july-august 2008
The official publication of the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors
Bottles and Extras
A Bitter January Dig Page 24
red
Vol. 19 No. 4
www.FOHBC.com
Bottles and Extras
July-August 2008
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The Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors
Bottles and Extras
Vol. 19 No. 4
July-August 2008
No. 178
Table of Contents Bottle Buzz................................................2
A Bottler’s Helper - A Review Bill Baab.......................................23
eBay and “sniping” Cecil Munsey...............................48
Bitter January Digs Jeff Mihalik.................................24
The Dating Game: The Kearns Glass Companies Bill Lockhart, Pete Schulz, Carol Serr & Bill Lindsay with contributions by David Whitten..........................................50
Recent Finds..............................................6 At Auction.............................................7 FOHBC Officer Listing 2006-2008............8
Hunt’s Remedy Cecil Munsey..............................28
President’s Message...................................9 Regional Reports........................................10
A Cap for What? Barry L. Bernas..........................32
York EXPO 2008 Auction Lot Preview from Randy Driskill........................21
Clarke & Kelly Jack Sullivan...........................38
Did George Washington Drink from this Bottle? Bill Baab..................................22
An Unusual Bequest Cecil Munsey..............................42 Absinthe! Cecil Munsey...............................44
Bloody Good Time in England Ed Stewart...............................59 FOHBC Membership Directory Additions ........................................63 Membership Information........................64 Classified Ads and Ad Rate Information...65 FOHBC Show-Biz Show Calendar Listings............68
Don’t miss an issue - Please check your labels 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; Ph: (816) 318-0160 or E-mail: osubuckeyes71@aol.com To ADVERTISE, SUBSCRIBE or RENEW a subscription, see PAGES 64-65 for DETAILS. To SUBMIT A STORY, send a LETTER TO THE EDITOR or have COMMENTS and concerns, Contact: Kathy Hopson-Sathe, Bottles and Extras Editor, 341 Yellowstone Drive, Fletcher, NC 28732 Phone: (828) 335-7788 or E-mail: kathy@thesodafizz.com BOTTLES AND EXTRAS © (ISSN 1050-5598) is published bi-monthly (6 Issues per year) by the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors, Inc. (a nonprofit IRS C3 educational organization) at 401 Johnston Court, Raymore, MO 64083; Ph: (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 other foreign, $65 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 J-2 Printing, North Kansas City, MO 64116.
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July-August 2008
Bottle Buzz
News, Notes, Letters, etc. Send Buzz Notes to: Kathy Hopson-Sathe at: kathy@thesodafizz.com or write: Buzz Notes, 341 Yellowstone Drive, Fletcher, NC 28732
An ABSOLUT silly controversy The latest skirmish in the never-ending culture war between Mexico and the United States is “Absolut” nonsense. In fact, the flap is part controversy and part cocktail. Here’s the recipe for conflict: Take two parts immigration politics, a shot of U.S. history laced with Manifest Destiny, a splash of guilty conscience and add a twist of old-fashioned paranoia. Then shake it all up with a spirited advertising campaign aimed at selling premium vodka, in a goodlooking frosted-finish bottle, to drinkers (and eventually to bottle collectors). Serve over ice. Causing quite a stir, Swedish vodka maker Absolut has mixed up a batch of cheeky print advertisements intended to show customers what life would be like in a perfect world. Most of the ads are harmless, as in: “In an Absolut world, all your spam would be true” or “In an Absolut world, friends would get together more often.” As hip and clever ad campaigns go, this one is first-rate. But then the company envisioned a map of North America where – in an Absolut world – Mexico’s northern border would rub up against Oregon, Idaho, and Oklahoma. That is a world where the territorial boundary between the United States and Mexico would stand as it was before the land grab that U.S. historians generously refer to as the Mexican War of 1846-48. In the ad, Mexico returns the favor and gobbles up California, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and part of
Wyoming. (See the Absolut ad.) -----------------Dear Friends, With tremendous sorrow, I write to tell you that Tim Hill, of Woodbourne, N.Y., passed away (the third weekend of April). His passing was peaceful, in the arms of his loving wife, Chris. Tim was a marvelous individual, friend to all who knew him, and collector extraordinaire — what a great loss this is. A photo of Tim at one of his favorite pastimes is attached. Chris asked me to tell the “bottle world” so please help pass the word. Dana Charlton
Bottles and Extras a jar found by a woman who had just moved into an old farmhouse in Naperville, Ohio. Embossed, “Dalbey’s Fruit Jar,” it was one of only a handful known and the one of the finest example known to date - complete with the lid. She found it in a cupboard while looking around the place. More than likely, the bottle had sat in the same cupboard for the last 150 years. After all that time, the bottle appreciated in value to $17,360. In another auction, not sponsored by ABA, a Bryant Stomach Bitters Gold Rushera bottle, found in an area of the San Francisco Bay considered a dumping ground in the 1950s, fetched $68,750. ------------------
Bottle Collecting in the West A site that focuses mainly on Western bottles, includes other kinds of bottles and related topics from across the U.S. is www.OldWestBottles.com. ------------------
Tim at the show at Balston Spa last year. -----------------The March-April (2008) issue of Bottles and Extras featured two examples for auction by American Bottle Auctions. The first was a bottle known as the People’s Favorite Bitters. Previous to this sale, there were only three known examples of this bottle, and the one that crossed the block at ABA was found by a woman in Kansas while her parents were demolishing an old house. With spirited biddings, the bottle exceeded expectations and sold for $25,760. Another rare and exceptional piece was
Just when you thought you’d heard it all... Bill Bramanti’s favorite beer is Pabst Blue Ribbon. He loves it. Really loves it. So much so that he’s already had his coffin specially made, and it’s designed to look like a can of the trendy brew. Bramanti isn’t sick, so he doesn’t plan on needing it just yet. For now he plans to use it as a cooler. At 5-feet-9 inches tall and weighing 280 pounds, Bramanti has tried it out though. “I actually fit, because I got in here,” Bramanti, 67, of South Chicago Heights, Ill.
Bottles and Extras said. He threw a party for friends, featuring his coffin filled with ice and, what else, Pabst Blue Ribbon. One comment from a reader, after reading the entire article, was that at least Bill didn’t drink his Pabst in bottles. I suppose that was supposed to mean it would be more difficult to be buried in a bottle? Hey, that’s an idea! It would be a way to “take it with you” or rather, take you with it. -----------------Jar museum owner dies Phil Robinson, owner of the Robinson Jar Museum in Muncie, Ind., died early in the morning of May 5th. Robinson’s struggle with prostate cancer had already prompted him to close the museum next to his home off Wheeling Avenue and put the collection of more than 4,000 fruit jars and 58 kerosene lanterns up for sale. Phil was, along with his wife, Meredith, a long standing member of the Midwest Antique Fruit Jar Club and contributed vastly to the glass collecting hobby over a period of several decades. Phil was always more than willing to share his knowledge with others and his enthusiasm for the hobby was contagious. It began with a lid without a jar. In 1971, Robinson found a lid for a Hoosier Jar, circa 1885. During his 12-year search to find a jar to go with the lid, he began his longtime hobby — fruit jar collecting. One jar led to another. Phil had amassed a comprehensive collection of Ball-made jars, but did not specialize in any particular category. His collection contained a broad array of items, representing the history of home canning in the U.S. and the world. He had rare Ball jars, colored jars, odd closure jars, jellies, stoneware jars, 1858 jars, Atlas jars, Canadian, Australian and European jars, glass-lined Kerosene cans, original molds, rare oversized promotional jars, salt and pepper sets, commemorative and special run jars - the list is endless. In an interview prior to his death, Robinson said he had turned his collection over to Greg Spurgeon, a Rosedale jar collector. Spurgeon expects it to take 2-3 years to complete the sales of a collection valued at about $300,000 — at auctions and on eBay. Note: As many know, Phil was also a
July-August 2008 manufacturer and supplier of reproduction metal fruit jar closures. David Rittenhouse of Farmland, Ind., has taken over that operation. My fellow jar collectors, For those of you who did not know Phil, or had a chance to visit his museum, you missed the opportunity to know one of the finest gentlemen ever to grace our hobby. First, Phil was one of the more knowledgeable collectors I have ever met, especially with regards to Ball Bros. and the other manufacturers located near Muncie. His recall of facts was phenomenal, and I spoke with him often over the years whenever I needed some information or enlightenment about jars or makers from the area around Muncie. He never lost his excitement for collecting, even at 85 years of age. I spoke my last words with him on Saturday (May 3rd), and we talked for a while about jars. I could truly still hear the spark of excitement, even in his weakened voice. Phil never turned away a visitor to his museum, regardless of how busy he might have been or the time of day or week. My hat is off to him for his many years of drumming up interest in our hobby, and for his patience and helpfulness with the public and with all kinds of collectors, be they veterans or newbies. There will never be another Phil Robinson. Thanks to him for many great memories. It’s all smooth sailing now, my friend. Greg Spurgeon -----------------He didn’t come to visit, but sent a nice note By Bill Baab, Southern Region editor I waited and waited, but a Secret Service agent never came calling to my door in Augusta, Ga., to announce that, yes, former President Jimmy Carter was interested in checking out my bottle collection. However, the ex-President did send me a nice note, thanking me for the signed copy of my book, Augusta on Glass, and the March-April issue of Bottles and Extras. It was in that issue that contributing writer Cecil Munsey delved into the past and reproduced an article about the Brothers Carter (Jimmy and Billy) first published years ago. That article stirred my memory cells and I recalled sending Jimmy an Augusta bottle back in 1974 when he was Georgia’s governor. He’d mentioned an interest in seeing my collection, but I’d never invited
3 him. So I sent him the book and magazine and issued an invitation to visit. The Secret Service checks out such things, so I waited with bated breath for one to show up. It didn’t happen. My note reads, “April 23, 2008. To Bill Baab. Thank you for sending me the inscribed copy of Augusta on Glass and the Mach(sic)-April issue of Bottles and Extras. I appreciate your remembering me in such a thoughtful way, and Rosalynn joins me in sending you our warm best wishes. Sincerely, (s) Jimmy Carter.” -----------------From Wanda Wilberger: Dear Editor, I would be able to confirm, one way or another, a fact in a conversation I had with a local bottle collector years ago. I’ve no reason to doubt what he said but have not been able to confirm it. I collect Buffalo Lithia and Buffalo Mineral Water bottles and this digger/dealer told me that there exists a cobalt example. He claims to have purchased it from a small antique shop near Richmond, Va. in the 1980s. It has an embossed star within a circle and the star reads Buffalo Litha Water. He sold it to a collector in Texas, who later sold it to a collector in Mechanicsville, Va. I have tried to verify such a bottle exists but no one else seems to have heard of such an example, even though it’s hard to find a bottle person who has not seen a few dozen Buffalos around. I have seen several shades of aqua and green, though not the emerald, two different embossments of the teal (not including the repro) and actually have a topaz to compliment the honey amber. If any of your readers could verify the cobalt, or have a picture they would share, please let me know. Wanda can be reached by her email: wandawilberger@verizon.net. -----------------Invention of new bottle closure University of California, Davis students have invented a way to bottle wine that combines the breathe-ability of cork with the reliability and convenience of a screw cap. The invention won the university’s annual Big Bang business plan contest and $15,000 in startup funding recently. The patent-pending design is a 5-cent plastic and metal disk beneath a screw cap. Like cork, the cap lets in just enough oxygen so the wine can age properly.
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July-August 2008
The inventors say the team’s invention can be adjusted for different wines. For instance, pinot noir needs a little oxygen, while cabernet sauvignon needs a lot. Vintners want cork alternatives because cork can produce a mustysmelling compound. Will this affect or effect collecting bottles in the future? -----------------Des Moines, Iowa - Powdery grains of colored sand in a foot-tall bottle form a picture so astonishingly detailed that you can see the fringe on George Washington’s jacket and the flared nostrils of his white horse. The sand-art bottle at the State Historical Museum was created by Andrew Clemens (1857-94), an Iowan who collected rocks -colored pink, blue and green by iron oxide -from bluffs along the Mississippi River. After pulverizing the rocks and mixing 42 different hues of sand, he layered it into bottles, creating intricate geometric patterns, flowers, eagles, steamships and more. Though most of Clemens’ works have been shaken or shattered, an intact rendering of a ship recently sold for almost $12,000. Of the museum’s five Clemens bottles, curator Michael Smith says: “We don’t move them much.” -----------------To my friends in the fruit jar hobby, Quite some time has passed sine I have written to you. As a matter of fact, it has been about five years. Very much has happened since then. This January, we completed Red Book #10. The process took much longer than expected due to technical difficulties, which were overcome with the most gracious help of my dear wife, Lori, and her wonderful daughter, Emily. It is my apology that the hobby waited so long for the new edition. However, we took our time and concentrated on providing what we feel is a great updated edition! In general, the pricing has been greatly influenced by online auctions. The internet has brought about change that has benefited the hobby. Many new items of all collectible descriptions are becoming more known and, very importantly, more available. More and more people are getting involved. The significant increase in the supply of many types of jars has, at times, exceeded demand, thus, creating downward pressure on the values of more common varieties. Shipping expense has had an affect on what we are willing to pay for many jars, especially common varieties. Mid-range value jars have remained quite constant with some downward value pressure due to increased supply and shipping costs. Rare jars have improved in value because supply is limited and, most likely, always will be. In all categories, originality, condition, color and eye appeal are the major determinants of value. It appears that attendance at shows has diminished. This is probably due to everything, including travel, being more expensive. It is much easier to shop at your computer. Time also is in shorter supply for most of us. Shows are always a wonderful place to meet friends, as well as buy and sell. We cannot forget that the fruit jar hobby would not exist if it weren’t for the people in it. I always encourage collectors to attend shows and see firsthand what is available. I have never been to a show I did not like. It seems that every show has something for everyone. We have established a website, www.redbookjars.com, and welcome visitors. We are in the process of becoming more informative about jar issues and welcome your comments and suggestions. We, and the Red Book, are here to serve the hobby and leave the hobby better off than we found it years ago. Best wishes and happy collecting, Doug Leybourne
Bottles and Extras
Noted Pennsylvania historian to address Bottle Expo banquet YORK, Pa. — The roles York played in the shaping of America’s history will be among topics discussed by Georg R. Sheets, prominent Pennsylvania historian and author, as the keynote speaker at the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors Expo 2008 Aug. 8-10. “I think visitors will find York a charming place, very historic, and its leaders had lots of say in the furthering of the American spirit,” said Mr. Sheets. “I’ll also touch on the city’s industries and how things were made and used in various kinds of containers.” The Expo will be held at the York Fairgrounds’ Toyota Arena and several hundred dealers in antique bottles, pottery and other collectibles are expected. The show opens to the public on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., with a $5 per person admissions charge. Seminars dealing with subjects of interest to collectors will be held on Friday, Aug. 8, beginning at 8 a.m. Dealer setup and admission of early buyers runs from 1 to 5 p.m., at the fairgrounds, with the banquet at which the historian will speak scheduled for 7 p.m., at the Yorktowne Hotel “I don’t know too much about antique bottles other than those I’ve uncovered through my research of York industries,” said Mr. Sheets, a collector of quilts and blanket chests, especially those originating in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. He said the York area was well known for its Pfaltzgraf pottery. Mr. Sheets, who also conducts walking tours of York from the hotel, is a prolific author. Books include Facts and Folklore of York County, Pennsylvania; Lawyers and Leaders: The Role of Lawyers in the Development of York County, Pennsylvania; Made in York: A Survey of the Agricultural & Industrial Heritage of York County, Pennsylvania, and York County: To the Setting of the Sun, An Illustrated History. More information about the FOHBC and the Expo is available from R. Wayne Lowry at 1 (816) 318-0161, or at JarDoctor@aol.com.
Bottles and Extras
Crystal (Glass) Skulls In the newest “Indiana Jones” movie, which opened recently, the fedora-wearing, whipsnapping archaeologistadventurer finds himself – and plenty of peril – in a place called the “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” No such kingdom exists, of course, but crystal (glass) skulls do. They’re as real as, well, “Dr. Indiana Jones.” The fact is that Hollywood couldn’t invent a tale as fantastic as the reputed history of crystal skulls – the most notorious of which reside in three renowned museums and a handful of private collections. Depending on who’s talking, these 13 skulls are either artifacts of ancient Mesoamerica, relics from the lost city of Atlantis, alien tchotchkes (small decorative objects) or the latest examples in a long line of archaeological hoaxes. Scientists choose the last choice. They say there’s no evidence to indicate the skulls are legitimate archaeological artifacts, but plenty of reasons to suspect fraud. “The skulls are wonderfully intriguing artifacts,” said Joe Nickell, senior research fellow at the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. “They have a kind of aura, just not in the mystical sense.” Nickell has investigated the crystal skulls several times, never finding anything remotely mystical. So too has Jane MacLaren Walsh, an anthropologist at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, who analyzed two skulls and recently wrote about them in the June 2008 issue of Archaeology magazine. Walsh has one of them: a 31-pound, 10-inch-tall chunk of hollowed-out quartz anonymously mailed to the Smithsonian 16 years ago. An unsigned letter claimed it was of Aztec origin; Walsh says it is not. The British Museum in London has a skull, as does the Quai Branly Museum in Paris. The other skulls are privately held. Some have names, such as “skull of destiny,” “Sha-Na-Ra skull,” “Maya skull,” “E.T. skull,” “amethyst skull,” “pink-crystal
July-August 2008 skull” and “Max,” a skull whose Texas owners contend was crafted by Mayan priests 36,000 years ago. Max is supposed to be a good skull. Conversely, the most notorious of the skulls is the Mitchell-Hedges skull, aka the “skull of doom.” The daughter of English explorer Frederick Arthur Mitchell-Hedges allegedly discovered it in the 1920s at the ancient Mayan city of Lubaantun in Belize. In his 1954 memoir, Mitchell-Hedges estimated the 11-pound, 5.25-inch-tall skull to be 3,600 years old. He wrote that locals said ancient Mayan priests used the skull to wish destruction upon enemies, and that the locals insisted he take it. Until she died last year at age 100, Anna Mitchell-Hedges said her father’s story was true. But according to Anna and others, the skull of doom has shed its evil ways. It’s now called “the skull of love.” Efforts to analyze the Mitchell-Hedges skull have proved fruitless. Its owners have largely kept it under wraps. But other skulls have been examined. Walsh and British Museum anthropologist Margaret Sax in 2004 has scrutinized the British Museum skull, originally purported to be pre-Columbian, several times over the decades, most recently. They concluded that it, like the Smithsonian skull, was a fake. Microscopic examination revealed symmetrical grooves on the skull’s surface that could only have been made by lapidary machines, which didn’t exist in the New World until Europeans arrived. Further, the rock crystal probably originated in Brazil, well outside the Aztecs’ trading network. And one of the skull’s previous owners was Eugene Boban, a 19thcentury French antiquities dealer with a murky sense of morality. Recently, the Quai Branly Museum admitted that its skull, supposedly a representation of the Aztec god of the dead, Mictlantecuhtli, was also a modern fabrication. It, too, had tiny, machine-made grooves, and it also had once belonged to Boban. Boban may be the mastermind behind the skulls. For a time in the late 1800s, he made quite a living selling
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skulls and other alleged Mesoamerican artifacts to enthralled Europeans. Walsh said the skulls “represented what Europeans considered exotic, barbaric and savage about pre-Columbian Mexico, but in an artistic form they could appreciate.” Mexican artisans, possibly under Boban’s direction, crafted what Walsh suspects are the earliest phony skulls. Later skulls may have come from IdarOberstein, a German village famous for its crystal ware. “To my knowledge, no archaeologist has ever dug up (a crystal skull) anywhere in Mexico or Central America, or anywhere else for that matter,” Walsh said. Researchers say none of the skulls display characteristics typical of Aztec, Mayan, Toltec or Mixtec cultures. They come in different sizes, colors and styles. But all have at least one thing in common: an uncommon ability to attract attention. Most have become New Age talismans believed to harbor healing powers. Some are reputed to be gifts from the gods, or possibly from a society now living at the Earth’s core. According to one legend, the 13 skulls must be gathered together Dec. 21, 2012, the last day of the 5,126-year-old Mayan Long Count calendar. If they aren’t, the planet could fall off its axis. In the meantime, the skulls remain mostly out of sight. Walsh keeps the Smithsonian’s skull locked in an office cabinet. The British Museum and the Quai Branly Museum display theirs – as examples of archaeological hoaxes. Max, the Texas skull, can be rented for special occasions. The skull in the latest Indiana Jones film is only a movie prop, but like all of the other known crystal (glass) skulls, perhaps their best use is as a paperweight. Cecil Munsey
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July-August 2008
Bottles and Extras
Recent FindS A recent email to Jeff Wichmann turned out to be quite interesting. The sender mentioned he had a jar. His father, Fred, had recently passed and before he did, told his son to sell the jar. The seller, whose name is Bill, said his father had bought a jar at a flea market years ago and it had remained safely in their house ever since. After some brief small talk, Jeff asked him what he had. “A fruit jar that has Lupton’s embossed on it,” was his reply. As Bill talked, Jeff went to the bookshelf, pulled out Doug Leybourne’s Redbook and Jerry McCann’s Fruit Jar Annual for 2008. Not a Lupton jar in sight. Jeff figured it was a turn of the century jar made in his area of the country that just didn’t have the interest of either author. “Does it say anything else” Jeff asked? “Yes it does,” he replied. “Self Sealer Pat. May 29th 1866.” He had Jeff’s attention. Surely Doug or Jerry would include a jar from the 1860s? Jeff needed more information so he called Doug Leybourne, who told him he was not familiar with the jar. Jeff called Bill back and told him the news: it’s unlisted and nothing else except that it could be an exceptionally rare and possibly valuable jar. Jeff needed to see it so the next day he sent Bill a Fedex label to get a look. Bill’s dad, Fred, and his family had settled near New Jersey and he had done some research on the jar and pointed Jeff in the right direction. Jeff went to Google Patent Search and there it was as plain as day. Not only the entire patent, number 55128, but a picture of the jar and its unique lid. Designed, according to the patent abstract, to be pressed onto the mouth of the jar, placed in boiling water with some weight added to the top and the contents, when the jar and contents cooled, would seal itself. A self-sealing jar, just like the embossing said. As Jeff read the United States Patent Office abstract dated May 29, 1866, he could tell the Lupton brothers thought they had a unique and possibly groundbreaking invention. They explained “by means of which fruit cans can be sealed air-tight in such a way that the fruit can be kept sound and sweet for
any length of time, and the stopper can be removed when required without difficulty and without injuring the stopper; and it consists of a fruit-can stopper formed by combing an India-rubber or equivalent lining or surface with a wooden or metallic cap; as hereinafter more fully described.” A novel idea indeed! The patent went on to describe the different materials that could be used for the container including, tin, glass or earthenware. “Among the advantages,” the patent reads, “our invention it may be mentioned that the operator can always tell whether the can is sealed or not…for if the sealing is not perfect the stopper can be lifted from the can.” Joshua and Nathan Lupton signed the patent on February 19th, 1866. Witnessed by a Mr. I.F. Oshel and a Mr. Levi Morris. The patent also states that the Lupton brothers were from Stafford, Ohio. A town that, as of 2000, still had a population of only 86. A lot
of jars were made in Ohio. In addition, a picture of their invention is shown, the jar or can, exactly as the jar appears, without the embossing. A most unusual lip applied to the top of the jar; the very top a ground or polished finish. It’s called a fruit-jar on the abstract and a fruit can on the picture. Looking at the jar, or can, it is a nice bluish aqua with some good overall character. Lots of tiny bubbles, plenty of light whittle overall, and that odd flat top with signs of grinding or polishing. It’s obvious they wanted the flattest lip possible to insure a tight seal. The bottom has no pontil, just a slightly indented 2" diameter circle in the center of the jar. The condition is about perfect; it appears it wasn’t used much. Well, it’s a guessing game now, what happened with their new invention? Why didn’t it catch on? Did the first user die of botulism? Did the brothers die in a fire? Even the oddest of the odd have some place in record books. Even a blind squirrel finds an occasional nut. The fact that they went through the process to patent the “can,” as it was called, it had to be something they felt was a promising venture. It should have been more important than this. How could one jar survive? Just one? So a man named Fred, gone at age 79, many years ago, strolling through a flea market reached into a box and pulled out a jar he liked enough to fork over a few bucks for. Just a glass jar that might have held the dreams of two men...pursuing that pot of gold near a rainbow.
Bottles and Extras
July-August 2008
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At Auction Fish’s Infallible Hair Restorative, N.Mills., in in deep violet cobalt blue. According to the seller, “There are about 10-12 of these known in any condition, but in sapphire blue. Several examples were found in Hawaii a few years ago, this is not one of those. This one is whittled and super crude. This one dates from 1863 and was blown in San Francisco. The top is crudely applied and the embossing is strong. The condition is gem mint. This one has never been cleaned, or polished.” Apparently the photo and description worked well for the seller. The bottle ended for $5,700.
From the description: “Lyon’s Powder (on front), B.&P. / N.Y. (on back), (KX-1), dark amethyst, 4 3/8" high, open pontil, scarred base, inward rolled lip, perfect condition. A very rare color, almost approaching being black.” This bottle, illustrated from both sides and the bottom, ended for $898.
Another Lyon’s Powder (on front), B&P / N.Y. (on back), (KX-1), but this one in medium olive green, 4 1 / 4 ” high, open pontil on base, inward rolled lip, perfect. This one ended for $835.
An Lyon’s bottle like the one above, but in amber glass, ended for $479 after attracting 23 bids. The bottle on the left is embossed: Artesian Mfg. & Bottling Co. / Waco, Tex.” in dug condition with a repaired chip in the lip. Middle bottle is a Hutch that is embossed C & O / Rock Island, Ill. on one side and on the other, is a Dr. Pepper paper label fom Carse & Ohlweiler Co., Rock Island, Ill. The bottle on the left is the standard Dr. Pepper “thief bottle” from Waco, Texas in dark teal with Monterey embossed on the front near the bottom. All three were in the same auction and ended for $1,376. Three cities Warner’s Safe Cure (cities: London, England; Toronto, Canada; Rochester, N.Y.) 40-ounce size in amber with some light surface scratches and a light haze inside, but otherwise, no chips, went to a new home after twelve bids for $1080.
Item description: “An extremely rare powder horn flask attributed to the Wistarburgh Glassworks - the first glass factory in America, operating from 1739 to 1782 near Alloway in southern New Jersey. At that time, Caspar Wistar managed to import glass making experts from Europe, to initiate a glass works at that site. The factory became very successful, including Ben Franklin as a friend and customer of Caspar Wistar. The powder horn featured here acquired with an original note attached to one side of the flask. Over the period of several years the powder horn has been viewed by experts, agreeing to its source. For two years it was featured as a special
exhibit at the National Bottle Museum in the upstate New York village of Ballston Spa, where it was placed in a prominent showcase. Exhibited for public recognition, it has also been noted in antique glass periodicals. The original label - now removed because of its deterioration and partial loss of readability, was inscribed in early handwriting: ‘Glass Powder Horn/Made at The First Glass Works/in America, Alloway, Salem/1742/53.’ The number 53 was perhaps used for reference. We were able to salvage some of the note - photographed here and retained. Powder horn measures 8 inches high and 3 1/4 inches wide. Blown in olive green glass, stands upright, flat body and pinched at ends, patterned with sixteen ribs, knobbed, curved neck.” Several photos (29) were included of this powder horn flask. Two bidders went through nine bids to end the auction for $17,600, but seller’s reserve was not met. According to the seller, this is an early 1900s pre-pro whiskey advertising shot glass: Gunter’s / Landing / Whiskey, believed to be from a Nashville, Tenn. company, W.T. & C.D. Gunter, Jack Daniels sole agents in Nashville during the 1890s. The state of Tenn. went dry in 1910. After the interesting description, this glass went to a new home for $179, while another one, from the same seller, ended for $130. Owl Drug Company (KT1) poison bottle, 7 3/4 inches tall. One wing owl on one panel, embossed “poison” on the second panel and the third panel is blank for the label. Seventeen bids ended this item for $350. Another Owl Drug Company bottle, 4 1/4 inches in size, ended for $225 after nineteen bids. Editor’s Note: If you see items up for auction that you think would be of interest to everyone who reads Bottles and Extras, please send it to me: Kathy Sathe, 341 Yellowstone Dr., Fletcher, NC 28732 or email it to me at: kathy@thesodafizz.com.
