who owned mining interests but never even picked up a shovel. He soon returned to San Francisco and gained a seat on the California Stock Exchange, probably with the help of Pioche, thus ending his former life’s work.

He continued on as a stock broker until his death on May 25, 1873, at the age of 53 years. The San Francisco Chronicle reported his death with the possibility that it may have been a suicide. It reported that “Mr. Lacour has been a daily mourner at the tomb of his deceased wife. Ever since her burial his thoughts seem to be riveted on her memory. . . “. Along with financial losses associated with Baltimore Consolidated mining stocks, the paper opined that an overdose of morphine was taken to solve his problems.(19) The Alta gave an account of the respect accorded Louis Lacour at the time of his demise: DEATH OF LOUIS LACOUR At a meeting of the California Stock Exchange Board held May 26th 1873, the President stated that one of the members, Louis Lacour, had died on the 25th instant, whereupon it was, Resolved, That the Board do now adjourn for the day, and the members attend the funeral; and that a Committee be appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the feelings of the Board upon their loss.

Later in the day the Board came together, and the Committee reported as follows:

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Mr. PRESIDENT: Your Committee, appointed to report resolutions of respect to the memory of our deceased brother, beg leave to submit the following: WHEREAS, Louis Lacour, a member in good standing of this California Stock Exchange Board, departed this life on the 25th day of May, 1873; and whereas, he was esteemed by all his acquaintences as a genial, goodhearted gentleman, possessed of strict integrity, and tenacious of honorable dealing with his fellow men, be it Resolved, That the feeling of this body is one of deep sorrow at his sudden and untimely demise, and we will never cease to cherish a recollection of his many good traits and a high respect for his memory.

Resolved, That the Board room be draped in mourning for thirty days.

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes and a copy be sent to the surviving members of the family.

All of which was received, and, on motion, unanimously adopted.

A true copy: W. William Lawton Secretary, California Stock Exchange Board (20) While Louis Lacour was, in fact, a scion of San Francisco, he died in San Rafael, Marin County, about 30 miles north of the great city. He was well known in San Rafael, as he had often taken up summer residence there, and his fatherin-law, Richard Nickerson Berry, an equally well known California pioneer, had purchased considerable property there in 1866 (21). Lacour died at the home of Berry, a particularly sad occasion greatly compounded by the fact that Louis Lacour’s wife had died just a few weeks earlier. Just as they had done for Louis Lacour’s funeral, the entire board of the California Stock Exchange had attended Georgie Lacour’s funeral as well. Married to Louis Lacour in 1860, Georgianna Berry Lacour (Georgie) was only 32 years old when she died on April 10, 1873, at the home of her parents in San Rafael. (22) The local San Rafael newspaper refuted the possibility that Lacour would consider suicide, and attempted to weave a picture of ill health and accidental overdose that led to his demise: “The circumstances of his death are

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peculiarly painful, and have been needlessly aggravated by unfounded reports that it was produced by his own voluntary act. Love of the marvelous is a passion so fierce with some people that it will feed on falsehood, and even traduce the dead. Mr. Lacour was in feeble health, and suffered, as so many of our business men do, from insomnia, in addition to a chronic bowel disorder.

He was taking an opiate, which must have been stronger than he supposed, or else he mistook the quantity, for he took an overdose, and death resulted in about eighteen hours, during which he was unconscious.”(23) One can’t help but wonder of the circumstances of the deaths, as well as the lives, of both Georgie and Louis Lacour, and the role that opiates may have played. At the age of eight years, Georgie was a vibrant and healthy young girl who endured the southern route of the Overland Trail, traveling from Boston to San Francisco. At the time of her death she was described as lingering toward her demise with fading physique over a period of at least two months.

These particularly painful deaths were even more compounded by the orphaning of the Lacour’s three children; Eugene, born in 1862; Louis, born in 1863, and Alford (aka Alfred), born in 1870. The three were not denied the material necessities accorded children of affluent families. All were boarded with their aunt, the remaining child of Richard Berry. Her name was Van Sickle Berry Russell (Vannie). She had married Edwin Russell, a real estate broker, reported to be a titled “Lord” and native of England.(24) They were married in the parlor of Hall McAllister, a well known San Francisco attorney for whom McAllister Street is named in that same city. As fate would conduct the business of life, Edwin and Vannie Russell had no children of their own. Likewise, the Lacour boys had no issue.Only one ventured into matrimony.

Alfred was a clerk in San Francisco and married Susie K. Jones there in 1891, but apparently he wasn’t suited for marriage.

Susie sued for divorce on the grounds of willful neglect, which was granted December 17, 1896.(25) Alfred was already gone from San Francisco before his divorce and eventually moved to Fresno County, dying there on May 13, 1906. He had no children.

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All but Eugene died relatively young, and he lived a long and interesting life.

Eugene Lacour became the manager of one of the largest coffee plantations in Guatemala and later worked in the cement business. He eventually bought and managed a hotel in Fresno, California, finally succumbing there on October 31, 1949.(26) When the Lacour boys were orphaned, Georgie’s parents were in no condition to have cared for the three youngsters since Richard Berry was also lost to death just six weeks after Louis Lacour passed away.(27) The earlier generation vanished with the death of Richard Berry’s wife, Margaretta.

She had moved to Portland with her daughter Vannie, and son-in-law, and died there on May 22, 1875. Her body was transported back to San Rafael to

A strange tale appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle at the time of Edwin Russel’s death (Louis Lacour’s brother-inlaw). He had recently befriended a fellow church choir singer, Harry E. Reeves, who claimed he was visited by the ghost of the departed Edwin Russell about three hours after his death. The article, which is quite long, and truncated in this

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lie next to Richard and her daughter Georgie Lacour.

This brief story of the life of Louis Lacour was originally planned to end with a photograph of his tombstone, which surely must have been created upon his death. It is known that he was buried in the old city cemetery located adjacent to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at the corner of 4th and E Streets in San Rafael, California. Also buried there were his wife, father-in-law and mother-in-law. The old cemetery had experienced neglect even by the time of Lacour’s burial. In fact, just a few years later some members of the community began a push to have the cemetery removed.

Despite the cry for removal, no action was taken in this regard until 1897 when a petition signed by various individuals was presented to the city Board of Trustees requesting the cemetery removal.(28) Since the old cemetery was near to the public grammar school, the Board of Education promptly requested the potentially vacated cemetery be made available for school purposes.(29) In February of 1898 Ordinance 323 was finally introduced and passed by the San Rafael Board of Trustees. The ordinance defined the end of the final resting place for many of the city’s earliest pioneers, including Louis Lacour. Ordinance 323 read, in part:

was awarded to Stephen Eden, a local undertaker, to remove the bodies and the task was reported as completed by October 1898.(30) Now, the difficulty in determining the last resting place of Louis Lacour has become exasperating since his and his family’s gravestones cannot be located in local cemeteries. Further, in a 1905 newspaper article, it becomes clear that complete exhumation of the old cemetery was not thoroughly accomplished:

“Sec. 3. – It shall be the duty of any and all persons interested in the human remains interred as heretofore stated, to exhume and remove the same beyond said city’s limits, and if such exhumation and removal is not done within 90 days after notice to do the same has been published, for at least two weeks, in at least two newspapers printed, published and circulated in Marin County, then the City of San Rafael shall proceed to exhume and remove all human remains that have not been exhumed and removed.”

“Contractors operating a steam shovel on school property at the corner of Fourth and E streets, where a deep excavation is under way, uncovered remains of several graves Monday.

“Location of the shovel was immediately changed to another part of the lot, which was formerly used as a burying ground. This cemetery plot was abandoned in the year 1898, and many of the graves were removed to Tamalpais Cemetery.” (32)

About a half dozen grave stones, and probably associated bodies, were removed by family heirs to other local cemeteries. The unclaimed remains were then supposedly exhumed and removed to the Mt. Tamalpais Cemetery located just outside the city limits. A contract

“The old cemetery between the Episcopal church and high school building is anything but attractive.

Only a few graves remain, and they are not kept in the best condition.” (31) This statement implies that a few graves remained and were located between St. Paul’s Church and the new high school building. The attached Sanborn fire insurance map, dated 1887, provides a good representation of the relationship between the church and the grave yard site. A later Sanborn fire insurance map depicts the same area as it was in 1907. (The grave yard site is outlined in yellow) Even after the old cemetery had later been cleaned of all its grave stones, and supposedly all its residents, the following 1936 newspaper article appeared:

Could it be that the mortal remains of the Lacour and Berry families have been host to the laughing, dancing, running and playing children of generations of San Rafael children atop their final resting place? Or, have they been moved to the quiet sanctuary of a common grave at the Mt. Tamalpais Cemetery? The cemetery records are

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A portion of the City of San Rafael Sanborn Map for 1887 showing the location of the City Burying Ground where Louis Lacour was originally interred and may still reside. The church In The same area as shown in the 1887 Sanborn Map is shown where memorial services were held for he and his wife is located here in the 1907 edition of the same map. It can be seen that directly to the North (top) of the grave yard. the old graveyard site was occupied by the new high school.

silent on their fate, and their gravestones appear to be long gone, at best buried out of sight by the contractor who “cleaned up” the old cemetery, perhaps to be discovered another day. Many years ago, the school property was sold and the old structure was remodeled into an office building. The likely resting place of Louis Lacour is now a paved parking lot, or under the office building. The old adjacent St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where Lacour’s obsequies were so eloquently received by the entire board of the San Francisco Stock Exchange in 1873, has been relocated and the site is currently a bank building. No doubt the site will be witness to other changes in the future.

Rumors within the neighborhood of the cemetery allude to the existence of at least some of the old grave stones, possibly including Lacour’s, as building material in the local houses. In fact, one such story was acted upon with the perpetual hope that a gravestone could be that of Louis Lacour. A local resident told me of a tombstone behind one of the nearby houses. A telephone call to the owner of the house was well received with an invitation to look at and photograph the stone. Leaning against her fence was a ragged marble slab that was discovered in the 1990’s when the house was lifted.

1870 census. As a fellow Frenchman, he possibly knew Louis Lacour since they both lived in the same part of town, but there is no other apparent connection.

La Page died at a young 43 years of age, on May 25, 1875, leaving a small son and wife. Oddly, his son died within a few years as well, leaving only the widow to grieve. She died in 1892. By strange coincidence La Page’s death notice appeared next to that of Louis Lacour’s mother-in-law in the local newspaper.(33)

The broken and long lost grave stone of Jean LaPage was located in the yard of a house adjacent to the old San Rafael Cemetery. Many of the old stones, including that of Louis Lacour, probably suffered the same fate, or worse.

Memory of JOHN LE PAGE Died May 22, 1875 Aged 42 Years A Native of France The errant stone proved to be that of Jean La Page, a French immigrant who was described as a “wood dealer” in the

By strange coincidence Louis Lacour’s mother-in-law and John LaPage shared the same death notice column in the local newspaper.

Thus ends a brief look into the life of a California pioneer whose exploits and name had slipped into a void of disinterest. His name has only recently been resurrected by virtue of the artistic and aesthetic qualities of a lowly glass bottle he once produced and now has a value – even empty of the product it held – that Louis Lacour could never dream possible.

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Sources: (1) Personal communication with Florence Frigola, Ville d’Avray, France, a Lacour relative and family historian.

(2) Berkeley Gazette (Berkeley, California), January 30, 1948.

(3) Rasmussen, Louis J., “San Francisco Ship Passenger Lists. Vol. II. Baltimore, Md., USA: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2002. Page 117.

(4) Daily Evening Bulletin (San Francisco, California) July 20, 1858.

(5) Ibid. October 23, 1856.

(6) Ibid. April 18, 1857.

(7) Ibid. February 22, 1865.

(8) Langley’s San Francisco City Directory, October 1864. San Francisco, California.

(9) The EXCELLENT was registered in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, Copyright registration, April 24, 1865; California Trademark No. 96, registered March 11, 1868; and, federal patent No. 75837, registered March 24, 1868.

(10) Boise City Newspaper (Boise, Idaho), January 1869.

(11) Ibid.

(12) U.S. Design Patent No. 2915, February 4, 1868.

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U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, Copyright, 23 April 1867.

(14) Sacramento Daily Union (Sacramento, California), July 19, 1867.

(15) Thompson & West, History of Nevada. 1881 pg. 487.

(16) Davis, Sam. P. (ed.) The History of Nevada. Vol II. 1912. pg. 930.

(17) Ibid, pg. 934.

(18) U.S. Census, 1870, Pioche City, Lincoln County, Nevada, Page 12, Line 9.

(19) San Francisco Chronicle, May 25, 1873.

(20) Daily Alta California (San Francisco), May 28, 1873 2/2.

(21) Marin Journal (San Rafael, California), March 10, 1866 3/1.

(22) Ibid, April 17, 1873 3/3.

(23) Ibid, May 29, 1873 3/2.

(24) Berkeley Gazette (Berkeley California), January 30, 1948.

(25) San Francisco Chronicle, December 18, 1896.

(13)

State of California. Certificate of Death No. 1001-1520.

(27) Marin Journal (San Rafael, California), July 10, 1873 2/1.

(26)

(28)

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Record of the Board of Trustees, City of San Rafael, Book No. 2 (April 6, 1896 – October 2, 1898) Pg. 191, July 6, 1897.

(29) ibid., Pg. 219, November 1, 1897.

(30) ibid., Pg. 310, October 7, 1898).

(31) Marin Independent Journal, San Rafael, Calif. (November 30, 1905) 1/5.

(32) ibid., June 4, 1936.

(33) The Marin Journal (San Rafael, Calif.), May 26, 1875.

EPILOGUE Just as we will never know the answer to many questions raised about the life of Louis Lacour and his bitters bottle, so also is the fate of Dick, the Lacour family dog, who was separated from his home as noted by the Alta California on October 16, 1863.