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July-August 2008
Bottles and Extras
Federation of Historicial 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 2006-2008 President : Carl Sturm, 88 Sweetbriar Branch, Longwood, FL 32750-2783; Phone: (407) 332-7689; E-mail: glassmancarl@sprintmail.com First Vice-President : Fred Capozzela, 1108 Rutger St., Utica, NY 13501; Phone: (315) 724-1026; E-mail: fcapozzella@hotmail.com Second Vice-President : Richard Siri, P.O. Box 3818, Santa Rosa, CA 95402; Phone: (707) 542-6438; E-mail: rtsiri@sbcglobal.net Secretary : Ed Provine, 401 Fawn Lake Dr., Millington, TN 38053; Phone: (901) 876-3296; E-mail: edprovine@bigriver.net 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 : Kathy Hopson-Sathe, 341 Yellowstone Dr., Fletcher, NC 28732; Phone: (423) 737-6710; E-mail: kathy@thesodafizz.com Merchandising Director : Kent Williams, 1835 Oak Terr., Newcastle, CA 95658; Phone: (916) 663-1265; E-mail: KentW@ppoa.org Membership Director : Gene Bradberry, P.O. Box 341062, Memphis, TN 38184; Phone: (901) 372-8428; E-mail: genebsa@comcast.net Convention Director : Wayne Lowry, 401 Johnston Ct., Raymore, MO 64083; Phone: (816) 318-0161; E-mail: JarDoctor@aol.com
Business Manager / Subscriptions: June Lowry, 401 Johnston Ct., Raymore, MO 64083; Phone: (816) 318-0160; E-mail: OSUBuckeyes71@aol.com Director-At-Large : John Pastor, 5716 Versailles Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48103; Phone: (734) 827-2070; E-mail: jpastor2000@sbcglobal.net Director-At-Large : Sheldon Baugh, 252 W. Valley Dr., Russelville, KY 42276; Phone: (270) 726-2712; Fax: (270) 726-7618; E-mail: shel6943@bellsouth.net Director-At-Large: Cecil Munsey, 13541 Willow Run Road, Poway, CA 92064-1733; Phone: (858) 487-7036; E-mail: cecilmunsey@cox.net Midwest Region Director : Ron Hands, 913 Parkside Dr., Wilson, NC 27896, Phone: (252) 265-6644; E-mail: rshands225@yahoo.com Northeast Region Director : Larry Fox, 5478 Route 21, Canandaigua, NY 14424; Phone: (585) 394-8958; E-mail: brerfox@frontiernet.net Southern Region Director : Edwin Herrold, 65 Laurel Loop, Maggie Valley, NC 28571; Phone: (828) 926-2513; E-mail: drbitters@mindspring.com Western Region Director : Bob Ferraro, 515 Northridge Dr., Boulder City, NV 89005; Phone: (702) 293-3114; E-mail: mayorferraro@aol.com Public Relations Director : James Berry, 200 Ft. Watershed Rd., St. Johnsville, NY 13452; Phone: (518) 568-5683, E-mail: max@klink.net
Bottles and Extras
July-August 2008
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Federation of Historic Bottle Collectors
President’s Message
President : J. Carl Sturm 88 Sweetbriar Branch Longwood, FL 32750 (407) 332-7689 glassmancarl@sprintmail.com
May-June President’s Message This will be my last message in Bottles and Extras while I am President of the FOHBC. I have decided to step down at the end of my term in August. It won’t be the last that you will see of me as I will remain for two years on the Board of Directors as the outgoing President. It all started in 1989 when then President Gene Bradberry asked me to write the Federation Newsletter until he left office. Wouldn’t you know it, he remained in office for another two years and then, he talked me into running for President. Of course, I stayed on for a second term as President. I remained on the Board of Directors continuously until two years ago when I again took the office of President. When I finish out my two years as outgoing President I will have served straight through for 21 years. My good and loyal friends, that is long enough to hold a non-paying job. Early in my Navy career I was told “Never Volunteer.” I guess that’s one thing that didn’t sink in. I have had several members ask me why the FOHBC does not have a museum of their
own. At one time we did, however we did not have the financial backing to continue its operation. What a lot of the members do not know is that beginning in 1997 at Wheaton Village in New Jersey a part of their glass museum was made available to the Federation to display bottles. The displays have been changed each year, utilizing FOHBC member’s bottles. Even though the name has changed to Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, there is a continuing bottle display at their museum. At present this year’s display is Mason Jars. As this is the 150 anniversary year of Mason’s first patent, it was felt appropriate. Dan Corker of Virginia arranged for this Mason jar display. Those of you who have never been to this museum should stop by if you are ever in the area. It is located on Glasstown Road in Millville, N.J. I hope to have an article in the September/October issue of Bottles and Extras letting you know what Federation displays have been set up at Wheaton. The museum personnel there also have FOHBC handouts for visitors that want them. Dick Watson has been the coordinator of our
displays at Wheaton. He has made sure that members arrange for their bottles to get to the museum and properly set up to best display them. The economy is on the minds of everyone at the present. I have noticed that bottle sales still seem to be strong. The good bottles remain high in price with buyers still picking them up. The lesser bottles seem to holding up pretty well also. I seem to have noted some loss of attendees at the shows in the past year or so. Membership in the Federation is creeping up month by month. I believe the main reason is the great magazine that we are publishing. I constantly hear from members as to what a super publication it is with articles for everyone. I will remind you again, dig hard or buy wisely and watch your collection grow. When you have been collecting about 50 years, as I have, you can look back and see that many of the lowly bottles have attained a much higher value than you would have ever thought possible. J. Carl Sturm, President FOHBC
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July-August 2008 a Wurlitzer Juke Box museum for the May meeting. The Empire State Bottle Collectors, of Syracuse, are busy working on filling a bus trip to the FOHBC Expo in York. The cost is very reasonable ($40), with a great time guaranteed. John & Carol Spellman are in charge. June’s meeting sounds interesting - a local bottle show and tell. Members are asked to bring in their best or favorite bottle from central New York (within one hour’s drive from Syracuse). There are indeed some great bottles to be found from this area! The newsletter, “Bits and Pieces,” also featured an article on sample bitters and the story of the Wahoo & Calisaya Bitters (certainly an interesting one). The Genesee Valley Bottle Collectors Association recently held its annual summer club picnic on June 11. Over 40 members attended. The club also holds its meetings at this wonderful lodge, with a lake, woods, as well as sports fields and playgrounds for the children. Jim Bartholomew, newsletter editor and website master, recently added on-line classified ads as a membership benefit. Members also participated in a survey on collecting. For every survey form returned from the club, $1.50 will be donated. The results will be shared as well. The club is right on the heels of a successful 39th annual show with 110 dealers from 12 states and Canada participating along with 198 sales tables and eight displays. Plans are underway for the 40th annual show, set for April 26, 2009. The Richmond, Virginia Antique Bottle Club has had several activities this spring for members. Meetings have included a program on Codd bottles and Richbrau bottles, as well as the regular show and tell of new items found since the last meeting. In May, the club had a tailgate sale at a local antique mall. This is always a good time as it is in conjunction with a big promotion by
the mall. The mall serves breakfast to those who attend and does the advertising for the event which is always great. In June, theannual picnic was held at a local park. The weather was hot, but everyone who attended enjoyed it. We always have good raffle prizes for the picnic meeting which this year included a Warner’s Safe Cure, a year’s membership in the FOHBC, a medicine bottle from a Virginia town that no longer exists, and a group of bottle magazines. The picnic also includes an auction where anyone can bring bottles or other collectibles for sale. The club gets 10% of the sale price. The Mohawk Valley Antique Bottle Club, based in Utica, N.Y., is one of the younger clubs, founded in 1994. The club kicked off a website recently, which is worth a look. The 14th annual show and sale on May 4th was a great success. The exhibits are always well done, and this year was no exception. Best of show went to Dan and Amelia Weeden for their “Diving for Bottles.” Tom Andriach took home the Most Educational award, sponsored by the FOHBC, for his “Ink Bottles Through Time” display. At the show, the “Exemplary Service Award” was presented to David Graci, of Hadley, Mass. This is presented to a person who has made significant contributions to the hobby. David is the author of two books: American Stoneware Bottles and Soda and Beer Bottle Closures, 1850 - 1910. Congratulations to David! This club meets throughout the summer, while many others take the summer off. July’s meeting will feature a program on insulators by Ron Weir and Todd Zinkovich. Insulators are commonly found at bottle shows. Many are attracted to their beautiful colors. It was noted that many were produced at the Mt. Pleasant Glass Works in nearby Saratoga Springs. The club website also includes an article on “The First Dig of 2008.”
friendlier weather… Everyone is looking for bargains at the garage sales, flea markets and bottle shows! Let’s see what the Midwest clubs were up to in March and April (and don’t forget to send in those news items, because we LOVE to hear from you). Antique Bottle Club of Northern
of the ABCNI, and Jeff Dahlberg is president. The club has been holding its meetings at the Antioch Senior Center, 817 Holbeck. Sabra Neumann recorded the minutes at the April meeting. “The talk this month was given by John Puzzo on a collector’s reflection, ‘Why I Collect Empty Bottles,’ from an extensive article with many pictures. John showed and commented on the article by a collector of flasks, who noted that from 1812 to 1819 our industry was destroyed by
Northeast Regional News Chris Davis 522 Woodhill Newark, NY 14513 (315) 331-4078 cdavis016@rochester.rr.com Let me introduce myself. I am Chris Davis, from Newark, New York, located between Rochester and Syracuse in the northern Finger Lakes Region. I’ve been a collector of bottles, glass and antiques since I was young. I joined the Genesee Valley Bottle Collectors Association in 1975, and am currently its president. I’ve also served as the exhibit chair for our annual show for many years now. I was also on the committee of the great 2002 National Show in Syracuse, also as exhibit chair. I’m a member of several Mew York state bottle clubs. When I’m not collecting, I’m the executive director of the NewarkArcadia Historical Society in my hometown. I would like to begin receiving newsletters from the Northeast Region, by mail or email, as soon as convenient. My email address is: cdavis016@rochester.rr.com. To start, I will report on the area bottle clubs I have received so far: The Greater Buffalo Bottle Collectors Association recently held its monthly meeting at the Flying Bison Brewery. Sounds like fun! There were free tastings. Club members were asked to donate Buffalo beer bottles for the brewery’s historical collection. Newsletter editor Craig Maefs has been giving talks to organizations on his experiences while serving in the Army in Afghanistan. I’m told he brought a brick back for fellow club member Frank Clement who runs a brick museum. Craig recently took part in the Tour de Cure, to benefit diabetes research. The club recently visited
Midwest Regional News Joe Coulson 10515 Collingswood Lane Fishers, Indiana 46038 (317) 915-0665 jcoulson@leaderjar.com Spring has sprung and bottle and jar collectors are getting outdoors to enjoy the
Bottles and Extras
Illinois Dorothy Furman is the newsletter editor
Bottles and Extras English manufacturers who literally put us out of business. By the 1820s, people started moving here and put us back in the market place. Whiskey flasks were being made and were common because they were easier to carry around than a barrel of beer, so flasks became popular. The article contained a lot of information about old flasks. Even about the flask featuring ‘Major Ringwold.’ Do you know who he was and why he was honored? We do! So much can be learned if we just research our bottles and pass the information along to others. This is the main purpose of clubs such as ours where each month so much information is shared.” At the May club meeting, Bob Bunn presented a program on ‘1920 to the early 1950s Drive-In Memorabilia.’ He showed mugs and paper products from White Tower, White Castle, Jack Jobinson, White Tavern, McDonnells (not to be confused with McDonalds), Steak and Shake, Wimpys, Parkmore (Served in Your Car), Home, White Clock, Youngberger (Heap of Good Steer), and White Palace. Of interest were White Tower hamburger boxes from the 1920s and 1930s, and White Tower Coffee Bags dated 1937, menus from Barrell, Tacoma, Washington and A&W from Salt Lake City. It was interesting to note on the menus that breakfast prices range from 5 to 10 cents. Bob’s display also included old pictures of many establishments, along with advertising plates and mugs. Club members Kay and Ron Neumann, Sr. recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. “We almost didn’t recognize Ron out of his digging clothes. It was a very lovely party for a great couple.” Findlay Antique Bottle Club Tom Brown (newsletter editor) of the FABC submitted his April and May newsletters (Whittle Marks). Tom typically reprints several Bottles and Extras articles for club members in their newsletter. Recently this included “Blood Bottles: Sarsaparillas, Bitters, Cures and Medicinal Blood Purifiers of All Kinds” by Steve Ketcham, and “The Baby Killers” (about various patent medicines that caused numerous deaths among infants of their day) also by Steve. In the club’s April newsletter was a reprint of the newspaper article “Here’s to Buckeye Beer” (by Ryan E. Smith, The Blade, Toledo, Ohio, Sunday, April 6, 2008). Here is an excerpt: “It’s been decades since the Buckeye Brewing Co. in North Toledo made a drop of beer, but that didn’t stop Bill
July-August 2008 and Beverly Timming from getting a taste a few months ago. The West Toledo couple, who collect all sorts of things associated with the once-popular brewery, popped open a can of Buckeye Beer from the 1950s. (It doesn’t hurt its value and prevents the suds from eating away at the can). Then…down the hatch. “It wasn’t too bad,” Mrs. Timming said of the sip she tried. “To me it was,” Mr. Timming interjected. Other than the occasional beer-filled can and other pieces of memorabilia, little remains of the brewery except empty lots and a vacant building along Bush Street near Michigan and Chaplain Streets.” The article went on to tell the history of the Buckeye Brewing Co. The May newsletter had a detailed article (with numerous photos) about the history of the Babcock Dairy, which began selling milk in 1891 in the West Toledo area. Babcock’s continued to distribute milk and other dairy products until the spring of 1984. Lima-area long-time antiques dealer, Tim “Burky” Burkholder, has passed away. Tim was a collector of Lima memorabilia, and a bottle collector and dealer for many, many years. He will be sadly missed, and fondly remembered. Tim’s business was known as THE BOTTLE JUNCTION, and he was burky145 on ebay. The FABC has a good website with pictures from their annual shows. You should check it out: http:// fabclub.freeyellow.com/home.html. Richard Elwood is the club president. Monthly club meetings are held at the University of Findlay. To find out more about its monthly newsletter, Whittle Marks, send a note to: Findlay Antique Bottle Club, P.O. Box 1329, Findlay, OH 45839. The club’s 32nd Annual Bottle Show and Sale will be October 19th, 2008. Huron Valley Bottle & Insulator Club Michele and Shaun Kotlarsky are newsletter editors for The Embossing, the monthly newsletter of the Huron Valley Bottle & Insulator Club. For the April meeting they had a guided tour by Earnie Griffin of the Michigan Firehouse Museum. “We had a large turnout for this meeting. It was nice seeing Curtis Erickson again. We caught up on old times. Marc even told Earnie how to repair one of the firehouse video games! Earnie showed us around and explained to us how various parts of the old fire trucks worked. This was a great place for a meeting. The original 1898 firehouse has had a new 10,000 square foot display area added to it. Mission of the
11 Michigan Firehouse Museum is: (1) preserve and interpret Michigan’s fire fighting history and (2) teach and promote fire safety and prevention. Ehibits focus on the history of fire fighting in the Michigan and fire fighting technology. They actively collect Michigan fire fighting equipment and related archival materials. Their collections include fire trucks, extinguishers, emblems, bells, hats, helmets, ladders, breathing apparatus, clothing, hose carts, nozzles and toy fire trucks.” More information can be found at their website http:// www.michiganfirehousemuseum.org/ index.htm and there is a picture of Earnie on their site at: http:// www.michiganfirehousemuseum.org/ volunteer.htm The HVBIC meetings are held the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:30 pm at the First National Bank, 8080 Challis Rd., Brighton, Mich. You can find out more about the HVBIC online at their website: http:// hvbic.org. The monthly newsletter also can be viewed there. Iowa Antique Bottleers Mark Wiseman (newsletter editor) does a wonderful job each month reporting the IAB happenings. Mark submitted the IAB newsletters for February and March. The April issue of the IAB newsletter contained a reprint of the article “Collecting Fort Dodge Stoneware,” which featured club members Jack LaBaume and Bruce Stottrup. Jack is also president of the Fort Dodge Society of Stoneware Collectors. In his 11th year as president, he said every member gets the Kilnsmoke newsletter, which will keep them up to date on club activities. The group also has a website: http://www.fdscs.org . Here is an excerpt from the article: “Found in the Fort Dodge area, the clay provided a thriving business in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A Webster County geology report in 1901 read, in part: ‘The wares produced are jugs, jars and butter crocks. Many large pieces of 20 to 35 gallons capacity are made. The clay used in these articles is obtained from a mine in the coal measure shales on the left bank of the river, a half mile above Fort Dodge. It burns uniformly for the (molds). Considerable skill is shown in the glazing, and the appearance of the ware put on the market is attractive. The annual output is valued at $30,000.’ That’s about as close to valuing his stoneware as LaBaume ever gets, and that tells only the quantity of stoneware sold. Stottrup also stresses the historical aspect
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July-August 2008
of collecting stoneware. ‘Knowing about our past allows us to chart our future,’ he said. ‘When kids say there’s nothing to do in Fort Dodge, they should study the past, dig into it at the library.’ Going to the library, joining groups like the Stoneware Collectors Society and talking to grandparents and other older people are good ways to beat the winter blahs and learn something at the same time, said the former middle school life science teacher. ‘Knowledge is power,’ Stottrup said. ‘By going to the library or talking to a relative, you gain knowledge, and knowledge is power.’” The IAB is seriously pursuing rubbings (and photographs are helpful) of Iowa bottles that are unlisted in the book, The Antique Bottles of Iowa, 1846 – 1915. Please contact Mike Burggraaf at 641-4696018 or QRSGLASS@iowatelecom.net. 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 Tom Southard, 2815 Druid Hill, Des Moines, IA 50315. The IAB 39th Annual Antique Bottle & Collectibles Show and Sale in conjunction with the Beer, Soda & Bottle Mega Show will be held July 26th at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
jars was displayed, which included such companies as Ball Brothers, Marion Fruit Jar & Bottle Co., Safe Glass Co., Swayzee Glass Co., Root Glass Co. and Greenfield Fruit Jar & Bottle Co. Long-time MAFJBC member Phil Robinson passed away at his home early on Monday, May 5, after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was an avid fruit jar collector and owner of the Robinson Fruit Jar Museum, which he closed just one month earlier. He was an active member and former officer of the Midwest Antique Fruit Jar and Bottle Club in Muncie, Ind. All those interested in fruit jars were welcomed to his museum where he had collected 4,000 fruit jars and a vast number of memorabilia related to the antique fruit jar hobby. Several members of the MAFJBC visited with Phil on May 4 after the monthly meeting. Club member Greg Spurgeon will be handling the sale of the Robinson museum collection. The contents will be dispersed through eBay (hoosierjar) and through Greg’s North American Glass website. A time schedule has not yet been announced, but listings should start in the near future. Further details can be found here: http:// www.gregspurgeon.com/Robinson.html. The MAFJBC has a website: http:// www.fruitjar.org. Meeting details as well as lots of pictures from semi-annual shows can be found there. Next show and sale will be July 13 at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie.
Midwest Antique Fruit Jar & Bottle Club The MAFJBC has members nationwide and is heavily fruit jar focused. Meetings are held the first Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m. in the Cantina at Minnetrista, which is located in Muncie, Ind. Dave Rittenhouse is the club president. At the March meeting, club members were asked to bring jars or bottles with a company monogram in the embossing. The Midwest Glass Chatter (newsletter) is always loaded with pictures of the many items that are brought to the meeting. Joe Coulson brought a couple of the earliest Ball jars made in Buffalo, New York. One was an aqua midget pint BBGMCo, and the other was an aqua midget pint PORCELAIN BBGMCo LINED. Both jars had their original closures. Dave Rittenhouse displayed a rare aqua quart BALL BBGMCo FRUIT JAR. At the April meeting, club members were asked to bring shipping cartons, wood boxes or original product packaging. A wide variety of wooden shipping boxes for fruit
Minnesota’s First Antique Bottle Club Gwen Seeley forwarded us copies of the January and February newsletters, The Bottle Digger’s Dope. Gwen reports that due to her health she finds it necessary to resign her role as editor. She will remain as coeditor, and Barb Robertus will assume her duties. The March issue of The Bottle Digger’s Dope contained a review of the Milwaukee Bottle Show written by Steve Ketcham. Here is an excerpt from that review: “One real drawback to spending more than one night on the road with a load of bottles is that the fragile stuff has to come in every night to keep it from freezing and cracking. We carried a lot of glass in and out of motels through some cold and snowy weather those three nights we were on the road. “The Milwaukee show is larger than the Minnesota event, but this show draws dealers and buyers from Chicago and greater Illinois as well as from Wisconsin
Bottles and Extras and surrounding states. That alone brings in a lot more business. The facility is also much larger and nicer than anything we can afford in the Twin City area. The show room puts most large hotel banquet rooms to shame with plush carpet, decent lighting and nice décor. And it can accommodate up to 175 six-foot sales tables. “Other Minnesotans in attendance included Ray Ojala and Mark Youngblood. We also connected with many dealers who will be selling at our March 30 show, including Dean Rein, Mark Nelson, Jim Hall, Jeff Burkhardt, Dave Beadle, Rollie and Sharon Pataska and some I’m sure I have forgotten to mention. Because of the nasty weather and icy roads, the attendance was down a bit this year. Sales seemed to be OK for most folks we spoke with, but some serious buyers likely slept in rather than risk the trek to the show. I was able to purchase a nice aqua half-pint ‘Will a Duck Swim?’ flask for my own collection. We sold only five bottles but did well selling advertising pieces. “David Kapsos and the Milwaukee Bottle Club put on a great show. We had fun and we’ll try to get back there for another year, weather permitting.” Membership in the MFABC is $10/yr. For more information, please contact Linda Sandell, 7735 Silver Lake Road #208, Moundsview, MN 55112. North Star Historical Bottle Association Doug Shilson is newsletter editor for the North Star Historical Bottle News. Doug does a great job each month reporting the club’s latest happenings. He puts a lot of effort into recording all the details that take place. Steve Ketcham (club president) reported the following “From the President’s Roll Top Desk” column in the April issue of the NSHBN: “The 37 th Annual Minnesota Antique Bottle, Advertising, and Stoneware Show and Sale will be remembered as one of our greatest! In the face of a stumbling economy and an antiques market wherein buyers often opt to buy online rather than burn a tank of gas, this event was a shining example of just how good an old-fashioned show can be. The pre-show line was so long the motel asked us to open the show early. We saw 325 patrons through the door, not including our early buyers. That number is the best we have seen in years. Better yet, those folks came with money in their pockets, and they left a good deal of it in the hands of our fine dealers. I heard many
Bottles and Extras positive reports from the dealers I spoke with after the show; sales were good. A lot of great old bottles and advertising also changed hands among the dealers, and many of us went home with a piece or two to add to our collections. “This show is the result of a great deal of hard work, most of which goes on behind the scenes. The fact that the event occurs without a hitch is testimony to how hard a few of our members work to bring it about. Doug Shilson, show chairman, did an outstanding job again this year, and we all owe him our gratitude. Doug makes countless trips to the Days Inn, rents the tables, mails the contracts, keeps track of the tables sold and fills the room with dealers. Thank you, Doug, for another successful show.” There are many other hard workers to recognize. If I have left someone out, I apologize. Charlie Farley, Dave Vollmar and Vern Dotseth were extra diligent this year in their security duties. Gwen Seeley again did extended duty at the admissions table and was ably assisted by Fran Rutherford and Dick McChesney. Big John Larson was absent this year due to health issues, and our thoughts are with him. Feel better, John! Our Saturday evening dealer pot luck drew over 70 participants this year, the biggest crowd in memory. Thanks to the generosity of members of both clubs, there was plenty to eat and drink as we all caught up with old friends from around the country. Whether you donated money or brought a dish to share, we all thank you. Thanks also to Gwen Seeley for calling our members to see that enough food was on the table. Ron Feldhaus was in charge of beverages and his efforts were appreciated by our very thirsty group. After all had eaten and many had retired, Winnie Shilson, show treasurer, and Linda Sandell worked clean up duty and we left the place nicer than we found it. Dealer name tags were again produced by Barb Robertus, who unselfishly worked on the show even though she was unable to attend. Thank you, Barb! Linda Sandell sat behind the information table on Sunday and answered questions, sold club memberships, and made sure folks felt welcome. Long-time show participant Jim Roth won the raffle and carried home a nice amber Smokine bottle. We sold 340 tickets and raised $190 to help cover our show costs.” For more information on joining the NSHBA, please contact Doug Shilson, 3308 32 Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55406-2015.
July-August 2008 Ohio Bottle Club 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 March issue of The Ohio Swirl contained a complete listing of all Steubenville, Ohio milk bottles, which was compiled by Bill McKim. “I have been collecting milks from Steubenville, Ohio since 1968. After 40 years I think I finally have most of them.” There were 42 bottles in the list. The same newsletter issue mentions that club member Don Dzuro has published a new book on Ohio Bricks. Don has done extensive research and spent many hours putting this together. If you are interested in bricks this book is a “must.” The program for the OBC’s February 28th meeting was “Three Categories of Soda Bottles: Blob Tops, Hutchinsons and Crown Tops.” The program was introduced by Bill Koster, and presented by Bob Smith, David Lehman, Adam Koch and Jim Cady. Bob brought a Cleveland Liquor League Hutchinson Soda with horse’s head logo, and David showed us a George Arnold Bottling Works from Orrville, Ohio. Adam showed the club a light cobalt J.X. Laube, Akron, Ohio, which he dug 20 years ago in Zanesville, and also brought an amber hutch from Cleveland, Ohio. Jim presented a Crown Bottling Works, Indiana, Pa. Blob top sodas are from the 1840s to 1875; some pontils are graphite, some are open-pontiled, and some have a smooth base. Adam brought a rare JH Printz & Co., Zanesville, Ohio, greenish aqua blobtop with sloping collar. This particular bottle survived a 2000-degree house fire; which left it with just a small crack. The pressed glass on the lower shelves of the cupboard was completely crazed – if touched, it turned into a pile of dust. David also brought bottles such as Orrville Bottling Works and a green Smith Dairy Ginger Beer. Adam entertained the club with some exciting digging stories, such as when he and his friends were confronted by the police in Wheeling, West Virginia. The club thanked Bob, David, Adam, and Jim with applause. The program for the OBC’s March 27th meeting was “The Best of Ravenna Glass Works.” This was a club member participation “Show and Tell,” featuring four categories: flasks, calabashes, fruit jars and miscellaneous. The Ravenna Glass Works was founded in 1857 and went out of
13 business in 1866. The April newsletter also contained an article by Jack Sullivan, “Ohio Wines: A Lake Erie Tradition.” The May newsletter contained another one of Jack’s articles titled “The Rise and Fall of Leisy Beer.” The May newsletter also has a column, “My View,” written by Bill Elder. Bill often writes about the history of the bottle collecting hobby. Lois Ford passed away on March 2, 2008. “She was a long-time member of the Ohio Bottle Club. Lois and Doc Ford were married 63 years. Lois was always by Doc’s side at meetings and bottle shows to which they would travel together.” For more information on joining the OBC, please contact Berny Baldwin (treasurer), 1931 Thorpe Circle, Brunswick, OH 44212. Wabash Valley Antique Bottle & Pottery Club Martin Van Zant is newsletter editor for The Wabash Cannonball, the WVABPC’s monthly newsletter. Peggy Zimmer is club president. Martin tells us the following in the March newsletter: “Hello everyone, I hope this newsletter finds you all doing fine. Spring is in the air and it’s time to get out and start hitting those garage sales, to be out looking for all those goodies and treasure finds. I can’t wait and as a matter of fact I have already begun. The sun makes me smile, and I can’t wait to get out in it. “It’s also time to start finding those digging spots. I already have several mapped out and my diggin’ equipment is polished and ready. Well, not really polished, but it is ready. I just happen to keep most of my diggin’ supplies in my car at all times. Just in case. I mean, you never know when you’re driving down the street and you see a construction site or a site that has just been leveled. When I see that, I am prepared and ready. It does become a problem when someone wants to sit in the back seat.” Martin also says: “The last meeting was an excellent one. We had an auction with lots of good items. The prices were strong, and the items were nice. We will have another auction this summer. Most likely it will be at our summer picnic.” The WVABPC holds their monthly meeting at Shadows Auction Barn, 1517 Maple Ave., Terre Haute, IN. Club dues are $10/yr. For more information, please contact Gary Zimmer (treasurer), 10655 Atherton Rd., Rosedale, IN 47874.
14
July-August 2008
Bottles and Extras
Hutchinson, Kansas Show Life is full of firsts and boy was I glad I didn’t miss this one! I am referring to the First Annual Hutchinson, Knasas Antique Bottle and Postcard Show and Sale. The show was held in conjunction with the monthly flea market on April 6th, with the hope this would increase the attendance – and it probably did a little bit – not much though. That didn’t stop it from being a great show! I will never be able to recapture what happened at the show. You just should have been there. This was the first show that I had set up at in 15 years. It was great to see so many old friends: Jim Hovious, Jack Mullens, Ron
Ashby, Mark Law, Rusty Newell, Gerry Phifer, Paul Gronquist, Chuck Norris, Dave Fath, Bill Bentley, Elton Pugh, Prentiss Whited, Steve Miller and Don Haury. It was even better to meet some new friends: Russ Gehring, Winston Painter, Mike McJunkin, Steve Conard, and Al Deming. Sales were good, purchases were great and it was fun to see what other people came up with. Some of the things I took home were: a stack of postcards, a Thomas Brandon blob top soda from Topeka, Kansas; a Brandon & Kirrmeyer blob top soda from Leavenworth, Kansas; an amber Chapman, Kansas drugstore bottle (with a monogram); a labeled Seelye’s Wasa-Tusa bottle and a
labeled Abilena bottle both from Abilene, Kansas; a Wichita Bottling Works Hutch soda; and a Pratt, Kansas crown top soda. Even with all my purchases I went home with $500 more in my pocket. Some of the things I saw other collectors buy were: a 5-gallon Waconda Springs, Kansas crock jug; a cobalt blue Lamar, Missouri medicine bottle; a 3-gallon Clyde, Kansas crock; an amber Gardner drug store bottle from Lawrence, Kansas; a scroll flask; and a calabash flask. The prize for top walk-in item purchased had to go to the amber squat ale bottle embossed Brandon & Kirrmeyer, Leavenworth, Kansas. There is no doubt that the bottle side of the show was much better than the postcards. Where were all of the postcard < Ron and Carol Ashby
^ Show entrance
Mark Law and Rusty Newell > < Winston Painter
Mike McJunkin, Show-Chairman >
^ Russ Gehring Russ’s display, The Wild West >
< Jim and Debbie Taylor
^ Jim Ricketts
Bottles and Extras dealers? Wouldn’t you like to have another show this time of year that would compliment the one in Wichita? There were only about four postcard dealers at the show with about three or four others who had some cards. This may have improved the sales for those dealers who were there. I saw one dealer pick up a beautiful blue-robed Santa Claus card and a group of real photo cards that included a baseball team and several cards showing building construction, each of which could be identified as to where they were from. I made a point of asking everyone I could how the show was going for them. While I assume there were several who were
July-August 2008 disappointed (there always are), I didn’t find them. Everyone told me they were pleased or more than pleased. Consensus was that it was excellent for a first show and they would be back again next year. The displays were great! They were informative, colorful, and quite varied. John Moore set up a display of rare and colorful 19th century demijohns. Steve Miller had an excellent display of beer trays. Russ Gehring had more western theme ACL sodas than I ever knew existed (times ten) in his “Wild West” display. Jack Mullens won the Peoples Choice award for his colorful display of “Broken Dreams.” And, Jim Hovious took
15 the Most Educational award for his display on “Hutchinson, Kansas Bottlers.” Thank you FOHBC and Antique Bottle & Glass Collector Magazine for providing the awards. I would also like to thank the Hutchinson collectors who organized the show for giving us (me) the opportunity to be there! We, the organizers of the show and I, would also like to say thank you Wayne and June Lowry for your help in putting the show together! We hope to see you and many others next year – especially more of those of you who collect post cards!! By Stan Hendershot
^ Jack Mullens won Peoples Choice award for his colorful display of “Broken Dreams.”
^ John Moore’s display of rare and colorful 19th century demijohns.
^ Jim Hovious took the Most Educational Award for his display on “Hutchinson, Kansas Bottlers.” < Steve Miller had an excellent display of beer trays. Highlands Antique Bottle & Glass Collector’s Club and Tri-State Bottle Collectors & Diggers Club. So it was really no surprise, albeit a pleasant one, to find a story in the Oklahoma Territory News written by bottle collector/metal detector Ed Stewart of Paola, Kan., about his detecting adventures in the United Kingdom last year. The story has been considered as an "Extra" in Bottles and Extras. It is published in this issue. That he had a wonderful time is reflected in his well-written, entertaining story in the Oklahoma club’s April issue edited by Johnnie Fletcher. While the story is too long to fit in these notes, suffice to say that Ed found a Roman
Southern Regional News Bill Baab 2352 Devere Street Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 736-8097 riverswamper@comcast.net Ever notice how many clubs put subjects other than bottles in their names? A quick check of the FOHBC club roster shows Berkeley Antique Bottle & Collectibles Club, Capital Region Antique Bottle & Insulator Club, Las Vegas Antique Bottles & Collectibles Club, Oklahoma Territory Bottle & Relics Club, Phoenix Antiques, Bottles & Collectibles Club, Potomac
coin at least 1,550 years old, a "new" buckle plate from the 1300s, large copper pennies and other 18th century coins, buttons, a hammered silver coin made between 1216 and 1272 and a big gold ring impressed with what appears to be an owl. The 23 coins and relics he found were being studied by experts at the British Museum for final identification and recording, but he’ll eventually get them all back, except perhaps the ring. Being considered treasure, it likely will go to a museum, but will have his name beside it as the discoverer. Ed also found a silver love token made from worn coins from the 1600s or older. "The hopeful suitor would give the token to the object of his affection. If she also liked him, she kept the token. If she didn’t like him, or
16 they broke up later, she would bend the token and throw it away. “Mine was bent," he said. He pointed out that in England, the Treasure Act of 1996 and the Portable Antiquities Scheme cover the recovery of artifacts with a metal detector. The latter is a voluntary plan to record archaeological objects found by the public. "If American archaeologists would consider metal detectorists and bottle diggers as extended members of their team as the English do, instead of as the enemy, they would greatly enhance their own studies," Stewart said. In the May issue, Fletcher asked readers if they recalled reading about the cobalt California Electric Works insulator found near a Nevada ghost town.Here’s shocking news: One of the finders reported the insulator sold for $9,350! Fletcher once again warned his readers to beware of any stenciled crocks or etched bottles with Harms Bar, Yaller Dorg Saloon or 101 Ranch on them. He believes the articles, which have been appearing on eBay, are fake. His friend, David Baumann, may have discovered how they are being produced.. A laser etching tool used to mark tools is a possibility. Baumann took in a piece of crockery and asked the operators to etch some lettering on it. They quickly did so and Baumann filled in the letters with ink. They read "J. Fletcher’s Saloon Mustang, O.T." There are so many of these suspicious crocks and bottles coming onto the marketplace that would-be buyers should be warned to shun them. It doesn’t make sense. Fletcher has been digging trash dumps and privies for more than 30 years and not one of these pieces, or even if hint of one, has ever surfaced. Meanwhile, over in Columbia, the South Carolina Bottle Club is celebrating the benefits of its 35th annual show and sale held last February. "The show was about as good as any I have been involved with in the past 20 years," said club president Marty Vollmer. "Crowds were heavy and sales were brisk. The buying and selling moved at an exhilarating pace. "By the time you read this letter, Harvey Teal and Jim Edenfield will have presented two checks totaling $4,500 to Carter Clark of the Boys & Girls Club of The Midlands. One will be from our club for $3,500 (table receipts, etc.) and the other $1,000 from the snack bar and entry fee donations. The 2009 show will be held Feb. 20-21."
July-August 2008 Vollmer thanked Edenfield for keeping up the club website at www.southcarolinabottleclub.com. Check it out. The Horse Creek Bottle Club is planning to hold its first show and sale sometime in April, 2009. The event, which will be held in Aiken, S.C., is in the planning stages. The April club meeting was held at Bruce Hager’s place in Horse Creek Valley in which his wonderful collection of restored automobiles and auto-related collectibles is displayed. After the club’s business meeting, members were invited to check out the collection and talk with the owner. The Rise and Fall of Hamburg, S.C., was presented by town founder Henry Schultz, aka Peter Hughes of Augusta, at the club’s May meeting. Little remains of the town across the Savannah River from downtown Augusta. Check out Hughes’ great web site by searching for Hamburg, S.C., on the internet. What might prove to be the eBay Augusta find of the year is a mini jug on which is neatly scratched "Clinton Bottling Works, Augusta, Ga." It is believed to have been made by the Bauer Pottery factory in Paducah, Ky. There was some doubt about its authenticity because why should a soda water manufacturer hand out a mini whiskey jug as a souvenir? But Bauer salesmen were silver-tongued orators who were very persuasive in getting owners of many different types of businesses to buy their tiny wares. Anyway, club member Tony Riley is very happy with his purchase. A tattered, but still wonderful 1917 Pepsi lithograph is featured on the cover of the March issue of Bottle Talk, edited by Marshall Clements for the Raleigh Bottle Club. The lithograph is owned by Sterling Mann and may be unique. The value of the internet to beleaguered bottle club newsletter editors who get little or no help from members becomes apparent when reading this issue. At the club’s February show and tell, member Robby Delius presented a Colonial Grape Juice bottle sold by the D. Pender Grocery Co., of Norfolk, Va., and Charlotte, N.C. So Marshall did some research and found a website called groceteria.com. He learned that David Pender had established his own grocery in Norfolk in 1900, eventually building the chain to 244 stores. Check out that website and that of the club (www.raleighbottleclub.org) to learn more. Click on Bottle Talk, then click on
Bottles and Extras March 2008 and the issue will be on your screen. Other bottles shown were a 64-ounce Shasta Grape Soda by DeeAnn Nichols and a 64-ounce Shasta Draft Root Beer by George Poniros. Marshall found the company website at ShastaPop.com and learned that the Mt. Shasta Mineral Springs Co., was founded in Baltimore in 1889. Marshall featured Raleigh club member Jerry Higgins and his Art Deco bottle collection in the April issue. "Art Deco crown top sodas came into use around 1920, taking the place of straightsided sodas, and remained in use until about 1930. All the bottles are highly embossed and some have unique design patterns to make them stand out from other soda bottles of the time," Marshall said. "The Art Deco design faded out with the introduction of applied color labels." Seven color photos of Art Deco examples helped to illustrate the story. Show and tell finds included a one-gallon, left-handed Pepsi-Cola fountain syrup glass jug (Donnie Medlin), and a rare rectangular slug plate Pepsi from Camden, S.C. (Dean Haley). Show and tell sessions are always popular with club members because they might not get a chance to see or touch many of the items. As recounted in the April issue of The Groundhog Gazette of the State of Franklin (Tenn.) Antique Bottle & Collectibles Association, Missi and Sam Crowder brought a paper bag that once contained samples of Mountain Dew. It’s imprinted "Here’s Your ‘Sippen’ Sample of Good Ole Mountain Dew." Jerry Brown brought an amber Johnson City, Tenn., Coca-Cola and a clear Rush Bottling Works from Bristol, Va. Editor Melissa Milner featured "female complaints" medicines such as that supplied by Lydia Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound and Dr. Kilmer’s Swamp Root. She also touched base on some medicines guaranteed to restore hair, such as Barry’s Tricopherous, Ayer’s Hair Vigor and Hall’s Restorer.
Bottles and Extras
Western Regional News Ken Lawler & “Dar” 6677 Oak Forest Drive Oak Park, CA 91377 (818) 889-5451 kenlawler@roadrunner.com Ken and I have learned that during the summer months some of the Western Region clubs do not have meetings or newsletters. Whether or not your club has a meeting or newsletter, feel free to contact either Ken or myself with any news that “just can’t wait.” You can email Ken as above or email Dar at: dfurda@roadrunner.com. During the summer there will be club picnics and bottle shows and hopefully we will learn that some folks dug a good find, or two. While some good shows are behind us others are still ahead. Check out some shows and try to take a friend with you. Save some extra money for your gas tanks. Note: Chris Davis, current president of the Genessee Valley Bottle Collectors Association, is taking over the reins of the Northeast Regional news column. Ken and I have run into Chris while attending several shows. Welcome aboard, Chris! Forty Niner Historical Bottle Association – Bottle Bug Briefs Secretary-editor George Wagoner related some of the information that Mike Lake introduced during his program on bottles with lazy “Rs.” George went on to report that “in 1872 a mold maker went to work or sold molds for Carlton Newman of the San Francisco Glass Works where he remained until about 1887. By then the San Francisco Glass Works had merged with the Pacific Glass Works. This mold maker made Rs with the right leg of his Rs elongated to the right and curved slightly upward with the end blunt. This R is only found on Western bottles and ended with the introduction of the later vented bottles. There are Eastern bottles that have lazy Rs but their Rs are different. Their Rs curve to the right but the right leg is not blunted. The blunted leg is only found on San Francisco Glass Works and P.P.G. Glass Works between 1872 and 1887 and is attributed to an unknown worker.” It seems that the “unknown worker” tried his hand at being creative. His “crazy Rs” have left historians and bottle collectors alike scratching their heads over the outcome of his creativity. Show chairman Steve Abbott brought up a suggestion under new business at the March meeting. He said “eventually as our dealers age
July-August 2008 or become ill, we may not be able to fill all of our show’s sales tables.” He is suggesting that the club advertise their future shows as a bottle and antique show. Steve is thinking that adding good quality type antiques might bring in some additional buyers. This club doesn’t lack for good programs. Troopers William Pettis and Charles Phillips are members of the Buffalo Soldiers 10th Cavalry of Northern California, Company G. They were dressed in Cavalry period uniforms which added to the setting for the period of time from around 1866-1891. Most of us have heard about these brave African-American soldiers. They served on the Western frontier from shortly after the Civil War until around the turn of the 20th century. They also served in Cuba during the Spanish-American War and took part in the charge up San Juan Hill. William talked about uniforms and showed the weapons: rifles, pistols, sabers and military hardware. The presentation was excellent. The show and tell theme that followed the presentation about the Buffalo Soldiers was taken seriously by Steve Abbott. He brought two Sharps rifles, a saber and a horn. Dean Wright brought in his great find from an antique store. He found and purchased an extremely rare Fountain and Tallman/ Calf blob top soda. Dean says this Placerville soda dates to 1850. Dean says “it pays to shop.” March meeting raffle winners were: Dennis Spence, who won a Dyottville iron-pontiled soda; Ed Rickner picked the IXL Bitters and Herbie Yeu ended up with a Castle Whiskey. As the club secretary says, “More reason to attend the meetings, we have good raffle bottles with better ones to come.” With raffle bottles like these, two potential new members Doug Abbel and Dean Wright might just be persuaded to join. Winning any one of these bottles would sure get a potential collector off to a good start. Note: If anyone would like information on attending a meeting, give president Jerry Rickner a call at (530) 6226920. Los Angeles Historical Bottle Club – The Whittlemark This club is on a roll again with lining
17 up their activities. The annual club auction was held May 15. The auction replaced the formal meeting. Vice president Randy Selenak has put some ideas in his announcements section of the May issue of The Whittlemark regarding the auction. He is encouraging members to make an extra effort to attend and hopefully bring along friends or acquaintances. Randy says: “Remember to bring some quality items and lots of money so we can make this event the success that it has always been.” President Pam’s message and Randy’s announcements section also promised a great picnic event on June 7. In addition, Chef Pam will be barbequing her great tri-tip and sausages as she did last year. She may even include hamburgers this year. Randy is in charge of the food list and will be be coordinating with club members to ensure a good variety on the buffet table. There is sad news to report about a rather new club member, Steve Campbell. He has been diagnosed with cancer and is not doing well. Randy and Pam went to the hospital and took flowers from the club. Randy is keeping in touch with him and his mother. Club editor Blaine Greenman has also “been there” for Steve. In fact, Blaine was instrumental in getting Steve to join the club. Blaine and Steve have usually car pooled to club meetings. It sounds like a good support system is in place. Blaine put an interesting “Timeline of Soda Waters” in the May issue of the club’s newsletter. He started it with the year “1794SCHWEPPES opened for business in Bristol, England.” He entered the years, names and a little history on each item he listed. There were colorful pictures of each that were explained. He ended the write-up with the year “1958-FANTA was introduced by COCA-COLA, its first major marketing in the U.S. of a non-cola soft drink.” This was a pretty cool informative slice of history, Blaine. Antique Bottle Collectors of Colorado – Dump Digger’s Gazette As this Colorado portion of our column is being written, Prez Rick Sinner is experiencing the feeling of “get-away” freedom as he leaves his “real” job behind for five days. He and his bicycle are on the way to Moab, Utah. There is a large rock and gem shop in Moab. If any of you readers are ever in Moab, you can’t miss it on the main drag. It is worth a visit. Hey, everyone needs more than one hobby.
18 There is an entire page in the April issue of the Gazette that is dedicated to a “killer” March program. There are four pictures featured on this page. One is of Rick introducing Alan Cass, who presented the information. Two other pictures introduce the area covered by the program and the fourth is a picture of a club member’s find. Alan gave some history of the Boulder County mining town of Caribou. The town was “nicknamed ‘The Place Where the Wind Begins’ because of its exposed high altitude setting. The town of Caribou was a classic Old West mining town that, while yielding a fair amount of silver ore, it produced as much hope of riches as it did actual ore.” One of the pictures is of a man, who was probably the post master, sitting outside of the Caribou Post Office in later years. The post office looked like a slightly over-sized outhouse, but it was probably one of the most precious connections with the outside world at that time. The story under the post office picture explains “Early prospecting by Sam Conger in the 1860s led to discovery of silver in the vicinity of what would become Caribou by the end of the 1860s.” A further explanation states that the town was heavily populated in the late 1860s and early 1870s, but after the mine was sold, the new owners discovered that there wasn’t much silver left. It was written that “Caribou saw a drastic decline in population and eventual transformation into a ghost town.” The caption under the last picture reads “Pictured above is a pair of small toy metal ‘irons’ that were unearthed in Caribou many years ago by Mike Watral.” As usual, the reliable Colorado Show team of Jim and Barb Sundquist are heavily involved in this year’s show details. There should be some good news regarding their July 26 show to report in a future issue of Bottles and Extras. The announcement of the winner of the Baxter-Eatwell Award is out: Rick Sinner is the winner for 2007. The award is a pottery jug that will have the winner’s name added to it yearly. It will be held by the current winner for one year. Each year the jug will pass to the new winner. As Rick puts it: “This award will travel from person to person much like the Stanley Cup does in hockey.” Want to know more about this award? You can contact Rick Sinner at his e-mail rsinner@comcast.net and he may even extend an invitation to a club meeting if you happen to be in the area.
July-August 2008 Golden Gate Historical Bottle Society – The Corker Ken and I have first-hand knowledge that the Vallejo Show 2008 was a great success. Lots of it had to do with Gary Antone wallpapering the area with show flyers. He was jazzed about getting the word out to anyone who would listen. His enthusiasm soon became contagious. Other club members were also known to be out there pounding the sidewalks as well. Hard work always pays off. At least, that was what I learned by following my parents’ example. The annual show’s organizers Gary and Darla related that they had sold some 60 tables. As is the usual case at shows, some dealers signed up for multiple tables. We were especially impressed with new dealers Tom and Karen Smith, who were making their “first show” debut. Their two tables were loaded to the max with quality, colorful poisons. Ken just had to have one of the larger cobalt poisons while I acquired a cool cobalt school house ink from them. We took some pictures of their tables and have yet to e-mail them to Karen. That’s on our “To Do” list. We briefly chatted with a couple of our own Los Angeles Historical Bottle Club attendees like Dave Garcia, who made a oneday trip (as some younger folks are known to do). He was in the midst of negotiating a deal for an early California soda from Jeff Wichmann. LAHBC member John Compton flew in from Utah and beat me to a neat collection of cone inks. Lance Westfall, from the San Diego Club, had a table. John Burton, from the Northwestern Club, was running around with a mysterious plastic bag clutched tightly in his hand. We enjoyed chatting with Richard and Bev Siri in between customers at their table. They are also members of the Northwestern Club. Ken got hooked on talking with dealer Gary Ingle from Ukiah and looking through Gary’s picture albums of “killer”digs. There were many dealers and a great mix of attendees so that there was no shortage of folks for Ken and I to have “bottle talk” with. A historical piece appeared in the Los Angeles club’s May 2008 newsletter. Our club’s editor Blaine Greenman placed an appropriate article entitled, “A Brief History of Vallejo, Calif.” adjacent to Ken’s report about this year’s Vallejo show. A few copies of this particular issue of The Whittlemark have already been mailed to Gary Antone to share with his club members. I think the clincher for catching the attention of the public was the timely article
Bottles and Extras written in the April 2008 issue of Today’s Vintage magazine. Gary has copies of that issue wherein Michael Krawczak wrote an article on Gary’s long-term interest in collecting. Gary was pictured standing in front of his collection. The article was well written and amazing to read with both the history of Gary’s collecting and some history of “collecting” period. The last paragraph of this article was devoted to the details of this year’s Vallejo show. Now that is a “cool” way to advertise. Montana Bottle Collectors Association Club Prez Bill Henness wrote a newsy “Greetings, Fellow Club Members!” message in the latest issue of the newsletter which was mailed May 7. This announcement will be old news by the time you readers flip open this issue of the Bottles and Extras; however, we will get the lowdown on their club bottle dig in their next newsletter. They planned it for May 24-25. They are trying to find a new site, but if they don’t the digging crew has permission to do a repeat of last year. They will have a short meeting at the Bagel Company in Helena and after the meeting, members will drive out to the same ghost town site where once again they will be expected to respect established club digging rules. Bill has high expectations for the ghost town site. “I’m sure we didn’t find all the bottles there,” he said. At this club’s March 8 meeting, there were several issues to be discussed and dealt with. One was the issue of 24-hour security at their show in Butte. That seems to no longer be an issue. Bill reports that dealer table rentals are moving at a faster rate than for the show that was held in Helena last year. He cautioned that dealers who want to rent a table should sign up early. He added that at least eight states will be represented at the July show. Bill noted that “Ron Yuhas presented an excellent display of colored insulators and talked about insulator collecting at our meeting. Wow, he sure brought some dandies for us to see.” Ron got a reward for his great presentation by becoming the winner of the drawing. His prize was described as a late 1890s Merritt & Co. Helena, Mont. crown top soda, in excellent condition. This club is also active in participating in other events. Bill put a reminder in his message that the table rental for the Wild West Fest in Helena is limited. He says “this super event is scheduled for August 9-10
Bottles and Extras and tables rent for only $10 each. We’re accepting reservations now, first come, first served. If all the 30 tables aren’t rented by May 30 th, we will offer the balance to non-members for $20 per table.” He gives the festival web site as www.montanalivinghistory.org. Northwestern Bottle Collectors Association – The Outhouse Scoop President Leisa Lambert has been on her skate board covering one show after another. Just kidding about the skate board! She was elated about the Anderson Show and the icing on the cake of being able to take in Ken Schwartz’s collection after the show. No one can state it better than Leisa. She said his collection was awesome and that she “was blown away; it’s truly a museum. He has some of the best advertising, bottles and shot glasses I’ve ever seen. His wife Teenie has a wonderful vintage purse and hat pin collection. She gave me the tour and told me all about them. Everything was displayed so nicely. It was worth the long drive and a must see in my book!” The next show was Chico. Leisa and hubby Lou always tag this show as “a staple for us.” They usually find some place to dig after the show; however, this year she reports that they got skunked. They found zip! Been there, done that (however, not necessarily in that location). We caught up with high-energy-level Leisa at the Morro Bay show. She shares the same positive feelings about the show that Ken and I have when we attend. We also agree with her on Web’s great barbeque. She does the tourist “walk about” that most of us do in that special ocean setting. The ocean backdrop lends the show a special flavor and makes folks feel like returning year after year. Of course, let’s get serious here, our main thrust is to walk away with some good finds to brag about at our club meetings. Leisa mentions the Golden Gate Bottle Show in Vallejo as coming up next on their agenda. I’ll fast forward to the point of once again meeting up with Leisa at this year’s Vallejo show and getting our hugs in. I’m sure she will share her story in a future issue of The Outhouse Scoop about checking out that show. A big thanks goes to Eric McGuire who found a story that was featured in the Oakland Tribune, dated March 5, l933. He sent it to Leisa and she included it in her April 2008 newsletter. The short story is
July-August 2008 entitled “Relics of Past.” This one revealing statement is enough to pique anyone’s curiosity. That statement is “what could be more unusual than to delve in a hillside for gold and find a fully equipped bar room.” Another piece of information from Leisa is that her Lou is working on their bottle web site. You readers might want to check it out: www.oldwestbottles.com. We will be watching for another volunteer’s article to appear in a future issue of your newsletter. Meanwhile keep on collecting and “dig when you can.” Oregon Bottle Collectors Association – The Stumptown Report By the time you readers start looking at the Western Regional news column, the June 13-14 Aurora, Oregon show will have become history for another year. Gratefully we realize that there are those of you who track down and attend annual shows. You supportive folks are the ones who help keep the “show momentum” alive and well. Before we get started we want to say “Welcome new member Arlie Anderson.” I think we read something about Arlie and how he got hooked on this hobby, but we will save that for next time. This will be something for you readers to look forward to in a future read. Upon reviewing some of the latest Stumptown Reports, we were shocked to read about Julie Dennis’ vehicle getting slammed by another car in a Safeway parking lot. It is amazing that her vehicle rolled three times, but that she did not have any broken bones. Newsletter editor Bill Bogynska said that, even without the Centralia show, he had a really good show at the Portland EXPO. He further commented that milk bottles, fruit jars and flasks were good sellers. Bottles and collectibles are abundant at the “show and tell” portion of each meeting. Some items have come from industrious digging efforts while others are acquisitions and, either way, club members are always proud to show off their finds. Scott brought in a Hazelwood Ice Cream Kwality Maid porcelain sign that he dug in Vernonia. Club member Dennis showed one of his digging results which was a porcelain Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Bell System round sign. He recently dug a pontiled amber Lyon’s Powder and an aqua Ague Cure. Mark talked about a 3 Merry Widows metal lid which he just found in dirt under a building. His explanation was that the lid
19 was from a condom tin. Scott kept up with the digging stories by adding his own. It was reported that “Scott told about digging a machine-made age hole, but dug one tooled bottle in it, a drug store from Gridley, Calif.” He said the rest were machine-mades. There was “an American Supply Co. 32 oz. Full Quart St. Louis, Mo., which was turning amethyst and an ABM amber Caroni Bitters.” Owl Drug collector Jeremy showed off his 1930s Pennzoil metal owl which says “Be Oil Wise.” He has among his collection a picture of the interior of the Owl Drug Store in Astoria in 1913, two varieties of milk glass owl mustard jars and two different Owl Drug cold cream lids and bases. Jeremy has the 6” size of the milk glass Owl Drug bottles, but needs the 3 ¼” size. Can anyone help this guy with the size he needs to add to his collection? The list of club members and their finds just goes on and on. What great meetings you folks have. I wouldn’t want to miss a one of them. We will be listing more finds in a future write-up. Meanwhile keep looking for and collecting more “stuff.” If anyone would like to contact someone from this club, you can e-mail Bill Bogynska who is secretary/treasurer/editor for the club. Whether you want to check out a club meeting or ask a question you can contact Bill at billb@easystreet.net San Diego Antique Bottle and Collectibles Club – The Bottleneck The latest, or among the latest, news events from the club is the fact that the venue of the monthly meetings has been changed. The club will still meet on the third Friday of the month, but at the San Diego County Office of Education, Room 403. Some members have already been to a club meeting at the new venue, but if you have not, editor Mike Bryant says that there will be directions and a map in June’s newsletter. A library report from Terry Monteith is that he is hopeful that with ample parking at the new location he might be able to back up his pickup and use a ramp to deliver the entire library to each meeting! Another plus for the club library is that Jeff Hooper has donated another box of books and magazines. It seems that Jeff is a longdistance member. He lives 1,200 miles away, he has not only made a prior donation to the club library but has been known to send a nice bottle to be used as the club’s door prize drawing. Terry ends with the best idea yet. He says: “The only way this club could
20 benefit more from Jeff’s membership is by having him living close enough to San Diego to attend our meetings.” Mike Bryant tells a great true story. He entitled his article, “You Meet the Nicest People on eBay.” It seems that Mike has a “Coke” room. His interest in Coke bottles led him to sell a circa 1910 Montgomery, Alabama Coke bottle on eBay. He received a call from the winner of his auction and, instead of Mike having to mail the bottle, the winner and Mike arranged a meeting at Mike’s house. The man, whose name is John Root, and his son Chapman arrived in a chauffeur-driven limousine. They were welcomed into Mike’s house to view his Coke room and pick up his newly acquired Coke bottle. Mike knew the bottle he sold had the name “Root” embossed on the bottom. However, Mike was totally blown away to learn that the recipient of his bottle was the great grandson of Chapman J. Root of the Root Corporation (Root Glass Co., Terre Haute, Ind.). Mike learned that the Root Corporation housed what was understood to be one of the largest private Coca-Cola collections in the United States (in Daytona Beach, Fla.). Mike learned more information about the corporation and was very pleased with the Roots’ visit. There is more to the story, but I’m sure that Mike might want to be the one to relate the rest of it to you. The responsibilities for the club’s upcoming show have been divided among many willing volunteers, but it was stated in the board meeting notes that “a whole army of volunteers will be needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the building committee, which include set-up and cleanup after the show.” You guys have distributed another great membership roster and handbook. Your 2008 version is loaded with good information. You have your members listed and what they collect. The handbook portion covers your club bylaws and your Bottle Digger’s Code of Ethics. Plus it has a map to the new venue! This kind of club effort takes dedication to detail, time and expense. Good job! If anyone is interested in learning more about the club and/or about Mike Bryant’s article on his eBay experience, here is his E-Mail address: sdmike@san.rr.com. Washington Bottle Collectors Association – Ghost Town Echo Niel Smith included in his March minutes that Prez Carmen reported on the Chico show. She felt that it was a success for all in attendance. Niel also reported that “Pete
July-August 2008 brought some great items to sell that he picked up at the show and Ron Aldrich brought some cool recently dug Seattle bottles that everyone drooled over.” After somewhat of a short business meeting members were treated to “a spectacular program” presented by Gregg Wilson and Van Sherrod. Club member Wilson talked about Codd stopper bottles. Gregg showed some bottles that are usually seen, but then surprised the audience by showing odd patent variations, colors and tops colored cobalt, amber and green. He broke his presentation down by age, patent history and showed modern Codd style bottles from Asia. Niel says that one should be able to view Gregg and his bottles on the club website: www.wbcaweb.org. Van covered nursing/feeder bottles from a collection of “hundreds” he recently purchased. Gregg’s display showed odd forms, closures and colors. During the presentation, he explained the use of a bottle that could be inserted into a woman’s shirt to act as an artificial breast. The bottle would be filled with formula and seemed to create the illusion of breastfeeding. In the minutes from the club’s April meeting, we learn that the new prez is out “digging in Walla Walla with Quentin!” Secretary Niel had to hold his secretarial note pad in one hand while holding the gavel in the other during the April meeting. Carmen had better share a find from that Walla Walla dig for all that extra effort on Niel’s part. According to Niel’s notes from the April 2008 meeting, he didn’t seem to show any signs of stress. However, in his own words, he was in a state of “boo-hiss jealousy.” Carmen will probably forgive Niel’s jealousy and provide some information from the dig to be included in the minutes of a future newsletter. In the May newsletter, we read that editor Ed gave special thanks to his wife, Kitty, and son, Bill, for getting the May 2008 issue of the club’s newsletter published. Ed wrote that he was hospitalized for five days because of a medical procedure and was not able to publish the newsletter. Bill has helped out before and now mom gets a chance to assist her son. Possibly this effort could be classified as a “family affair.” Niel closed his minutes from their April 2008 meeting as follows: “Well, that’s it for meetings this year. We’re almost to May and the show! Let’s get together in the summer and share in each other’s company. See you in the fall for more great meetings!”
Bottles and Extras Phoenix Antique Bottles & Collectibles Club – The A to Z Collector It is reported that the “special off-site event” of an evening of eating out, holding a meeting and touring the Sanderson Ford Museum was partially successful. In our previous Phoenix Club column, we mentioned that the club was trying to line up a trio-event. However, the plans for also holding their April meeting couldn’t be worked out as part of this event. Members were in agreement to forego the meeting and just go for eating and touring. Club editor Betty Hartnett put a message in the April issue of the A to Z Collector announcing a club outing. It started out with a club get-together and dinner at Jim and Arlene Bright’s home on May 31. Arlene and Jim provided the chow and charged everyone $5. The drinks were covered by the club. Where else can you get dinner for $5 in today’s economy? Then to finish out the weekend of June 1, the group shopped around at the Quester’s Antique Sale on the Courthouse Square. We will be looking forward to reading something about your club outing and/or maybe some pictures of club members milling about looking for some good finds at the sale. President Brent VanDeman’s message in the April newsletter has a headline of “Promotion, Promotion, Promotion!” He is urging club members to “promote” their upcoming October show. He is suggesting that members drop flyers off at antique stores, shows and keep encouraging people to be guests at one of the club meetings. Betty Hartnett presented a very personal March program. She brought in a photo of her 17-year-old grandmother at her treadle sewing machine. Betty attributes her love and talent for sewing and collecting sewing artifacts to her grandmother. Best part is that Betty still has her grandmother’s machine! Care had been taken to save some items that her grandmother made for her. Here’s a good one: Betty still has a suit she herself made for her “pet monkey.” The club learned some of the history of the art of sewing and got to view many sewing-related items that Betty brought in. She related that some Ice Age folks used bone needles to make their clothing some 20,000 years ago. Steve Mares is really keeping active with checking on some possible upcoming trips for the club. We will report on some of the activities that get accomplished as we read about them in future newsletters.
Bottles and Extras
July-August 2008
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York EXPO 2008 Auction Lot Preview List • DR. E. COXE NEW ORLEANS green, rare color, unlisted size • DR. HB SKINNER BOSTON 6" rect., O.P., blue-green • NERVE & BONE LINIMENT, 3.5" O.P., yellow-green, rare color • SWEETS BLK OIL ROCHESTER NY 6" rect., O.P., emerald-green • TRUE DAFFY’S ELIXIR/ TRUE DAFFY’S ELIXIR yellow w/ olive-green tones • WRYGHT’S BITTERS LONDON olive-green, Greer collection • CLEMEN’S INDIAN TONIC O.P., 90% label and cork • COVERT’S BALM OF LIFE olive-green, O.P., rect. • SEAVER’S JOINT & NERVE LINIMENT 3.5" cylinder, O.P., olivegreen • SKERRETT’S OIL / B. WHEEELER / W. HENRIETTA / MON.CO. NY O.P., emerald-green • D. DAVIS - 12-sided, cobalt, American flavored beer • DR. PETZOLD’S GENUINE GERMAN BITTERS / L. PETZOL & CO. PROPRIETORS / BALTIMORE handled gallon stoneware jug • DODGE BROTHERS / MELAMINE / HAIR TONIC, best pick of the 12 recovered by Sam Greer • ROHRER’S / WILD / CHERRY/ TONIC / EXPECTORAL / LANCASTER. PA. • PERRINE’S / APPLE / GINGER - PHILA. • DR. TEBBETT’S’ / PHYSIOLOGICAL /HAIR / REGENERATOR, plum • MRS. S.A. ALLEN’S / WORLD’S HAIR / RESTORER / NEW YORK, purple-amethyst • Cathedral pickle - HEINZ, 14" all labels orig., keystone, aqua • Master ink - HAYELY INK CO 98% orig. paper label, orig. metal spout • Master ink - STAFFORD’S INK w/full labels • Master Ink - THADDEUS DAVIS Co. / ELECTRO CHEMICAL / WRITING FLUID • Tin BISMOLINE MFG. CO. LANCASTER PA AND / PHILADELPHIA • CAPEN & THURSTON / IMPROVED MINERAL WATER / TROY N.Y., pontiled • Circus tent ink w/stopper from Pa., milk glass • 14" large pontiled cologne • K-1 poisons - set of 4 cylinder lattice and diamond POISONS • F. RAHTER / ZINGARI BITTERS (Z-4) topaz • F. RAHTER / ZINGARI BITTERS (Z-4) amber • CARTER’S- set of 2 cathedral inks, qt. and pt., cobalt • MAYNARD’S / STAR BITTERS, yellow-olive-green, unlisted/unknown • THE CAMPUS / GOSSLER BROS. PROP’S / N.W.COR. / 104 STR. & COLUMBUS AV. / N.Y • MICHAELIS’ & / LINDEMAN / 393 BROADWAY / NEW YORK, mint, yellow-amber • P78.5 DR. PETZOLD’S GENUINE / GERMAN / BITTERS, incpt. 1862 • D-105 ST / DRAKE’S / 1860 / PLANTATION / BITTERS / 1862 • AMSTER’S / STOCKING DARNER /.N.A. AMSTER / ROYERSFORD PA.” • Cobalt shaft and globe bottle • Small CHESTNUT 4.5" w/intact orig. wicker cover • c. 1750s French black glass wine • Snail ink - French – milk glass ink and tray • Pair CLAM BROTH barber/colognes • TORREY’S EGYPTIAN / PATENTED / March 13th 1866 / FRUIT JAR
• Lot of 3 a. MUSTY ALE advertising mug, PHILA. b. salt-glazed stoneware, plain c. Stoneware SANFORDS ink pail / handled jug • Large black/olive-green, demi, O.P. • Small olive-green demi, I.P. • Small-size emerald-green demi, I.P. • 2 stoneware jugs a. A.O. WHITTEMORE HAVANA, N.Y. beehive jug b. E.L.& P. NORTON BENNINGTON, VT. beehive jug • KERKEL advertising stoneware cider, ext. rare, one of two known • Cobalt barber bottle w/enameled flowers • Olive-green decanter/serving bottle w/flared lip • Lot of 3 a. Cobalt school house ink b. Cobalt free-blown glass c. Cobalt CASTOR OIL cyclinder • Handled NAILSEA flask w/white specks • Early olive-green collared-lip snuff • French bladder, olive-green • Early pontiled medicine, olive-green, rect. • Cobalt painted German spirits flask • Lot of 2: Snuff jar in orange-olive color w/pushed-in shoulder area a. Large laid-on ring jar/bottle, narrow-mouth, free-blown b. Olive-green free-blown jar • Free-blown chestnut outward rolled-lip • Free-blown chestnut crude laid-on ring lip • Green GOOFUS glass pickle, 14" • FCG wax sealer, cobalt • Cobalt decorated salt-glazed pitcher • Jester holding up a bottle • Tea kettle ink • Igloo ink, citron • GOLDEN / BITTERS / GEO. C. HUBBEL & CO.” • PALMER’S, red glass trade sign • BOERICKE & TAFEL black pharmacy/medicine • JONNEY JUMP-UP EXTRACT / W. L. EDGAR & CO., PERFUMERS” • Locomotive figural ink
“The truck is here to take your bottles to the show.”
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July-August 2008
Bottles and Extras
Did George Washington Drink from This Bottle? By Bill Baab NOTE: A stoneware bottle bearing the G. WASHINGTON imprint was found on a dredge, perhaps off the Virginia coast. I cannot tell a lie, so I admit the following is a figment of my imagination. Of course, it may be closer to the truth than imagined. Then again, maybe not! It was summer at Mount Vernon and steamy hot, so George Washington decided a cruise aboard a friend’s sloop would help him cool off. He met his friend at Mount Vernon’s wharf on the Potomac River, boarded the little vessel and they set sail for a cruise around Chesapeake Bay. While enjoying the breeze as the sloop plowed through the water, the former president of the United States felt thirsty. He had brought a few stoneware bottles of his favorite ginger beer kept cool inside a moss-lined picnic hamper. He had a local potter turn the bottles and personalize them by stamping their shoulders with his first initial and last name. He took one of the bottles out of the hamper and carefully pried out the cork stopper. He drained the bottle, which contained
little more than a pint of the peppery liquid, and sat it on the sloop’s rail. Suddenly, a puff of wind caused the boat to heel and the bottle fell overboard. “Drat!” bemoaned George. “Those bottles are expensive. I must remind myself to be more careful!” Fast-forward to February, 2008. I had emailed a photo of the bottle to David Graci of South Hadley, Mass., asking the stoneware bottle expert if the bottle could have been around in George’s day, from the late 1700s to the early 1800s. “The shape indicates it is older than George’s time period, but there are few stoneware bottles that date to his era, with most being in the early 1800s,” Graci replied. He suggested I contact someone at Mount Vernon. A source at Mount Vernon who asked to be identified only as being “close to the former president” disagreed with Graci, saying the bottle’s form and heavy rim indicates it dates to the mid-19th century. Since Washington died in 1799, that surmise rules out the bottle being his.