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Glendine (Glennie) Burkett As stated in the March/April issue of Bottles and Extras, “Mr. Mason” (Don Burkett)’s wife, Glennie, died just as the Legends of the Jar article on his collection was being published and we felt it only proper to follow up the brief statement with a memorial to her. Glennie was an avid Evening in Paris and teddy bear collector as well as a smiling face at Don’s table at many bottle shows over the years and that smiling face will be sorely missed.

Glendine (Glennie) Burkett, 86, of Monroe, Mich., died Thursday, February 11, 2010, in Mercy Memorial Hospital. She had been in declining health for several years.

Glennie, as her family and friends called her, was born February 5, 1924 in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of the late Jerry D. and Rosa (Robbins) Don & Glennie Burkett at a 2005 show Smith. Glennie attended Lincoln Elementary School and Monroe High School. Later in life, she returned to school and graduated through Monroe Senior Citizens with her GED in 1985, something she was very proud of. In 1942, Glennie married James O. Garrett in Napoleon, Ohio. He preceded her in death in 1963.

In November of 1965, Glennie married Donald C. “Mr. Mason” Burkett at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

Glennie enjoyed reading, watching ice skating, and was an avid collector of teddy bears and perfume bottles for which she was nationally known. She also enjoyed traveling, meeting people and all the activities along with her husband Don as he sold and collected fruit jars and bottles. Survivors include Don and Glennie Burkett her husband and son, Dennis.

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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 long time collector Mason Bright.]

In 1988, I visited with Mason when I took a four-state trip with my ultimate end goal being the Indy Show. Mason lived north of his current location and I remember at that time I was quite impressed with his collection. Actually, I found it hard to believe what he had vs. me back then so I was not prepared in any way for what awaited me when I finally laid eyes on his collection once again. I can’t be sure if Mason has the best Ball jar collection in the country or not because that’s a subjective argument but what I am sure of is that he has one of the best overall display environments of any collection I am yet to see and that’s saying a lot. He obviously spent a ton of money fixing up his basement from waterproofing to lights, carpeting to shelving in order to display his entire massive 1,600+ collection in just one place and in a museum like atmosphere to boot. I must say he succeeded in a grand way indeed!

I was flabbergasted to say the least and I was amazed and astounded at how big, spacious, accommodating and bright it all was with everything laid out neatly and in order for all to see. It was simply dizzying to me at first but also dazzling to behold so many Ball jars in just one place and for the life of me I didn’t even know where to start. Eye candy was everywhere and anywhere. Yes, it was without a doubt a Ball Jar collector’s dream come true and I was quite literally and happily in the middle of it all.

Mason was born March 4, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan and was raised there also. Mason has worked over the years in businesses for himself. At one time he had a chain of coin laundries, motor cycle establishments and then a real estate business. After selling the real estate business he opened an antique mall in Monroe, Michigan where he currently

Mason Bright with large advertisement for Ball Mason jar.

lives. He then sold it in December 2002 upon retiring.

In 1984, Mason and Nancy went on vacation in Indiana to the Auburn Cord Duisenberg Museum. They always enjoyed just going with the flow with no apparent plans and ending up just about almost anywhere. While there and out of the blue, Mason asked the receptionist if there were any other privately owned museums in Indiana in the area and the

receptionist replied: “yes, down at the Ball Office Headquarters in Muncie, Indiana they have a museum in the Ball Office Building. It’s free and you can go there and walk around too.” So Mason said, “That’s only 98 miles away, let’s just take the drive down there and take a look.”

Well, after getting there and looking over all of the jars, he said, “I could find these at garage sales and flea markets.” Only as it turned out, that wasn’t going to be as easy as he thought after all. Also while there he noticed Bill Brantley’s book for sale and in talking to the receptionist about Ball jars she bought his story that he was going to really start collecting and so she gave him the book for absolutely nothing. And that’s when Mason started collecting Ball jars for real. And I must say he surely did accomplish his goal over the past 22 years in his never ending quest for the myriad of different Ball jar variations that exist.

The first person Mason encountered at a flea market who collected fruit jars was his now very dear friend, Don Burkett (Mr. Mason.) Mason ended up talking Don’s head off at that flea market and bought a whole bunch of Ball jars from him. It was there that he found out from Don that bottle shows existed and

1984 Ball Progression Chart and Rare Ball Glass Block.

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money for the jar. Twenty years later he ended up finally buying one for $2,800 which in hind-sight he wishes he knew what he was doing when the better opportunity had presented itself. Unfortunately that’s just the way it goes sometimes. You win some and you lose some.

One time many years ago Mason went after a gorgeous deep amber swirled 3L Balll MASON quart that was on eBay. At the time he believed his bid was high enough to get the jar but it didn’t turn out that way after all. That surprised him especially in light One section of Mason’s basement museum of the fact that in at which he could find go to the Memphis show back then he was the more scarce jars. So the after all but after learning a very aggressive first show he went to was he had gone found it hard buyer/bidder. The problem in Ypsilanti, Mich. There to believe. Man, talk about main was Darrell Plank he got information on commitment… other shows and so he and Mason’s first really had been spying Nancy began many a trek expensive and stupendous jar the same jar and Deep amber swirled to various shows around acquisition was an RB 195- ended up as the Balll Mason the country. A thousand 1 quart BALL BBGMCo winning bidder. mile trip on the weekend FRUIT JAR. He purchased Then to his complete surprise, about a to a show didn’t even faze the jar from Bob Clay. This month after the auction Darrell got in touch Ball Perfect Mason them either. They did slip jar is the one pictured in Dick with him asking if he would be interested seat driving and were just Rollers Standard Fruit Jar in the jar. Darrell mentioned that there so excited to go in the first Reference. That purchase was nothing wrong with it and the color place and be in the middle changed his thinking was great but that he just didn’t want it of all of the exciting completely concerning really anymore and he could have it for the price action. good jars and convinced he paid for it. Mason asked him to send One weekend Mason him to go after more and he him the jar so he could see it first because he always wants to see jars first hand. and Nancy decided to go to hasn’t looked back since.

Soon after it arrived he was Memphis, Tenn. Someone V e r y convinced it was everything there asked him where early on in his Darrell said it was and what he he was going next and collecting career believed himself too when he mentioned the next show Mason wasn’t originally bid on it. Yep, this was in Chicago tomorrow sure of what he spectacular jar was home now a thousand miles away but was buying and to stay and wasn’t wandering that’s a long ways away just couldn’t anymore again. I can clearly and there’s no way he can bring himself to see the reason why but all I’d make it. Mason said, “wait pay more than a like to know is this; how come a minute, you’re telling me certain amount I never get any of those kind I can’t make it?” He thought for a jar. Most Milkglass Ball Ideal of calls…hint hint? about it for a bit and said, likely he says Mason does have one sad “I think we can make it.” Nancy looked it was because he just didn’t jar story to share with the rest at Mason with a wry look but they left know what was what but on of us. He bought a fabulous anyway and slip-seated it the whole way one occasion an opportunity colored 3L Balll MASON and incredibly made it before the show came up for him to buy a milk quart in which he knew ahead opened in the morning. Many people in glass Ideal for $600 and he just Great color Balll Mason cracked of time that it was cracked.

Chicago queried him thinking he didn’t couldn’t justify that amount of

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In fact, the jar was cracked all the way around the neck in the seam area but solid. He didn’t think it was too much of a problem being with a lid on you wouldn’t even know the jar was damaged. Then one day when he came home he saw the top of the jar lying off to the side. It had

Darkest known RB 193 pint example (middle) with Ball miniature railroad cars on bottom shelf.

this fabulous one-of-a-kind item. Mason being the bargain hunter that he is asked if Alice would do better on the price as would almost anyone. This amount of money was a hard pill to swallow back then for Mason who at the time didn’t spend very much for any one particular jar or item being a new collector. It was just simply above his thought process that a Ball jar or something associated with Ball jars could be worth that much money.

Oldest Buffalo Trio

just come off all on its own. He felt kind of bad considering what a beautiful jar it is but the pain was tempered by the fact he only paid $100 for the jar. Because this jar undamaged is such a valuable jar he kept it and displays it “as is” so anyone visiting can see what can happen when “things go wrong with good jars” and of course is something most collectors can relate to.

Mason had a pretty good relationship with Dick Roller when he was alive. Dick used to call Mason because Detroit has an exceptional research library called the Burton Historical Section. Dick would give Mason names and companies and he (Mason) would go on Saturday’s along with Nancy to do research. He would get copies of everything on the subjects for Dick and then mail them to him. He also kept a copy of everything he sent to Dick in his own files too. Dick was very appreciative of everything Mason did for him in regards to obtaining research information.

Mason unselfishly gave back to the hobby by doing those jaunts for Dick.

Obviously, (Dick) the professional researcher could not be everywhere and due to travel and time constraints it was impractical at times so Mason really was an integral part of some of Dick’s continual need of valuable information on certain subjects. One company in particular that was of interest to Dick was Monroe Glass Company because it was reported they made fruit jars. After extensive research it

Solid pour Ball Perfect Mason

turned out that Monroe Glass advertised fruit jars but never made them.

While at a flea market in Allegan, Mich. early in Mason’s collecting career he met Alice Creswick who was set up there at the time. Alice had an item of particular interest that almost any collector would be seriously interested in. A solid pour 20 series Ball Perfect Mason. What a fantastic chunk of glass this was indeed!

Alice happened to have a $50 price tag on

Solid glass Crown jar

Another section of Mason’s basement museum

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Rare RB 229-5 with Hahne Star on base base.

Atlas jar section

Now before everyone’s jaw drops in disbelief at the thought of this, one must remember that this was way back in the early 1980s. Pricing and collecting was vastly different from 2009. Ball jars were yet to be fashionable and the serious sought after commodity that they are today. Ball jars as a valuable collectable was still on the far distant horizon of items and not worth much of anyone’s attention let alone their hard earned money at least until recently.

Well, Alice wouldn’t budge from her price but Mason fortunately had the foresight even as a young collector to know enough that this was his one and only opportunity to have an item of this nature. As far as I know, this is The only solid pour post teen era Ball jar item and a rare piece of glass worthy of the best out there known today. Mason upon returning home with it went to Don Burkett and asked if he had paid too much for it. Don was already an advanced collector and told Mason that he had gotten quite a good deal period. Over the years he has also acquired two other partial solid pours that are nice but can’t compare to the Perfect Mason whatsoever in my book.

In the very beginning Mason was like a lot of collectors at the time. He wanted every fruit jar that was ever made (which by the way turned out to be completely

undoable) but it took time and a better understanding to come to that conclusion.

Mason subsequently dumped the idea quickly and sold all of the entire nonBall jars he owned with the exception of his few Atlas jars and stuck solely to collecting Ball jars. He has quite a decent amount of different Atlas jars too and as a matter of fact, enough to fill an entire section of shelves in the very middle of his basement.

Mason’s method of collecting obviously differs from other Ball Jar collectors around the country. He’s not worried about having every RB number but instead is simply interested in having at least one of every Ball-made fruit

Decker’s Iowana cast iron pig bank

jar. He has a pretty thorough sub-series of product jars but he isn’t interested in having them all either. His main focus in this genre of jars is the so-called “contract” fruit jars. Another words, those jars made for varying companies across the country that sold them in their stores only or distributed them to the general public.

Mason in addition to his super Ball jar collection and smaller Atlas jar collection has some of the most incredible and fantastic go-withs imaginable and mind boggling in scope to say the least. His Decker’s Iowana cast iron piggy bank is a truly remarkable and interesting piece that adds such flair to his Iowana jars.

Ken Dipold mentioned to Mason one time that he could have a bead seal 3L Balll MASON quart jar he owned. He shipped it and as bad luck would have it the package got lost. Ken didn’t put any identifying packing slip in the jar and most likely it will never show up. What a sad story indeed!

In addition to the masses of fruit jars he has on display, he has a great grouping of oil jars, as well as jellies, caps, lids, lid boxes, jar ring boxes, hats, cups, glasses, advertising, blocks, Blue Books, pens, rulers, and just about anything and everything that came with a Ball Logo on it and just far too numerous of differing items to mention them all here. He also has a small but superb wooden box end collection that rivals the best out there.

I stayed with Mason for a very short

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four day period and that was not nearly enough time to grasp everything he has or assimilate into memory the scope

Fruit jar box end example

Oil jars

Ball mugs

El Monte & Special Run jars along with corporate cans.

Rare intact modern Ball Mason mould.

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of different items stored in that great basement museum of his. For a Ball jar collector such as me it was a fascinating and exciting view into what I love and collect myself. I was able to see, touch and photograph items I have never seen in all of my years of collecting. I was simply amazed at what he has accomplished over his collecting career. I can think of only two other collectors that can rival Mason in the scope and grandeur of his Ball jar and go-withs collection period. He also has tons of Kerr, Atlas and other paper items and go-withs too.

Mason has some real opinions about things and he feels the bottle/jar clubs across the country fall short in promoting the hobby to the beginning collector. He feels there are too many people who have been in it for a long time who are telling beginner and newer collectors to buy only expensive jars or colors and things of that nature which are hard to get. In order to get someone actually started in the hobby you need to have them start with regular ordinary lower priced jars.

He looks back at his own experience and if he had to have started collecting with colors and scarce jars he might not even begun collecting because he couldn’t see investing $100 into a jar in those days.

He admits he probably passed up on a lot of jars he wished he hadn’t but the high prices were more than he wanted to part with because of his overall lack of knowledge and understanding. If you start people off right they’ll progress on their own terms.

Clubs need to be reaching very young people and getting them interested and excited about the hobby. Mason’s example of this is the grandson of John Nestleroad, John Harris. John used to set up at Muncie all of the time until his death. This boy is starting out very young and extremely interested in what his grandfather did and taking up his love for the hobby. At The Last Summer Muncie Show he came with his grandmother Ruth on Friday and sold jars in a room with her. Mason talked to this young boy like a grandfather and told him he could help him bring his boxes in on the day of the show and also help him set up and thus get in early. Ruth was very enthusiastic about Mason doing this for

Bottles and Extras

Ball Store advertising sign

him and no doubt that experience will last with him for a lifetime.

Mason would say to newer collectors the following: The main thing is to not try and do too much. If you try and think too broadly you’ll have to make an adjustment sooner or later and end up pitching a lot of stuff. You need to collect what you like and give yourself certain parameters so you won’t have goals that are unachievable. There’s nothing more devastating to a collector than having goals that are unachievable. You need to have realistic goals that are achievable.

I asked Mason if he felt he accomplished most of his goals and he thinks he has done pretty well. There are still a number of jars that have eluded him over the years. He noticed when visiting with other collectors that they always seem to have something that he doesn’t have or can’t seem to find. It’s such a numbers game trying to locate every different kind of jar and the vast variations that it coincides with them. It’s just the nature of the beast that others will find examples you cannot.

Mason is a very engaging person and loves company and showing off his marvelous collection. He enjoys swapping jar stories with people. So people should contact him and pay him a visit. It’s an experience well worth it in my book.

Your humble Author with Mr. Balljars.

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Rare colored RB 229 pint.

Outstanding colored Ball Standard

Rare one-of-a-kind RB 261

Inside of rare Ruby lid.

Rare Stippled fruit Ball Mason.

Rare experimental thread 20 series BPM with packer lid.

Grouping of enhanced jars...

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Black Glass Bottles

Bottles and Extras

By Cary Adelman

Editor’s note: In memory of black glass collector, Cary Adelman, who passed away one year ago, June 10, 2009, we are printing the last article written for us by him.

In the last few years, collecting Black Glass bottles has been gaining momentum in the United States, though it’s been popular for decades in Europe and even longer in England. If you begin to study, learn, and handle examples of these early mostly free-blown bottles, your interest in them is sure to grow, just as mine has. As a lover of Black Glass bottles who still has much to learn—and one who, as he learns, often comes up with more questions than answers—I will do my best to write about a few aspects of this area of early bottle collecting.

What collectors refer to as Black Glass bottles are typically the dark green bottles that were blown in Germany, England, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Italy, Spain, and elsewhere in Europe.

From roughly the 16th through the early 19th centuries, glass houses in these regions produced Black Glass bottles for domestic use as well as for export. Often called wine bottles, they also contained other spirits, olive oil, vinegar, medicines, cider, or just about any of the liquid— and even dry— wares of the time. The very earliest Black Glass bottles were produced in wood-fired furnaces. Later on, coal-fired furnaces became the norm.

The evolution of the forms we’re discussing here emerges as early as 1550 in Germany and by 1600 is a distinct form known as the shaft-and-globe (photo 1, circa 1660). Later shaft-and-globes (approx. 1650 to 1690, photo 2) slowly evolved into the onion form (approx.

1700 to 1720, photo 3). Late onion forms transformed into the mallet-shaped bottle (approx. 1720, photo 4, to 1750, photo

5). Mallets begin to grow a bit taller into what many call the squat-cylindrical form (approx. 1750 to 1780, photo 6).

Photo 7 shows a bottle well on its way to becoming the tall cylinder form we know today.

As they evolved, regional bottle forms retained similarities yet developed distinctive characteristics. An English shaft-and-globe bottle, for example, had Dutch and German counterparts, and collectors can distinguish between them.

There are also distinctively Scottish forms, octagonal forms, varied sizes, and other miscellaneous styles. There are transitional forms throughout these different periods—again with slight differences in the same form from different geographic locations!

Black Glass bottles were also produced in the American colonies, almost certainly beginning with Caspar Wistar’s first “successful” glass house in 1739. Though indisputable attribution of specific examples is sometimes still debated and perhaps difficult to prove, bottles of this type are strongly thought or known to have been produced by Wistar and later by others. One factor at play here is that the same German, Polish, Dutch, and other glass-blowers who worked in Europe emigrated to

the colonies to work in North American glass houses. And so, the bottles we know and love from American glass houses not only had ancestors all over Europe but were produced here by those same Europeans newly arrived on North American shores.

We know that Black Glass bottles were blown in America. A bottle is given an American attribution if, by its identifying seal, it can be shown to have belonged to a known colonist working and living here in North America—even if the bottle may have been blown, say, in England.

Attribution is also accomplished through archeological work at known American glass house sites through shard evidence.

Information proving specific examples is coming to light all the time (some bottles are known absolutely to have been blown in North America—the well-known RW sealed bottle, for example).

Sealed G.S. with two lions rampant, late shaft-and-globe/early onion form, circa 1690.

Shaft-and-globe Black Glass bottle, circa 1660.

The bottles pictured in this article are from my own collection. I have tried to represent the general evolution of the form—from the shaft-and-globe, onion, mallet, squat-cylinder, and finally the tall cylindrical form still in use today.

My collection contains a few beautiful Black Glass bottles from the Netherlands, specifically several with oil-painted portraits or battle scenes. Most of my Black Glass bottles are English, with a few that can be given an American attribution

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olive green, usually dark “black” glass bottles that, when just blown and still warm and malleable, were “sealed” on the side with a blob of molten glass. The blob was then stamped or impressed with a personalized die.

Early seals might be of a crest, a coat of arms, the symbol of a tavern or pub, or the name of a titled individual. A bit later, universities and other institutions began to use seals. Personal names, initials, and dates soon followed, and

Onion form, seal not legible because of long burial in ground, circa 1700–1720.

and a couple that are almost certain to have been produced on North American soil, either at a New York glass house or even at Wistarburgh, according to some bottle historians. As an American, I’ve perceived our closest link with English bottles, followed by German, Dutch, and the like. I now realize, however, that history proves early bottle production was a world-wide affair, with forms intertwining, distinct yet parallel in their evolution, with each “new” form emerging from its predecessor.

Now, what is a glass-sealed bottle?

First, there are many types of sealed bottles that are not categorized as Black Glass—many whiskeys and the familiar Bininger bottles, just to name a couple.

But here we are discussing the very early

Late mallet/squat-cylinder form, sealed Sidney Breese, 1765, almost certainly an American-made bottle.

Mallet form, sealed W.R. 1752

Very late straight-sided onion beginning to show mallet characteristics. Sealed N. Green 1724. American attribution.

eventually wine merchants and other purveyors sealed bottles with product and brand identities. Some of the reasons for sealing or personalizing bottles were identification, status, disease prevention, or in recognition of some special occasion, and probably others reasons as well.

The practice of sealing bottles is thought to go back as far as the early 1600s and was in widespread use by the early 1700s. The date on the seal may or may not be consistent with the time of the bottle’s making. The date could represent anything that was significant to the bottle’s owner. So antique bottles are dated more by their style and form than they are by the dates on the bottles—though you very often find that the date on the bottle does seem to be consistent with its form, with exceptions. For the most part, sealing

Almost cylindrical but still a bit wide, this form will soon grow taller and thinner.

Sealed wine P.C. Brooks, 1820

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bottles began to decline in the early 1800s and was all but abandoned by the mid1800s, again with a few exceptions.

I claim only limited knowledge in the area of antique Black Glass. But I have been able to piece together information about my collection and some knowledge of the technology from which American glass houses eventually produced glass.

Some American collectors, when they see a Black Glass bottle, think of it as either English or “Dutch”—and leave it at that. As we’ve been discussing, there is a lot more to it than that, and I have only scratched the surface of the subject.

Much knowledge has been gathered by antique bottle scholars the world over, and that makes for very exciting collecting. What I do hope to accomplish here is to lure some of my fellow oldbottle collectors into this fascinating area of early bottle collecting. The crudity and character of these beautiful old bottles— qualities we love so much—are nowhere more evident than in the wide-ranging category we often over-simplify as Black Glass.

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For those interested in pursuing this in greater depth, I suggest the book Antique Glass Bottles their history and evolution 1500 to 1850 by Willy Van den Bossche. An antique collector and glass scholar from Belgium, he spent 10-plus years researching the book. What Helen McKearin and Kenneth Wilson did for American bottles with the publishing of American Bottles and Flasks and Their Ancestry in 1978, Mr. Van den Bossche has accomplished in a world history of early glass bottles. This is the very origin of the bottles we collect today regardless of the type or form. It all started here! (Speaking of course of “modern” bottle production— post 1500 or so.) If pursuing bottles with a so-called American attribution is of interest to you, please see two excellent books by Dale Murschell, American Applied Glass Sealed Bottles and Wistarburgh—Window Tiles, Bottles, and More.

Finally, the writer of this article would like to add to his circle of friends and fellow collectors the world over with an interest and desire to learn more about these crude, early, misshapen, often freeblown bottles we call Black Glass

Bottles and Extras

Suggested Reading American Bottles and Flasks and Their Ancestry: Helen McKearin & Kenneth Wilson Antique Glass Bottles, Their History and Evolution (1500–1850): Willy Van den Bossche Understanding Antique Wine Bottles: Roger Dumbrell American Applied Glass Seal Bottles: Dale Murschell Wistarburgh—Window Tiles, Bottles, and More: Dale Murschell Glass in Early America: Arlene Palmer Dutch Glass Bottles of the 17th and 18th Centuries: Robert H. McNulty The Decanter–An Illustrated History from 1650: Andy McConnell …and there are several others, not to mention countless articles and other research!

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Bottles and Extras

Early American Midwestern Glass Part II – Globular Bottles

By Dave Maryo

This article focuses on the most commonly known Early American Midwestern Glass bottle. The Midwestern globular bottle is a free blown variation of the earlier black glass onion bottles produced in Europe. Some of the more refined European onion bottles were known as shaft-and-globe types that were used for decanters.

The Midwestern globular bottle is a version of the shaft-andglobe style decanter that was produced in the Midwest region of America during the early 1800s. Since Midwestern globular bottles were intended to be decanters, most were made with ribbed patterns as a decorative feature. Some Midwestern globular bottles were produced without the pattern molded ribs. The plain examples are very rare, but are less desirable to collectors today.

The ribbed examples were produced using German style dip molds to create the pattern. After the glass gather was shaped by the rib mold it could be twisted to form a swirling pattern before the bottle was expanded and shaped in the blowing process.

Depending on which direction the glass gather was twisted the ribs would form a pattern swirled to the right or left. Some pattern molded globular bottles were produced without swirling the gather which created a vertical ribbed pattern. The number of ribs can vary depending on the individual pattern mold that the glass house used. Only a small number of bottles were produced using diamond or three part mold patterns making those examples extremely rare.

Most of the Midwestern globular bottles found today are not dug examples. These decanters were highly prized at the time they were produced and collected over the years. They were also very fragile since the glass was thin and not many could survive being thrown down privies or tossed into dumps. Midwestern globular bottles were produced in a variety of colors with light amber being the most common. Normal colors are variations of amber, aqua, blue, or green. Examples in green and blue are not as common as amber or aqua examples. Most Midwestern globular bottles are between eight and ten inches in height. Larger

examples have been expanded to the point that the ribbed pattern is less defined. Smaller examples are also found, but are normally not intended for bar decanters and are also less common.

An area of concern when collecting Midwestern globular bottles is the fact that they have been reproduced over the years by glass workers in Mexico and other locations making the collector suspicious of examples for sale today. Collectors familiar with the originals can normally spot a reproduction without close examination, but a novice collector could be easily duped by the large number of reproductions currently on the market.

Collectors of Midwestern globular bottles look for features of very thin glass, a rolled over collar, and ribs that end on the base of the bottle. Most authentic Midwestern globular bottles have ribs that end in a circular pattern at the base known as a terminal ring or have ribs that extend to a central point in the base. The difference is one bottle was made in an open bottom mold leaving the ribs to end in a circular pattern while the other was made in a closed bottom mold leaving the ribs to flow to a single point on the base.

The pattern molded ribs on most reproduction globular bottles do not extend on to the base of the bottle. Poor control of the glass blowing process and over working the base tends to cause the ribs to fade leaving no visible pattern on the base.

While these features described do not guarantee that the bottle is an original, understanding these features will help identify some of the reproductions currently on the market.

The End

Bottles and Extras

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Billy Winters’ Log Cabin

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By Garth Ziegenhagen

Perhaps the best known Oregon picnic is a pictorial THE LOG CABIN/ 167 3rd ST/ PORTLAND/ ORE/ BILLY WINTERS PRO. and to many people it is also the most desirable. Two sales in 2006 illustrate the popularity of this flask. One auction sold the flask for $1,720 counting shipping and fees. Ralph Van Brocklin sold one at the 2006 National Reno Show flask auction he was running for $1,350. To give you some idea how the prices on this picnic have changed Keith Willis in 1972 listed the price for this picnic in the range of $80 to $100.

Still this bottle is not my favorite Oregon picnic.

Instead my favorite is the MARX BAUMGART/ WHOLESALE/ LIQUORS/ ALBANY, OR because it is the only picnic made outside the

city of Portland and was in business as early as 1878. Since this picnic was made and sold in a much smaller town it is also rarer than the Log Cabin picnic. Only eleven picnics are believed to be embossed from Oregon. The history of each is very interesting.

The future owner of the Log Cabin Fred William (Billy) Winters bought a saloon from John Giebisch in 1899 in Portland and called it Old Hut Saloon. (1) But Billy apparently was unsatisfied and sold the saloon in 1902. He had plans for a bigger and better saloon even though his credit rating was only fair for up to $5,000 according to the 1902 R.G. Dun Mercantile Agency Reference Book. This same book listed 38 saloons on First Street alone and 255 liquor establishments in Portland in 1902.