Who’s right? The imprint more than likely was that of a potter or a bottler bearing the same name as the nation’s first president. A check of Don and Betsy Yates’ “Ginger Beer and Root Beer Heritage” and Graci’s “American Stoneware Bottles” did not reveal a G. Washington potter or bottler. Images of the bottle and a photo of her late husband, Tony, were e-mailed to me from Carol Ann Volpe, who was curious about the bottle’s origins. He was a commercial clammer for more than 16 years, working on many different dredge boats from five to 60 miles offshore from Maine to Florida. “We started collecting early when an old bottle came up in the dredge,” she said. “My husband brought it home and I fell in love with the mystery of this bottle so I asked him to bring me more. I can’t say where in the ocean it’s from. I have many bottles throughout our years together and built shelves in the kitchen to display them after he died in 1993.”
Bill Baab 2352 Devere Street Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 736-8097 riverswamper@comcast.net
Stoneware ginger beer stamped G. Washington dates to late 18th century, expert David Graci says. Tony Volpe found the bottle while aboard a clammer’s dredge.
Bottles and Extras
July-August 2008
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The Bottler’s Helper - A Review By Bill Baab If you were a bottler of soda water during the first decade of the 20th Century and you ran into a problem, who would you turn to for help? Who else but another bottler? But he might be a competitor and maybe he wouldn’t be as forthcoming with a solution as you’d like. Happily for you, Blumenthal Brothers, a Philadelphia, Pa., supplier of soft drink industry necessities, got the idea of collecting helpful hints from many of their clients – hundreds of ‘em, as it turned out. “It” turned into The Bottler’s Helper, with contributions from more than 700 bottlers throughout the country, and was published by the Blumenthals in 1907. Fast forward to 2008 when soda water bottlers really don’t need as much help as their pioneer brethren. Twenty years ago, however, Ron Fowler of Seattle, Wash., a veteran collector and historian, figured that a reprint of The Bottler’s Helper just might be what collectors of those early soda waters needed. So in 1988 he reprinted it, but with vastly improved contents geared to today’s collector who might like to learn about early soda water operations. He created a file listing the page number, subject, firm name, bottler name, city, state, province and country. One of the biggest and most costly problems an early soda water bottler faced was getting bottles returned. There was no deposit system. That wouldn’t come for another 40 or 50 years. That’s why many early sodas are embossed “THIS BOTTLE IS NEVER SOLD AND MUST BE RETURNED.” Technically, consumers bought the drink, but not its container. But John Q. Public decided that it couldn’t be bothered to return the bottles once they had been emptied. So they ended up in trash dumps and privies – out of sight, out of mind. That’s worked out fine for us collectors more than 100 years later, but pity the poor bottler who had to “eat” the losses. All was not lost in 1907 because fellow bottlers made helpful suggestions in The Bottler’s Helper. Here are a few: T.F. WILLIAMS, ANSONIA, CONN.: “I submit to your consideration one of the upto-date ideas in the stoppage of our little loss. This idea was originated by myself and
put into operation by me a year ago. The method adopted in this plan has located for me a great many bottles given out in the trade, that I would not be able to locate otherwise. You will notice in the prospectus attached that there are two sections in its operation. One is for the driver and the other section is for the bookkeeper. The driver’s sheet is handed in to the bookkeeper daily. The bookkeeper transfers to his weekly account the goods sold and the bottles returned by the customer to the driver. At the close of every week, a copy of the report is handed to the driver, he to inquire of the customer the cause of the loss, making his report upon the same back to the bookkeeper. The customer, nine cases out of ten, will tell the driver where he can go and get the missing bottles.” W.O. ALLEN, MT. VERNON (Missouri) BOTTLING WORKS: “A good way to get all empties back quick is to send a wagon around every few days and see that all empties are gathered up and paid for. Customers are careless, but do not let the bottler get careless. No one is going to hustle your business for you so go after your empties in a hurry, It won’t be long until your customers will expect you and have all empties ready when you get around to his establishment.” ZERWEKH’S BOTTLING WORKS, PEKIN, ILL.: “I herewith submit a little card for reminding my trade tthat there is not six cents profit in a five-cent bottle of soda. It reads: CASES AND BOTTLES COST MONEY. Few realize that every Case of Bottles costs us $1.60. We put 2 1/2 cents in a bottle that costs us 5 cents. We cannot afford to lose them. Neither can YOU! We are obliged to keep account of all shortages and charge careless dealers with what they lose. We call attention to this for the benefit of those who do not realize the cost.” Other bottlers charged dealers a premium on each bottle not returned (usually 5 cents a bottle), while others adopted the card reminder system. Only us collectors know how well each system worked – usually not at all! The Bottler’s Helper is loaded with good information, including preparation of homemade liniments, whitewash, inks, polishes and rust removers. The book’s 341 pages are filled with fascinating information
The Bottler’s Helper: A Practical Encyclopaedia For The Bottler Of Soft Drinks Originally published 1907, reprinted 1993 by Ron Fowler. Soft cover, comb bound, 8 1/2" x 11" format, 191 pages. For ordering information, contact: David Bethman, 5770 Church Road, Ferndale WA 98248. David can be reached via E-mail at: bottlvlt@gte.net. and no modern bottle collector should be without a copy. Some years ago, Fowler turned the books over to David Bethman, P.O. Box 1090, Ferndale, WA 98248. You can send him a check or money order for $9.95 plus $4.60 Priority Mail or $2.50 Media Mail. You also can e-mail him at bottlevault@yahoo.com to determine if the book is still available.
Other books by Ron Fowler available on his website (www.SeattleHistoryCompany.com) are: Collecting Soda Pop Bottles ($19.95) Ice Cold Soda Pop 5¢ - An Illustrated History of Oregon Soda Pop Bottling ($19.95) Washington Sodas - The Illustrated History of Washington’s Soft Drink Industry ($39) (Prices include postage.) Also available is information for ordering books by Ted Oppelt, Roger M. Peters, Ron Feldhaus, David Graci, David L. Kyte, Sam Fuller, Jr., Mike Burggraaf & Tom Southard, The Ohio Bottle Club, Inc., George Wm. Fisher & Donald H. Weinhardt, Bill Baab, Mike Miller and Zang Wood.
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Bitter January Digs By Jeff Mihalik
Digging in the Tri-State area during 2007 did not produce many good results. Although we had plenty of permission on properties of decent age (pre-Civil War to 1880s), Rick and I only dug a couple historical flasks and a decent bottle here and there. We were hoping for better luck in 2008. We had been trying to get permission on a couple of properties for several years. Both were pre-Civil War brickers, one a well kept mansion, the other a possible store front that was currently being used as a tri-plex.
Both properties had large backyards, however, each had paved driveways that led to garage/carriage homes. We were very hopeful that we could find a privy in the portion of the yards that were uncovered. Rick was very persistent and finally arranged to talk with the owners of the brick mansion. Needless to say, he was persuasive and permission was granted. We probed the lot on one occasion and could not find any potential privy locations. Knowing how
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hard finding the older privies can be, we went back after a rain when we knew that probing would be easier. Rick’s expertise in probing paid off and we pinpointed a likely spot next to a rather larger oak tree. On a blustery New Year’s day, we met at the site to celebrate our first dig of 2008. The wind was howling so hard that we had to use bricks to keep the tarps in place until we could fill some containers with dirt to hold them down. Snowflakes were in the air and it seemed like we were the only people in the whole neighborhood outside. Maybe everyone else was still recovering from the celebration the night before. After digging a few feet, I yelled to Rick that it looked like a stoner. That really helped get us going and stay warm from the excitement of possibly finding pontiled artifacts. Everything we saw in the fill layer pointed to an older pit. When we hit the trash layer, the first bottle we found was not pontiled but at least blown in the mold. At about the six-foot level we really started to find some decent artifacts, the first good one being a half-pint clasped hands flask. After I found a couple more, it was Rick’s turn into the pit. Shortly after, he uncovered a nice Hostettler’s in yellow-amber. After a couple more nice finds, I finished the hole off. While scraping the walls of loose dirt, a nice emerald-green Carter’s ink fell out along with several local druggist bottles. In all, we found seven flasks, of which three were without damage. Not a bad start to 2008. Since we could not find another privy on this lot, I suggested to Rick that we go and at least probe the other property, and if we found a privy, then maybe he could ramp up his efforts to get the permission. The other lot was fairly closeby. After about 20 minutes we located a good feeling privy. Good feeling meaning not loose uncompacted dirt but older feeling compacted soil. Usually, the tighter feeling holes are older (of course there is always the exception). Rick finally obtained permission and we scheduled the dig for the coming Saturday. The pit turned out to be a very crudely-made stoner. Long story short, it was dipped and filled sometime around the turn-of-the last century. We did recover several local bottles. Before we left that day we probed two more privy locations. One of the spots was right where the homeowner told us to look. I think it may have been the glass that was in the dirt surrounding this location. Both locations felt ashy and not like old compacted soil.
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Another week went by and the weather was again looking bad. Forecasts were in the teens with snow for the coming Saturday. A couple emails back and forth and we agreed to wait for some better weather (yeah right!). Rick’s next email had the subject title of “Reconsidering digging.” I couldn’t agree more…so we planned to meet early
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that Saturday at the site. We were really fortunate in that this pit was right up next to a garage, but not underneath. Even though this spot probed loose, you can never know whats underfoot until you dig. After removing the sod, I started to clear out some of the overburden. I wasn’t a foot down
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when I saw the first bottle: an aqua blown utility bottle. That was good news as we were half expecting clear 1920s glass. Another shovel of dirt and I saw another hint of aqua. Using my hand to wipe some of the dirt away, I was staring at an eagle. It turned out to be a Pittsburgh double eagle
Bottles and Extras flask. Wow, right in the fill! I never have been this fortunate to see such a nice artifact that high up in the pit. Soon, I uncovered a quart amber blob beer from Allegheny, Pa. (old north side of Pittsburgh). We were really starting to get excited now since the first bottle was not a stray. Wild with anticipation, I started to use a scratcher and gently raked the fill. Nothing came out and I hit a clay cap. At this point Rick says, “This is one of those Wishart’s Pine Tree Cordial age pits.” I glance up and grin as I never have dug one but always admired these green tree beauties. Moments later I see more glass, and can you believe it, it’s a Wishart’s! The bottle next to it appeared to be a Hostettler’s but upon freeing it, it was unembossed. Oh well! Now it was Rick’s turn in the pit. It wasn’t long until he had his first of many bottles. A nice clasped hands flask. This was followed by another double eagle, only this one was the crude federal-style eagle with no town name. Rick started to find shards of bitters, hoping for a whole example. By this time his parents had arrived to see what was happening and Rick got out of the pit. I jumped in and soon hit a pocket of glass, all bitters! The first couple bitters came out broken. These included a Constitution Bitters and Drakes cabin. But then it happened, bitters, bitters and more bitters. Bitters to the right, to the left, under me, behind me, I started to get dizzy. I was handing bottles up to Rick at a pace that we have never experienced. A whole Constitution, several St. Drakes, Maynard’s Star Bitters, Jackson’s Home Bitters, Hostettler’s. Who ever lived in the house during this time period (most likely Civil War era) didn’t have a preference as to what he was drinking. Before I got out of the pit, I also uncovered an Ogden Porter (iron pontil), The Cure for Fits and a cobalt shot glass. I saved about ½ to a 1/3 of the bottle layer for Rick. Carefully digging, through not much more was coming out. As he approached the far wall, he started to find more glass. A couple more bitters came out including a McKelvy’s Stomach Bitters, Pittsburgh Pa. Just as he was finishing up, and just to top off this fantastic dig, one final bitters came to light, a nice yellow St. Drakes! Rick has been digging for over ten years and me for about eight and we both agreed that this has to be the best dig we’d ever had, and maybe the best bitter January dig anyone else has ever had. Continued on page 58.
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YORK EXPO 2008 AUCTION ITEMS
de t s nli w. U o sly yell u o i e rev oliv P in rs ple e t t Bi xam r e a St wn s o n rd na ly k a M On
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not too often a yellow-olive-green unlisted bitters is privy dug in the dead of winter and found in perfect condition. Well, Jeff Mehalik and his Tri-State digging buddies did just that! BONUS! Both the Capen & Thurston and the Manards Star Bitters are consigned to the Auction block at the 2008 EXPO in York. Only 75 top notch items will be accepted for the auction that will be called by Norm Heckler!
Capen & Thurston / Improved /Mineral Water / Troy, N.Y. Only one known in this variant.
For inquiries or info, contact: Randy Driskill (760) 415-6549 randy@bottleauction.com www.bottleauction.com
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Hunt’s Remedy
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Figure 6
Fear of ILLNESS and DEATH were used to promote this nineteenth century nostrum By Cecil Munsey Copyright © 2008 Origins To sell patent medicines, according to one turn-of-the-20th-century writer, “You may wheedle him, cajole him, intoxicate him with promises, tickle his fancy or frighten him out of hit boots.” The latter is the approach used to promote HUNT’S REMEDY, the “Great Kidney Medicine that cures dropsy and all diseases of the kidney, bladder and urinary organs – never known to fail.” According to historian Henry W. Holcombe, the old man represented in Figure 1 is the one who put Hunt’s Remedy before the public. “If he were alive today he would look upon his labors with pride and thankfulness. The consciousness of having done good to a vast number of Fig. 1 suffering fellow beings would be a reward for this philanthropic man.” According to local legend there was a very important ingredient in the Remedy, the name of which has not been passed down in history. The unnamed ingredient was a root dug from the ground. It flourished in old pastures and along the roadside in portions of the U.S. It was well known to the early Dutch settlers of the Island of Manhattan. Prior to 1700, Dutchmen drank a mixture of the root, and
Figure 7: Tradecard sold for $525 in 2000.
other vegetable substances, in their Schnapps. The old Brevoort estate, now the vicinity of Broadway and Eleventh Street in New York City, was noted for growing the root. What is now the heart of the city was then open fields. Dr. David Hosack was a noted physician in New York City who had an extensive practice during the latter part of the 18th century and until his retirement in 1835. Local historians recorded that Hosack and the influential Brevoort family encouraged the use of the root-based medicine as it cured many cases of liver, kidney and bladder troubles. Dr. Hosack gave his recipe to a number of his pupils. One of the pupils, it is said, saved the life of a Mr. Hunt, a New York City resident, who was afflicted with Bright’s disease (kidney malfunction) and Dropsy (excess water in body tissue). He was cured, after taking the medicine for about a year. His “bloated flesh,” according to the locals, was reduced, and his vigor restored. In 1860 a cured and healthy Mr. Hunt obtained a copy of Hosack’s hand-me-down recipe for the medicine that cured him and began to manufacture it as “Hunt’s Remedy.” He sold it widely and regular
and homeopathic physicians used the medicine from its introduction. Supposedly it had larger sales in New England than any other proprietary medicine. The Revenue Act of 1862 required that a revenue stamp be affixed to each bottle manufactured. Mr. Hunt did not take advantage of the new law that allowed for the creation and use of “private die” revenue stamps – he utilized standard generic government-issue revenue stamps. After Mr. Hunt’s death, his widow continued to manufacture (Figures 2-3) the Remedy. The late Dr. John C. Peters of New York City assisted Mrs. Hunt in improving the recipe; and finally in 1872, she sold the revised recipe and the right to make the medicine. A New Owner On May 9, 1872, Hunt’s Remedy (“The Great Kidney Medicine”) was purchased by William E. Clarke, an apothecary of Providence, Rhode Island (Figure 4).
Figure 11
Figure 15
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Fig. 3 > Being an astute businessman, few months later, he registered the name “HUNT’S REMEDY” as a trademark with the Library of Congress at Washington, D.C. William E. Clarke, who’d been a practicing pharmacist in Providence since about 1860, went off to the Civil War in 1862. In 1863 he mustered out and returned to Providence where he married Emma Mason and went back into the pharmacy business. In 1864, he was operating an apothecary shop located at 233 South Main Street in Providence. Within three years he had moved to 28 Market Square selling medicines, perfumery and the usual toiletries of the time. A short time later he opened a second shop located at the corner of Broad and Mathewson Streets. Mr. Clarke wasted no time in beginning the manufacture and promotion of Hunt’s Remedy. For example, beginning on June 3, 1873 there was in nearly every issue of The Opera Glass, a newspaper in Providence, a small advertisement such as this:
Figure 4
Figure 5
“Hunt’s Remedy – The Great KIDNEY MEDICINE; A Positive Remedy for Dropsy and all diseases; Of the KIDNEYS, BLADDER and urinary organs. For Sale by all druggists.” Sales evidently were increasing because the next year advertisements were more than twice as large. Within a year or so Mr. Clarke introduced Hunt’s Health Pills and Liver Cure, familiarly known as “Little Gems” (Figure 5). They claimed to cure “Sick Headache, Nervous Headache, Bilious Disorders, Jaundice, Malaria, Costiveness, Dyspepsia, Indigestion, Dizziness, Drowsiness, and All Liver Trouble.” In 1872, Clarke closed the Broad Street shop, but kept the Market Square store operating for seven or eight more years. That was the same year in which he took over Hunt’s (kidney) Remedy that was located at 310 South Main Street in Providence. Clarke ran this company from 1872 until 1885, all the while manufacturing his own CLARKE’S INFALLIBLE EYE WASH, CLARKE’S TOOTHACHE DROPS, and CLARKE’S FLORENTINE DENTRIFICE as well as HUNT’S REMEDY. Few bottles used for Hunt’s Remedy remain from that early period and those that do are not found in large numbers and consequently are of definite interest to collectors. In 1938, historian Henry W. Holcombe described the bottle featured in Figure 6 as follows: The blue-glass [aqua] bottle measured 65 by 35 by 175 mm. tall. In raised letters [embossing] on the front was ‘HUNT’S REMEDY’ and on the back ‘William E. Clarke, – Providence, R. I.’ in two lines of capitals. The label was die cut, rounded at the top, printed in black, and measured 43 by 117 mm. The direction sheet folded around the bottle. The outside wrapper, printed in black and red, in four panels, was 258
29 by 230 mm. over all. The facsimile signature of ‘W. E. Clarke’ appeared on the back panel. The top and bottom were sealed with red wax, while the 6¢ private die stamp was affixed to the top of the wrapper. In 1872 when Clarke purchased the rights to Hunt’s Remedy, one of the assets Mrs. Hunt turned over to Mr. Clarke was the rights to the unregistered trademark that Mr. Hunt had developed to represent his Hunt’s Remedy (Figure 7). [An example of that early trademark, imprinted on a trade card sold at auction in 2000 for $525, a large amount of money for a trade card.] Hunt’s trademark offered the image of man fighting off a skeleton with the aid of a bottle being used as a club. Soon after Mr. Clark took ownership of Hunt’s Remedy in 1872, he redesigned the old trademark. He retained the same theme – an image of a man fighting off a skeleton with the aid of a bottle used as a club (Figures 8-9). In the late 1880s another soon-tobe-famous patent medicine vendor copied, without apology, Hunt’s Remedy’s advertising logo. William Radam’s Microbe Killer featured the copied theme of a man battling a skeleton with a spiked club (Figure 10) in his extensive advertising and on his now-famous bottle (Figure 11). Unlike the late Mr. Hunt, Mr. Clarke came to realize the advertising- and imageadvantage of having a private die revenue stamp for his Hunt’s Remedy. In late 1878 Mr. Clarke directed the National Bank Note Company of New York (under contract from the U. S. Government) to engrave dies for both sizes of his Hunt’s Remedy. The proof of the 6¢ black revenue stamp to be affixed to the large $1.75 bottle (Figure 12) was approved in January 1879. The proof of the 3¢ blue stamp for the smaller 75¢ bottle (Figure 13) was approved in April 1880. While printing technology of the time was able to print in many colors, the government only offered private die revenue stamps in one color. That made Clarke’s trade cards for Hunt’s Remedy much more colorful than its single-color revenue stamps. Consequently Hunt’s Remedy print advertising, in color, is quite expensive
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today in the collector marketplace. A rare specimen of the earliest Hunt’s Remedy trade card, circa 1860 (Figure 7), as briefly mentioned before sold at auction for over $500 in 2000. Recently more than $300 was paid for an example of the 1872 redesigned trade card (Figure 8). Another famous and popular, but not so expensive or hard-to-get trade card used to promote Hunt’s Remedy (Figure 14), featured a pretty young girl dressed in a sailor suit. Another popular trade card for Hunt’s remedy is the one shown as Figure 15.
Figure 8: Redesigned 1872 tradecard
Figure 9
Figure 10
Fig. 12: 1880 private die revenue stamp
Another New Owner In 1882, Clarke was joined by another registered pharmacist, Edward R. Dawley, who, after working for Clarke for several years, became the company’s secretary in 1884. A year later Dawley became proprietor of the company and moved the business to 112 South Water Street. Clarke completely sold out to Dawley in 1886, and became an agent for the Eagle Machine Company, 288 Dyer Avenue, but after only a year quit to work at the Quaker Medicine Company, 6 South Water Street. Clarke remained there until 1891 when he left to become the City Clerk in Providence. In 1873, Edward R. Dawley was also listed as a partner in “Mason, Dawley, Wheaton & Co.” in Providence. The firm was famous for producing “Alpine Hair Balm” (Figure 16) that was invented in 1860 by partner Charles A. P. Mason, an apothecary in Providence. Dawley continued to run the Hunt’s Remedy Co., relocating again in 1894 to 451 South Main Street. Hunt’s Remedy was manufactured and marketed in redesigned bottles (Figure 17) and (Figures 18-19) for several years thereafter and then the nostrum seems to have dropped out of sight altogether. By 1903 Edward R. Dawley had quit the business and became a “city collector” until his death in 1906. Finale A century later, in 1998, a commemorative 32¢ postage stamp (Figure 20) honoring the 1906 Pure Food
Fig. 17
Figure 13
Figure 14
Fig. 16: Alpine Hair Balm
Fig. 18 (L): Hunt’s Remedy Co., dime sample Fig. 19 (R): Hunt’s Remedy sample box.
Figure 20: In 1998, a commemorative 32¢ postage stamp honoring the 1906 Pure Food and Drugs Act was issued.
Bottles and Extras and Drugs Act was issued. The stamp was part of the U. S. Postal Service’s “Celebrate the Century” program honoring the most memorable and significant people, places, events and trends of the 20th century. The modified image is from a proprietary revenue tax stamp and trade card (Figure 8) for the nostrum, Hunt’s Remedy. According to post office literature, “…the stamp purports to show the product’s effectiveness through the allegorical vision of Death being slain by a bottle of Hunt’s Remedy.” As most collectors of bottles understand, Hunt’s Remedy was only one of thousands of such products flooding the U.S. market at the time the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act was passed. It was without a doubt, however, one of the most colorfully advertised patent medicines of its time. References: Books: Baldwin, Joseph K. Patent and Proprietary Medicine Bottles of the 19th Century, New York: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1973 Bingham, A. Walker. The Snake-Oil Syndrome – Patent Medicine Advertising,
July-August 2008 Hanover, Massachusetts: Christopher Publishing House, 1994 Holbrook, Stewart H. The Golden Age of Quackery, New York: Collier Books, 1959. Holcombe, Henry W. Patent Medicine Tax Stamps, Lawrence, and Massachusetts: Quarterman Publications, Inc. 1979 Munsey, Cecil. Illustrated Guide to Collecting Bottles, New York: Hawthorn Books, Inc., 1970 Young, James Harvey. The Toadstool Millionaires, Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1941 Periodicals: Allen, Phillip Loring. “Dosing the Public as a Business,” Leslie’s Monthly Magazine LIX (1905). [. 575. Holcombe, Henry Woodruff. “William E. Clarke,” Weekly Philatelic Gossip, 26:365366, May 28, 1938. Internet: www.ntskeptics.org/2004/2004january/ january2004.htm www.cecilmunsey.com
31 Fair use notice: Some material in this article was originally published by the sources above 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 copyright owner(s). Cecil Munsey 13541 Willow Run Road Poway, CA 92064-1733 Phone: 858-487-7036 E-mail: cecilmunsey@cox.net Gmail: cecilmunsey@gmail.com Website: CecilMunsey.com More than 1200 free-to-copy well-researched articles and other materials of interest to bottle collectors
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A Cap for What? By Barry L. Bernas Are Clues Helpful? From the time I began to write about the Anchor, Capstan and Perfection Glass Companies, I always was a staunch believer in the principle that a set of clues would eventually create a path which led to an answer for any pressing question concerning these firms or the glassware their hands turned out. Regardless of the source, these vital snippets of data could usually be amalgamated to suggest a plausible response to the query at hand. Once again, I’m going to test my belief by putting it to work against an identification problem. Hopefully, my theory will be successful and, in turn, adequately address the question posed as the title of this article. Crux of the Issue An unidentified glass screw cap is pictured in Figure 1. It came to me via June Lowry of Raymore, Missouri. For several years, June has been on the lookout for specific styles of glass caps that were made to the specifications of patents issued either to William B. Fenn and Russell Uhl or inspired by the former gentleman. She thought the example in Figure 1 might fit the criteria. Figure 1
General Characteristics The general characteristics of this cover are as follows: height – 5/ 8 inch; outer diameter – 2 7/8 inches; inner diameter – 2 ½ inches or 63 millimeters; embossing – none; weight – one and three-fourth ounces and profile - resembles a Hat model in the SIMPLEX in a diamond line.1 Five Parts to this Screw Cap Now let’s look at the five parts of this closure in more detail. The regions on it to discuss are: outer skirt, inner skirt, bottom edge, inner surface and top surface. Outer Skirt The first one to inspect is the outer skirt. It has three main subsections: underlying
form, grippers (ribs) and bottom band. Along the initial part, the underlying form has a minute inward slant which runs from the top of the bottom band to the junction with the outer top surface. There are twelve grippers evenly spaced around the outer skirt. These ribs start at the top of the bottom band and end at the top of the outer skirt. Undoubtedly a tool for making the opening and/or closing process easier, these features are each ½ inch long and 3/16 inch wide. Their uniform profile resembles a log in appearance. Semicircular throughout, every one of these exterior traits has an abruptly slanted up and inward segment for their upper 1/8 inch. This angled portion is clearly visible in the picture of the screw cap’s profile in Figure 1. Finally, the bottom band is 3/16 inch in length and composed of two segments. The first or top part is quarter-circular in form. Following directly is a slanted inward part which terminates at the bottom edge. Inner Skirt Next up for inspection is the inner skirt. This section slants inward from the bottom edge to the junction with the inner surface. It is 7/16 of an inch in length. Around it winds a 1/16 inch wide, semicircular-shaped, raised screw thread which circles the inner skirt about two times. Bottom Edge The third area to examine on the sealer in Figure 1 is its bottom edge. This flat, smooth and 1/8 inch wide segment starts at the end of the slanted section of the bottom band and proceeds to the intersection with the base of the slanted inner skirt. Inner Surface The inner surface on this example is the next element to detail. A picture of it can be seen in Figure 2. At the junction of the inner skirt and the inner surface, the circular flat Figure 2 region has an outer diameter of 2 3/8 inches. About 1/ 8 inch
Bottles and Extras inward along the inner surface is a raised, semicircular-shaped ring that is 1/16 inch wide. Next is a 5/ 16 inch wide flat but circular surface. Thereafter comes a very slight vertical rise (approximately 1/16 of an inch) to a flat-surfaced circular plane with an outer diameter of 1 ½ inches. Top Surface Lastly, I’ll turn to the cap’s top surface. See Figure 3. The first feature after the outer skirt is a Figure 3 1 / 8 inch wide, smooth and slightly slanted inward ridge. At its innermost point, a 1/8 inch vertical drop occurs. The outer diameter of the depressed circular tier is 2 5/16th inches. This region is flat to the touch. Similar Glass Caps Now that the screw cap shown in Figures 1-3 has been described, I want to introduce other glass covers that were either patented by Messrs. Fenn and Uhl or inspired by one of them to see if any visual clues arise that will help to identify our unidentified specimen. In Figure 4, the profiles of five glass screw caps are depicted. The far left sample with a Hat outer motif was made to the May 3, 1904 patent granted to William B. Fenn.2 Next up and second from the left is a cover manufactured to the October 24, 1905 and February 12, 1907 patents issued to the same gentleman. 3 In the center is our unidentified closure. The example second in from the right is a glass sealer that was probably inspired by Mr. Fenn.4 Finally, the cap on the right side carries the abbreviated patent date – PATD DEC.5.05 - on its top surface. It was molded to the same day patent registered to Russell Uhl, a former business associate of William B. Fenn.5 Cap One The first circular example in Figure 4 has been reported to have at least seven different outer shapes, including the one shown as the Hat profile on the far left. This motif is the mostly commonly encountered variety. At a minimum, it was manufactured by two different glass companies between early 1906 to late 1908. This particular model was employed to seal the smooth lip SIMPLEX in a diamond embossed and unembossed packers’ jar and the machine made condiment container
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July-August 2008
Figure 4
inscribed with FLACCUS BROS STEERS HEAD FRUIT JAR. 6 Of note, earlier editions of the same kind of screw cap 7 have been found on the raised lettered, T. C. Co. front-marked product vessel; on a similarly embossed jar that carries a label for prepared mustard from the Wheeling-based Flaccus Brothers firm and on an internally fluted container of the same profile that has on it an original label for mustard from the Kidwell Brothers Company of Baltimore, Maryland.8 All three of these models were machine made. Cap One- General Characteristics The essentials of Cap One are: height – 7 /8 inch; outer diameter – 2 9/16 inches; inner diameter – 2 1 / 16 inches; embossing – SIMPLEX in a diamond; weight – two and one-half ounces and profile - Hat. Cap One – Outer Skirt The underlying or core form for Cap One has a discernable inward slant from the top of the bottom band to the outer top surface. There are ten grippers evenly spaced around its outer skirt. They start at the top of the bottom band and end just short of the top of the outer skirt. Each gripping tool is 5/8 inch in length. In my estimation, their individual shape resembles a downwardly pointing cannon barrel. At the apex, the first section is represented by a one-half vertical slice of a pointed cone stacked atop a semicircular surfaced barrellike form. The second part has side walls that angle slightly inward, being 3/16 inch at the top and 1/8 inch at the bottom. Finally, the bottom band is 3/ 16 inch in length. It is composed of two quartercircular subsections that give this decorative feature an overall semicircular outer profile. Halfway between both sections is a mold seam. The semicircular shaped bottom band on Cap One’s outer skirt terminates at the bottom edge. Cap One – Inner Skirt Next up for inspection is the inner skirt. The internal side wall slants inward from the innermost point of the bottom edge to
the junction with the inner surface. It is ½ inch in length. Around it winds a 1/8 inch wide, semicircular-shaped, raised screw thread which encircles the inner skirt a little over two times. Cap One – Bottom Edge The third area to examine on this sealer is its bottom edge. It starts at the end of the second quarter-circular subsection of the bottom band and proceeds to the intersection with the slanted inner skirt. This semicircular-shaped and smoothsurfaced part of Cap One is 1/4 inch wide. There is a mold seam at the intersection of its innermost point and the edge of the inner skirt. Cap One – Inner Surface The inner surface on Cap One is the next element to detail. A picture of it can be seen in Fig. 5 Figure 5. At the junction of the inner skirt and the i n n e r surface, a smooth-tothe-feel, convex-shaped, unembossed, circular area is present. It has an outer diameter of 1 7/8 inches. Cap One – Top Surface Cap One’s top surface can be seen in Figure 6. Its first feature after the intersection Fig. 6 with the outer skirt is a 1/4 inch w i d e , slightly slanted inward, smoothsurfaced ledge. At its innermost point, a 1 /8 inch vertical drop-off occurs. The outer diameter of the single, concave-shaped, depressed, circular tier on the top surface is 1 3/4 inches. In the center of this recessed region is the embossing noted in the general characteristics section.