This brand new Log Cabin of Billy’s was opened in record time later in 1902 at 167 Third Street. It was continually operated as a very popular bar by him until prohibition in 1915. One of his ads said: “Fall in and march to Billy Winters a quaint Log Cabin. Old armament and an aquarium to please the eye while Billy administers what is most pleasing to the palate”. (2) Keith Willis in his 1972 book hinted that we need to dedicate this hobby of ours to all the old-time glass houses who made the bottles and to the saloons and liquor store owners, who had them embossed, and to the many, many people who bought, drank and then discarded the bottles.(3) He did not dedicate his book to those who bought , drank and then broke the bottles or those who refused to believe that the written history of the Old West has been improved greatly by bottle collectors and their research.

References: (1) Picnics, Coffins, Shoo-Flies by John Thomas 1974 (2) Whiskey Bottles and Liquor Containers From the Sate of Oregon by John Thomas 1998 (3) Antiques Whiskey Bottles Washington-Oregon by Keith Willis 1972

Back of Trade Card

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The Dating Game

Bottles and Extras

The Strange Case of the Aetna and Arsenal Glass Works

By Bill Lockhart

The writing of history and the study of science each share one overarching principle: virtually everything we know builds on the work of those who came before us. Bottle research, of course, follows that same pattern. In the case of the Arsenal and Aetna Glass Works, each researcher discovered something new, and I, too, bring a contribution.

Early researchers barely mentioned either of these companies. The references were too obscure. Later researchers, although they complained about the dearth of information, actually had too much data. The data became confusing because the evidence actually related to four separate businesses – separate but all related.

Locations Because earlier researchers have misplaced some of the locations, correctly situating each of these plants or offices is important. To compound the confusion, both the Aetna Glass Works and the Arsenal Glass Works were in one location (although at different times), and two apparently unrelated factories had the same name (at different times and different places).

Both glass houses were located at Lawrenceville, a section of Pittsburgh that was annexed to the larger city in 1868.

This revision created name changes for many streets. Lawrenceville was selected as the home of the Allegheny Arsenal (or Pittsburgh Arsenal) due to its proximity to the river – hence the “Arsenal” name for one of these glass houses. Mt. Aetna is an active volcano on the isle of Sicily. The reason for choosing Aetna is currently unknown, although molten glass certainly resembles lava. Each of the following locations was important to one or both of these glass houses: 1. 28 Market St. It is almost certain that the Market St. address was a sales outlet. An 1872

Figure 1 – 28 Market St. – first Aetna Glass Works (1872 Hopkins Atlas)

map showed that the area was tightly packed with offices, so it was an unlikely location for a glass factory. Market St. was the only location mentioned in the first Aetna Glass Works ad (Hawkins 2009:10-11), so the location of the actual factory remains unknown. No. 28 was the second building southwest from the intersection of Market and 2nd Ave. On the 1872 map (Figure 1), it was marked “Dunlap” (Hopkins Map Co. 1872).

2. Chestnut St. The location of this factory is of prime importance in discovering a sequence of the existing evidence that makes sense. Both advertisements and historical maps indicate that the glass factory in question was located between Borough (later 41st St.) and Chestnut (later 42nd St.), running roughly northwest/ southeast and between Willow St. and Valley St. (and the Allegheny Valley Railroad tracks), roughly northeast/ southwest. The plant complex was on the northeast side, facing Chestnut, and a spur from the railroad extended into the northwestern end of the block, adjacent to the largest building (Roller 1996; 1998a:14-15; Hawkins 2009:11;

McDougald & McDougald 1990:106).

This was the earliest currently known home of the Arsenal Glass Works and the only home of the second Aetna Glass Works (Figure 2).

Figure 2 – Chestnut St. – first Arsenal Glass Works and second Aetna Glass Works (1872 Hopkins Atlas)

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Charlotte streets lot to Modes and Joshua Nichols in October of that year. The sale of the Smallman and Charlotte lot may have financed the building of a new plant on the Lafayette Alley property. It is also likely that the partnership with George Heitsman, a local glass blower, was (at least in part) financially motivated (see Hawkins 2009:11; McDougald & McDougald 1990:106; Roller 1996; 1998a:14).

Figure 3 – Lafayette Alley – second Arsenal Glass Works

3. Lafayette Alley This end-of-block lot bordered on Charlotte St., 34th St., and Lafayette Alley (Hopkins Map Co. 1872). This was the second (and final) home of the Arsenal Glass Works (Figure 3).

4. Smallman & Charlotte streets This was the location of Modes & Nichols. Although there is no indication of what kind of business this was, it was almost certainly not a glass house. Smallman and Charlotte streets ran parallel to each other for only two blocks – between 34th and 36th streets, although Charlotte dead ended at Allen, just beyond 36th St. Formerly belonging to Charles Jeremy, this may have been the large parcel that was just north of the Lafayette Alley property (see Figure 3).

Histories Aetna Glass Works, Lawrenceville (Pittsburgh) (1856-?)

Hawkins (2009:10-11) discovered an ad in the 1856 Pittsburgh city directory for the earliest (at least currently known) existence of the Ætna Glass Works (spelled with the diphthong in the ad). William Davidson & Co. (Wm. Davidson, H. Edwards, and Sam’l Stewart) operated the Ætna Glass Works in 1856. The group advertised themselves as “Manufacturers of & Dealers in Vials, Bottles, and all kinds of Green and Flint Glassware, Window Glass &c.” The location on the ad

Figure 4 – 1856 ad for the first Aetna Glass Works (Pittsburgh city directory – 1856)

was “No. 28 Market Street” (Figure 4). Unfortunately, we have no further evidence for this company, although it had evidently closed by 1865, when the Arsenal Glass Works occupied that location.

Arsenal Glass Works, Lawrenceville (Pittsburgh) (1865-1869) According to the 1865/1866 city directory, the Arsenal Glass Works, operated by C. Jeremy & Co., was at the Borough and Chestnut address. The firm apparently became Jeremy, Heitsman & Co. by 1867 and operated on Lafayette Alley in Lawrenceville.

Jeremy, Heitsman & Co. (Charles Jeremy and, probably, George Heitsman) continued to be listed until 1869 (Hawkins 2009:11; Innes 1974:178; Roller 1996; 1998a:14). See Table 1 for a chronology of the company.

William Rehen apparently owned the Chestnut lot, with Jeremy leasing the factory. The sale of the Chestnut property by Rehen to William F. Modes in July 1866 probably prompted Jeremy’s departure from the location. Jeremy subsequently sold the Smallman and

Aetna Glass Works, Lawrenceville (Pittsburgh) (1866-1869) On July 19, 1866, William F. Modes purchased a lot from William Rehen for $1,000. This was a “lot on which is erected a Building for the manufacture of Glass.” This indicates that a glass plant already existed when Modes bought the property. The property was in Lawrenceville, along the Allegheny Valley Railroad (Hawkins 2009:11; Roller 1996; 1998a:14). While this identification is not absolute, it is virtually certain that this was the Chestnut St. lot and the plant was the former Arsenal Glass Works, recently vacated by Charles Jeremy & Co. An 1866/1867 atlas of Lawrenceville illustrated the Chestnut St. property with the notation “Modes, Ryrie & Co.” (Figure 5). Although no researchers have reported a listing for this firm, Roller

Figure 5 – Modes, Ryrie & Co., 1866/1867 map (McDougald & McDougald 1990:106)

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found “T.B. Ryrie, glassblower” in the 1865/1866 city directory (McDougald & McDougald 1990:106; Roller 1996; 1998a:14). Thus, Modes appears to have taken on Ryrie as a partner shortly after his purchase of the property in 1866. Neither the firm nor Ryrie appeared in any of our other sources. Modes and Nichols (see Modes & Nichols below) were listed as the proprietors of the Aetna Glass Works in 1868, suggesting that Joshua Nichols bought out Ryrie in late 1867 or early 1868 (Roller 1996).

Although I have been unable to find an explanation, Lorenz & Wightman leased the Aetna Glass Works from at least 1867 to 1868, possibly as late as early 1869.

Roller (1998a:13-14) cited an ad from the July 8, 1867, issue of the Pittsburgh Evening Chronicle for patented fruit jars at the showroom of Lorenz & Wightman.

The ad also noted that the jars were available at the Arsenal Glass Works “foot of Chestnut Street, Lawrenceville.”

The ad was explained by a glassworker’s reminiscence in 1909: In 1865 to 68, inclusive, a company of bloweres (sic) operated a factory at the foot of Forty-second street, in Lawrenceville, on the site of the present Phoenix Roll Works, known as Modes, Ryrie & Co. Lorenz and Wightman took possession of this plant in 1868 and operated it for several years. . . (National Glass Budget 1909:11).1

sealer). The works and office were located at “Forty-Second (late Chestnut) St” (Hawkins 2009:13; McDougald & McDougald 1990:106; Roller 1996; 1998a:13). The ad must have been submitted shortly before the dissolution of the company.2 The McDougalds noted that Modes sold the factory in 1869 to Bagley, Young and Co., who operated the plant as the Phoenix Roll Works (see Figure 2).

This is probably conjecture on their part, although it is likely correct. The 1872 Hopkins map showed Bageley, Young & Co. with the Phoenix Roll Works at that location. The plant remained there until at least 1927 (McDougald & McDougald 1990:106; Roller 1996; 1998a:13).

The closure of the Aetna Glass Works almost certainly occurred in 1869. In May 1869, both Modes and his wife, Mary Kate, were buying (then selling) land in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to build the factory of the Beaver Falls Glass Co. Modes remained involved in the plant until 1879 (Hawkins 2009:13; Roller 1998b). See Table 2 for a chronology of this and the earlier company.

The involvement of Lorenz & Wightman brings up an interesting speculation. Modes bought the property alone in 1866, but Ryrie apparently also became involved in that year. Lorenz & Wightman leased the factory by the next year. We currently have no way of knowing who actually operated the plant in 1866. It is therefore possible

Bottles and Extras

(even likely?) that Lorenz & Wightman leased the factory from Modes and his partners from the ejection of Jeremy in 1866 to some point in late 1868 or even early 1869. The withdrawal of Lorenz & Wightman may have caused Modes to sell the property in 1869.

Modes & Nichols, Lawrenceville (Pittsburgh) (1866-1868) The picture becomes more complex with the purchase of another property in Lawrenceville. On October 27, 1866, William F. Modes and Joshua Nichols bought a lot on Charlotte and Smallman streets from Charles Jeremy for $5,000.

Modes sold his share (2/3 of the property) to Christian Modes (presumably a relative) for $4,000 on January 11, 1867, three months later. The 1868 city directory had the following relevant listings: W.F. Modes, of Modes and Joshua Nichols, Allen St. near river, Lawrenceville.

Modes and Nichols, Aetna Glass Works, Chestnut near river, Lawrenceville.

Christian G. Modes, laborer, Allen St. near river, Lawrenceville.

Christian was listed as a laborer for the Allegheny Valley Railroad the following year (Roller 1996).

Extending north/south, Allen St. was close to the Charlotte and Smallman location (Figure 7). In fact, Charlotte St.

The 1869/1870 edition of the city directory listed only W.F. Modes as the proprietor of the Aetna Glass Works at Chestnut (Figure 6). The plant made “black & green glassware, druggists’ ware, bottles, demijohns, porter, ale and soda bottles” as well as fruit jars, including the “Victor” (self sealing) and the “Triumph” (grooved-ring wax

Figure 6 – Arsenal Glass Works ad 1869/1870 city directory (Roller 1983:362)

Figure 7 – Allen St. in relation to the Lafayett Alley vicinity (1872 Hopkins Atlas)

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dead ended into Allen at its northeastern extreme. The relationship between the lots is currently unknown, and I have been unable to discover anything about the nature of the firm. Modes and Nichols may have only owned property together – rather than operating a business.

A final detail is unimportant from a glass aspect but is a loose end. It is very unclear whether Modes & Nichols was composed of William Modes or Christian Modes. Of course, when William sold his interest to Christian, that may have created a reorganization of the group.

Since Modes & Nichols was listed as owning the Aetna Glass Works, the firm may have included both William and Christian by that time. The company apparently disbanded in 1868, although it may have extended into early 1869.

Chronology The above data suggest the following sequence of events: 1856 – Wm. Davidson & Co. operated the Aetna Glass Works; the factory location is unknown, but the office or showroom was at No. 28 Market St. 1865 – Charles Jeremy & Co. operated the Arsenal Glass Works on Chestnut St. – owned by William Rehen.

1866 (July) – William F. Modes purchased the Chestnut St. property, ejecting Jeremy and opening a new Aetna Glass Works (almost certainly in buildings recently vacated by Jeremy).

1866 (October) – Modes and Joshua Nichols bought the Smallman & Charlotte property from Jeremy 1867 – Modes took on T.B. Ryrie as a partner at the Chestnut St. property (Aetna Glass Works) 1867 – Jeremy moved the Arsenal Glass Works to his property at Lafayette Alley & 32nd St., operating there with George Heitsman until ca. 1869.

1867-1868 – Modes & Nichols sold the Smallman & Charlotte property;

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Christian became a laborer on the railroad; Nichols replaced Ryrie as a partner on the Chestnut St. property.

1867-1868 – Lorenz & Wightman operated the Aetna Glass Works.

1869 – Modes operated Aetna alone, then closed the plant; Jeremy probably closed Arsenal; Modes moved to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to build the Beaver Falls Glass Co. factory.

Containers and Marks A.G.Co. Knittle (1927:441) attributed the AGCo mark to the Arsenal Glass Co., Pittsburgh. Toulouse (1971:39) followed Knittle but dated the mark (probably without ever seeing it) ca. 1865 to 1868, likely based on the dates for Arsenal Glass Works. However, Toulouse noted that “no other reference has been found.”

Innes (1976:216, 229), however, called the company the Arsenal Glass Works and never mentioned this mark. Jones (1966:15) agreed with the Arsenal identification and dated the mark “17551865 - - ??” then added, “also Avis Glass co, Avis, PA 1906-1910.” Freeman (1964:103) listed a flask with “‘AGCo’ on bottom” but did not assess the maker.

Freeman was mostly describing flasks from the 19th century, although he was not specific about this one.

McKearin and Wilson (1978:666668) noted that the AGCo mark was embossed on the bases of half-pint and quart flasks in a “smooth, large concave disk.” Flasks in both sizes were amber in color. The researchers marked the glass house as “unidentified” and suggested that these flasks were “attributed to the last quarter of the 19th century.”

Each flask was marked with an anchor in a “depressed circular panel” or “medallion.” McKearin and Wilson (1978:667-668) rated the quart flask as “comparatively scarce” with a “narrow round collar, lower bevel” finish. They rated the half-pint container as “common” despite their comment that they had “not seen this flask.” They described the mark on the quart flask as having full

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punctuation, but left all punctuation out of their description of the smaller flask.

Unfortunately, these flasks were two of the few that they failed to illustrate.

I have also recorded several examples of this mark embossed across the bases of Hutchinson soda bottles – offered on eBay auctions. Even though I have included this information in this article, it is clear that the “A.G.Co.” initials could not have possibly belonged to the Arsenal Glass Works. There is no historical reference of any kind the suggests the word “company” was used in conjunction with the works, and Hutchinson bottles were invented far too late to have been Arsenal products.

As with many of the early identifications of manufacturer’s marks, Knittle chose her best guess based on factories that she knew. The actual user is a topic for another article.

A.G.W. (1865-1869) Although the A.G.W. mark may have been used by the Alloa Glass Works in Scotland (Toulouse 1971:41), it was certainly used by the American Glass Works at Pittsburgh (ca. 1897-ca.

1901) and the American Glass Works, Inc., at Richmond, Virginia, and Paden City, West Virginia, from 1908 to ca.

1935. However, a single flask offered at an eBay auction did not fit either venue.

The shoo-fly flask from the eBay auction was aqua in color and mouth blown. The applied finish consisted of a single ring offset below the lip or rim – often called a champagne finish, but with a rounded ring on this flask.3 The base was either a key or a post bottom (likely a key, but the photo was not distinct enough to be certain). Flasks made by the Arsenal Glass Works (see below) had both types of bases. The “A.G.W.” mark was embossed across part of the base seam (Figures 8-10). 4 When asked, Bill Lindsey dated the flask between the late 1860s and early 1880s – based on manufacturing attributes alone – and noted that the characteristics were especially known on bottles made in Pittsburgh.

This date range did not fit with our knowledge of the American Glass

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However, the dates fit quite well with either the Arsenal Glass Works, a known maker of flasks during the 1865-ca. 1869 period, or with the Aetna Glass Works (ca. 1856; 1866-1869). In its 1869 ad, Aetna made black & green glassware, druggists’ ware, bottles, demijohns, porter, ale and soda bottles, and fruit jars. Although neither flasks nor any form of liquor container were specifically noted, their manufacture was possible. Because Arsenal was a known manufacturer of flasks, it is more likely that flasks marked with A.G.W. were made by the Arsenal Glass Works between 1865 and ca. 1869. We cannot, however, fully discount the Aetna Glass Works as a possible user of the mark.

Figure 8 – Flask with AGW basemark (eBay)

Figure 9 – Closeup of finish of AGW flask (eBay)

Figure 10 – Base of AGW flask (eBay)

Works of Pittsburgh, a known user of the logo. Prior to ca. 1886, American Glass was almost exclusively devoted to the production of window glass. I have found no data to suggest that American Glass made any bottles prior to the reorganization as the American Glass Works, Ltd, ca. 1886.

A.G.Wks.L. This mark was identified by Innes (1976:216, 229) as used by the Arsenal Glass Works on fruit jars. He noted that the company also made flasks but did not directly associate the mark with any flask.

Innes very likely confused this mark with the A.G.W.L. mark used on wax-sealer fruit jars, and “Wks.” may have been a typographical error. We have not found any examples of this mark.

A.G.W.L. / PITTS, PA There is no question that the A.G.W.L. mark was used by the American Glass Works, Ltd., Pittsburgh, on a variety of bottles and flasks between ca. 1886 and ca. 1897. However, none of these other containers included any embossed reference to Pittsburgh (e.g., PITTS, PA). The Pittsburgh designation only appeared on grooved-ring, waxsealer fruit jars.

Toulouse (1969:16; 1971:43) attributed this mark (with “PITTS PA”) to the American Glass Works, Ltd. (Pittsburgh) and showed it in the form of AGWL in a downward arch above PITTS PA in an upward arch. Innes (1974:178) attributed the A.G.W.L. Pitts. Pa. on a “preserving jar” to “the mysterious Arsenal Glass Works” (correctly identifying the mark in this earlier work – see A.G.Wks.L. above).

Roller (1983:7) described the same jar and added:

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It seems likely that these jars were made by the American Glass Works, Ltd., of Pittsburgh, who advertised fruit jars among their wares in the 1880s and 1890s. But, the initials could stand for either Arsenal Glass Works, Lawrenceville (part of Pittsburgh) or Aetna Glass Works, Lawrenceville. Both of these works advertised fruit jars during the 1860s, with the latter works listing “Grooved Ring Wax Sealing” jars.

Creswick (1987:4) showed a drawing of a grooved-ring, wax-sealer fruit jar with “A.G.W.L. (arch) / PITTS, PA. (inverted arch)” embossed on the base (Figure 11). She dated the jar ca. 18661880 and attributed it to the American Glass Works. All of the jars in our sample (eBay and Jay Hawkins collection) had a smaller capital “A” in “PA” and either lacked punctuation or had very weak punctuation between the initials.

Roller (1998:13) referenced the A.G.W.L PITTS, PA mark, citing the jar number from his earlier (1983) book and Creswick’s number for the same jar in his discussion of the Arsenal Glass Works – indicating that he still considered Arsenal or Aetna as a possibility as the user of the mark. Aside from Innes unsupported ascription of the AGWL mark to the Arsenal Glass Works, I can find no other reference to fruit jar manufacture by that company.

Figure 11 – Wax-sealer fruit jar with AGWL basemark (Creswick 1987:4)

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While there is strong reference to wax-sealer fruit jars in the 1869 ad for the Aetna Glass Works, no other direct reference exists (at least that I can find).

In comparison, the American Glass Works, Ltd., advertised fruit jars from 1887 to 1896. In addition, if the “L” equals “Lawrenceville,” why would “PITTS” be included? As a counterargument, however, the flasks with the entire Arsenal Glass Works name included a “PITTS PA” designation. See the Discussion and Conclusions section for further discourse.

ARSENAL / GLASSWORKS / PITTS PA (1865-1866) McKearin and Wilson (1978:175176, 639) discussed and illustrated three flasks embossed on the front with “ARSENAL / GLASSWORKS / PITTS PA” in an oval frame below an eagle.

The reverse of these flasks was embossed with the illustration of a prospector.

There is virtually no question that these flasks were made by the Arsenal Glass Works at some point between 1865 and 1869. Eatwell and Clint (2001:149151) illustrated all three variations of the flasks, one in quart size, two in pints, noted in the McKearin and Wilson numbering system as GXI-13, GXI-14, and GXI-15 (Figures 12-14).

Figure 13 – Arsenal Glass Works pint flask, GXI-14 (Eaton & Clint 2001:149)

Figure 14 – Arsenal Glass Works pint flask, GXI-15 (Eaton & Clint 2001:150)

Figure 12 – Arsenal Glass Works quart flask, GXI-13 (Eaton & Clint 2001:148)

Eatwell and Clint (2001:138) also noted basal characteristics. Although each base of the three Arsenal Glass Works flasks had a slightly different style, the bases of the two pints were both what is often termed “key” bottoms.

These had a mold line that extended across the long axis of the oval base with a semicircular bend in the center. The quart base had a post bottom.

Although the figure on the reverse resembles a hobo from a later period of history, Freeman (1964:100) and McKearin & Wilson (1978:496-499) used the word “prospector” to describe him. Eatwell and Clint (2001:133, 138) discussed this figure and identified it

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as a prospector, miner, gold-seeker, or traveler. During the mid-1800s, this depiction of a man with a stick over his shoulder and tools or belongings in a bag tied to the stick was the symbol of the “traveller” walking his way to the gold fields.

Eatwell and Clint (2001:148-149, 151152) also noted that Wm. McCully & Co. used the same molds to make its version of both pint flasks (Figures 15 & 16). It seems likely that McCully purchased the molds when Arsenal ceased operations.

The name “ARSENAL” was peened out, and “W.McC&Co” was engraved in its place. McCully likely made the flasks shortly after Arsenal closed.

Figure 15 – Wm. McCully quart flask, GXI-12 – corresponds to GXI-14 (Eaton & Clint 2001:148)

Figure 16 – Wm. McCully quart flask, GXI-16 – corresponds to GXI-15 (Eaton & Clint 2001:148)

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Eatwell and Clint (2001:138) also included a rarity scale. According to their system, all three Arsenal flasks were rated “scarce 36-75 known.” The McCully flasks, however, were “rare 2531 known.” Unfortunately, this could be interpreted in two ways. First, McCully made the flasks first (older, less likely to survive). Second, McCully just made less flasks.

TRIUMPH No. 1 (or 2 or 3) (ca. 1869) Roller (1983:362) reproduced the 1869 ad by the Aetna Glass Works that included “TRIUMPH” jars.

Although “TRIUMPH” was offset from “GROOVED RING” in the ad by separate quotation marks, the jars are noted as having a grooved wax seal. These jars were made in a three-piece mold and had a distinct shoulder that tapered up to the grooved-ring finish. “TRIUMPH / No. 1” (or No. 2) was embossed on the shoulder. Creswick (1987:209) added a “No. 3” and illustrated the jars, also citing the Aetna Glass Works as the maker (Figure 17).

Figure 17 – Triumph jars (Creswick 1987:209)

Modes only operated the Aetna Glass Works alone for a very short period – no more than a year, possibly a much shorter period. This brings up questions and gives cause for speculation. Given the short period of production by Modes, could he have made three separate numbers?

Or do the numbers only indicate three different molds? Was Modes the only manufacturer of the Triumph jar?

Although the jar was not one listed in

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the 1867 Lorenz & Wightman ad, could Modes have inherited the jar from them?

VICTOR The Aetna Glass Works 1869 ad also included the “VICTOR Self Sealing” jar. The only Victor jar, shown in both Roller (1983:371-372) and Creswick (1987:214) was patented in 1899 and 1900 – far too late to be the jar in the Aetna ad. The shape of the Victor jar made by Aetna is unknown; the jar was likely unmarked.

W.F.M. Creswick (1987:148) illustrated a jar embossed “MASON.S (slight arch) / 2 / PATENT NOV 30TH / 1858 (all horizontal)” on the front and “W.F.M.” on the base. She also noted that a variation of this jar had an unmarked base. Leybourne (2001:266) noted two minor variations, one with “W.F.M. (plated out) with mold #214.” Whitten (2010) identified the mark as belonging to the “Aetna Glass Works (William F. Modes, Proprietor), Pittsburgh, PA (circa 1869).”

In a personal communication (3/12/2010), David said that he based the identification on the 1869 Aetna Glass Works ad. I suspect that the initials do represent Modes, but the 1869 ad did not specify Mason jars. The jar was probably made by another Modes factory (and there were several of those).

Discussion and Conclusions As mentioned in the introduction to this article, our knowledge grows from standing on the shoulders of those who came before us. While it is distasteful to second-guess previous authors (especially ones who are personal friends), such revisions are necessary for the growth of our understanding.

All of those upon whose shoulders I now stand did excellent jobs of finding data and reaching conclusions. I could not have achieved the new conclusions without their work.

Accordingly, I present the following recap of previous work on these two glass houses: McKearin & McKearin (1941:586) only discovered an Aetna Glass Works

Bottles and Extras

in Frederick County, Maryland, possibly in business as early as 1871.

Knittle (1927:198, 441) mentioned the Arsenal Glass Works but had no information about the company. Innes (1974:178; 1976:216, 229) knew that the factory existed but had very little actual knowledge about it.

McKearin and Wilson (1978:175177) were the first to attempt to place information about the plants into a sequence. They noted that the firm of Charles Jeremy & Co. was connected to the Arsenal Glass Works from 1865 to 1869 and that W.F. Modes acquired the glass house and renamed it as the Aetna Glass Works. In 1990, McDougald and McDougald (1990:106) had discovered more data, especially about the Modes chain of companies. However, they maintained the same date ranges. The McDougalds discovered Modes, Ryrie & Co. Roller (1998a:13-15) connected the dates found by previous researchers (although he rediscovered them independently) and came to a different conclusion. He noted that Jeremy (Arsenal Glass Works) leased space in the Aetna Glass Works, owned by Modes (or Modes and partners). Roller, too, discovered new information and came to a different conclusion.

Hawkins (2009:10-14) discovered an entirely new aspect to the sequence.

He found a much earlier Aetna Glass Works – 1856! The new sequence became Aetna / Arsenal / Aetna. Again, Hawkins discovered new information.

What caused this rather bewildering set of data to fall into place in its current context was my discovery of the section of the 1872 Hopkins Atlas (Hopkins Mapping Co. 1872) that encompassed Charlotte and Smallman streets and Lafayette Alley. Smallman, Charlotte, and Lafayette Alley all ran parallel to each other northeast/southwest, creating long, thin blocks in between them. Between Charlotte and Lafayette at 32nd St., the large, end lot was labeled “Jeremy.” The map showed no buildings on the lot in 1872. With that clue, everything fell into place.