33 Cap Two The second model in from the left in Figure 4 has two patents for its pedigree. Also a William B. Fenn invention, this circular issue superseded his Cap One design after the patent rights to the May 3, 1904 edition were lost in a ruling handed down in an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding against him. This unique sealer comes in two sizes but with only one outer motif. The smaller of the two is pictured. I believe it was employed on the circa1907 Federal jar turned out by the Federal Glass Company of Columbus, Ohio.9 Cap Two – General Characteristics The essentials of Cap Two are: height – 13/16 inch; outer diameter – 2 5/8 inches; inner diameter – 2 1/8 inches; embossing – WARM CAP SLIGHTLY TO SEAL OR UNSEAL (around the outer top surface) PAT’D OCT 24 1905 (on three lines in the center of the top surface); weight – two and one-fourth ounces and profile – Hat-like. Cap Two – Outer Skirt The underlying or core form for Cap Two has a vertical side wall, rising from the top of the bottom band. This part of the outer skirt ascends about two-thirds of its length before curving inward for the last one-third of its height. There are eight grippers evenly spaced around its outer skirt. They start at the top of the bottom band and end barely over the top surface. Each gripping tool is 9/16 of an inch in length. In my estimation, their individual shape resembles a log. From the side, these opening/closing assistors have a semicircular-shaped surface with rounded upward tops and straight sides. A standard width of 3/16 inch is maintained throughout their length. Finally, the bottom band is 1 / 4 inch in length. It has a protruding bracket-shape. The following grammatical symbol - ] - approximates its form if the top and bottom line components are extended to the left. Two-thirds of the way down its outer surface, there is a mold seam. The bracket shaped bottom band on Cap Two’s outer skirt terminates at the bottom edge. Cap Two – Inner Skirt Next up for inspection is the inner skirt. The internal side wall section of Cap Two slants inward from the innermost point of
34 the bottom edge to the junction with the inner surface for 5 / 8 of an inch. It is composed of three subsections. Right after the bottom edge terminates, the first part of the inner skirt is a smoothsurfaced segment that slants down and inward for 1/8 of an inch before jutting straight outward toward the center of the cover as a 1/16 inch wide flat surface. Following it is another slanted inward subsection that is 1/4 of an inch in length. On it is a pattern of raised features which were put in this location to hold a composition sealing gasket in place. For Cap Two, the design has three vertical lines next to a rectangle with two slanted lines therein. This assembly of forms appear three times around the middle segment.10 The last slanted piece to Cap Two’s inner skirt intersects with the inner surface. It is 1/4 inch long and has a smooth, facing inward outer surface. Cap Two – Bottom Edge The third area to examine on this sealer is its bottom edge. It appears to start on the outer skirt at the mold seam on the bottom band and proceeds to the intersection with the first subsection on the slanted inner skirt. Curved on both ends with a 1/8 inch wide flat and smooth-surfaced segment in between, this feature is 3/16 of an inch in total width. Cap Two – Inner Surface The inner surface on Cap Two is the subsequent Fig. 7 element to detail. A picture of it can be seen in Figure 7. At the junction of the slanted inward inner skirt and the inner surface, a smooth-surfaced, flat to the touch, unembossed, circular area is present. It has an outer diameter of 1 15/ 11 16 inches. Cap Two – Top Surface Cap Two’s top surface can be seen in Figure 8. The first feature behind the grippers is a 1/8 inch wide, smooth-surface that gently curves up and inward. At its innermost point, Fig. 8 an approximate 1/ 64 of an inch vertical rise occurs. The outer diameter of the single, flat,
July-August 2008 slightly raised, circular tier on the top surface is 1 15/16 inches. In the center of this region is the embossing noted in the general characteristics section for this cover.12 Cap Three The specimen entered second in from the right in Figure 4 is Cap Three. As far as I know, this example comes only in the size and shape shown. Its outer design and internal sealing mechanism suggests that William B. Fenn’s 1904-1907 patent work inspired officials from the Illinois Glass Company to mold a knock-off and use it to seal their version of an all-glass packing container. Called the Sunshine jar, it was advertised in their 1908 and 1911 product catalogs.13 Cap Three – General Characteristics The essentials of Cap Three are: height – 15/16 inch; outer diameter – 2 9/16 inches; inner diameter – 2 1/16 inches; embossing – none; 14 weight – two and one-half ounces and profile – Hat-like. Cap Three – Outer Skirt The base of the outer skirt on this example starts at a mold seam which intersects with the bottom edge. From this point, the exterior side wall slants up and inward for about 1/4 of an inch. Blending into the remainder of the outer skirt with a gentle curve, the rest of the outer side wall ascends toward the top surface with a slightly inward cant. Around the outer skirt, there are fourteen inverted, tear dropshaped ribs that are 3/4 of an inch in length. With rounded upward tops and rounded downward bottoms, each of the raised and semicircular contoured grippers has slightly curved sides which are 1/4 inch wide at the top and 3/ 16 of an inch in width at the opposite end. These opening and/or closing devices end about 1 / 8 inch below the intersection of the outer skirt and the top surface. Of particular note, there is no bottom band on this cover. Cap Three – Inner Skirt Turning our attention to the inner skirt, the interior side wall on Cap Three slants inward, starting at the intersection with the bottom edge and proceeding to the juncture with the inner surface. It is 9/ 16 inch in length. On it is a 1/8 inch wide, semicircular shaped, raised screw thread. This sealing mechanism winds its way along the inner skirt about two turns before merging into
Bottles and Extras the inner surface. Cap Three – Bottom Edge The next area to inspect on this sealer is its bottom edge. This part starts at the mold seam on the outer skirt and proceeds to the intersection with the slanted inner skirt. Slightly curved throughout, this subsection is a little more than 3/16 of an inch in total width. Cap Three – Inner Surface A photograph of the 1 7/8 inches in diameter interior circular region can be seen in Figure 9. From the intersection with the inner skirt, there is a 3/16 inch wide, flat, circular ledge. At its Figure 9 innermost point, a 1 / 16 inch long vertical drop occurs, resulting in a 1 ½ inches across, more or less flat, unembossed, circular area. Cap Three – Top Surface Cap Three’s top surface can be seen in Figure 10. The Fig. 10 first feature after the intersection with the outer skirt is a 1/4 inch wide, flat and smooth ledge, running around the outer edge of the cover’s top. At its innermost point, a 3/16 inch curved down and inward drop off occurs. The outer diameter of the single, flat, unembossed, circular depression on the top surface of Cap Three is 1 7/16 inches. Cap Four The circular sample on the right-hand in Figure 4 is the last closure to introduce. Cap Four comes in just one size as shown. Russell Uhl was issued a patent for it on December 5, 1905.15 Up to this point, this kind of all-glass cover has been reported with six different outer motifs. The exterior design on this cover is one of the most commonly found shapes. Probably manufactured between early 1904 and late 1908, its original purpose was to create an airtight seal on the SIMPLEX (arched) MASON embossed fruit jar manufactured by employees at the Washington, Pennsylvania factory of the Perfection Glass Company. Subsequently,
Bottles and Extras it was advertised for use on the ATLAS MASON’S PATENT marked jar from the Hazel-Atlas Glass Company or for use on any Mason jar with a standard size of mouth (70 millimeter) and a screw style of finish.16 Cap Four – General Characteristics The essentials of Cap Four are: height – 1 1/16 inches; outer diameter – 3 5/16 inches; inner diameter – 2 7/8 inches; embossing SIMPLEX GLASS CAP FOR MASON JARS (dot) around the outer depressed top surface with PATD DEC.5.O5. on two lines in the center;17 weight – four and one-fourth ounces and profile – Jeweled Hat. Cap Four – Outer Skirt The outer skirt on Cap Four has a broad band adjacent to the bottom edge. This protrusion is 1/4 inch in height. It has a bracket shape - ] - with the left facing top and bottom extensions being curved outward and down and upward and in, respectively. This design gives the exterior of the band a curved to straight to curved appearance. There is a mold seam on this segment about 2/3 of the way down its outer surface. Above this outward extension is the canted inward side wall. It measures 3/4 of an inch in length. There are twelve grippers evenly placed around Cap Four’s outer skirt. These start at the top of the bottom band and end just above the junction with the top surface. Each gripping tool is 3/ 4 of an inch in length. In my opinion, their individual shape resembles a cannon barrel that is pointing downward. From the side, these opening/closing features have a semicircular-shaped outer surface with rounded upward tops, rounded downward bottoms and angled inward sides. At the apex, each rib is 3/16 of an inch in width. As you move down their outer surface, the sides angle inward, reducing the nadir to a 1 /8 inch width. Cap Four – Inner Skirt The inner side wall of Cap Four begins at the intersection with the bottom edge. A slanted inward, 1/8 inch long segment starts off this part. Next, there is a mold seam. Thereafter, the angled inward side wall resumes and descends for 9/16 of an inch until the inner surface is reached. Around this area winds a 1 / 8 inch wide, semicircular-shaped, raised screw thread. Cap Four - Bottom Edge The third area to examine on this fruit
July-August 2008 jar cover is its bottom edge. This section starts at the mold seam on the broad band on the outer skirt and proceeds to the intersection with the slanted inner skirt. Curved throughout, this feature is 1/4 of an inch in total width. On the rounded outer surface of the bottom edge, there is a raised, semicircular shape, 1/ 16 of an inch wide sealing ring, running around its middle. Cap Four - Inner Surface The circular inner surface on this model has a diameter of 2 9 / 16 inches. Throughout, it is flat to the touch except for the ½ inch wide, coneFig. 11 shaped dot that rises out of the middle of this region. See Figure 11. Cap Four – Top Surface Figure 12 shows the top surface of Cap Four. The initial part is a 1/ 8 inch wide surface that Fig. 12 curves gently up and inward. On this version, there is a 1/32 of an inch wide raised mold seam that follows. At the innermost point of the second feature, a 1 / 8 long vertical drop occurs. This leaves a circular, embossed, somewhat concave-surfaced depression with a 2 11 / 16 inches outer diameter. Observations All of the empirical information about the five closures in Figure 4 has been documented. In this section, I’d like to record some observations I’ve made about these facts while I assembled them. My comments will be grouped under the topical headings that I used to describe each of the caps. General Characteristics The unidentified model from June Lowry is by far the shortest of the five Hat shaped examples pictured in Figure 4. This factor may be a signal that it was used as a sealer on a product container and was not affiliated with a fruit jar. In a second observation, I don’t believe the inner diameter of June’s screw cap qualifies it for consideration as a Fenn patented or inspired cover.18 Its 2 ½ inches
35 internal measurement is too large to create an airtight seal on the threaded finish of a SIMPLEX in a diamond, FLACCOUS BROS. STEERS HEAD FRUIT JAR or T. C. Co. embossed packers’ jar. In addition, the same inside dimension would make it an equally improbable host for the unembossed models with a similar finish design like the Sunshine jar from the Illinois Glass Company and my selfpromoted Federal jar from the Federal Glass Company. Finally, the 63 millimeter inner diameter on this unidentified sealer could align it with the 70 millimeter measurement on the Russell Uhl patented sealer. Both internal diameters were prominent on product and fruit jars from the 1920s forward. At this point, it can’t be determined whether this apparent association is significant and correct or coincidental and misleading. Outer Skirt After assembling the statistical data about the unidentified cap’s outer skirt and comparing these facts against similar hard points from the other four covers, I found no clue that hinted a linkage between June’s discovery and the other editions in Figure 4. Likewise, nothing stood out to either confirm or deny the packer and domestic canning container relationships suggested in the previous section. Inner Skirt The underlying form of all of the caps in Figure 4 was the same. Each example had an inner skirt which slanted inward as it traversed the distance between the bottom edge and the inner surface. The only notable difference I could discern among the participants was the width of the screw thread on the unidentified version. This 1 / 16 inch measurement was smaller than the width of the screw thread on Caps One, Three and Four. Since the latter specimens were used exclusively on product and home canning jars of the first decade of the twentieth century, I believe the theoretical association mentioned in my third observation under the initial category now appears to be coincidental vice significant. Bottom Edge There is only one closure in Figure 4 that used this part as its sealing point. Caps One, Two and Three were sealed
36 by one of two methods. The first two covers used a rubber and/or composition and waxed vertical gasket. Cap Three employed a muslin disc treated with some sort of waxed substance. Cap Four achieved an airtight quality by means of a horizontal rubber ring. I think June’s model garnered a tight seal along the screw cap’s inner surface with a method similar to my first suggestion under Cap Three. Before moving on, let’s review each sealing method in more detail to see when the bottom edge played a roll and when it did not. For Cap One, the upright rubber sealing ring was threaded on both sides. To seal, this device was screwed down onto the jar’s threaded finish. Next, the internally threaded cover was screwed down over the gasket, compressing it between the cap’s inner skirt and the container’s outer finish.19 Alternately, the composition and waxed specimen for Cap Two 20 was smooth on the exterior and could be either threaded or smooth around the interior. To seal this edition, the upright model was slightly heated and pressed against the projections along the closure’s inner skirt. The screw cap with attached vertical sealing mechanism was then screwed down over the jar’s threaded finish, compressing it between the cap’s inner skirt and the container’s outer finish.21 Turning to Cap Three, the sealing tool was either a small disc or a larger disc, perhaps the size of the outer diameter of the cover. I’m not certain which one was used because the description of the disc in the 1908 Illinois Glass Company catalog didn’t go into any more specifics about it. I presume the former was used but it could just as well have been the latter. Theoretically, the smaller disc could be placed on the 3/16 inch wide circular ledge, running around the cap’s inner surface. Then, the internally threaded cover with implanted disc was screwed down over the jar’s threaded outer finish, achieving a seal when the disc was compressed against the ledge on the cover’s inner surface by the top surface on the jar’s lip. For the latter hypothetical technique, a larger and more flexible disc was placed over the mouth of the container to be sealed. Next, Cap Three was positioned over the disc and forced downward, compressing the larger disc against the cap’s inner surface and along its inner skirt. The once horizontal disc now assumed the basic
July-August 2008 shape of the cover’s inner surface and inner skirt. By turning the all-glass closure, this final step forced the skirt of the disc between the threads of the cap’s inner skirt and the jar’s outer finish.22 On Cap Four, a rubber ring was placed over the jar’s mouth, resting on its shoulder. Next, the threaded Uhl style of cover was screwed down over the finish. As a part of this process, the horizontal gasket was compressed between the cap’s bottom edge, which has a raised, semicircular-shaped ring molded onto it, and the container’s shoulder.23 Inner Surface I mentioned in the previous section that I didn’t think the bottom edge on the unidentified model was employed as part of the sealing technique for this screw cap. Rather than this area, the features on the unknown cover’s inner surface point to this region as the most likely spot where an airtight seal was achieved. The 1/16 inch wide raised, semicircularshaped ring along with the initial 7/16 inch in width flat surface on the inner surface of June Lowry’s former cover seems to have been designed to receive a horizontal gasket (rubber) or disc (composition material or cardboard that has been waxed). If my thoughts are correct, when the unidentified all-glass closure was screwed down onto the receiving jar’s threaded finish, the circular insert inside of it would be compressed between the initial region on the cap’s inner surface and the top surface of the container ’s lip. The raised, semicircular shape ring on the sealer’s inner surface would bite into the gasket or disc and prevent it from slipping out of place. Top Surface With the exception of Cap Two, all of the other covers in Figure 4 have basically the same design. Opinions The statistical details and observations about the closures in Figure 4 have been stated. Before I move on to the final section and develop any conclusions about June Lowry’s former sealer, I’d like to present some opinions about this unidentified specimen. Opinion One All of the identified sealers are proportional to the outer diameter of the
Bottles and Extras jar they were intended to seal. I would expect the same to hold true for the middle specimen in Figure 4 as well. Opinion Two The height of June Lowry’s former screw cap doesn’t compare with the same dimension on Caps One through Four. Rightly or wrongly, the short stature of the unidentified cover suggests to me that it was used to seal contents that wouldn’t spoil quickly or at all, such as jelly, ointments, creams, powders or string. Opinion Three Caps One, Three and Four all have a screw thread on their inner skirt which is 1 /8 inch wide. Conversely, the unidentified specimen has one that is 1/16 inch in width. I believe this slight difference has importance. In my estimation, this abnormality places the unidentified sealer into a different use category than its surrounding identified mates. Opinion Four The internal diameter of the cap in question doesn’t compare with the same measurements on the three packing jar covers (Caps One, Two and Three) or the all glass sealer for a fruit jar (Cap Four). This fact may be another indicator that the unidentified specimen probably closed a container which had contents different from the containers sealed by Caps One through Four. Opinion Five The timeframe for when the four identified screw caps were made and used is known. Basically, this era was between 1903 and 1908. While I think the unidentified closure was from the same general era, I’ve no proof to back up my opinion. Opinion Six The unidentified sealer weighs much less than its Figure 4 mates. This prime factor undoubtedly reinforced my impression that it was molded to less durable standards than the covers intended to seal product or fruit jars. Opinion Seven Caps One through Four each had a mold seam either on the bottom band or at the junction of the outer skirt with the bottom edge. Even though the unidentified specimen had a bottom band, there was no
Bottles and Extras mold seam discernable on it. This point illustrates that the latter cap wasn’t pressed on the same machine(s) as the other versions in Figure 4. If my assessment is valid, then there is no relationship between it and the other four closures I’ve discussed. Conclusions I think you’ll agree that a plethora of clues about the unidentified sealer have been presented. Some are facts while others are observations and/or opinions. Now let’s put them together to see if the title query can be fully answered. Conclusion One The unknown all glass cover isn’t a member of the Fenn or Uhl family of screw caps. Conclusion Two This model wasn’t manufactured or marketed by the Sterling, Perfection, HazelAtlas, Illinois or Federal Glass Companies. Conclusion Three The closure in question wasn’t meant to seal a fruit jar. Conclusion Four The specimen found by June Lowry was intended to seal a product container of some yet to be discovered style. Postscript Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to completely answer my opening question. Nonetheless, by using the trail of clues available for this sealer, I believe I was able to state with some confidence what it wasn’t. Also, I speculated about what kind of vessel it could have sealed. If you do know what type of jar our unidentified sealer closed and the probable contents of it, I would surely like to hear from you. Likewise, if you have any information to share about it or would like to further discuss my process or critique it in any way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. In my opinion, an in-depth discussion about the finer aspects of a topic is one of the attractive facets of our hobby. BLB Endnotes: 1 Cataloging Process for the FennDesigned, 1904 Patented, Screw Cap, Barry L. Bernas, The Guide To Collecting Fruit Jars Fruit Jar Annual Volume 10 – 2005, Jerome J. McCann, 5003 W. Berwyn
July-August 2008 Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 1996, pg. 9. 2 Patents Issued to William Beach Fenn (Part 1 of 2), Barry L. Bernas, Bottles and Extras, January-February 2007, pgs 32-33. 3 Patents Issued to William Beach Fenn (Part 2 of 2), Barry L. Bernas, Bottles and Extras, January-February 2007, pgs 36 and 39-40. 4 Another Glass Cap and Jar Inspired by William B. Fenn, Barry L. Bernas, Bottles and Extras, Spring 2006, pgs. 54-55 and 57. 5 Cataloging a Russell Uhl-Patented Glass Screw Cap, Barry L. Bernas, Bottles and Extras, Spring 2004, pgs. 29-33. 6 Evolution of the SIMPLEX in a Diamond All Glass Screw Cap by Barry L. Bernas. Look for this article in a future edition of The Guide To Collecting Fruit Jars Fruit Jar Annual; The Flaccus Family of Wheeling, West Virginia, Thomas W. Caniff, The Guide to Collecting Fruit Jars Fruit Jar Annual, Volume 1 – 1996, Jerome J. McCann, 5003 W. Berwyn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 1996, pgs. 8-15 and Perfection Glass Company, One of Many Glass Houses in Washington, Pennsylvania, Barry L. Bernas, 239 Ridge Avenue, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 17325, 2005, pgs. III-XVIII and XXX-L. In addition to the Hat shape, other May 3, 1904 styles have been found on the same jars. The above references are germane. 7 The unlabeled T. C. Co. marked container had a Curved Crown shape of cap on it. A Flaccus Brothers labeled version of the same style of jar carried a Jeweled Crown cover. Finally, the internally fluted vessel with a Kidwell Brothers Company label came with a Curved Crown style as well. 8 Granny Kath’s Kitchen, Vivian S. Kath, Antique Bottle & Glass Collector, October 1995, pg. 56; The Label Space, Tom Caniff, Antique Bottle & Glass Collector, July 2006, pg. 41; Fruit Jar Rambles, Tom Caniff, Antique Bottle & Glass Collector, January 2007, pg. 6 and Other Packing Jars by Barry L. Bernas. The first three sources reported on the T. C. Co. embossed jar. Look for the last article in a future edition of Bottles and Extras. It shows a related container. 9 Sunshine Jar: Myth or Reality?, Barry L. Bernas, The Guide To Collecting Fruit Jars Fruit Jar Annual Volume 12 – 2007, Jerome J. McCann, 5003 W. Berwyn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 2007, pgs. 9-20. 10 Cataloging a Glass Cap Dated – Oct 24 1905 by Barry L. Bernas. Look for this article in a future edition of The Guide To
37 Collecting Fruit Jars Fruit Jar Annual. The pattern on the second subsection of the inner skirt of Cap Two is one of six possible designs that have been found on this style of glass cap. 11 Ibid. There are three different inner surface characteristics for this style of sealer. 12 Ibid. There are other examples of this style of sealer that have a slight circular depression vice a slightly raised circular tier on the top surface. Also, there are two wording combinations for the instructional phrase around the outer top surface. 13 Another Glass Cap and Jar Inspired by William B. Fenn, Barry L. Bernas, Bottles and Extras, Spring 2006, pgs. 54-55 and 57 and Sunshine Jar: Myth or Reality?, Barry L. Bernas, The Guide To Collecting Fruit Jars Fruit Jar Annual Volume 12 – 2007, Jerome J. McCann, 5003 W. Berwyn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 2008, pgs. 9-20. 14 Another Glass Cap and Jar Inspired by William B. Fenn, Barry L. Bernas, Bottles and Extras, Spring 2006, pgs. 54-55 and 57. There is an embossed version of this screw cap. See the above article for more information about it. 15 Cataloging a Russell Uhl-Patented Glass Screw Cap, Barry L. Bernas, Bottles and Extras, Spring 2004, pgs. 29-33. 16 Ibid and Perfection Glass Company, One of Many Glass Houses in Washington, Pennsylvania, Barry L. Bernas, 239 Ridge Avenue, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 17325, 2005, pgs. XIX-XXIX and LI-LV. 17 Cataloging a Russell Uhl-Patented Glass Screw Cap, Barry L. Bernas, Bottles and Extras, Spring 2004, pgs. 29-33. More information on other embossing styles and cap shapes is available from the above article. 18 Cataloging Process for the FennDesigned, 1904 Patented, Screw Cap, Barry L. Bernas, The Guide To Collecting Fruit Jars Fruit Jar Annual Volume 10 – 2005, Jerome J. McCann, 5003 W. Berwyn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 2008, pgs. 4 20; Sunshine Jar: Myth or Reality?, Barry L. Bernas, The Guide To Collecting Fruit Jars Fruit Jar Annual Volume 12 – 2007, Jerome J. McCann, 5003 W. Berwyn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 2007, pgs. 9-20 and Another Glass Cap and Jar Inspired by William B. Fenn, Barry L. Bernas, Bottles and Extras, Spring 2006, pgs. 5455 and 57. 19 Patents Issued to William Beach Fenn (Part 1 of 2), Barry L. Bernas, Bottles and Continued on page 43.
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Bottles and Extras
Clarke and Kelly: Hounded in Richmond By Jack Sullivan Special to Bottles and Extras Henry Clarke came from a rich Jewish tradition. Phil Kelly was an Irishman with ancestors from the Auld Sod. Competitors in business, they were united in their occupation as whiskey merchants in Richmond, capital of Virginia, seat of the former Confederacy, and among the most historic cities in America (Figure 1). The fate of both was sealed in 1916 by the State Legislature, voting just across town. Henry Clarke’s Story A climactic scene occurs in Uncle Tom’s Cabin where the slave girl, Eliza, baby in arms, hops over ice floes to cross a river to freedom, chased by a pack of bloodhounds (Figure 2). Henry Clarke, a whiskey dealer of considerable imagination, at times must have felt like Eliza. The hounds of Prohibition seemed always to be nipping at his heels. Clarke’s business career began in Salisbury, North Carolina, where he established a highly successful liquor distribution company in 1884 and brought his three sons — Emile, Leon and Sol — into the firm. He was a enthusiastic resident of his state and, in 1905, registered his first whiskey brand — Tar Heel, the state nickname. Its label proudly bore the state seal that had been adopted 12 years earlier (Figure 3). The Clarke family also was active in North Carolina Jewish life. With only a handful of his fellow religionists in Salisbury, Henry and his family regularly traveled 30 miles by horse and buggy to neighboring Statesville, N.C., for Sabbath services in the Fireman’s Hall. Eventually that congregation built an imposing romanesque revival brick synagogue (Figure 4), which stands today as an historical landmark. The Clarke family was among major contributors to the project. In 1900 the Jewish Yearbook listed Henry as vice president of Congregation Emmanuel and his son Sol as secretary-treasurer. North Carolina Goes Dry Yet even then the Prohibition bloodhounds were on the prowl. Despite its flourishing liquor industry, “Dry” advocates were flooding into North Carolina in an effort to make the state the first in the South to ban alcohol completely. The night before a May 26, 1908, statewide referendum on the issue, Mordecai Ham, described as a “Baptist evangelist and temperance zealot” (Figure 5), visited Salisbury for a rally. Mordecai was greeted by a mob that shouted, “Hang Ham!,” and he had to be escorted to his train by sheriff’s
Figure 1: Postcard of Richmond attractions
deputies with drawn pistols. Whether Henry or any of his sons were among the angry crowd is unknown. In any case the protest meant little. The following day North Carolina, by a Figure 5: Mordecai statewide vote of Ham 62% to 38%, went totally dry. A local cartoon (Figure 6) hailed the new day that was coming. The caption read in part: “Saloons and dispensaries will be hunting for a city of refuge.”
Figure 2: Lithograph of Eliza escaping
Figure 6: Prohibition cartoon Those were prophetic words for Henry Clarke and his sons. Within weeks they had relocated their business to Richmond’s Main Street, shown in a postcard view of that era (Figure 7). A 1909 company letterhead from that location lists Henry as president, Emile as 1st vice president, Leon as 2nd vice president, and Sol L. as secretary & treasurer.
Figure 3: Old Tar Heel label
Figure 7: Main Street, Richmond, looking east
Figure 4: Congregation Emmanuel Synagogue
A New Start in Richmond In Richmond, H. Clarke & Sons continued to merchandise their Tar Heel brand, despite the disappointment North Carolina had provided (Figure 8). Their ads emphasized the firm as “the South’s Greatest Mail Order Wine and Whiskey Merchants,” and offered free transport within the express territory of the Adams and Southern Lines, at that time the
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Figure 8: Old Tar Heel “Corn” ad leading package delivery company south of the Mason-Dixon Line. This suggests that the Clarkes were keeping in touch with their Tar Heel customer base by shipping whiskey into the state in two-gallon jugs, like the one shown here. (Figure 9). One Tar Heel Whiskey handout, featuring an ear of corn, emphasized that the liquor came “packed in plain cases” (Figure 10). “The South’s Greatest” also blossomed out in other new brands and imaginative advertising. Select Old Stock Corn (Figure 11) and Clarke’s Monogram (Figure 12) featured the same attractive designs that distinguished most Clarke products. The firm’s flagship brand became Royal Wreath Whiskey. It appeared prominently in ads and merchandising items (Figures 13-14). Royal Wreath was touted as having a Kentucky pedigree and no less a hero than Daniel Boone was its champion.
Figure 12: Clarke Monogram Whiskey ad
Figure 9: Clarke two-gallon jug Moreover,someone in H. Clarke & Sons Figure 10: Clarke Tar Figure 11: Clarke’s also was exhibiting a sense of humor. Shown Heel Corn handout Old Stock - front here (Figure 15) is a pull cork giveaway with advertising that includes a drawing of two about trying to stave off the forces of monkeys threatening to cut off the tail of an Temperance, using tactics similar to many anxious cat. The caption reads: “A great deal other U.S. liquor distillers and distributors of could be said about the merits of our whiskies, the time. Some Clarke advertising touted its but to make a long tail short....” This silly whiskey as “highly recommended for pun may help explain why a company shot medicinal and family use,” playing down glass bears the slogan: “Smile Producers implications that it also might be fun to drink (Figure 17). Other merchandising items (Figure 16). At the same time, the firm was serious trumpeted that Clarke whiskey was
Figure 13: Royal Wreath Whiskey ad
Figure 14: Royal Wreath handout
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Figure 15 (above): Clarke cork pull Figure 16 (left): Clarke shot glass Figure 17 (right): Clarke Old Stock handout - back Figure 18 (below): Kelly ad showing building Figure 19: Westover Rye label
“guaranteed under the National Food and Drug Act, June 30, 1906,” a claim that not only was untrue, but mangled the name of the Federal Food and Drugs Act. Later Clarke ads eliminated the guarantee language — perhaps at government urging — but still cited “compliance” with the Act.
Figure 20: Huron River label
The Phil. G. Kelly Story The Phil. G. Kelly Co. first appears in Richmond directories in 1905, three years before the Clarkes arrived. The firm initially was located at the corner of 17th and Franklin Streets. A 1909 ad gives its next address as 1413 East Main St. and shows a three story building with the slogan “The House that Treats You Right.” (Figure 18). Other ads of that time claim the Kelly enterprise as “importers, distillers and distributors of fine liquors.” It is doubtful that the firm actually was a distiller. More likely it was a “rectifier,” an operation that bought raw liquor from distillers, mixed and bottled it, slapped on a label and sold it to the public. The sign on the Kelly building claimed “distributors of straight whiskies.” The company also boasted that it handled only “straight goods...the pure food kind.” That too may have been disingenuous. Real distillers were seeking to have the government enforce the Pure Food and Drug Act against rectifiers on the grounds that they made only “artificial” whiskey. Kelly Co. clearly was retaliating by claiming its whiskeys were “straight” and the pure food kind. Kelly Brands Proliferate The company featured more than a dozen brands of whiskey, of which only one — its flagship label, Westover Rye (Figure 19)— was registered with a federal trademark (1905). Kelly whiskeys included Huron River (Figure 20), Tide Water (Figure 21), Money’s Worth and Climax Whiskey (Figure 22). Among other Kelly brands were Maryland Belle, Bankers Rye, Miss Tempting Rye, Old Tiverton Rye, Kelly’s Special Reserve, Virginia Queen Corn, El Maize Corn, Blue Ridge, and Donald Kenny Malt Whiskey.
Figure 21: Tide Water label
Kelly bottles, jugs and giveaways are very popular with collectors in Virginia and elsewhere. For example, a fairly ordinary looking miniature pinch bottle of Kelly’s Bankers Rye (Figure 23) sold on eBay in October 2006 for $357. More recently, a Miss Tempting Rye advertising hand mirror, two inches in diameter, with pictures of birthstones on the back, brought $103.50 (Figure 24). A Kelly souvenir thimble, probably costing a few cents to make, has sold for more than $20. Part of the Kelly mystique may be the prominence of its name on its whiskey containers. The firm embossed many of its glass bottles and
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Figure 23: Bankers Rye mini Figure 25: Kelly embossed glass pint
Figure 24: Miss Temptress Rye mirror
Figure 22: Ad for Money’s Worth & Climax brands flasks prominently with its name and often added decoration (Figures 25-26). My own preference has been for Kelly ceramic jugs that appear in more than a dozen variations. They range from very crude (Figure 27) to decorative (Figure 28), with a number of variations in between (Figures 29-30). My particular favorite is a blue and white miniature jug (Figure 31).
Figure 26: Kelly embossed flask
Kelly Buys E.A. Saunder’s Sons Early in the 1900s the Kelly company bought out a competing whiskey merchandiser, the E.A. Saunder’s Sons Co., which had been active in the Richmond liquor trade since 1885. Saunder’s Sons thereafter concentrated on the “fancy and heavy” grocery trade. In buying out their rival firm Kelly added Saunder’s brands to its own. Those included Casey’s Malt Whiskey, Old Bob Figure 27: Crude Kelly jug Burton Rye, Old Fulcher Va. Mt. Rye, Old Bumgardner Va. Mt. Rye, and Possum Hollow Corn. It apparently required a large and fancy catalogue to tout all these brands. Strong in the mail order business, Kelly Co. asked customers not to tear out pages or otherwise mutilate the catalogue in ordering their favorite liquor: “...It may prove of use to you in the future.” The company also promised to send its goods in neat, plain packages “with no marks to indicate contents.” Kelly’s Special Reserve, for example, shipped in one, two or three gallon glass jugs packed inside a wooden case. That jug, its ad claimed, is the “the safest and most up-to-date package. It’s a beauty and you will say so when you see it.” Another Kelly slogan was “The Prompt Mail Order House.” The Bloodhounds Triumph Despite their energetic efforts to stay in business, Prohibition was rapidly closing on Kelly and the Clarkes. In 1913 the U.S. Congress passed the Webb-Kenyon Act that forbid any mail order sales of liquor into dry states. The Act effectively terminated whatever brisk trade the two Richmond liquor houses had developed for sending whiskey into North Carolina and other parched areas. The ban clearly delivered a severe financial blow to both firms. In Virginia as well, “temperance” drums were beating loud for statewide Prohibition. In 1914 the Virginia
Figure 28: Blue and white quart jug
Figure 30: Detail of a Kelly gallon jug
Figure 29: Kelly quart jug
Figure 31: Blue and white mini jug
Anti-Saloon League held its annual convention in Richmond, determined to end liquor sales in the Commonwealth. They posed righteously on the Capital steps (Figure 32). Giant anti-drink rallies were the order of the day in Richmond (Figure 33).