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The Perplexing A.G.W.L. / PITTS, PA Fruit Jar Although there is virtually no question that the American Glass Works, Limited, made the beer/soda bottles, Hutchinson bottles, and strap-sided flasks with the AGWL mark, the identification of the same mark (with PITTS, PA) on grooved-ring, wax-sealer fruit jars is not so easy to place. As noted above, both Innes (1974:178) and Roller (1983:7) suggested that the fruit jar mark could have been used by the Arsenal Glass Works (or Aetna Glass Works). In this interpretation, Lawrenceville provided the “L” at the end of the logo.

Ads cited in Roller (n.d.) listed fruit jars for the American Glass Works, Limited, from 1887 to 1901. The Arsenal/Aetna situation was much more complex. The original operating firm advertised a variety of bottles and vials but did not specifically mention fruit jars. However, there is a vast empty space in our knowledge until the William F. Modes ad of 1869 (Hawkins 2009:12; Roller 1996). Only the 1869 ad (Aetna Glass Works) specified the Victor, Triumph, and “Grooved Ring” fruit jars.

The inclusion of both “L” (Lawrenceville) and “PITTS” seems redundant. The argument that the “PITTs” would have been superfluous, if the “L” indicated “Lawrenceville” is somewhat nullified, however, by the flasks that bear the entire Arsenal Glass Works name and “PITTS PA.” But the flasks have no “L” to create a redundancy. Of course, neither argument is conclusive.

Although this may be irrelevant, another point concerns the shape of mark. Except for the wax-sealer fruit jar base, all other examples of the A.G.W.L. logo that the Bottle Research Group has found were embossed in a straight line either at the heel or across the base. Although a change in a single case is possible, the fruit jars do not fit the pattern observed in all other uses of the mark. See Figures 18 and 19 for a comparison.

If the 2001 value for the jars marked “A.G.W.L.” ($30-35) is any indication

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Figure 18 – Base of an AGWL fruit jar (Jay Hawkins collection)

Figure 19 – Base of an AGWL flask made by the American Glass Works, Ltd. (Jay Hawkins collection)

of scarcity (Leybourne 2001:5), then they must be fairly common. Of course, the lack of side embossing may have made them less popular. Tom Caniff (personal communication 3/9/2010) stated that the A.G.W.L. jars were not common, but there was also almost no demand for them. Jay Hawkins (personal communication 2/15/2010) noted that he had seen these jars “with some regularity” – suggesting that they cannot be too scarce in the Pittsburgh area.

The Triumph jars (from the Aetna period), on the other hand, were valued at “$500 and Up” during the same year (Leybourne 2001:366-367). Like Leybourne, McCann (2010:184) did not specifically discuss rarity, but he did were “not available.” Tom Caniff these “are indeed as scarce as the price guide suggests. You don’t see them often.”

Admittedly, trying to compare these jars by level of scarcity it tricky at best. As Bill Lindsey (personal correspondence 3/11/2010) warned, “The Triumph jars are unusual and uniquely shaped and body (shoulder) embossed raising their desirability multi-fold over the base embossed AGWLs - even with the same rarity

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level (or even if the AGWLs were much rarer than the Triumphs).” Even with these cautions, we could expect jars made by Arsenal (or Aetna), produced during an earlier period (1856-1869) to be more scarce than ones made by the American Glass Works, Limited (ca. 1886-1897). This look at scarcity supports the hypothesis that the A.G.W.L. jars were made by American Glass.

If we limit our search to the Arsenal Glass Works, the length of time in business becomes equally important.

We would expect more jars to have been made (thus, a probable greater survival number) during the decadelong tenure of the American Glass Works rather than the possible fouryear period when the Arsenal Glass Works was in business. The scarcity factor favors a manufacture of these jars by the American Glass Works, Limited.

After this lengthy and speculative discussion, however, the maker of the wax-sealer jars embossed “A.G.W.L.” remains in some contention, although the bulk of the evidence leans toward the American Glass Works, Limited, as the maker of them. At this point, there is no reason to believe that the Aetna Glass Works used any marks on any of its products. The Arsenal Glass Works certainly used its full name on the faces of two flasks and probably used AGW on some flask bases. Neither firm used an AGCo mark. The Aetna Glass Works almost certainly made the Triumph series of jars, although some of those may have been manufactured by another company either before or after those made by Aetna.

Future researchers still have much to learn, especially about the 1856 Aetna Glass Works. Was the plant open earlier?

Where was the factory? How long did the company remain in business?

Although the time periods seem to be set for the Arsenal Glass Works and the later Aetna, many details need to be filled in – for example, did the Arsenal Glass Works actually begin in 1865, as the listing indicates, or was it 1864 – but too late in the year to be included

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in the directory? It would also be nice to know more about the mysterious firm of Modes & Nichols. As noted in the entry on the Triumph jars, there are many unanswered questions related to them. Finally, the enticing identification for the maker of the A.G.W.L. fruit jar remains a bit unresolved. Some more solid evidence would be nice. I wish good luck to the next researcher who arises to stand on the shoulders of the group that brought us this far.

Acknowledgment Although I wrote this article alone, I need to thank the other members of the Bottle Research Group (Bill Lindsey, Carol Serr, and Pete Schulz) for proofreading and support. We have been working together for so long, now, that there is literally nothing I can write about bottles that is not strongly influenced by each of them. Gratitude also to Jay Hawkins, Tom Caniff, and the many other collectors/researchers who contribute ideas and support.

Special thanks to Doug Leybourne for allowing the Bottle Research Group to use the drawings from the Alice Creswick books in our articles. And a final bouquet of gratitude to my wife, Wanda Wakkinen, for listening to my endless speculations.

Sources: Creswick, Alice 1987 The Fruit Jar Works, Vol. I, Listing Jars Made Circa 1820 to 1920’s. Privately printed, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Eatwell, John M. and David K. Clint 2001 Pikes Peak Gold. Effective Graphics, Las Vegas, NV. Freeman, Larry 1964 Grand Old American Bottles.

Century House, Watkins Glen, NY. Hawkins, Jay W. 2009 Glasshouses & Glass Manufacturers of the Pittsburgh Region, 1795-1910. iUniverse, Inc., New York.

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Hopkins Company Maps 1872 “Atlas of the Cities of Pittsburgh, Allegheny, and the Adjoining Boroughs.” G. Hopkins Company Maps.

“Historic Pittsburgh,” University of Pittsburgh. http://digital.library. pitt.edu/pittsburgh/

Roller, Dick n.d. “American History Notes.”

Jones, May 1966 The Bottle Trail, Volume 6.

Nara Vista, New Mexico.

Knittle, Rhea Mansfield 1927 Early American Glass.

Appleton-Century, New York.

Leybourne, Douglas M. 1993 Red Book of Fruit Jars, No. 7.

Privately published.

McDougald, John & Carol McDougald 1990 A History and Guide to North American Glass Pintype Insulators.

Volumes 1 & 2. The McDougalds, St. Charles, Illinois.

McKearin, Helen and McKearin 1941 American Glass.

Publishers, New York.

George Crown

McKearin, Helen and Kenneth M. Wilson 1978 American Bottles & Flasks and Their Ancestry. Crown Publishers, New York.

National Glass Budget 1909 “In a Reminiscent Mood.”

National Glass Budget 25(9):11.

Works

1983 Standard Fruit Jar Reference.

Privately published.

1996 “Arsenal Glass Works History Notes.” Dick Roller files.

Innes, Lowell 1974 “Pittsburgh Glass, Part II. In American Glass: From the pages of Antiques, I. Blown and Molded

by Marvin D. Schwartz. Pyne Press, Princeton.

1976 Pittsburgh Glass, 1797-1891: A History and Guide for Collectors.

Houghton Mifflin, Boston.

Glass

1998a “Pittsburgh Glass Factory Notes (Part I).” In Fruit Jar Annual: The Guide to Collecting Fruit Jars, pp. 6-55. Jerry McCann. Privately published, Chicago.

1998b “Beaver Falls, PA History notes. Dick Roller files.

Toulouse, Julian Harrison 1969 Fruit Jars. Thomas Nelson & Sons, Camden, New Jersey.

1971 Bottle Makers and Their Marks.

Thomas Nelson, New York.

Whitten, David 2010 “Glass Factory Marks on Bottles.” http://www.myinsulators. com/glass-factories/bottlemarks. html Footnotes: 1 Although this 40-plus-year-old memory was slightly off on the Lorenz & Wightman years, all of the other details describe the Aetna Glass Works quite accurately.

For a directory to have been printed in 1869, it could only have information for that year. Each of these double-year directories in effect leave the second year as a blank spot in the historical record.

2

The most common champagne finishes have squared rings.

3

The photos of the AGW flask are small and poor quality, but these are the ones posted on eBay.

4

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Bottles and Extras

2010 FOHBC WILMINGTON NATIONAL

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Bottles and Extras ... Regional Reports continued from page 24

Oregon Bottle Collectors Association – The Stumptown Report This club must have a big magnet out there they use for drawing in new members.

They caught another one. Richard Cunningham, from Laskspur, California, has joined! Whoops, I should have read further before I reported the above. It turns out that “Richard’s membership is a gift from Pat Darnielle. Richard is Pat’s daughter Amity’s father-in-law.” Richard is a law professor, who also teaches archeological law. He had witnessed his first privy dig by Pat, Don and the Cimas and found it interesting. Even though this dig happened several years ago it sounds like Richard had not forgotten how intrigued he was with witnessing the dig.

Editor Bill Bogynska remarked on how he had received nice notes from members when they renewed their dues.

Here’s what Bill wrote in a newsletter in reply to those notes: “It’s nice to know that what I write really does get read.” He also wrote that real early in the year that he was selling at the Clark County Antique Show. He said that his sales were good, but he had a Carson City silver dollar worth almost $400 stolen out of his case. He sadly reported further “that sure takes the fun (and profit) out of the show.”

Garth Ziegenhagen had written an article on “Oregon Embossed Flasks” that appeared in the club newsletter. For those of you who are interested in Oregon embossed flasks he wrote that the best source of information is the book, “Whiskey Bottles and Liquor Containers from the State of Oregon.” It was written by John L. Thomas in 1998. He goes on to say that the book has been out of publication for many years, but a better Oregon book is not available anywhere. Garth has thoughtfully listed, “Oregon Whiskey Flasks in Garth Ziegenhagen’s Collection in 2010,” in the club’s newsletter. He included his phone number and email address with his list. His phone is: 541-548-4776. His email address is: zigs@bendcable.com. You might want to get in touch with him to chat about the flasks.

Let’s see what kind of show and tell items folks have been bringing in. Let’s

May - June, 2010

start with Pat’s Peruvian Bitters he dug. He said that it had a couple of sore spots on it.

Club member Dennis brought in an aqua Shiloh’s Consumption Cure bottle that was dug a few hours before the meeting!

Sherrie had found a great crock at the Clark County Antique Show. Bill got to bring it in and show it off. The blue stencil on it read Duke’s / Old Oregon Trail / Wagon Wheels / Barbecue / Marquam Gulch at Terwilliger / Portland 1, Oregon.

Jerry brought in several jars that he wanted to sell. He said that he used to work for Owens Glass and had dealt with molds.

Dave added some new Portland drugs to his collection. He brought in the following to show: A Cottle & Jancke, a Walter R. Hall, a large John A. Child, a Moore & Forbes Cor. 5th and U Sts. Portland (Eastside) OR and a Dr. McMunn’s Elixir of Opium. Mark brought in some Owl Drug items. He had a Kavett’s Owl Drug tin, Scott Vegetable Laxative Tablets Owl Drug tin, a Captain John Orderley’s Owl Drug Co. tin and a Throat Pastilles Owl Drug tin. There were many more impressive items that were shown and discussed.

In ending I have to tell of this little incident. I think that Bill came up with a creative idea of how to get Dave over to his house to see his collection. Dave had inadvertently left his coat at a meeting. Bill spotted it and decided to take it home. He called Dave to let him know he had his coat and invited him over to see his collection.

It was said that Dave had never seen so many bottles!

Phoenix Antique Bottles & Collectibles Club – The A-Z Collector As I was reading through The A-Z Collector looking for interesting news to report, this is what I found: “Did you know we are officially over 40 years old?” Under the question was the statement that the club is considering holding an anniversary dinner celebration!

There is a four-paragraph explanation of how this club started. Early on, several folks were walking about in old mining towns, picking up old bottles and digging old dumps. It was strictly considered a form of relaxation at that time. There was

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no formal club during those early times.

It was about nine years later that several “dedicated diggers” who were interested in bottles and their history started meeting at a farm home after a morning of digging.

The diggers took it further and formed a club.

It came to a point that in 1969 the club became too large, with too many different personal interests, so a separate club was formed. The old club remained with their variety of interests while the new club turned their interest to old bottles, digging activities and antiques.

Dave Carr’s black glass program was described as terrific. He pointed out that black glass is not necessarily the color of the glass itself but the fact that it is so dark in color. Members learned that green and amber are the most common colors. Dave has collected approximately 60 pieces. He likes black glass because it is the oldest and can be found in many varieties, shapes and sizes. Members learned that bottles can date back to the 1600s. Dave explained that the darkness of the glass protected the contents from light thus giving the contents a longer life. It was learned that black glass originated in England and European countries, but that some from the United States can be found. He mentioned onions dating 1690-1750s; mallets dating 17501770s and squat cylinders and cylinders dating 1700-1850s along with wines and case gins. Dave did mention that an example of different types of pontils on these bottles was iron and sand.

By the time you read the next news report members will have reported on their club field trip to Tucson to check out the Tanque Verde Antique Fair. They also should have an accounting on their acquisitions from the local antique shops in Tucson.

Congratulations on your anniversary and keep us posted on your field trip.

San Diego Antique Bottle and Collectibles Club - The Bottleneck One club member got off to a rough start this year. Meeting minutes reveal that “Mike Bryant was hospitalized with kidney stones while at the Las Vegas Show.” Jim Walker and Cal Fredericks came through for the club and bought up a bunch of

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raffle items at the Vegas Show that will take their club through the year. There is a great picture of those purchases on the front page of the club’s newsletter. Some of the variety of nice items are whiskeys, inks, a seltzer and perfume bottles. Also, it looks like there are a couple of amber milks that are part of the bunch.

Terry and Vanessa Monteith were congratulated on the thorough job they did on their demijohn and carboys program.

There is a picture in the newsletter of Terry with some of his collection of bottles spread out on a couple of tables.

Terry handled the explanation of both of the collectible categories while Vanessa had provided computer information to accompany Terry’s presentation. From what I understand the difference between the two bottles is that the demijohn is closely associated with wine or spirits, while the carboy was considered to contain hazardous contents or chemicals.

There were some excellent articles in a couple of this club’s newsletters earlier this year. There was an article entitled, “The Greatest Whiskey Dig Ever? – An Outhouse Dig that Will Live on Forever,” that was written by Jeff Wichmann. Then Mike had written an informative short piece in which he stated how he used the United States Post Office Zip Code system and the old zone system, to determine a timeframe for an item that aroused his curiosity on eBay. Another compelling article was, “Relics of the Ridge Route,”

by Robert C. Likes, taken from the Desert Magazine, September 1969.

The show and tell portion of a meeting is always of interest. Here is some of what Secretary Kathleen McAvay described as some nice finds. Mike Bryant showed an Orange FedMart soda can, San Diego relish bottle with label and an old whiskey flask. Jon Lawson brought in some wine bottles that might be for sale! Terry Monteith had picked up a frog-eye insulator from the Yuma show.

Matt Lawson showed an 1884 OGW bottle. Mary Serr showed her mortar and pestle collection. She got hooked after her mother gave her one as a gift. Cal Fredericks brought a 1860s pottery jug.

Carol Serr brought in some interesting bottles that she had been researching.

May - June, 2010

San Jose Antique Bottle Collectors – The Label Club member Kathie Craig and I met for the first time at the 2009 National Show held in Pomona, California. Kathie put a little note in with her newsletter that I received earlier this year. She mentioned in her note that she had missed getting her last few newsletters out to me, but she did put a bit of printable news on her note. She said “We had a great Christmas brunch with 65 people and four generations in attendance!” Your 2009 Christmas brunch sounded very impressive, Kathie, especially with getting that many folks out to a luncheon and getting four generations together in one spot at the same time.

Good for you guys. This get together proves again how this hobby keeps people connected.

It doesn’t rain very often in Southern California as most folks know. However, when it does, it usually cripples some of us.

This club proves, though, that rain or shine they show up for a meeting. This was the case when the club met to see the gold rush bottles that Roger Hill brought in. He also brought photos to support his story about the history of the Chase & Company soda water factory. The newsletter read like the company had locations in San Francisco, Stockton, and Marysville.

Believe it or not, during the same meeting, after Roger finished his talk Fred Rosenquist got his arm twisted (but I doubt it needed much twisting from what I read) to download his memory stick pictures of his collection of whaling artifacts. There was mention in the newsletter that Fred had a connection to Nantucket Island and the Whaling industry. Fred talking about his pictures automatically took the club into a second program for the evening. What a good way to ride out the rain storm.

It looks like the results of another good program will be appearing in a future newsletter. Roger is going to show slides about Wright’s Station in Santa Cruz. Club members Kim and Judy live near the site, so the club is hoping they show up and give their input at that time. To go along with that it was suggested that members bring in any bottles or artifacts that they have from Santa Cruz, Wright’s Station or the surrounding area.

Bottles and Extras

Washington Bottle & Collectors Association – Ghost Town Echo Some of you will remember that a theme of “A to Z” or “A an Z” was mentioned in the report for this club in the March – April 2010 issue of this magazine.

My personal thought was that it was going to be a “tough call” for club members.

Well, can I say that I was wrong? Gregg brought his Alaska Zarembo. Kevin Wade on his way to Chehalis, had picked up a Zarembo crown top for $25. It is reported that it is really worth $35 to $40. Then I read that Pete got it for $28 and it is said that it was an actual soda bottle with a very long neck. I’m not sure that I can follow all of this, but let’s go on. Warren brought a Juneau drug (Alaska) that was dug by Pete in Seattle, an Alice Aken, dermatologist, Seattle, and a mini-jug from Anacortes.

The list of A’s went on and on for Warren.

Fred brought Ayer’s products. He had contents is most of them. It was stated that pills and ague cure are pontiled and are the rarest (dating to the 1850s).

In one section of the meeting minutes, I read that a potential new member was present at one meeting. Maybe by the time I read the next newsletter he may already be bringing in some show and tell items. His name is Wallace Stiger. Here is what was told about Wallace: “He wrote one of the first poison books, ‘Poison Bottles – a Collectors Guide.’

Rare and out of print, he sold one on eBay for over $100. He’s from Everett, Washington.”

He is known as a great resource on Everett history and is a token collector.

“Chris Harper has been a member off and on for years, but he’s never seen a club group dig, ever, and suggests we do this because clubs should have more activities than shows and sales alone.” He told that he had permission for a dump in Roslyn; someone else trashed it. He mentioned that there are other places. Further mentioned was that the club could negotiate day use for a donation and waiver / and restore the ground to its previous condition.

Editor, Red Kacalek was credited for putting the club bylaws in electronic form.

That’s a good job out of the way.

I hope that Chris Harper’s digging suggestion works out at some point. Club members could use a little exercise now that the good weather is here.

Bottles and Extras

May - June, 2010

Classified Ads FOR SALE For Sale: Two blobtop bottles – Pablo & Co & No 334 & 331 Royal St N.O and Donahoe & Robinson Wilm Del has big D & R on back “minty”. Also hundreds of Oklahoma crown tops. Contact: David Baumann, ph: (405) 816-1340.

For Sale: Deep SCA Gem City Bottling Works straight sided with tiny fisheye $75.00; 1 oz cobalt six sided Use with Caution Poison $50.00; Brown and green double handled mini jug “Canadian Apple Blossom” $50.00, acid etched shot glass Old Stave Whiskey, St. Joseph, MO $50.00; super tall shot glass (fountain?) Andersons Phosphates, Atlanta, GA $50.00. Kiefer drug bottles, Contact: Keiffer, PO Box 1325 MacClenny, FL 32063.

For Sale: Bottles and Extras – Volume 11 (year 2000), 11 issues – missing December; Volume 10 (year 1999), complete; Volume 9 (year 1998), complete; Volume 8, 10 issues – missing January and September. $25 for all plus shipping.

Contact: William Herbolsheimer, 6 Beech Cluster, Doylestown, PA 18901, ph: (215) 340-7156, email: yaeherb@ pinerunvillage.org.

For Sale: All types of bottles and related items. Just visit our online site that is updated often with new listings. We are a safe and relaxed alternative to eBay with fixed priced items, private dealings and an outstanding reputation in selling antique bottles. Our new address is http://mysite.verizon.net/flaschenjager/ sale.html. Please have a look around.

Thanks. Contact: email: flaschenjager@ aol.com.

For Sale: RARE ca 1850 – 1860 New Orleans Seal Wine. The seal has eagle and shield with arrows and olive branch in talons surrounded by stars in circle. Embossed seal: F. Seignouret & Co/New Orleans. Olive-green with a

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May - June, 2010

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 sheared neck and applied string lip with a shallow dome kick-up. It is very crude with stretch lines and bubbles. For more details, see http://goldenpelican. com/Seignouret.htm. The swirl lines in photos are crudeness in glass, not etching. Very near mint. $4000.00. See Harmer Rooke Auction 1992. Contact: Tony Bilich, ph: (504) 708-7882, email: bilich@bellsouth.net.

For Sale: One green and one cobalt blue gargling oil Lockport, NY as well as many other medicines and milk bottles from various towns in New York and Pennsylvania. Contact: Brian Kelsey, ph: (716) 435-3252, email: bkelseycuba@aol.com.

For Sale: Directory of Connecticut Dairies, Milk Bottles & Caps – current as of 2010. 72 pages. Several thousand listings. Includes light-weight binder. $15 including postage. Contact: Peter and Trish Manfredi (editors), checks payable to Domestic Cow Antiques, PO Box 253, South Glastonbury, CT 06073.

For Sale: Milk bottle embossed One Half Pint Liquid (F.A. Buttrey Company, Havre, Montana) in slug plate with Wash and Return on back. $250.00 plus postage.

Contact: Henry Thies, PO Box 1363, Cut Bank, MT 59427, ph: (406) 873-2811.

WANTED Wanted: All Breweriana from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

Contact: Robert Jaeger, 1380 W Wisconsin Ave, Apt 232, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, ph: (264) 560-1948.

Wanted: Boozer’s Bitters/ Oscar W. Olson/ Danville, IL. Contact: Gary Sturgeon, ph: (217) 446-7066, email: gary.sturgeon@timeomatic.com.

Wanted: Rare historical flasks, pontiled medicines, and rare veterinary bottles or advertising pieces. Contact: Chris Hill, 6230 Rte 42, Woodbourne, NY 12788, ph: (845) 434-5307, email: thill3@hvc. rr.com.

Wanted: Please consider us if you are offering any Virginia bottles, early colognes, scents, smelling bottles, smelling salts, pungents or similar items.

Contact: email: flaschenjager@aol.com.

Wanted: Aqua blue hutch embossed – G.E.B. Fapf // West Palm Beach FLA (slug plate).

Finders fee added to price.Contact: Larry Smith, ph: (561) 743-7278.

Wanted: Southern Illinois milk bottles from south of I-70 and west of I-57.

Also looking for canning jars (not wealthy, but will still pay reasonable prices for good jars). Contact: Donavan Wilson, ph: (618) 316-3912, email: donavanwilson82@yahoo.com.

Wanted: St. Louis Bottles! I will pay top dollar for the following soda bottles: C. Abel in an olive color or light cobalt, J. Cairns in green and yellow, Mc Cloud & Wheaton in cobalt, P. Bermingham in yellow, Smith & Fotheringham slug plate in cobalt or aqua., R. J. Adams in cobalt and green, M. & W St. Louis ten pin, T.I. Reichenbach in aqua, or Wake & Co. Contact: Theo Adams, 3728 Fair Oaks Dr, Granite City, IL 62040, ph: (618) 781-4806.

Wanted: Nursing bottles, eye cups, insulators, and glass candy containers.

Cash paid, trades for like items considered.

Individual items or collections. Contact: Joan Roth, 405 Camelia Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32086, email: marliman@juno.com – send pictures.

Bottles and Extras

Wanted: Sacramento whiskey: THEO. BLAUTH/WHOLESALE WINE/&/LIQUOR DEALERS/ SACRAMENTO, CAL. Barnett #55.

Contact: Steve Abbott, ph: (916) 6318019, email: foabbott@comcast.net.

Wanted: Advertising stoneware from Washington state. Contact: Mike Parris, email: mnparris@comcast.net.

Wanted: Paducah, KY items – paper labeled bottles, jugs, ads, etc. Contact: BJ Summers, ph: (270) 994-7762, email: bjsummers@att.net Wanted: Oak Park, Illinois, bottles and pottery. All types including pharmacy bottles, milks, beers, jugs, etc. Contact: Ray Komorowski, ph: (708) 848-7947, email: komo8@att.net.

Wanted: Will pay $200.00 for Koca Nola soda bottles from Alabama, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, NewYork, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, Washington DC and Mexico. Contact: Charles Head, 23549-001, PO Box 150160, Atlanta, GA 30315, www.KocaNola.com or Bill Baab, ph: (706) 736-8097.

Wanted: Bottles and items wanted from the California cities of Richmond, San Pablo, Pinole, Rodeo, El Cerrito, Rust, Stege, Pt. Richmond and Eastyard.

Contact: Sonny Jackson, 2585 Kenney Dr, San Pablo, CA 94806, ph: (510) 7195401, email: sonnysred55@hotmail.com.

Wanted: Fire grenades! Grenades, fire grenade racks, advertising. Also buying early fire posters, broadsides, advertising.

Contact: Kirk, ph: (708) 878-8392, email: khumbrecht@phoenixfire.com.

Wanted: Pontiled medicine bottles from Pennsylvania towns especially Philadelphia and also later medicines (circa 1840s – 1880s). Serious collector. Contact: David Adams, 203 Meng Rd, Schwenksville, PA 19473, email: polecat1777@yahoo.com.

May - June, 2010

Bottles and Extras

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: Minnesota Medicines.

Advanced collector paying top prices for Minnesota medicines: Anti-chap; Washington Lotion; Cirkler’s Borated Cream; Thompson’s Throat Lozenges; Knowlton’s Liniment; Caswell’s Blood Cleaner; Wheeler’s Sarsaparilla; Golden Oil; Great Mormon Remedy; Nature’s Liver Renovator; Nervosus; American Chicken Cholera Cure; Dr. Tolstoi’s Life Prolonger. Contact: Boyd Becue (The Minnesota Medicine Man), PO Box 3232, Willmar, MN 56201, ph: (320) 220-1897, email: boyd_b@co.kandiyohi.mn.us.

Wanted: Hichman & Alward/Virginia City, Montana drug store bottle. Contact: Henry Thies, PO Box 1363, Cut Bank, MT 59427, ph: (406) 873-2811.

Wanted: Bottles or memorabilia from Bliss or with the word Bliss on it.

Contact: Bruce Bliss, ph: (814) 7655911, email: BDBliss@hotmail.com.

Page 11 answer: She is the fourth one in the second row - girl behind and to the right of the girl with the ball.