Continued on page 43.
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An Unusual Bequest to Bottle Collector - Historians Researched and reported by Cecil Munsey In the Fall 2006 issue of Bottles and Extras (in the “Bottle Buzz” column), it may be recalled that a whole column was devoted to the passing of Dr. James Harvey Young (Figure 1), the man who gave Figure 1 us The Toadstool Millionaires (Figure 2) and several other fine books. You can read what we wrote by seeking out the issue of Bottle and Extras mentioned above. Below you can read what Jeremy Pearce wrote, at the time, in the New York Times: James Harvey Young, a social historian of American medicine who wrote engaging studies of fraud, dubious cures and health Quackery and later chronicled the birth of federal food regulation, died July 29 in Atlanta. He was 90. The cause was complications of a stroke, his family said. Dr. Young, an emeritus professor of history at Emory University, wrote two volumes on the study of drugs and therapeutic devices of the sort once hawked at sideshows and through mailorder catalogs. In “The Toadstool Millionaires: A Social History of Patent Medicines in America Before Federal Regulation” (1961), he addressed the laxatives, tonics and other concoctions “often mixed with a strong dose of alcohol” that were popular in the 19th century, and he profiled their salesmen. Howard R. Lamar, an emeritus history professor and former acting president of Yale, said the book had “an ironic title, describing people who made money out of questionable medicines, created from herbs or animals or from nothing at all.” A second volume, “The Medical Messiahs: A Social History of Health Quackery in Twentieth-Century America” (1967) continued the trend and covered false cures for cancers and
other illnesses. The book also touched on a subject that became the focus of Dr. Young’s work on the history and development of federal standards for food and medicines. Dr. Young looked at milk, oleomargarine, canned pork and beef as carriers of food-borne diseases, and the public’s growing demand for regulatory control of food quality. The result was “Pure Food: Securing the Federal Food and Drugs Act of 1906” (1989), which examined federal oversight to the 1950s. Lamar called the book a “remarkably fresh treatment of the subject. Todd I. Savitt, a historian and a professor of medical humanities at East Carolina University, said Dr. Young “allowed us to smile at the past and its imperfections without deriding it.” In another work, Dr. Young wrote about the early history of Georgia. He was a former president of the Southern Historical Association. James Harvey Young was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He received an under graduate degree from Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., and a doctorate from the University of Illinois. He joined Emory as an instructor in 1941 and remained there his entire career. He served as chairman of the history department from 1958 to 1966 and retired as a full-professor in 1984. In 1982, the American Association for the History of Medicine awarded him its William H. Welch Medal. Dr. Young’s wife, Myrna Goode Young, died in 2000. Dr. Young is survived by two sons, Harvey G., of Doraville, Ga., and James W. Young of Phoenix and two grandchildren. The Bequest: Before he died, Professor Young arranged with Princeton University Press and in his estate planning for his most popular book, The Toadstool Millionaires, to be posted in its entirety on the Internet at: www.quackwatch.com/13Hx/TM/ 00.html. Those interested in reading this classic piece of patent medicine literature are
Figure 2 advised to go to the above website and click on the work chapter by chapter. Each chapter can be downloaded (and printed) as desired. The Toadstool Millionaires: A Social History of Patent Medicines in America before Federal Regulation James Harvey Young, Ph.D. This book, originally published in 1961, chronicles the rise of the patent medicine trade from its beginnings in colonial America until passage of the first federal food and drug law. Dr. Young (1915-2006) was a social historian whose special interest was the development of food and drug regulation in America. He served for many years as a professor of history at Emory University and also was a member of the FDA National Advisory Food and Drug Council. The book is reproduced with the kind permission from him and the publisher, Princeton University Press.
Bottles and Extras A Cap for What? by Barry L. Bernas Continued from page 37 Extras, January-February 2007, pg. 19. 20 Patents Issued to William Beach Fenn (Part 2 of 2), Barry L. Bernas, Bottles and Extras, March-April 2007, pgs. 36 and 3940. I used the generic term “composition material” and the word “waxed” to describe the elements of the vertical gasket which was used to seal Cap Two. The two patents for Cap Two carried the following descriptions of the material that comprised the packing gasket. As you will see, these were more precise: “…A packing device formed as herein described and composed of fibrous material saturated with paraffin or other preservative material…a ring composed of asbestos fiber and paraffin or of wax…” 21 Ibid. 22 Sunshine Jar: Myth or Reality?, Barry L. Bernas, The Guide To Collecting Fruit Jars Fruit Jar Annual Volume 12 – 2007, Jerome J. McCann, 5003 W. Berwyn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 2007, pg. 15. In this article, I opined the second of my assumptions was the correct sealing technique for Cap Three on the Sunshine jar. In retrospect, either one could have been valid. 23 United States patent Office, application filed May 20, 1905, Serial No. 261,319, Patented December 5, 1905, No. 806,602. For more information on the Uhl style of screw cap, please consult the following references. Cataloging a Russell UhlPatented Glass Screw Cap, Barry L. Bernas, Bottles and Extras, Spring 2004, pgs. 29-33 and Perfection Glass Company, One of Many Glass Houses in Washington, Pennsylvania, Barry L. Bernas, 239 Ridge Avenue, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 17325, 2005, pgs. XIX-XXIX.
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Clarke and Kelly: Hounced in Richmond, by Jack Sullivan, continued from page 41.
Figure 32: Anti-Saloon League at the Virginia Capitol Most of Virginia voted itself dry in September of that year, but Richmond, along with Alexandria, Danville and Norfolk rejected the idea under a local option provision. Prohibitionists, however, kept the pressure on and in November, 1916, three years before National Prohibition, the Virginia Legislature — disregarding the views of Richmond voters — completely banned sales of liquor, wine, and beer throughout the state. The Fates of Clarke and Kelly Remember that Eliza successfully escaped over the ice floes from the pursing canines and found safety. Henry Clarke and his sons were not so lucky. The same year that Virginia went dry, the firm that had survived for 32 years in two states disappeared forever from Richmond directories. Henry Clarke and his sons also fade from view, victims for the second time of Prohibition forces. Kelly was similarly affected. In 1915, the year before the Prohibition ax fell, the firm moved to 427-431 N. 18th St. That was the last year it was listed in Richmond directories. After Virginia went dry the business appears to have moved operations to Baltimore. A cork pull bearing Kelly’s name indicates a location at Baltimore and Howard Streets in that city (Figure 34). Kelly does not appear to have prospered there and if the firm was still extant in 1919, it did not survive National Prohibition.
Despite their ill-starred efforts, both firms left notable legacies. Kelly in the short period of 10 years amazingly was able to produce an elaborate array of brands, bottles, jugs, and giveaways that today are avidly sought by collectors. From Henry Clarke and his sons we have inherited colorful advertising materials, labels, and souvenirs. These items remind us of two enterprising Richmond whiskey merchants that struggled hard to survive but ultimately could not escape the bloodhounds of Prohibition. ************** Notes: Material for this article was gathered from a number of Internet and written sources. The Clarke and Kelly items shown here are largely through the courtesy of Ed and Lucy Faulkner, Marv Croker and Lou Sutton, all highly knowledgeable Virginia collectors. The photo in Figure 32 is from the Library of Congress. Portions of this article appeared earlier in the Potomac Pontil, the newsletter of the Potomac Bottle Club. **************
Figure 34: Kelly cork pull
Figure 33: Richmond prohibition rally poster
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ABSINTHE! Part I - The Bottles The return of la Fee Verte - “The Green Faerie” By Cecil Munsey Copyright © 2008 By late morning the professors of absinthe were already at their station, yes, the teachers of absinthe, for it is a science, or rather an art to drink absinthe properly, and certainly to drink it in quantity. They put themselves on the trail of the novice drinkers, teaching them to raise their elbow high and frequently, water their absinthe artistically, and then, after the tenth little glass, with the pupil rolled under the table, the master went on to another, always drinking, always holding forth, always steady and unshakeable at his post.” Absinthe et Absintheurs by Henri Balesta Introduction: Absinthe, in its heyday during the 1880-1915 (“Belle Époque” or “beautiful era”), was an immensely popular beverage enjoyed by artists and writers. The anise-flavored liquor was eventually portrayed, perhaps unfairly, as dangerously addictive and psychoactive. It is worth mentioning that wine and absinthe were not always thought to be inimical (hostile). In those earlier times, just the opposite was true. Absinthe was said by some to intensify the power of wine, “absinthe is the spark that explodes the gunpowder of wine.” Anti-absinthe agitation finally won out and Switzerland banned absinthe in 1905, followed by the United States in 1912 and France in 1915. Countries in which absinthe remained legal, such as Spain, Portugal and Czechoslovakia, reported no epidemic of madness and violence attributable to its use – it can still be purchased today in grocery chains in the in the Czech Republic and in liquor stores in Denmark, Sweden, New Zealand, Japan and Britain. In the early 1900s, English medical journals reported that they couldn’t tell any difference between alcoholism and absinthism. Soon absinthe was hardly drunk in Britain, and it was not thought necessary to ban it. Bars and restaurants in Britain began serving it recently when they discovered it had never been formally banned in the country. In December of 2007, after years of badgering by beverage companies’ legal teams, the U.S. lifted its ban. All Americans now can indulge in the spirit
nicknamed “the green fairy.” But a night with Lucid, Kubler or St. George – the three absinthe brands so far allowed to be sold in the U.S. – is merely a date with a spirit whose alcohol content (sometimes as high as 70% – 140 proof) beats vodka. What is now sold in the U.S. simply isn‘t the real stuff that is legend in history. Absinthe sold here must contain less that 10 ppm (parts per million) of thujone, a chemical found in the herb wormwood, a traditional ingredient of absinthe. Thujone in high concentrations is extremely toxic. The supposed psychotropic effect of pre-ban absinthe is attributed to thujone levels of 60 ppm or more, far past current legal limits 10 ppm in the U.S. and the European Union. However, some recent tests of pre-ban absinthes by a food chemist and a distiller revealed results that fell below 35 ppm. It wasn’t a cheap series of tests to make since the 100-year old pre-ban full bottles currently sell online, starting at $1,000 and go up to $6,000 or more. History of absinthe Wormwood, a woody shrub with a bitter aromatic taste, has long been used as an ingredient of vermouth and absinthe and in medicine. The earliest recorded use of wormwood (Figure 1) comes from the Ebers Papyrus, copies of which date from 1550 B.C., but which include writings from 3550 B.C. To the Figure 1
Bottles and Extras Egyptians, wormwood had religious as well as medicinal significance. Wormwood is mentioned seven times in the King James’ version of the bible. Pliny’s Hisotria Naturalis, written in the first century A.D., describes extracts of wormwood as being of great antiquity (even then) and having longstanding utility against gastrointestinal worms (hence the name). Thujone does indeed stun roundworms, which are then expelled by normal peristaltic action of the intestine. A more recent version of the story of absinthe involves some controversy as to its lineage. Most historians agree the modern version of absinthe can be traced back to the modest Swiss laboratory of Pierre Ordinaire, a resourceful French doctor who’d fled to Switzerland in the wake of the French Revolution. In 1792, he combined local herbs, wormwood, anise, fennel, angelica, hyssop and possibly mint and spinach, in an alcohol base. He prescribed and sold the 136-proof concoction as a cure-all known for its digestive-aiding and parasitedispelling qualities – as a proprietary medicine, in other words. It soon garnered the nickname the la Fee Verte (the Green Faerie) due to its translucent hue and the strange effect it had on its imbibers. The doctor’s only proof that it worked as a health tonic was his patients kept coming back for it, and the way Pierre figured it, the customer was always right.
Figure 6
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It remained a local remedy for smalltown ailments until Henri-Louis Pernod, founder of the famed Pernod Fils distillery, acquired the recipe by a fortuitous marriage and began producing large quantities of absinthe in 1797 in Couvet, Switzerland, before moving to a larger Pontarlier, France facility in 1805. (For a capsule-history of Pernod, see “The Fire” later in this article.) It didn’t catch on as something you’d confidently order in a café until it was issued to French soldiers fighting Muslim insurgents in Algeria in the 1840s. They used it to spike their canteen water and claimed it was grand for warding off tropical fever, dysentery and harmful bacteria and “to recruit exhausted strength.” When the boys came victoriously marching home, they apparently brought their fear of fever and germs back to France, where they found it was also good
Figure 4
45 Figure 5
for warding off sobriety and the dissatisfaction of civilian life. The intellectual elite of Paris soon became enchanted – some say enslaved – by the Faerie’s strange charms. The potent liquor’s reputation and use spread rapidly among artists, writers and professional café habitués, who claimed it raised their perceptions and consciousness, allowing them to turn out more inspired work. [Figures 2-4] Figure 8
Figure 7
Secrets of the Faerie “The first stage is like ordinary drinking, the second when you begin to see monstrous and cruel things, but if you can persevere you will enter in upon the third stage where you see things that you want to see, wonderful curious things.” —Oscar Wilde
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Figure 9 The power and attraction of absinthe lies in its inherent contradictions. Though fortified with a formidable measure of alcohol, a depressant, it is also infused with powerful herbal stimulants, creating a psychic tug of war in the mind of the imbiber. Alcohol relaxes inhibitions and invites in new ideas, and the stimulants allow you to logically process the new data. Foremost of the stimulants is thujone, the psychoactive chemical at the heart of the herb wormwood, which, along with anisette, gives absinthe its bitter, black liquorish taste. Subsequently, absinthe provides a level of clarity not usually associated with alcoholic drinks, and what artist could pass that up? [Figures 5-8] With the promise of inspiration, clarity and getting drunk, it was no wonder it became a favorite. To say absinthe was a major influence and inspiration of the artists of the Impressionist Movement is not such an outrageous claim when one considers most of the movement’s pioneers and stars swore loyalty to the liquor. Edourd Manet, Arthur Rimbaud, Charles Baudelaire, Alfred Jarry, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Edgar Degas, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Viktor Oliva and Pablo Picasso were all heavy users, and if asked, they would tell you they needed the narcotic properties of absinthe to get out of their head enough to render art that had never even been thought of by more conventional artists. Oliva, the Czech painter and illustrator, (1861-1928) painted the “Absinthe Drinker” (Czech: Piják absintu), his most famous painting (Figure 9) that became for some the visual anthem for the absinthe era. Lautrec carried his supply of absinthe in a hollowed-out walking stick with a reservoir of absinthe so that he would never be without the green faerie. [Collectors will be delighted to know that the walking stick is preserved in the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum in Albi, France]. Jarry paid homage to absinthe by painting himself green. Verlaine’s presumptuous manner of saying hello became, “I take sugar with it!” Van Gogh was probably the most prolific user, not to mention the most demented; when he couldn’t get a hold of a bottle he’d sometimes drink turpentine as a substitute. It – the absinthe, not the turpentine – inspired his later painting. It also inspired him to cut his earlobe off. Well-educated people interested in literature (literati) of the time found absinthe useful as well. Writers such as Paul Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud, Edgar Allan Poe, Oscar Wilde, Mary Shelly (she wrote Frankenstein while under the influence of the Faerie), and later, Ernest Hemingway, Somerset Maugham and Jack London
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were all enthusiastic disciples of the la Fee Verte. Hemingway wrote a large body of his work under the faerie’s influence, and it’s no wonder his short stories and novels are steeped in the stuff. His characters ordered it by the bottle and drank it for entertainment, enlightenment, and sometimes as a makeshift barrier between the presence and memories of war and women they wished to forget. [Figures 10-11] Hemingway took his first taste Figure 10 Figure 12 while visiting Spain in 1920. He fell head-over-heels in love with the Faerie, continued the habit in Paris (though it was illegal at the time), and then carried the practice home to the U.S. He smuggled bottles from Spain and Cuba and kept it by his typewriter as a means of instant inspiration (Figure 12). Figure 11 In his own words: “The absinthe made everything seem better. I drank it without sugar in the dripping glass, and it was pleasantly bitter. I poured the water directly into it and stirred it instead of letting it drip. I stirred the ice around with a spoon in the brownish, cloudy mixture. I was very drunk. I was drunker than I ever remembered having been.” —Ernest Hemingway Ernest Dowson, an English poet of the group called the Decadents, was an absinthe user who was in empathy with the bohemian literati across the Channel in Paris. He consumed the Figure 13
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green faerie in large quantities, regularly went to music halls and restaurants, and liberally had sex with prostitutes. In 1889, in a letter to a friend, he quipped, “… absinthe makes the tart grow fonder.” He is best remembered, however, for some other vivid phrases, such as “… days of wine and roses” from his poem “Viae Summa Bevis.” Another of his wellremembered phrases is “… gone with the wind….” Absinthe comes to America Absinthe soon found its way to the “Little Paris of North America,” New Orleans. The drink, which was spelled “absinthe” in an 1837 New Orleans liquor advertisement, enjoyed a vogue under such brand names as Green Opal, Milky Way, and Herbsaint (Today, one can still find a version of this made without wormwood and marketed under the name Herb Sainte). Of all the ancient buildings in New Orleans’s famed French Quarter, none has been more glorified by drunks and postcard photographers alike than a square, plaster and brick structure at the corner of Bourbon and Bienville streets. “The Old Absinthe House” (Figure 13) with its scarred cypress bar was visited by many famous people: Oscar Wilde, Lafcadio Hearn, William Thackeray, Walt Whitman, Aaron Burr, and General P.G.T. Beauregard are just a few of the many who relaxed over a green absinthe in this shady retreat. Alexis, Grand Duke of all Russians, drank there, and the chairs once creaked under William Howard Taft’s presidential bulk. The great writer, O. Henry, was just a struggling newspaperman named William Sidney Porter when he came to dream over an absinthe frappé. The building was constructed in 1806 by two Spanish importers. It continued as a commission house for various foodstuffs until 1820, when it was turned into an épicurie, and then a boot shop. Finally, in 1846, the ground floor corner room became a saloon known as “Aleiz’s Coffee House.” In 1874, the place was renamed the “Absinthe Room” because of the numerous requests for the drink which was served in the Parisian manner. Absinthe was also drunk in San Francisco, Chicago and New York, which had a popular restaurant called the Absinthe House. Up until 1912, many of the more exotic bars in New York would serve an absinthe cocktail. One can imagine a piano player at one of these watering holes
Figure 19
Figure 14
Figure 15
singing this Victor Herbert melody with lyrics by Glenn MacDonough: I will free you first from burning thirst That is born of a night of the bowl, Like a sun ‘twill rise through the inky skies That so heavily hangs o’er your souls. At the first cool sip on your fevered lip You determine to live through the day, Life’s again worthwhile as with a dawning smile You imbibe your absinthe frappé. But on July 13, 1907, Harper’s Weekly noted, “The growing consumption in America of absinthe, ‘the green curse of France,’ has attracted the attention of the Department of Agriculture, and an investigation has been ordered to determine to what extent it is being manufactured in this country.” Just five years later, on July 25, 1912, the Department of Agriculture issued Food Inspection Decision 147, which banned absinthe in America. The only problem was the price In pre-ban France, the only problem was price. Initially it was only monied socialites and artists who could afford absinthe. The bourgeoisie were relegated to the sidelines. Capitalism hates a vacuum, however, and a plethora of distilleries popped up almost overnight. To keep prices low and profits high, they deliberately avoided using the superior
Figure 20 distilled wine-based Pernod and switched to cheaper grain and potato alcohol (vodka). They cranked it out as fast as possible and still the demand rose. The expansion of absinthe was further aided by a severe wine shortage France’s vines were saved by Thomas V. Munson and Hermann Jaeger, two Americans, who shipped carloads of American phylloxera-resistant vine roots to France during the 1870s. Onto those roots the Old World wine grapes were grafted, thus saving them from the phylloxera scourge. Continued on page 49.
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eBay and “Sniping” by Cecil Munsey Copyright © 2008 On eBay, the thrill of the hunt is fading for buyers. (And auctioneers aren’t happy with the higher fees either.) Collectors, instead of focusing on bidding for one-of-a-kind items, seem to be finding new or rediscovering other sources for collectibles. eBay shoppers no longer favor scouting out antiques and/or collectibles and following an eBay auction, especially if they end up losing out on something they want and can’t prevent it. Instead, many are going back to antiques shows, antiques shops, Goodwill stores, and even back to digging for relics, in the case of those who collect bottles from primary sources. Auctions were once a mainstay of Internet commerce in one-of-kind collectors’ items. People didn’t simply shop on e-Bay, they hunted, fought, sweated, and triumphed. But as the business of buying and selling online has matured, the thrill of the chase has faded for some collectors. As consumers’ interest in Internet auctions has cooled, eBay, the largest online auction house has paid the price. Revenue and profit growth have slowed. Its stock has tumbled from a peak in 2007 of $40 a share to $29 – I sold my shares near the peak and don’t regret doing it. New eBay CEO, John Donahoe, seems to be pushing the business more toward the convenience of buying and selling more non-collectible stuff online quickly at a set price – maybe like a department store. The shift means profound changes for eBay. If the current growth trends continue, the business could make more money from fixed-price sales than from auctions. That would make eBay less of a shopping site for antiques and/or collectibles and more of a direct competitor to Amazon.com. Why are collectors cooling to online auctions? There are a few reasons, but one is the development that has made auctions annoying, frustrating or worrisome (vexing) is the practice of “sniping.” What? That’s when someone darts into an auction just before it closes and tops the highest bid. With no chance to counter-bid, less experienced bidders lose out to snipers, often after days of following an auction. The practice has grown more common lately because of “bidding-bots,” – automated software programs with names like “bidnapper.com,” “powersnipe.com,” and “esnipe.com,” that let a bidder place bids seconds before the auction ends. At first an eBay buyer might think that sniping is a bad thing. But it was designed to avoid “bidding wars” that only raise the price of the item being offered. Online auctions usually do not end for days. One person places his maximum bid. Later another person comes along and bids until he is the highest bidder. During the course of the auction this process often repeats itself many times until the auction ends and the highest bid gets the item. (That’s the way auctions are supposed to work.) Sniping was developed, in part, to avoid the problem of a person with “deep pockets” bullying his way into ownership without giving all participants a chance to make the final and highest bid – it’s man against computer. The bidding-bots are designed so that a bidder’s offer is kept a secret until the lasts seconds of an auction thus enhancing chances the sniper will get an auction item at the lowest price. That may not sound fair. And sometimes it comes down to who has the fastest Internet connection. To some that doesn’t sound fair either. Those issues, however, are probably better left for a debate team. According to eBay, auctions will always have a place on their website site for antiques and/or collectibles. Auctions are fun and still the best way to get the right value on many unique items. The company is expected to make some site revisions to placate the auctioneers who object to increased prices to sell their items. It’s likely that eBay will redesign certain web pages to give more prominence to auctions, particularly in categories with unique merchandize such as collectible stamps, coins, and bottles. eBay cannot legally restrict sniping so it appears to be here to stay. “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” Maybe register with a sniper website and put a bidding-bot on you side?
www.CecilMunsey.com
Bottles and Extras
Bottles and Extras
July-August 2008
combination of star anise and several aromatic herbs and plants. Pernod became available worldwide in 1959. Today the drink is distributed in nearly 170 countries.
Absinthe - The Bottles - Part I, by Cecil Munsey Continued from page 47. that swept France, the consequence of the grape blight phylloxera (a plant louse) that had decimated the nation’s vineyards. With the price of wine skyrocketing because of the shortage and the price of absinthe plunging, the bourgeois jumped in wholesale. The working class soon followed, finding the community of the “green hour” and powerful effects of absinthe a perfect counterweight to the mundane drudgery of the factory jobs offered by the Industrial Revolution. Furthermore, absinthe became one of the first liquors to crack the gender barrier, much as the speakeasies did during America’s bout with prohibition. Unlike the established and conservative liquor companies, the young people of the absinthe trade, eager for radical change, directed advertising at women. Consequently, absinthe cafes and clubs promoted a level of drinking equality previously unknown in France. [Figures 14-15] By the mid-1870s, the “green hour” had become a daily ritual at many of Paris’ 366,000 bars and cafes. From l875 to l913, the annual consumption of absinthe per inhabitant in France increased fifteen times; by the 1913 ban, drinkers were consuming 10.5 million gallons a year. The French referred to this wild era as “the great collective binge,” for it seemed as if the entire nation was drunk on absinthe.
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Figure 17 banned in France, the Pernod factory was turned into an Army hospital to care for the soldiers of World War I (Figure 18). The Pernod distillery was sold in 1917 after 110 years of production. By 1920, anise-based drinks were legalized again in France, allowing Pernod to reestablish its business and produce refined blends of herbs but not absinthe. The formula was modified, resulting in Pernod® as we know it today – a 40% alcohol (80 proof) anise-flavored spirit. Its distinctive flavor is created through a
Why should bottle collectors care? Collectors of bottles should care because obtaining bottles originally used to contain the Green Faerie are available to those who search long and hard enough – a characteristic well known to most bottle collectors. Another answer to that obvious question is, absinthe bottles are rare and valuable, historic and resplendent with examples of the some of the world’s finest lithography on their labels as can be seen throughout this article. As will be seen in Part II of this two-part effort, there is much more than absinthe bottles for collectors to consider. The culture of the “green faerie” was immense and resulted in many trappings associated with the creation and use of absinthe – memorabilia or paraphernalia. Cecil Munsey 13541 Willow Run Road Poway, CA 92064-1733 Phone: 858-487-7036 E-mail: cecilmunsey@cox.net Gmail: cecilmunsey@gmail.com
Figure 18
www.CecilMunsey.com More than 1200 free-to-copy well-researched articles and other materials of interest to bottle collectors
The fire On August 11, 1901, a devastating fire swept through the Pernod factory. It was not completely extinguished until four days later, and it took the firm over a year to resume full production (Figures 16-17). In 1913, when the sale of absinthe was
Figure 19: Hideous Absinthe, a history of the devil in the bottle (Jeff Adams, University of Wisconsin Press, 2004) Figure 20: Five O’Clock Absinthe, a book about Raoul Ponchon (1848-1937), author of 150,000 verses, some about absinthe. Figure 21: Maison Pernod Fils of Paris, 1896 catalogue. Figure 16
Figure 21
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July-August 2008
Bottles and Extras
The Dating Game: The Kearns Glass Companies By Bill Lockhart, Pete Schulz, Carol Serr and Bill Lindsay with contributions by David Whitten Virtually all the typical secondary sources we use for glass factories that began in the mid-19th century are confused about the series of companies connected with George Washington Kearns. This is clearly an indication of the complicated history of the Zanesville factories. Zanesville glass was the focus of pioneering work by Knittle (1924; 1927; 1932), but her chronological assessments of the Kearns factories are incomplete and evidently led to further misinterpretations by McKearin and McKearin (1948) and Toulouse (1971). Many of these errors were corrected by subsequent detailed research in Zanesville newspapers and county records by Schneider and Greer (1956a-h). Schneider was a diligent and prolific local historian, while Greer was a retired executive at the local glass factory. Their work is an impressive compilation of historical information on Zanesville glass factories. Nonetheless, their history, being segregated into numerous individual newspaper articles, it is often difficult to follow, and it suffers from some conflicting statements as well as from gaps in the historical record. These articles are the basis for the account of the Kearns factories in McKearin and Wilson (1978:165-168), who nonetheless manage to confuse some aspects of the history. Fortunately, Barrett (1997), another member of the local glass industry, after 20 years investigating its history, locating many previously unknown newspaper references and other archival sources, produced an impressively comprehensive book on Zanesville glass. It is the basis of most of our understanding of the Zanesville industry, supplemented with some additional research of our own. Histories In 1842 George Kearns arrived in Zanesville from Pittsburgh with five other experienced glass workers (Joseph Burns, W. F. Spence, Thomas Reynolds, George Wendt and Samuel Turner). Investing $500 apiece, they purchased the operating rights to the old White Glass Works, which had been established in 1815. The factory does not seem to have begun operation until mid1844, the firm being known as Burns, Reynolds & Co. In late 1844, two of the original partners sold out, followed by
another pair two years later. In 1848, the final two original partners, Burns and Kearns, sold out (Barrett 1997:36-38). The company in the final years is occasionally referred to by investigators as Burns & Kearns, which is likely if they were the only two remaining partners, even though no contemporary source has been found for such a name.1 However according to Knittle (1927:373; followed by McKearin and Wilson 1978:165), the departing partners each sold their shares to Arnold Lippitt, who owned another local glass factory. If this is correct, by 1846 the majority of shares was in the hands of Lippitt, and the two Pittsburgh men may never have given their joint names to the operation. Burns, Kearns & Co., Zanesville, Ohio (1849-1852) In 1849, George W. Kearns and Joseph Burns began construction of a bottle glass factory at Putnam, across the Muskingum River from Zanesville (Barrett 1997:36-39; McKearin & Wilson 1978:165).2 The first indication that the plant was in operation is an advertisement in April 1851. At that time, Burns, Kearnes (sic) & Co. announced, under the heading “Putnam Glass Works” that they had “just completed their extensive Glass Works, and are now manufacturing all sizes of Bottles, Jars, Vials, and other Ware…” with their showroom on Main Street in Zanesville (quoted in Barrett 1997:65-66; the same ad was published for more than one year: see Zanesville Courier 1852a). In the fall of 1852, the works were reported to be “in full operation” and their showroom on Main Street was advertised in the local paper until May, 1853. The works failed shortly thereafter, and were sold to A.A. Guthrie on June 10, 1853 (Zanesville Courier 1852b; 1853; Barrett 1997:67). The plant was idle for several years, as it went through a series of owners, culminating in the purchase of the factory by Cornelius Woodruff on March 22, 1856. Jehu Carter,3 Woodruff’s son-in-law, who may have worked for Burns, Kearns & Co. or been a silent partner as early as 1852, reopened the factory by 1860. This brief partnership was dissolved in 1861, and Carter ran the plant until it closed in 1877.4
The building was sold to the Muskingum Fire Brick Co. in 1882 (Barrett 1997:6784; Zanesville Courier 1861). G.W. Kearns & Co., Zanesville, Ohio (1860-1868; 1878-ca. 1913) William C. Cassel and William Galigher began what would later be called the Zanesville City Glass Works in 1852, although the plant was not completed until the following year. Burns and Kearns very likely worked for Cassel & Galigher until Galigher died in early 1860. On April 27, 1860, they purchased the operating rights from Cassel and the Galigher heirs (Barrett 1997:89-93). The new operating company was G.W. Kearns & Co. by April 27, 1860, with George’s younger brother, Noah Kearns, and Joseph Burns as George’s partners. The group operated the Zanesville Glass Works on the “West Side [of] First between Main and Market” (Zanesville City Glass Works by at least 1867). The Zanesville works was a green glass plant that made a variety of bottles and vials, as well as fruit jars with lids held in place by a wire fastening (Barrett 1997:93-94; Schneider 1966). Burns died in 1864, and the remaining group built a window-glass factory at the corner of Main and First Streets the same year (Barrett 1997:95; 1998:5). The factory became Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch and continued to make bottles and window glass until the United Glass Co. bought the window glass plant in 1891 (see below). McKearin & Wilson (1978:166-167) noted that: George Washington Kearns withdrew from the firm [i.e. Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch – see below] in 1877 and built the “Dinky” plant on Luck Avenue. It was called Dinky because it was smaller than the parent plant on Market Street. Ink bottles, medicine bottles, and flasks are said to have been produced there in the amount of about 45,000 bottles per year. George Kearns died in 1906, and the Dinky plant closed two years later.5 This requires a bit of explanation. In 1868, G.W. Kearns & Co. became Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch (see following
Bottles and Extras section). When George Kearns withdrew in 1877, he resurrected the original name. This gives the company two operating dates: 1860-1868 and 1878-ca. 1913. The plant, built by the new G.W. Kearns & Co., actually began production on December 5, 1878. It originally used a 10pot furnace, and its main product was flint glass druggists’ ware. Kearns’ sons, William H. and Charles Edward, joined him at “The Dinky” (Barrett 1997:108112). In 1897, G.W. Kearns & Co. made “flint prescription vials, brandies, flasks, etc.” with one ten-pot furnace and continued that mode of production until at least 1898 (National Glass Budget 1897:4 ; 1897:7; 1898:7). In 1904, the plant still operated a single ten-pot furnace, making flint prescriptions, proprietary medicine bottles, and packers’ ware (Toulouse 1971:230). G.W. Kearns & Co. built a new, expanded factory in 1909 (National Glass Budget 1909). In 1913, the plant used two continuous tanks with 18 rings to make a “general line” of bottles. Unfortunately, the listing did not state whether production was by hand or machine (Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry 1913:953). G.W. Kearns & Co. reportedly made “Mineral Water; Extract; Flint; Liquor; Prescription; Green; Beer; Patent Medicine; Pickle” bottles and fruit jars from 1907 to 1917, although fruit jars were dropped during the last few years (Thomas Registers 1907:160, 799; 1909:201, 1101; 1917:730). The 1917 listing is misleading. The plant actually ceased operation ca. 1912 but still carried an inventory of unsold ware until 1913 (Barrett 1997:113-114). The Thomas Registers frequently failed to catch factory closings and retained listings for several years after companies had ceased operations. Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch, Zanesville, Ohio (1868-1885) In late 1868, George and Noah Kearns reorganized their enterprise to form a new company with James Herdman6 and Joseph T. Gorsuch as partners, naming the new firm Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch. Herdman was a financier, and Gorsuch was a local businessman, decorated Civil War veteran and sometime politician (Barrett 1997:101; Caniff 2006:9; Schneider and Greer 1956g).7 This name replaced the older, G.W. Kearns & Co. The window glass plant was virtually destroyed in 1870 but was rebuilt. An 1870
July-August 2008 billhead noted that the firm made “window glass, colored bottles, demijohns, fruit jars and druggists’ glassware” (Caniff 2006:9). In 1875, the company became the first in that part of the country to produce lamp chimneys. The flint glass factory operated ten shops at that point (Barrett 1997:101106). William T. Grey joined the firm ca. 1875 and became the secretary. Although he was experienced in management, he was not knowledgeable about glass making. George Kearns was particularly miffed at Grey and withdrew from the company at some point during 1877. When George Kearns withdrew, however, his brother, Noah, remained with Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch (Barrett 1997:106-107). At the close of the decade, the company became involved in a widely publicized labor dispute. Although this involved its window glass – not bottle – production, it may provide some insight into the earlier departure of G.W. Kearns. A brief summary (from the management perspective) is given by Schneider and Greer (1956g): In 1879 the Glass Blowers union had compelled the blowers to agree to regulations that were not acceptable to the owners. Having large orders to fill, the company did nothing at the time. But when work was slack the owners discharged their window glass blowers and gatherers and employed Charles D. Williams of Kent, Ohio to go to Belgium and employ 24 glass workers. They came from Charleroi and arrived in New York on Dec. 18, 1879, where they were met by W. T. Gray. The Belgians stayed at the Sherman house on lower Main street and Hartmeyer’s boarding house across the street. On Dec. 22, Judge Ball granted a temporary injunction against David S. Swearer, president of the union at Pittsburgh, and [twelve] discharged employe[e]s, restraining them from interfering in any way with the Belgians… Emile Bouillet was foreman of the Belgians. Writing in the Times Signal on Aug. 8, 1926, Thomas W. Lewis described his recollections of the foreigners. He said, “When through their turns at the works, they would make a rush for their nearby boarding places, wearing but little clothing, their
51 faces red with the heat radiated from the great melting pot and dripping with sweat.” Not noted in this account is that a subsequent permanent injunction by Judge Ball not only prevented the union from communicating with the Belgians but was supplemented by the judge’s statement that he looked upon “all trades unions as against the laws of … Ohio and the constitution of the United States.” Since this precedent threatened the labor relations of the entire industry, Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch were publicly denounced by all the Pittsburgh window glass manufacturers for acting in bad faith. Since all the discharged workers were hired by another factory, the union did not appeal in court. Rather, it sent representatives to Belgium to convince glassblowers there not to contract with American companies without examining the situation on the ground. It may be noteworthy that a labor convention in Zanesville in 1898 passed a resolution endorsing the G.W. Kearns Glass Co. (but pointedly not the larger Kearns-Gorsuch operation) “for its treatment of labor” (Crockery and Glass Journal 1880a-c; Walls 1881; Delphos Herald 1898). It seems reasonable to suspect that part of the rationale for the 1877 departure of George Kearns, who had spent much of his life as a glass blower, was a difference in attitude toward those who worked for him that was not shared by the new management of the company. Kearns, Gorsuch & Co., Zanesville, Ohio (1885-1893) In 1885, Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch was reorganized as the Kearns, Gorsuch & Co., and on February 3, 1886, the reorganized partnership was incorporated under that name (Barrett 1997:119). Herdman was not listed as an officer of this corporation, although existing references fail to explain his absence. The company bought additional land in 1887 and expanded its plant the following year. It operated three plants until it sold the window-glass factory to the United Glass Co. in 1891 (Schneider and Greer 1956g; 1956h; Barrett 1997:124).8 Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co., Zanesville, Ohio (1893-1937) The company reorganized again in 1893, with the newly named KearnsGorsuch Bottle Co. being a division of the
52 Kearns-Gorsuch Glass Co. (Barrett 1997:125). 9 About 1894, the factory obtained continuous tanks, although hand production remained the standard. 10 Pressing machines were probably in operation to produce fruit jar lids (Barrett 1997:126). Toulouse (1971:309) noted that the plant made turn-mold bottles in 1895. In 1897, Kearns-Gorsuch operated “one continuous tank, 14 rings, on green bottles.” Their flint furnace was idle at the time of the listing. The plant was only listed in the “Green Bottle and Hollowware” category in 1898 using 42 pots11 (National Glass Budget 1897:4; 1897:7; 1898:7). The Muskingum River flooded in 1898, inundating all the buildings and causing severe damage. However, by the turn of the century, the company operated “one of the most up to date facilities in the entire country.” A second disaster occurred on March 2, 1902, when a fire destroyed the flint glass works and a warehouse (Barrett 1997:126-127). In 1904, the plant operated one day tank and one continuous tank with a total of 13 rings (American Glass Review 1934:163). The company made “Mineral Water; Extract; Flint; Liquor; Prescription; Green; Beer; Patent Medicine; Pickle” bottles and fruit jars in 1905 (Thomas Register 1905:104, 577) and was experimenting with semiautomatic machines. The plant had a single machine in 1905 “making wide-mouths and preserve ware” (National Glass Budget 1912:1). The plant replaced the day tank with a second continuous tank in 1907, bringing the total of working rings to 16 (Toulouse 1971:309). The year 1908 saw the installation of O’Neill machines to make wide-mouth bottles (Barrett 1997:131). By 1909, the plant had blow shops, and “seven O’Neill machines working on jars and bottles and two or three lid presses making caps for double safety jars.” (Commoner & Glass Worker 1909:1).12 In 1912 the company purchased an additional factory at Barnesville (see following section). In 1913, the Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co. used mouth-blown and semiautomatic machine methods to produce a “miscellaneous line” of bottles that included “pickle, olive, condiment and liquor ware” in three continuous tanks with 27 rings (Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry 1913:953). Disastrous floods inundated the plant in 1913, causing extensive damage. Gorsuch died in 1914, and his son, Ralph, succeeded
July-August 2008 him as president of the corporation (Barrett 1997:131). By 1917, the Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co. made “Mineral Water; Extract; Liquor; Pickle, etc.” bottles, candy jars, and fruit jars. The listing continued until at least 1921. The 1920 listing for fruit jars stated that those made by Kearns-Gorsuch were “Lightning style glass top” (Thomas Register 1917:731; 1918:810, 4430; 1920:827, 4614, 4616; 1921:781, 45714572). The Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co., with factories in Zanesville and Barnesville, Ohio, installed Hartford-Fairmont automatic machines in late 1919. The September 27, 1919 ad in Glassworker did not mention the machine, but the January 17, 1920, ad gave the “Hartford Fairmont Automatic Process” prominence. In January 1920, Kearns-Gorsuch merged with the Hazel-Atlas Glass Co. but retained its identity (Barrett 1998:5; Evans 1928:16). The company built a second factory in Zanesville that opened on January 8, 1923 (Barrett 1997:136-137; Evans 1928:16; Toulouse 1971:310). In 1927, the plant used Hartford-Empire machines exclusively to make “prescriptions and vials, flint and blue minerals, patent, proprietary, packers and preservers.” Plant No. 1 (usually known as the “downtown facility”) had two continuous tanks, with two more at Plant No. 2. By 1924, all the old O’Neill machines had been replaced by Lynch machines, and the downtown facility was converted to the production of all the Hazel-Atlas cobalt blue glass (e.g., Milk of Magnesia bottles and Vicks jars) in 1925 (Barrett 1997:138). The Hazel-Atlas Glass Co. was listed as the “sales manager and purchasing agent” by 1927. The listing changed slightly in 1929 to “packers and preservers, fruit jars, bottle specialties and colored glassware.” Plant No. 2 added a third continuous tank in 1932. The listing continued the same until at least 1936 (American Glass Review 1927:137; 1929:99; 1932:74; 1936:92). Miller machines began to replace the Lynch machines by 1935, especially in the larger, more modern, Plant No. 2. In 1937, the Zanesville corporation merged completely with Hazel-Atlas, and the combined firm dropped the use of the Kearns-Gorsuch name. The Continental Can Corp. purchased Hazel-Atlas in 1956 and closed Plant No. 1 permanently on November 1, 1956. The courts ordered Continental Can to
Bottles and Extras divest itself of certain holdings in 1963, including the Zanesville plant. The Brockway Glass Co. picked up that part of the business in 1964 (Barrett 1997:140141; Creswick 1987a:276; Toulouse 1971:310). Plant No. 2 was still open as Plant No. 12 of the Brockway Glass Co. in 1982 (Glass Industry 1982:18). The plant remained open when Owens-Illinois, Inc. purchased Brockway in 1988 (OwensIllinois 2001). Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co., Barnesville, Ohio (1912-1919) The Barnesville factory was the former plant of the Barnesville Glass Co. (possibly the Barnesville Bottle Co.). Little is known of the earlier plant, although KearnsGorsuch bought the company in 1912 (Barrett 1997:131; McKearin & Wilson 1978:168). The plant was not operational, however, until December 1912 or January 1913 (Wichita Times 12/12/1912). In late 1919, Kearns-Gorsuch installed HarfordFairmont machines in the Barnesville factory as well as the Zanesville plant. The Barnesville plant was destroyed by fire soon after the installation. The company then built a second plant at Zanesville in 1923 to make narrow-neck bottles, jugs, tumblers, and other products (Evans 1928:16; Sandusky Star Journal 1921; Toulouse 1971:310). Containers and Marks McDougald and McDougald (1990:15) noted that G.W. Kearns & Co. made “window glass, druggist’s ware, fruit jars, demijohns, insulators and colored glass ware.” Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch manufactured exactly the same products, except the heading on their checks is more specific, naming Kearns Improved Telegraph Insulators. Kearns insulators appear to have been unmarked. G.W. Kearns & Co. (1860-1868; 1878-ca. 1913) KEARNS & Co. Toulouse (1971:308) dated the mark 1864 to 1876, although he did not discuss it in the text. We have not found an example of the mark and can only date the possibility of one to the full range of the companies, 1860-1868; 1878-ca. 1913. GWK&Co. (mid-1860s-1868; 1878-ca. 1913) Toulouse (1971:229) attributed the “GWK&CO” mark to George W. Kearns
Bottles and Extras
Figure 1: G.W. Kearns mark (eBay) & Co. and dated its use between ca. 1890 and 1900. Lehner (1978:97) followed Toulouse. On eBay photos, the mark appears on the lower body of strap-sided flasks with “GWK&Co” in an arch and “ZO” (Zanesville, Ohio) in an inverted arch (to form a circle) (Figure 1). Barrett (1997:99) noted the mark but did not assign dates. Strap-sided flasks were made as early as the mid-1860s, although they became popular during the 1870s (Lindsey 2008). Thus, these bottles may have been made any time when the company was in business. GWK (1878-ca. 1913) Speaking of products made at “The Dinky,” Barrett (1997:144) noted that some bottles “are very simply marked on the bottom of the container with GWK or G.W.K. These are the only pieces that can have a definitive attribution and all are in colorless glass.” We have not seen examples of these, but they would be dated 1878-ca. 1913. ZANESVILLE (ca. 1852-1863 and ca 1867-ca. 1875) McKearin and Wilson (1978:168, 583, 676-677) described two flasks that they attributed to G.W. Kearns & Co. The earlier container (ca. 1852-1863) was an eagle flask with “ZANESVILLE” embossed across the center of the body above “OHIO.” The later flask (ca 1867-ca. 1875), otherwise unembossed, was marked on the front with two ovals, one inside the other. In the space created Figure 2 (L): between the ovals, Zanesville City the word Glass Works flask “ZANESVILLE” (Mckearin & was embossed at Wilson 1978:677) the top, “GLASS
July-August 2008 WORKS” at the bottom and “CITY” in the center of the inner circle (Figure 2). The names were read with the bottle turned on its side and the finish to the left. More specifically, the flask marked with the Zanesville City Glass Works name should not be dated earlier than 1860. This name was never used by the Putnam glass factory, nor (so far as we know) by the Zanesville plant until after G. W. Kearns & Co. took over from Cassel and Galigher. Consequently, if McKearin and Wilson are correct about the attribution to Kearns, the earliest possible date should be 1860. We have found no evidence that Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch ever used the term Zanesville Glass Works. They certainly noted “Zanesville Glass Factories” on their billheads, but that does not reflect the specific name. G. W. Kearns, however, used the name again after he separated from the others. K (ca. 1860-1868) Barrett (1978:119, 160) noted that “some of the black bottles of crude formation are marked with a simple K and may have been manufactured in early years [of Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch], though this may have been a mark used by the G.W. Kearns works.” Later in the book, he leaned more toward the earlier company, suggesting a range of ca. 1860-1868. It is possible that Barrett’s “black bottles of crude formation” are actually the blackglass “wine” bottles that were produced in Europe during the ca. 1880late 1890s period. These are very common on Western military sites and other locations. Made from three-piece molds, these are often embossed on the side of the push-ups with single letters, multiple letters, and or numbers. One of the letters that shows up fairly often is “K.” We have Figure 3: K on a Wax-Sealer fruit jar (Creswick 1987a:93)
53 speculated that K-marked bottles might have been made in England by the Kilner Brothers, but that is only a guess at this point. Creswick (1987a:93) showed a single K embossed on the base of a grooved-ring wax-sealer fruit jar (Figure 3). She claimed that either Kearns & Co. or Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch may have been the maker. A “K” also appeared on the base of a mouth-blown amber flask offered on eBay. It is impossible to tell if this was made by one of the Kearns companies, or, if so, Figure 4: K on a by which one – flask (eBay) although the possibility cannot be eliminated (Figure 4). These could have been made anywhere between 1860 and ca. 1910. If these older bottles were made by a Kearns factory, we believe that G.W. Kearns & Co. was the likely manufacturer. Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch KH&GZO (1868-1886) The mark “KH&GZO” in a circular format has been found on shoe-fly flasks and jar bases. The mark was obviously used by Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch, Zanesville, Ohio. Toulouse (1969:172) noted the mark on the base of a groovedring, wax-sealer fruit jar, dated ca. 1876, but the mark is absent from his 1971 book. Roller (1983:180) also discussed the same jar. Creswick (1987a:94) also illustrated this mark and jar. She correctly identified the company but dated the jar ca. 18761884. Lehner (1978:97) correctly identified the mark with the Kearns combine but failed to include a date range. This mark cannot be more closely dated than the full range of the company, 1868-1886. McKearin & Wilson (1978:576, 582) and Barrett (1997:159) noted flasks with the KH&GZO mark. An American Eagle flask had the mark at the base of the neck in a circular format with “No. 10” in the center. Another, similar flask had the “No. 10” but lacked the manufacturer’s mark. Ring (1988) listed a K.H.&G.S.O mark in a downward arch on the base of a Dr. Bull’s Electric Bitters bottle. She may have mis-recorded an “S” where the mark should have had a “Z,” although, the possibility
54
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exists that this was another engraver’s error, one of at least two noted for Kearns, Heardman & Gorsuch. Various bottles show that the letters were sometimes embossed be read clockwise and other times to be read counterclockwise (Figures 5 6).
Figure 5: KH&GZO – Cournterclockwise (Whitten) Figure 6: KH&GZO – Clockwise (eBay) O.K.H.T.G.Z. (1868-1886) Wilson (1981:7, 123) illustrated a single bottle excavated at Fort Union (1863-1891) e m b o s s e d O . K . H . T. G. Z . (with a reversed “Z”) around the perimeter of the base (although he called the last letter an “S” on page 7). The Figure 7: bottle was “blue” O.K.H.T.G.Z. in color and had a (Wilson 1981:123) “tooled, plain, broad, sloping collar” (Figure 7).13 The same mark appeared in Jones (1966:8; 1968:24). None of the other available sources mentioned this logo. In examining Wilson’s photograph, we disagree with Wilson’s identification of the bottle as a beer container. It appears to be a cylindrical whiskey bottle made in a three- or fourpiece mold. The mark was almost certainly intended to be KH&GZO (discussed above). The engraver may have selected the wrong tool and stamped a “T” instead of an ampersand (&) and placed the “O” in an incorrect location. That would have made the initials for Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch, Zanesville, Ohio. An alternative explanation for the T/ ampersand has to do with the methods of ordering molds in 19th century. Most glass houses did not make their own molds until
Figure 8: Ampresands that look like the letter “T”
Bottles and Extras
the late 1890s. When they ordered a mold, they wrote to the makers in long-hand script. Several forms of handwritten ampersands could easily be mistaken for the letter “T” (Figure 8). This mark was almost certainly only engraved on one mold. It could have been used at any time during the 1868-1886 period. ZKH&CO. (1868-1886) Ring (1980:479) noted the ZKH & Co. mark on a bottle of Wallace’s Tonic Stomach Bitters. The product was advertised from 1878 to 1888. The mark represents Kearns, Herdman & Co., with the “Z” out of place. This mark is almost certainly a corruption of the KH&GZO logo. It may have been misreported to (or mis-recorded by) Ring, or it may have been another engraving error similar to the one discussed immediately above. K.H.&G. (1868-1886) Lehner (1978:97) attributed the K.H.&G. mark (Figure 9) to Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch based on Toulouse (1971:308). Toulouse dated the mark 1876 to 1881 in reference to his dating for that company. The mark was horizontally embossed on the base of at least one bottle type. Like the other marks above, this could have been used at any point between ca. 1868 and 1886. Barrett (1997:xxi) illustrated and described a blob-top soda bottle embossed with “K.H.&G.” above the heel.
Figure 10: Hess Patent No. 34,956 patent number. The bases of Tall Fluted Ovals and Fluted Triangles were both embossed “PAT / AUG 20 / 1901.” Charles H. Hess applied for his bottle design on July 26, 1901, and received Patent No. 34,956 on August 20, 1901 (Figure 10). Hess also both applied for and received a second bottle design patent on the same respective dates, this one for Patent No. 34,957 (Figure 11). He assigned both patents to
Figure 9: K.H.&G. Mark (eBay) Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co. Unfortunately, the Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co. catalog for 1916-1917 failed to note any manufacturer’s marks. The catalog included “mould” numbers for each style of bottle, including different numbers for each size. In the Pickle Bottles section, the catalog illustrated two featured pickle bottles styles, including the base with a
Figure 11: Hess Patent No. 34,957
Bottles and Extras the Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co. (U.S. Patent Office 1901a; 1901b). The patent drawings are perfect matches for the illustrations of the two bottles on pages 18 and 19 of the catalog. The company made promotional items that included its full name. These included a commemorative bottle embossed on the side “KEARNS-GORSUCH / BOTTLE Co. / ZANESVILLE, O. / MAKERS / OF EVERYTHING IN FLINT / GLASS BOTTLES” and a paper clasp with the same information stamped or embossed on the metal (Barrett 1997:xxxiv). K.G.B.Co. (ca. 1900-ca. 1920) This mark is embossed horizontally across the bases of some pickle bottles as well as on the heels of Hutchinson soda bottles (Figure 12), such as the one illustrated and describe by Barrett (1997:xxxi). Lehner (1978:97) identified the mark as that of the Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co. Toulouse (1971:308) dated the mark ca. 1900. The only examples we have seen were mouth blown. The plant continued hand production until at least 1913 and may have discontinued it when the factory installed Hartford-Fairmont machines in late 1919. The mark was certainly discontinued by 1920, when Hazel-Atlas bought the company and began using the Oval K-G mark (see below).
July-August 2008 of these jars in southern Ohio, makes Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co. the probable maker.
KGBCo Monogram (1893-ca. 1920) Creswick (1987a:143) showed two different Mason jars with KGBCo monograms embossed on the front (Figure 13). In both cases, she named the maker as Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co. and dated the company 1885-1937. Given the current understanding of the chronology of the company, we would reduce that range to the ca. 1893-ca. 1920 period. Roller (1983:234) explained: These jars have been attributed previously to Kilner Brothers Glass Co., of England. I believe the enlargement of the “K” and “G” in the monogram, the fact that Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co. made fruit jars, and the frequent finding
another monogram, made with a “G” superimposed over a “K” followed by “BCo.” He noted that this monogram, too, was “used after 1893.” We have not yet located an example of this mark, although this could be a mistaken rendering of the second monogram illustrated by Creswick (Figures 14 - 15). KG (ca. 1920-1937) Caniff (2007:8) noted the use of this mark on fruit jars by Kearns-Gorsuch, although he gave no specific examples. Toulouse (1971:308) dated the mark ca. 1910-1937, but we suggest that the mark was probably used after Hazel-Atlas acquired the firm but while it still had its identity (ca. 1920-1937). The mark is probably a variation of the “K-G” logo.
Figure 13: KGBCo Monogram (eBay) Figure 14: KGBCo Monogram (Creswick 1987:143)
Figure 15: KGBCo Monogram (Barrett 1997:162) Figure 12: K.G.B.Co. (Left: eBay; Right: Lindsey)
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The “attributed previously” referred to Toulouse (1969:173-174). Toulouse described four variations of Mason jars with what he called a KBGCo monogram, used by the Kilner Brothers Glass Co., Conisbrough and Thornhill Lees, England. Two variations were reported by Toulouse as being embossed on the base with “KBL” in addition to the monogram – a basemark Toulouse identified as “Kilner Bros. Ltd.” Neither Creswick nor Roller, however, mentioned the “KBL” basemarks. Barrett (1997:133) resolved the issue for all time. He reproduced an “ink blotter advertising for Kearns-Gorsuch, 1906.” In the center of the blotter is the unmistakable KGBCo monogram. Barrett (1997:132) noted that the monogram was first used during the reorganization of 1893. However, Barrett (1997:162) illustrated
K-G in a horizontal oval (1920-1937) The trademark, K-G in a horizontal oval, was registered on January 4, 1921 (No. 138,652), and the company claimed the mark was first used on May 1, 1920 (after the acquisition by Hazel-Atlas), “for glass bottles and jars.” The trademark was “molded or impressed in the goods, and applied to the packages containing the same by means of labels, on which the trade-mark is shown” (also see Creswick 1987b:152). Lehner (1978:97) showed this mark both with the encircling oval and standing alone. Oddly, she ascribed the first to Kearns & Co. and the second to Kearns & Gorsuch. Caniff (2007:7) discussed this mark on the bases of candy jars and the accompanying codes (see section on “K” below). Toulouse (1969:171-172; 1971:308) originally described the mark in an oval and dated it ca. 1915-1937. Later, he failed to mention the oval and dated the mark ca. 19101937. As demonstrated above, the mark was not used prior to 1920 and was undoubtedly Figure 16: KG in an continued until oval (eBay) the final consolidation with Hazel Atlas in 1937. Barrett (1997:160) described the mark as “K-G in an ovate square” (Figure 16). K-plus numerical code (see text for dates) Caniff (2007:7-9) noted that some fruit jars made by the Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co.
56 bore the K-G mark in an oval accompanied by “5-444.” Other jars were embossed “1K-444” or “1-K444” on the base without the K-G logo. Another size jar was embossed “16-K-643” on the base. HazelAtlas included the same jars in their 1930 catalog 14 with the HA logo and the designations “K-444” and “K-643” on the bases. Thus, a “K” mark, accompanied by a three-digit number, almost certainly indicated the former Kearns-Gorsuch plant on Hazel-Atlas jars. We have found a bottle embossed on the base with “14-7 / K” (Figure 17). This may well have been a mark used during the 1920-1937 period when KearnsGorsuch still retained its identity but was owned by Hazel-Atlas. Jars with both the “K” mark, followed by a dash, then a threedigit number as well as the Hazel-Atlas “H over A” mark should be dated after 1937.
Figure 17: K on a bottle made by HazelAtlas (Lockhart) Discussion and Conclusion We hope that this article has been able to iron out some of the wrinkles of confusion from past sources. Most of the marks, however, may only be dated to the full length of the specific company. At this point, we have found no date codes of any kind associated with bottles made by any of the Kearns enterprises. Please send any comments to: Bill Lockhart 1313 14th St., Apt. 21 Alamogordo, NM 88310 (575) 439-8158 bottlebill@tularosa.net Acknowledgments We wish to thank Douglas Leybourne for allowing us to use the drawings from the Alice Creswick books. Sources Cited: American Glass Review 1927 “Glass Factory Yearbook and Directory.” American Glass Review, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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1929 “Glass Factory Yearbook and Directory.” American Glass Review, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Glass Industry 1982 “Glass Manufacturers, Primary.” Glass Industry 62(10):9-64.
1932 “Glass Factory Yearbook and Directory.” American Glass Review, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Jones, May 1966 The Bottle Trail, Volume 6. Nara Vista, New Mexico.
1934 “Glass Factory Yearbook and Directory. American Glass Review, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Includes reprint of the Glass Trade Directory for 1904. Commoner Publishing Co., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1968 The Bottle Trail, Volume 9. Nara Vista, New Mexico.
1936 “Glass Factory Yearbook and Directory.” American Glass Review, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry 1913 “The Present Status of the Glass Bottle and Hollow Ware Industries in/’ the United States.” Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry 5(11):951-954.
Barrett, J. William 1997 Zanesville, Ohio and the Glass Industry: An Enduring Romance. Privately printed, Zanesville, Ohio.
Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co. 1917-1917 “Packers’ Ware: Machine Made and Hand Blown. Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co., Zanesville, Ohio.
1998 “Zanesville, Ohio, and the Evolution of its Glass Industry.” Bottles and Extras 9(7):35.
Knittle, Rhea Mansfield 1927 Early American Glass. AppletonCentury, New York.
Caniff, Tom 2006 “Fruit Jar Rambles: Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch’s Honey Jar.” Antique Bottle and Glass Collector 23(6):6-9.
Lehner, Lois 1978 Ohio Pottery and Glass Marks and Manufacturers. Wallace-Homestead Books Co., Des Moines, Iowa.
2007 “Fruit Jar Rambles: Half-Pint Candy Jars.” Antique Bottle and Glass Collector 23(9):6-9.
Lindsey, Bill 2008 “Historic Glass Bottle Identification & Information Website.” http://www.sha.org/ bottle/index.htm
Commoner & Glass Worker 1909 “Along the Banks of the Muskingum.” Commoner & Glass Worker 27(39):1. Crockery and Glass Journal 1880a “Pittsburgh Trade Reports.” Crockery and Glass Journal 11(1):10. 1880b “A Zanesville (Ohio) Despatch.” Crockery and Glass Journal 11(1):16. 1880c “Pittsburgh Trade Reports.” Crockery and Glass Journal 11(2):4. Creswick, Alice 1987a The Fruit Jar Works, Vol. I, Listing Jars Made Circa 1820 to 1920’s. Douglas M. Leybourne, N. Muskegon, Michigan. 1987b The Fruit Jar Works, Volume II, Listing Jars Made Circa 1900 to Modern. Privately printed, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Delphos Herald 1898 “Ohio’s Sons of Toil.” Delphos Herald, Dec. 8, 1898:1. [Delphos, Ohio] Evans, G. Wesley 1928 “Some Achievements of Hazel-Atlas.” Glass Industry 9(1):16.
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 George McKearin 1941 American Glass. Crown Publishers, New York. National Glass Budget 1897 “Flint and Green Glass Review.” National Glass Budget 13(26):4-6. 1897 “Glass Directory.” National Glass Budget 12(42):7. 1898 “Flint, Green and Cathedral Glass Factories of the United States and Canada in Operation.” National Glass Budget 13(38):7. 1909 “Kearns to Build New Plant.” National Glass Budget 25(11):1 1912 “Changes Wrought in 7 Years.” National Glass Budget 28(30):1. Owens-Illinois, Inc. 2001 “Consolidation of the Glass Container Industry.” Spread sheet created for internal use by Owens-Illinois, Inc.
Bottles and Extras Ring, Carlyn 1980 For Bitters Only. Nimrod Press, Boston. 1988 Up-Date For Bitters Only, Las Vegas, 1988. Privately published. Roller, Dick 1983 Standard Fruit Jar Reference. Privately published. Sandusky Star Journal 1921 “Fire Destroys Bottle Plant.” March 3, 1921. Schneider, Norris F. 1966 “Hazel Atlas Factory Torn Down: Glass Plant Built in 1852 at Site off Lower Main St.” Zanesville Times Recorder, January. 30, 1966:B-5. Schneider, Norris F. and Everett Greer 1956a “Seven Founded First Glass Firm.” Zanesville Times Signal, July 1, 1856:B2. 1956b “Early Zanesville-Made Glass Is Now Valuable Collector’s Item.” Zanesville Times Signal, July 8, 1956:B5. 1956c “Zanesville’s Second Glass Plant Located Near Muskingum in 1816.” Zanesville Times Signal, July 15, 1956:B6. 1956d “Speculators, Glass Blowers Join Talents to Start Early Industry.” Zanesville Times Signal, July 22, 1956:B6. 1956e “Two Pioneer Families Supplied Foundation for Glass Industry.” Zanesville Times Signal, August 19, 1956:B5 1956f “Glass Fruit Jars Made at Old Kearns Glass Plant in Putnam.” Zanesville Times Signal, August 26, 1856:B5. 1956g “Capt. Gorsuch Joined Glass Industry Soon After Return from Civil War.” Zanesville Times Signal, September 2, 1956:B6. 1956h “Automatic Machinery Puts Zanesville Glass Production on Big-Time Basis.” Zanesville Times Signal, September 9, 1956:B6.
July-August 2008 Sellers. Thomas Publishing, New York. 1917 Thomas Register of American Manufacturers and First Hands in All Lines. 9th ed. Thomas Publishing Co., New York. 1918 Thomas Register of American Manufacturers and First Hands in All Lines. 10th ed. Thomas Publishing Co., New York. 1920 Thomas Register of American Manufacturers and First Hands in All Lines. Thomas Publishing Co., New York. 1921 Thomas Register of American Manufacturers and First Hands in All Lines. Thomas Publishing Co., New York. Toulouse, Julian Harrison 1971 Bottle Makers and Their Marks. Thomas Nelson, New York. U.S. Patent Office 1901a “Bottle.” Patent No. 34,956, August 20, 1901. 1901b “Bottle.” Patent No. 34,957, August 20, 1901. Walls, H. J. 1881 “Glass Works in Ohio.” Annual Report of the Ohio Bureau of Labor Statistics 4:181189. Wichita Times 1912 “In the Window Glass World: From the Pitsburg (sic) Glasswork (sic)—News and Comments of the Trade.” Wichita Times December 12. Wilson, Rex 1981 Bottles on the Western Frontier. University of Arizona Press, Tucson. Zanesville Courier 1852a Advertisement: “Putnam Glass Works.” Zanesville Courier, June 16, 1852:4. 1852b “Another Glass Works and Whig Pole.” Zanesville Courier, Oct. 4, 1852:2. 1853 “Address Cards.” Zanesville Courier, May 25, 1853:1.
Thomas Register of American Manufacturers 1905 The Buyers’ Guide: Thomas’ Register of American Manufacturers and First Hands in all Lines, 1905-1906. Thomas Publishing Co., New York.
1861 Advertisement: “Dissolution of Partnership.” Zanesville Courier, April 23, 1861:3.
1907 Thomas’ Register of American Manufacturers and First Hands in all Lines: The Buyers Guide, 1907-1908. Thomas Publishing Co., New York.