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

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

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May - June, 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.

April 30 & May 1 Jacksonville, Arkansas Arkansas Antique Collectors Extravaganza (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 -6 pm; 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 Show & Sale at the Perth Fairgrounds.

Info: Darcy La Frambois, ph: (613) 5452423, email: dlaraspberry@hotmail.com or Robin Plewes, ph: (613) 256-7638, email: robin.plewes@cmcelectronics.ca or www.insulators.infor/clubs.ovic.

May 2 Whitesboro, New York Mohawk Valley Antique Bottle Club’s 16th Annual Show & Sale (9 am - 2:30 pm), at the Utica Curling Club, 8300 Clark Mills Rd, Whitesboro, NY 13492.

Info: Peter Bleiberg, 7 White Pine Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413, ph: (315) 7355430, email: pmbleiberg@aol.com.

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 May 8 Chehalis, Washington Washington Bottle Collectors Association and Emerald City Insulator Club Show & Sale (9 am - 3 pm), at the Southwest Washington Fairground, Chehalis, WA. Info: Warren, ph: (206) 329-8412, email: wlbottleguy@yahoo. com or Robin, ph: (206) 522-2135.

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 30 in 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 May 15 Mountain Home, North Carolina The Dixie Jewels Insulator Club’s Spring swap meet. (9 am - late afternoon) at the Mountain Home Fire and Rescue on US Highway 25 in Mountain Home, NC. Bring your own tables.

Info: Fred or Becky Pittman, ph: (828) 692-6236, email: trailat@bellsouth.net or Cal and Barbara Baker, ph: (828) 697-9410, email: calb@bellsouth.net.

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,

Bottles and Extras

PA 15312, ph: (724) 345-3653 or (412) 2987831, email: heidirus@gmail.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.

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 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 4 pm. Info: Bill Henness, PO Box 5301, Helena, MT 59601, ph: (406) 459-3038, email: bhen-ness@ bresnan.net or Ray Thompson, ph: (406) 273-7780, cell: (406) 529-2255, email: KCthomp@aol.com.

June 3 - 5 Hershey, Pennsylvania The National Association of Milk Bottle Collectors’ 30th Annual Convention will be held at the Holiday Inn in Grantville (Hershey), PA. Info: Penny Gottlieb, 18 Pond Pl, Cos Cob, CT 06807, ph: (203) 869-8411.

June 5 Toledo, Iowa The Hawkeye State Insulator’s 13th Annual Swap Meet (8 am - 3 pm) at the Toledo Height Park, Toledo, IA - Highway 30 one mile west of Highway 63.

Info: Dave Shaw, ph: (641) 484-8463 or Tom Murphy, ph: (641) 484-6870.

May - June, 2010

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 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.

June 12 Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania 37th Annual Pennsylvania Insulator Show & Sale (9am - last person leaves) at 1837 Perkiomenville Rd, Perkiomenville, PA 18074. Info: Claude Wambold, 1837 Perkiomenville Rd, Perkiomenville, PA 18074, ph: (215) 2348413, email: acwambold2@verizon. net or Steve Bobb, ph: (610) 539-6533, email: sbobb1@verizon.net.

June 18 - 19 Aurora, Oregon The Oregon Bottle Collectors Association’s 2010 Summer Show & Sale (9am - 3pm with setup and early admission Friday 1pm - 6pm), at the American Legion Hall, 3rd and Main St, Aurora, OR. Info: Jim or Julie Dennis, ph: (541) 467-2760, email: jmdennis@hotmail.com.

June 26 Tulsa, Oklahoma Tulsa Antiques and Bottle Club’s 33rd Annual Show & Sale (8 am - 4 pm), Lower Level Quik Trip Center, Tulsa Fairgrounds, 21st & Yale, Tulsa, OK. Info: Richard Carr, 4 Gawf Pl, Muskogee, OK 74403, ph: (918) 687- 4150, email: privy1964@yahoo.com.

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June 26 West Hartford, Connecticut The Southern Connecticut Antique Bottle & Collectors Association’s 39th Annual Show & Sale (9 am - 1 pm), at St. Marks Parish Center, 467 Quaker Lane South, West Hartford, CT. Info: Bruce Mitchell, ph: (203) 799 - 2570, email : lfranz465@hotmail.com.

June 26 Hinckley, Illinois Squaw Grove Insulator Swap-Um (8 am - ??) at 112 E Oak Knoll Dr, Hinckley, IL 60520 including Rick Soller auction featuring “bone yard” auction to benefit Greater Chicago Insulator Club and Crown Jewels magazine. Info: Jay Dondorf, ph: (815) 286-3110, email: insulators1@verizon.net.

June 26 Lostine, Oregon Eagle Cap Swap Meet (9 am - dark) at 65028 Granger Rd, Lostine, OR with “bone yard” sale with proceeds to benefit Crown Jewels magazine. Info: Howard Banks, ph: (541) 569-2318, email hbanks@grantspass.com.

June 26 Weston, West Virginia West Virginia Museum of American Glass Annual Bottle Show & Sale, at 230 Main St, Weston, WV. Free set up and free admission. Info: Sharon, ph: (304) 269-5006 July 3 - 4 Urbana, Ohio First Annual Urbana Ohio Bottle Swap (Both days 8am - 4pm) in conjunction with the Urbana Antique Show & Flea Market. Info: Steve Goddard, 5890 Valley Pike, Urbana, OH 43078, ph: (937) 788-2058, email: stevegoddard@ woh.rr.com or John Bartley, ph: (937) 964-8080, email: jbartley@woh.rr.com.

July 8 - 10 Muncie, Indiana Summer Muncie Fruit Jar Show & Gettogether will be held at the Signature Inn, 3400 N Chadam Ln, Muncie, IN 47304 (765-284-4200 - ask manager, Cathy or assistant Myra for special $59 rate). Three

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days of room-hopping with other scheduled activities. Free admission. Info: Jerry McCann, ph: (773) 777-0443, email: fjar@ aol.com or Marianne Dow, ph: (419) 6485600) email: finbotclub@gmail.com July 16 - 18 Boxborough, Massachusetts National Insulator Association’s 41st Annual Convention and Show & Sale, (Friday 9 am - 4 pm for NIA members only, Saturday 9 am - 4 pm, Sunday 9 am - 2 pm) at the Holiday Inn, Boxborough, MA 01719, ph: (978) 263- 8701. Info: Bill or Jill Meier, ph: (978) 369-0208 or Dario DiMare, ph: (508) 877-4444, email: Dario@dariodesigns.com or www.nia.org/shows/national.

July 23 - 24 Birmingham, Alabama Birmingham Antique Bottle and Pottery Show (Saturday 8 am - 3 pm free admission, Friday 4 pm - 7 pm dealer setup and early buyers), at the Bessemer Civic Center at Exit 108 off I20/59. Info: Tom Lines, PO Box 382831, Birmingham, AL 35238, ph: (205) 410-2191, email: bluecrab1949@hotmail.com

May - June, 2010

July 24 Reno, Nevada Reno Antique Bottle & Collectibles Club’s 46th Annual Show & Sale (9 am - 3 pm with early buyers Friday 11 am - 6 pm $10 and dealer setup Friday 10 am - 6 pm) at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center 4590 S Virginia St, Reno, NV. Info: Willy Young, ph: (775) 746-0922 or Helen Walker, ph: (775) 345-0171.

July 31 Leadville, Colorado Antique Bottle Collectors of Colorado’s 6th Annual Show & Sale (9 am - 4 pm with setup at 6 am). $3 admission, at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum Convention Center, 117 W 10th St, Leadville, CO. Contact: Jim and Barb Sundquist, 2861 Olympia Ln, Evergreen, CO 80439, ph: (303) 674-4658.

August 6 - 7 Wilmington, Ohio FOHBC 2010 National Show will be held at the Roberts Center in Wilmington, OH (half-way between Columbus, OH and Cincinnati, OH on I-71). Info:

Bottles and Extras

Jamie Houdeshell, PO Box 57, Haskins, OH 43525, ph: (419) 722-3184, email: JHBottle@hotmail.com or Joe Hardin, 594 Laymon Rd, New Vienna, OH 45159, ph: (937) 371-0264, email: jkcollectables@gmail.com. Check Bottles and Extras and www.FOHBC.com for more information as it becomes available.

August 14 Martinsburg, West Virginia The Chesapeake Bay Insulator Club’s 11th Annual Shenandoah Valley Insu-lator Show & Sale (9 am - 2 pm with dealer setup at 7 am), at the Calvary United Methodist Church, 220 W Burke St, Martinsburg, WV. Info: Jeff Hollis, 56 Corning Way, Martinsburg, WV 25405, ph: (304) 2636140, email: wvacampfire@verizon.net, website: www.insulators.info/clubs/cbic.

August 27 - 28 Helena, Montana Ninth Montana Big Sky Insulator Swap Meet at Yuhas Millwork Company, 2201 Hauser Blvd, Helena, MT. Info: Ron Yuhas, ph: (406) 443-6154 or (406) 4394573, email: gramapig@bresnan.net

May - June, 2010

Bottles and Extras

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FOHBC MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY ADDITIONS & CHANGES New Members Maureen Crawford & Greg Bair 34 Harvard Rd Stow, MA 01775 978-897-7327 buttlebuff@comcast.net NE glass, fancy colognes, Sandwich glass Robert Bergman 820 Monroe St Oshkosh, WI 54901 920-235-2871 wisbottles@yahoo.com Antique beer and soda bottles from Oshkosh, WI Gary Berkley PO Box 147 Drifting, PA 16834 814-590-3225 William Brugmann 185 Tchefuncte Dr Covington, LA 70433 wcbrug@yahoo.com Flasks and cathedral pickles Dana Charlton 6300 Riverdale Ave Apt 6E Bronx, NY 10471 718-578-7178 ladynme@earthlink.net Early utility bottles, dog license tags, and embossed Indian medicine bottles Brian Crill 288 Petticoate Ln Bloomingburg, NY 12721 845-798-5415 bcrill66@aol.com

Tom Kelly 401 Pierce Dr Chester Springs, PA 19425 610-321-0360 tpgrd@aol.com Philadelphis Weiss beer Bill Nichols PO Box 61762 Boulder City, NV 89006 702-469-5789 Fruit jars John Richard 237 Old San Carlos Blvd Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 239-765-5005 Michael Seeliger N8211 Smithe Rd Brooklyn, WI 53521 608-455-4040 MWSeeliger@gmail.com Warners Mark Thommen 4259 Necker Ave Nottingham, MD 21236 410-529-2008 Mineral waters James Waite 10 Berens Dr Kentfield, CA 94904 415-847-8064 jfwcna@yahoo.com Western Little Rock Bottle Club Attn: Ed Tardy 16201 Hwy 300 Roland, AR 72135 Changes

Joe Hardin 594 Laymon Rd New Vienna, OH 45159 937-371-0264 jkcollectables@gmail.com Saratoga mineral waters

David & Joann Adams 203 Meng Rd Schwenksville, PA 19473 610-287-9431 polecat1777@yahoo.com Blob tops and medicines

Tom Johnson 4080 Woodcock Way Washoe, NV 89704 775-849-0675 bigtommyj@gmail.com

Boyd Beccue 3773 17th St NE Willmar, MN 56201 320-235-5801 boyd-b@co.kandiyoh.mn.us Patent medicines and cures

James Burns 69 E 6th St Oneida, NY 13421 315-527-3269 thorlaw@hotmail.com Western New York medicines, beers, sodas and milks Dr. Peter Colman 83 Knightsbridge Dr Mundelein, IL 60060 224-433-6802 peter@drpetercolman.com Buzz Doughty PO Box 2526 Sebastopol, CA 95473 707-823-1715 califbuzz@aol.com Everything - decoys, bottles, shot glasses, etc Don Frace 7516 Rock Canyon Dr. San Diego, CA 92126 858-220-3494 drfrace@yahoo.com Early proprietary medicines, apothecary, and related advertising

Jerrell Melear 6970 Oak Leaf Dr. Fairburn, GA 30213 770-306-0734 melear0734@bellsouth.net Souther bottles especially Georgia, Coca-cola, minijugs, Atlanta medicines Steve Mertz 59 Sharp Rd Sandy Lake, PA 16145 724-376-2020 lettered6969@yahoo.com Fruit jars - lettered and numbered 1858s and Crowleytowns James & Joanee Scaturro 27 E. Slope Rd. Bayville, NY 11709 516-422-5483 Nash927@verizon.net Poisons Ted Siri 3428 Van Dyke Rd Watkins Glen, NY 14891 607-228-7039 tts109@aol.com Western bottles and antiques

Tim Hayes 1430 102nd Ave Plainwell, MI 49080 269-685-6423 moondog01@gmail.com Flasks ans small round bottom bottles

Richard T. Siri Jr 2079 Canover Ct. S Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-526-9684 ricksiri@sonic.net California whiskeys, pickle & sauce jars

Brian Kelsey PO Box 92 Krushford, NY 14777 716-435-3252 bkelseycuba@aol.com Old bottles and digging

Constance Vogt 8145 Kaitlin Ln Ooltewah, TN 37363 423-910-1155 recjvogt@gmail.com Small bottles - inks, cures, pickles

Ray Klingensmith PO Box 628 Parkman, OH 44080 740-432-4466 Ray@poletop.com Ray & Pegi Komorowski 127 S Cuyler Oak Park, IL 60302 708-848-7947 komo8@att.net John A. Lomax bottles from Chicago

Encourage New Members!

They are the future of our hobby!

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May - June, 2010

Bottles and Extras

Bottles and Extras

May - June, 2010

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May - June, 2010

Bottles and Extras

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 • 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...

dealer table rent

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

Paper Trail! - page 8

FOHBC Virtual Museum Concept page 25

www.FOHBC.com