1865 “Sale of Property.” Zanesville Courier, Febuary 6, 1865:3. Zanesville Times Recorder 1937 “Merging of Glass Company Names Announced Friday.” Zanesville Times Recorder, January 9, 1937:2.
1909 Thomas’ Register of American Manufacturers and First Hands in All Lines: A Classified Reference Book for Buyer and
57 Footnotes: 1 Knittle (1924:204) lists “Lippet” as a partner only from 1846. McKearin and McKearin (1948:594) list the operation of the Pittsburgh partners from 1842 to 1848 as “Kearns & Co.” We have found no substantiation for this name, and none is provided by Schneider and Greer (1956e) or Barrett (1997). 2 The town of Putnam became a part of Zanesville in 1872 (Barrett 1997:70). 3 There is some contention about Carter’s first name. According to Barrett (1997:69), Jehu is the correct name. His father, John Carter, was also listed as an owner in the early days, and that seems to have caused some confusion. 4 In 1865, following the death of Woodward, there was an announcement that the Putnam Glass Works was sold at an administrator’s sale, purchased by Carter & Gillespie (Zanesville Courier 2/ 6/1865). If this is correct, Gillespie did not last long. 5 Toulouse (1971:309) claimed the split occurred in 1868, almost a decade earlier than the actual breech. This may have been a typographical error, but his general account is so confused and at odds with the detailed research by Schneider and Greer and Barrett that it is difficult to credit any of his interpretations of the early history of the Kearns companies. 6 The Gorsuch obituary noted Herdman’s name as F.H. Herdman (Caniff 1006:9). City directories, however, listed the first name as “Jas.” and a billhead listed him as “James W.” (Barrett 1995:104, 109). 7 Toulouse (1971:308-309) stated that the company became Kearns, Herdman & Gorsuch in 1876, but this is refuted by some pretty solid evidence in Barrett. 8 When United failed two years later, Kearns-Gorsuch reclaimed the factory but shut it down (Barrett 1997:125). McKearin & Wilson (1978:166, 168), however, stated that the plant operated intermittently after that until production of window glass ceased in 1895. 9 Barrett (1997:125) – the first researcher to recognize the 1893 reorganization and renaming – offered no rationale for the dual corporations. It may be that the return of the window glass factory from United Glass suggested the dual organization. Alternately, KearnsGorsuch Glass may have simply been a holding company. 10 Schneider and Greer (1956h) report that the 1888 expansion included a tank
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furnace, but the source used may not be correct. 11 This is certainly an inflated figure for a single tank, although both tanks could have been making green glass at the time, and the “42” could mean the combined total. 12 Barrett (1997:131), however, stated that the firm installed the first narrowmouth machines (also O’Neills) in 1911, although this may reflect the earliest record he found. 13 Wilson’s descriptions, while adequate for the 1980s, leave something to be desired. The “blue” for the bottle color is almost certainly aqua, and the one-part finish was certainly applied, not tooled. 14 This brings up an interesting conundrum. Even though Kearns-Gorsuch was listed under its own name until 1937, it appears that Hazel-Atlas advertised products made by the Kearns-Gorsuch factory in its catalogs at least as early as 1930. Alternatively, identical bottles may have been made by both the Zanesville factory and another Hazel-Atlas plant.
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A Bitter January Dig, by Jeff Mahalik Continued from page 26. List of finds: 1 - “Dr. J. W. James India Bitters” 3 - “Home Bitters / Jas. A. Jackson & Co. Proprietors / Saint Louis, Mo.” 4 - “St. Drakes 1860 Plantation X Bitters” 6-log variant (one yellow-olive) 1 - “St. Drakes 1860 Plantation X Bitters” 4-log variant 6 - “Maynard’s / Star Bitters” (one oliveamber) 1 - “Constitution Bitters / Seward & Bentley Buffalo, N.Y. / AMS2 / 1864” (yellowolive) 1 - “McKelvy’s / Stomach Bitters / Pittsburgh, Pa.” aqua 1 - “LQC Wishart’s / Pine Tree Tar Cordial Phila / Patent (Pine Tree) 1859" green 1 - “The Cure For Fits / Dr Chas T. Price / 67 Willliams St. New York” clear 1 - Flask, “Pitts McC & Co” pint, double eagle 1 - Flask, pint, double eagle 1 - Flask, “Union clasped hands” half-pint 5 - “Hostetter’s Bitters” (two yellow-olive) 1 - “Wm Hoffman 73 Federal St. Allegheny, Pa.” quart blob beer, amber 1 - Fluted shot glass, cobalt blue
6 – Cylinder whiskeys, shades of amber to yellow-olive, 2 marked “L&W” on base 1 - Ogdens Porter 1 – Stoneware dog bowl
“You dug them out of an old WHAT?”
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A Bloody Good Time in England By Ed Stewart This is not a story about privy digging, or even about bottle digging, but about metal detecting. But after all, this is a bottle AND relic club. I think that many bottle diggers have detected at one time or another anyway. If you have never picked up a detector, perhaps this story may motivate you to give it a try. I actually started out bottle digging with my dad when I was nine years old. When I was in high school, though, I became fascinated with metal detectors and finally mowed enough lawns to buy my first machine when I was a junior. Since then, I have upgraded my detector several times. About ten years ago I learned of a metal detecting tour to England where detectorists could find coins and relics dating back to Roman timesâ&#x20AC;Śand keep them! I was also aware that I had two kids getting very close to college and that any international treasure hunting trips would have to wait. With two college degrees and one wedding behind me, 2007 would be the year that my much anticipated England trip would finally become a reality. One nice feature of the tour, operated by Discovery Tours International, is that it provides sightseeing trips for any non-detectorists that come. This meant that my wife, Kelly, could come and enjoy herself, even though she does not detect. For the detectorists, there are eight full days of detecting. The tour operators have agreements worked out with a large number of landowners that provide access for detecting. This year we would be on some fields that had been detected in previous years, and some that had never been hunted before. Even the fields that have been detected continue to produce finds as they are deep-plowed every year, bringing new relics into detector range.
On Sunday, August 12, we boarded a plane and left the 100 degree heat of Kansas behind. I knew that I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to miss out on any bottle digging. We flew from Kansas City to Cleveland and then to London on an overnight flight. The second leg of our trip took just under seven hours, making it by far the longest flight I had ever been on. We had hoped that we could sleep for a good part of the flight, but neither of us were able to. It finally got light just in time to see the English coast. Another 45 minutes and we touched down in London. The best way to beat jet-lag is to get in sync with the local time zone as quickly as possible. After a short shuttle ride to the hotel, we hit the showers. Feeling a little refreshed, we explored around the hotel grounds which were formerly a farm, and some of the local neighborhoods. The toughest part was remembering to look right before crossing a street instead of left. We were picked up at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday morning in a large tour bus for our trip to Norwich where we would be staying for the next nine days. This was the same bus that would take us out into the field each day to detect. There were 17 detectorists and three non-detectorists on the tour. Only five of us were first-timers. We stopped for lunch in Colchester and visited a medieval castle that has been turned into a museum. The museum had lots of coins and artifacts from pre-Roman, Roman, Dark Ages, and medieval England. The museum had a few Roman bottles, which were crude and beautiful. I was amazed though, that except for the lack of a pontil scar, these bottles did not look that much different from those made into the 1850s. Seeing all the relics really got my juices going and I was ready for the hunt.
That evening, we were given a preview of the days ahead and an introduction to English laws regarding metal detecting. In England, the Treasure Act of 1996 and the Portable Antiquities Scheme cover the recovery of artifacts with a metal detector. Both of these were hammered out with representation from the archeological and metal detecting communities, and were constructed to benefit both groups. Any non-coin artifact over 300 years old that is at least 10% precious metal is considered treasure. Groups of multiple relics or coins over 300 years old, from the same find, are also considered treasure irregardless of the type of metal. If treasure is found, it must be reported and the British Museum will be notified. If a museum is interested in acquiring the find, a Treasure Valuation Committee will determine a fair market
My first find, a coin (both sides illustrated below) from the reign of Constantine 1st and dated from 306 to 337 A.D.
Arriving at the farm.
Hunting in the fields.
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(L-R) Tudor button. Henry III penny (1216-1272) cut to make change. An early milled silver William III shilling dated 1696. value for the item. The museum must pay this price or return the item. If the museum buys the find, the finder and the landowner split the proceeds. The valuation committee actually builds in a little premium above fair market value. Hence, the finder will receive a much higher payment following the law than selling illegally to a dealer at a deep discount. This incentive provides an economic motivation to follow the law that is stronger than the threat of fine or jail that can be imposed by failure to comply. Pretty good thinking. The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a voluntary program to record archaeological objects found by the public. The objects still belong to the finder, unless they are treasure. This program has proven to be extremely beneficial to metal detectorists and archaeologists alike. As part of the program, each museum designates an archaeologist or other staff member as a Find Liaison Officer (FLO). Since there are museums scattered all over the country, no one is very far from an FLO. Metal detectorists benefit by getting expert identification of their finds as well as a better appreciation for the historical and educational value of their finds. Many FLOs actually attend metal detector club meetings to identify and record finds. The archaeologists are reaping great benefits from this voluntary plan. The finds that metal detectorists have reported since the plan began have actually altered early English history. One prominent English archaeologist will not perform an excavation without the assistance of metal detectors. English archaeologists understand that the use of modern fertilizers and land development are destroying important relics at an increasing rate. They are actually encouraging the metal detectorists to find the artifacts as quickly as possible before they, and the unique information they can provide, are destroyed forever. It is such a shame that many American archaeologists have chosen to create an
adversarial relationship with the collecting public instead of a cooperative one. Whether motivated by academic arrogance or something else, these archaeologists have created a hostile atmosphere in which neither group benefits from the vast amount of information that the other has to offer. If American archeologists would consider metal detectorists and bottle diggers as extended members of their team as the English do, instead of as the enemy, they would greatly enhance their own studies. I would bet that much Revolutionary War and Civil War period history would be revised if American archaeologists had a mechanism like the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Several of the sites we would be hunting had settlements that dated back to before the Roman occupation of England which lasted from 43 to 450 A.D. All of the sites had seen further occupation into medieval times. We were told that many of these villages were burned down after their inhabitants were killed by the plague. The stone churches from these villages usually survived and would be watching over us as we detected; silent reminders of a long ago age. Our first day of hunting was Wednesday, August 14. It was overcast with temperatures in the 60s. We were heading to the site of a former Roman settlement. I was still pretty jet lagged but was too excited to notice. After a hearty English breakfast, we boarded the big tour bus for the short trip to our site. We kept turning off on smaller and smaller roads, until we were on almost a one lane road with high hedges on either side. Occasionally we passed small clusters of houses that were easily 400 years old. Even though I was metal detecting, I couldn’t help but wonder about the bottles that had to be buried somewhere around those houses. The bus finally cleared the hedges and turned into a farmyard. The fields we would be hunting were right in front of us. They were in short-cropped wheat stubble.
I hunted the better part of the day without finding much to speak of, but I didn’t get discouraged. I could just feel the history under my feet. Late in the afternoon I got a signal that I would have dismissed as trash at home, but here you dig any non-iron signal. I removed about eight inches of sandy soil and saw a little round disk in the hole. The bronze coin was smaller than a dime but much thicker. I had my first Roman coin! It was an unbelievable feeling to me to be holding an item that was last touched by a Roman at least 1,550 years old (the Romans left England in 450 A.D.). I found out that night that the coin was from the reign of Constantine 1st and dated from 306 to 337 A.D. I also found out that I had found the top of a Roman hair pin from the 1st or 2nd century. That really gave me a goosebumps, to think that some Roman woman could have been wearing this pin while Jesus was alive on the Earth. Oh yeah, I also found a “new” buckle plate from the 1300s. My only recordable find on Thursday was a silver love token. Love tokens were made from worn coins from the 1600s or older. The hopeful suitor would give the token to the object of his affection. If she also liked him, she kept the token. If she didn’t like him, or they broke up later, she would bend the token and throw it away. Mine was bent. Large copper pennies and other coins from the 18 th century are common finds and I detected several during the day. Most are so corroded that they are illegible and due to their color are referred to as “greenies.” Most people don’t even keep them, but I never could bring myself to throw these away with the other junk. Greenies give great signals and read up as coins on the detector. The older, more desirable coins are so small or thin that they read up in the junk range. So, in a complete flip-flop from my detecting in the States, I found myself hoping for the “trash” signals instead of the “good” signals. On Friday, our third day of hunting, we were in a harvested pea field that was now
Bottles and Extras
mostly bare dirt, making it ideal for detecting. The icing on the cake was that this was one of the fields that had never been detected before. One-piece buttons from the 18 th century and earlier are common finds, and I dug several of these in fairly short order. I also found an older and less common Tudor button from 16th century. My first recordable find for the day. I then found my first hammered silver coin of the trip! These crude coins are
My last visit with the gold ring before sealing it up in the bag that declared it as “treasure.”
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Both sides of a Charles I royal farthing.
Both sides of a rose orb jeton.
entirely handmade. A blank of silver is placed between two embossed dies. The top die is then hit with a hammer, leaving the impression of the dies on both sides. My coin was a cut Henry III penny made between 1216 and 1272 and had been cut in half to make change. I followed this up shortly with a hammered silver 13th century French Tournois. I then found an early milled silver William III shilling dated 1696. The old saying about time flying when you are having fun is certainly true. Glancing at my watch, and noticing that the bus would be leaving in ten minutes, I started walking towards the entrance at the far side of the field. Of course, one doesn’t walk across a field like this with a metal detector without swinging it, even if it is swung a little too fast. I was about 50 feet from the entrance when I got a good solid signal. It read lower than the dreaded greenie (apologies to Mark Wiseman), but higher than the hammered coins. I carefully dug a small hole and removed the dirt. Laying there in the hole, as bright as the day it was dropped, was a big gold ring! Gently picking it up, I noted how heavy it was. This was serious Woohoo time! I looked around and no one was there; everyone had returned to the bus. I filled in the hole and hurried back to the bus. As soon as I told the group about the ring, I suddenly felt like a quarterback in a large huddle. That night, the ring was tentatively dated to the 16 th century and declared treasure. I filled out the necessary paperwork and got some pictures. Now it’s just a waiting game to hear of the ring’s value and disposition. Day four, Saturday, was cool and overcast like the others with the possibility of light rain. My detector and I had raingear so the weather wouldn’t slow us down. The field was short grass, making for excellent detecting conditions. The first time I sunk, or attempted to sink, my small digging shovel into the ground, I found the catch. The hard ground was full of flint chunks making digging extremely difficult. The digging was worth the effort, though,
as I dug my second Roman coin. It was also from Constantine 1st. I also found a hammered copper Charles I royal farthing from 1625-49, and a 13th century gilded horse pendant made with an eagle design. The field also gave up its share of one-piece buttons and greenies. Sunday and Monday did not produce any Romans or silvers. I did find a greeny in very good condition though. It was a George III large cent from 1803. It struck me that I was looking at the face of the man who had pushed the American colonists into the Revolutionary War just a few years before that coin was minted. If you like history, you will understand the feeling I had holding this coin in my hand. My recorded finds these two days were a penannular brooch pin fragment from the 13th or 14th centuries, a 14th century tinned belt fitting, a lead bead of unknown date (I am hoping for Roman), and a damaged rose orb jeton from the 16th century. Jetons are coin-sized counters that were used to perform calculations. They look very similar to the hammered coins of the same period. Kelly came out to the field on Monday for a while to take some pictures. While she was there she eyeballed a Stone Age flint tool that was recorded. The tour operators told her that this was the first time a non-detectorist had found a recordable find in the 10+ year history of the tours. Needless to say, Kelly was pleased. Tuesday, our seventh day of detecting, found us in hunting in the shadow of an ancient looking stone church. The field was in clover, and though it was a little tall in places, was much easier to detect than the wheat stubble. I don’t know if it was the clover or what but I felt lucky. After a little detecting, I was rewarded with an undamaged rose orb jeton and a cast double loop annular buckle which dated from 1350-1660. A little while later I found what I thought was a Roman coin. It was about the same diameter as a nickel, but was very thick, which is typical of Roman coins. I later found out that it was a coin weight produced by Isaac Abrahamsen in Amsterdam between 1648 and 1670. Coin
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Both sides of an Edward III penny. weights were used by merchants and others to verify that coins received in trade were of the correct weight, and had not been trimmed or otherwise “lightened.” They were primarily used for gold coins. Before the day ended, I hit silver again, finding an Edward III hammered silver penny with a York mint mark from 1369-1377. As I was holding the coin, I glanced up at the church and realized that the person who dropped that coin likely attended services in that very building over 600 years ago. Our last day of hunting, Wednesday, rolled around all too fast. While we had been intermittently sprinkled on throughout the trip, a steady rain was expected this day. I decided to don my raingear at the hotel which was a good idea as it was raining quite steadily when we arrived at the field. This field, like many of the others, was partly in wheat stubble. Part of the wheat was unharvested as the weather had hindered the farmer trying to get the harvest in. I was determined to find at least one more hammered silver before having to head home. The wind had picked up and was driving the rain sideways. I stayed pretty dry but had to stop and pour the water out of my treasure/trash pouch every now and then. I picked up a couple of corroded greenies as I worked across the field. I got to one area and started finding older buttons. Taking this as a good sign, I slowed down and listened for those faint trash signals. It wasn’t long before I heard just such a signal. Digging into the soggy ground I unearthed an Edward III silver halfpenny from 1327-77. This is one small coin, being about the same size as a U.S silver 3-cent piece. I walked some tight patterns in this area and found an even smaller Henry III cut silver halfpenny from 1216-72. Again, the coin had been cut in half to make change. Try as I might, time ran out before any more coins made their presence known. I returned to the bus a little soggy, but very happy. Although the detecting was done, the day was far from over. We returned to the motel and packed our bags for the return trip to London. We had eaten great English
Tour hosts present book.
Bottles and Extras It is hard for me to adequately summarize the trip. The tour operators at Discovery Tours were consummate hosts. The scenery was beautiful. The history is unbelievable. The old-timers on the trip made us immediately feel a part of the group and were very generous with tips and spare batteries (which are very expensive in England). Geeze, I haven’t even gotten to the coins and relics yet. I honestly would have had a great time just making the trip. The finds were icing on the cake, though I wouldn’t trade them for all the money in the world. I am already making plans to return next year. Please note that I didn’t have a camera that would take good close-ups so I have included pictures of very similar items that were taken from the excellent Colchester Treasure Hunting & Metal Detecting web site (www.colchestertreasurehunting.co.uk) and one (the William III shilling) from eBay to give readers an idea of what I found. The ring pictures are of my ring. Want to go? Tours are limited to 25 detectorists. There are two tours each summer, usually in Auguat. The 2008 tour cost is $3,645 and includes food, lodging and transportatioin - but not airfare. For more info: Discovery Tours International, Jimmy Sierra, Inc., P.O. Box 519, Forest Knolls, CA 94933, 800-457-0875, JimmySierra@jimmysierra.com.
fare for the last nine days, but our British tour hosts had worked up a little surprise for our last meal together: hamburgers, fries, and corn-on-the-cob. It did taste good! After dinner, I was presented with a very nice British treasure book for my positive attitude and detecting success during the trip. Kelly and I said goodbye to our new friends. I said a temporary goodbye to my coins, and most likely a permanent goodbye to my gold ring. The 23 coins and relics I found that were recorded in the field will go to top experts of the British Museum for final identification and recording. All relics over 50 years old must have an export license to leave the country. This is a slow process that could take up to a year, but I will get all these coins and artifacts back. Being treasure, my gold ring will likely go to a museum. The thrill is in the hunt anyway, and even if the ring winds up in a museum, it will have my name beside it. It was after 11:00 p.m. when we arrived back at our London hotel. After a short night, we shuttled back to the airport and our flight home. For some reason, the flight back seemed a little shorter, which was nice. Weather in the Chicago area delayed our flight out of Newark to Kansas City for three hours. We finally arrived home in Paola at about 10:30 p.m. We had been up On my way to the York Expo. for 23 hours straight. All my friends are going to be there.
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July-August 2008
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FOHBC MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY ADDITIONS New Members Hubert Barb 23440 Senedo Dr. Woodstock, VA 22664 540-459-4355 HomePlaceII@msn.com Fruit jars
Mike & Cory Henness 635 Glenbrook Dr. Ione, CA 95640 209-274-4262 mchenness@excite.com Bitters (squares), western sodas
Tim Blair 540 Virginia St. El Segundo, CA 90245 310-640-2089 310-383-8316 tblair@socal.rr.com Western medicines, sodas, Colonial seal bottles
David Hess 245 Arlingham Rd. Flourtown, PA 19031 215-233-1142 Flasks, bitters, beers, minerals, & medicines
Dennis Bray 2211 Chardonnay Place Hanford, CA 93230 559-582-7011 Dennisbray@cagov.org Western whiskeys Dave Caccamo 27 Grove St. New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-0807 Historical flasks, seam & strap side flasks, and demi-johns Bobby Clayton 308 Holland Hill Dr. Goldboro, NC 27530 919-221-9571 linclay@bellsouth.net Jim Clifton 787 N. Valley Forge Rd. Devon, PA 19333 610-964-0180 Jim.Clifton@pinnaclefoodscorp.com Sodas and beers Dennis Fox 3600 Date Dr. # 227 Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 Joe Frey 1144 Twp 136 Rd. Mc Comb, OH 45858 419-293-2549 odants@bright.net Findlay, Ohio bottles and Old Dutch beer advertising Joseph Healy 2770 Kingsway Ave. New Lenox, IL 60451 815-462-3708 General
Greg & Marcia Hoglin 209 N. 5th St. Belen, NM 87002 505-864-6634 lostcity5th@aol.com Julie Kinney 439 Ky 10 Dover, KY 41034 606-375-0125 Mike Langin 2104 Alabama Ave. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 260-471-5348 Brewtitan@aol.com Beer bottles Pamela Lottmann 136 Sharon Pl. Ballwin, MO 63021 636-256-7777 plottmann@ENCL05.com Mike McJunkin 42 Sunflower Ave. Hutchinson, KS 67502 620-728-8304 scarleits@cox.net Mark Nelson 5385 Rainbow Dr. Merrill, WI 54452 715-539-3416 nel7647@aol.com Wisconsin Hutchinson and blob top sodas Michael & Patty Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley 7 Meadowbrook Rd. Littleton, MA 01460 978-479-9596 hitmiss@aol.com
Johnny Player 1400 W 10690 S South Jordan, UT 84095 801-253-1873 Western and Utah bottles
Robert Willimgham 212 W Robert Toombs Ave. Washngton, GA 30673 706-678-1857 skeet@nu-z.net
Terry Rhodes 2540 Noble Ct. Tallahassee, FL 32308
West Virginia Museum of American Glass Dean Six P.O. Box 574 Weston, WV 26452 304-269-5006 glassmuse1@aol.com All bottles
Jeff Scharnowske 1101 N Shiawassee Owossa, MI 48867 989-725-9880 scharno@shianet.org Michigan bottles David Schenkman P.O. Box 366 Bryantown, MD 20617 301-274-3441 dave@turtlehillbanjo.com Stoneware Steve Showers 25900 130th Ave. Welch, MN 55089 507-263-3272 Minnesota bottles Walter Smith 3345 Peach Orchard Rd. Augusta, GA 30906 706-793-0716 jennifer_fdoc@bellsouth.net Jim Soukup 8521 County Route 55 Cohocton, NY 14826 607-3246041soukup@infoblvd.net Hornellsville, N.Y. bottles and fruit jars John Sprung P.O. Box 208 East Dover, VT 05341 800-590-0014 info@bottlenut.com John VanHeul 29093 455th Ave. Viborg, SD 57070 605-326-5594 jverheul@usd.edu Embossed and paper labeled Dakota Territory and South Dakota bottles of all kinds
Changes Danny Davison 2253 S. Sandbar Rd. Kankakee, IL 60901 815-933-8185 diggerdan58@comcast.net Medicine bottles Richard Paananen PSC 45 Box 855 APO, AE 09468011 4041765-658-344 bottman101@aol.com Insulators, medicines, whiskey bottles, milk bottles, blue cobalt bottles, and inks Robin Preston P.O. Box 500039 Atlanta, GA 31150 610-931-5555 rp330@comcast.net Shotglasses
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July-August 2008
Bottles and Extras
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Enclose the Appropriate Amount and Mail to: FOHBC, c/o June Lowry, 401 Johnston Court, Raymore, MO 64083 Make checks payable to: The Federation of Historicial Bottle Collectors (FOHBC) Please Note: Allow 6-8 weeks from the time you send in your payment until you receive your first issue of Bottles and Extras.
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Bottles and Extras
July-August 2008
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Classified Ads FOR SALE FOR SALE: Teeks ‘n’ Things List of old bottles, pottery, glass, toys, coins, premiums, paper, comics, etc. $1 for list. Send to: MIKE CURTO, 2439 E. 63rd St., Brooklyn, NY 11234. FOR SALE: THE COLORED HUTCHINSON BOOK Additional, 1999 1st Edition copies are now available. Limited to 200 copies. Plastic protected, 416 pages. Spiral bound. 293 bottle illustrations with complete information on each. 126 Hutchinson bottles in full-color. Media mail postpaid. $46. W.H. HUTCHINSON 1889 BOTTLERS SUPPLY CATALOG. Reprint photocopy. Plastic protected. Spiral bound. 36 pages. Much information with illustrations. Media mail postpaid. $12. W.H. HUTCHINSON 1917 CATALOG AND PRICE LIST. Reprint photocopy. Plastic protected. Spiral bound. 2 pages of original catalog on each page. Great reference. Index. Much information with illustrations. Media mail postpaid. $18. Buy both catalogs for $27 or all three for $65. Check or money order to: ZANG WOOD, 1612 Camino Rio, Farmington, NM 87401. FOR SALE: Bottle research book, “The Bottles of Jackson County (Oregon)”. 156 pages of photos, descriptions and dates for breweries, dairies, pharmacies, soda and mineral water bottles. $25 postage paid. Contact: DAVE SCAFANI, 416 Greenbrae Dr., Medford, OR 97504 or Email: Scafanind@charter.net. FOR SALE: Bottle Tree Antiques, 1960 Mount Lebanon Rd., Donalds, SC 29638. An eclectic mix of southern & South Carolina bottles and pottery. Open by chance or by appointment. Call (864) 3793479 or E-mail: bottletree@wctel.net. FOR SALE: Old bottles for sale at Raging Bull Antique Mall, Big Timber, Montana. Bottles, postcards, Western antiques, Navajo rugs, old furniture, great old advertising. Expect the unexpected! See booth 33 for bottles, advertising, casino chips, etc. Off I-90, downtown 60 miles from Bozeman. Open 10-5 Mon.-Sat. Contact: JAMES CAMPIGLIA, Ph: (406) 932-7777. FOR SALE: Large selection of Dutch gins available. Send for list. Contact: TIM BLAIR, 540 Virginia St., El Seguonda, CA 90245 or E-mail: TBlair@socal.rr.com. FOR SALE: Hutchinson list #1: Alabama
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Bottles and Extras Advertising Rates Ads: Kathy Hopson-Sathe 341 Yellowstone Dr., Fletcher, NC 28732 Phone: (423) 737-6710 E-mail: kathy@thesodafizz.com Makes checks payable to: The Federation of Historic Bottle Collectors CLASSIFIED ADS 10-cents a word 15-cents a bold word. $2 MINIMUM
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KETCHUP, PICKLES, SAUCES 19th Century Food in Glass 498 pages of pictures & research of glass containers the early food industry utilized. Smyth Bound - $25.00 to:
MARK WEST PUBLISHERS PO BOX 1914 SANDPOINT, ID 83864
(1), Colorado (2), Hawaii (1), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (3), Mississippi (1), New Jersey (5), New York (5), West Va. (1), Wisconsin (3) and Mavericks (1). Hutchinson list #2: Alabama (1), Arizona (1), Colorado (2), Hawaii (1), Kansas (1), Louisiana (1), Missouri (1), New York (1), North Carolina (1), Oregon (1), Texas (1), Utah Territory (1), Chattanooga Glass Co. (1), Viriginia (1), Medicated Root Beer (1), Hawthorn Spring Saratoga (2), Highrock Congress Springs Saratoga (1), Guilford, Vt. Mineral Spring Water (1). Pennsylvania (20). Contact: ZANG WOOD, 1612 Camino Rio, Farmington, NM 87401. Questions? Call: (505) 327-1316. FOR SALE: Nevada meds, beer cans, license plates, ash trays, unique 1950
$45 $75 $110 $150 $195 $230
$20 $35 $50 $65 $80 $95
$30 $55 $80 $105 $130 $150
3” COL $25 $45 $65 $85 $105 $125
Next Stop Deadlines: Aug 10th for Sept.-Oct., 2008 issue Oct. 10th for Nov.-Dec.. 2008 issue
Zanzibar Club liquor, gaming license, unique 1949 cloth wall hanging of a school map of Reno, Washoe County, about perfect. For price list, send SASE to: Nevada Stuff, P.O. Box 412, Dayton, NV 89403 or Ph: (775) 246-0142 (Loren Love). FOR SALE: Bottles for sale! www.historicbottles.com. BILL LINDSAY, 3932 Redondo Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97603, E-mail: Bill@historicbottles.com. FOR SALE: A collection of over 300 fruit jars need to be sold. Call for list of jars, such as: Cohansey, Woodberry, Globe, Dandy and others in various colors and sizes. There are also many painted and embossed soda bottles for sale. Most are Colorado bottles. Call us at: (970) 434-5697 today. We plan to be at the shows in Reno & Leadville, Colorado in July, 2008. So come and see what we have. Waiting to hear from you. Contact: CHERYL PICKRELL, 464 Annanessa Dr., Grand Junction, CO 81504. Send your ad today to: Bottles and Extras Classified Ads 341 Yellowstone Drive Fletcher, NC 28732
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July-August 2008
WANTED Wanted: Tampa alligator Hutch. Highest price paid for FLA BREWING CO, TAMPA, FLA with embossed alligator. Must be Hutch finish, not Baltimore loop. Contact: R.J. BROWN, 4119 Crosswater Dr., Tampa, FL 33615, Ph: (813) 888-7007 or E-mail: RBrown4134@aol.com. Wanted: Fruit Jar Newsletter issues: April 1981, June 1981 through March 1982, July 1982, September 1982, December 1982 through June 1983, August 1983, October 1983 through January 1984, March 1984, July 1984 through November 1984, January 1985 through February 1985, April 1985 through September 1985. Contact: JUNE LOWRY, Ph: (816) 318-0160, E-mail: JAL121053@aol.com. Wanted: Your Western whiskey want list of bottles that you need for your collection. Let our sources work for you. Please be specific and include price ranges for your “wants.” Send to: BRET HEINEMANN, P.O. Box 291, Atascadero, CA 93423 or E-mail to: heinemann@netzero.com. Wanted: Sealfast Sold By jars, unusual Hirsch items, unusual Flaccus items and/or unusual pint jars. Contact: R. WAYNE LOWRY, Ph: (816) 318-0161, E-mail: JarDoctor@aol.com. Wanted: J. Esposito “flag” and J. Esposito “Koca Nola” Philadelphia, Pa. Hutchinson sodas in any color. Contact: RJ BROWN, 4114 W. Mulden Ave., Tampa, FL 33609. Wanted: Austin Pharmacy items from Parsons, Kansas - ANYTHING! It belonged to our son-in-law’s grandfather. E-mail: JarDoctor@aol.com. Wanted: Glass Chatter newsletters from the Midwest Antique Fruit Jar & Bottle Club, especially ones from the 70s and 80s (I have none prior to April, 1977). Also looking for any old bottle magazines I don’t have (any title). Contact: JUNE, E-mail: OSUBuckeyes71@aol.com or Ph: (816) 3180160. Wanted: Smile and Buster soda items: bottles, cans, caps, signs, etc. Contact: JIM BAKER, Ph: (314) 504-8514 or E-mail pictures and information to: jim_baker58@hotmail.com.
Wanted: Blob top iron-pontiled Columbia soda “R and H Columbia, Cal.” Contact: DARRON ROMITTI, P.O. Box 395, Tuolumne, CA 95379; Ph: (209) 928-3503 or E-mail: Darrenrom9071@yahoo.com.
sodas. Also want older casino chips with names on them. Contact: JAMES CAMPIGLIA, 3303 Sora Way, Bozeman, MT 59718, Ph: (406) 219-3293 or E-mail: jameschips@bresnan.net.
Wanted: Jolly Golfer figural bottles in all colors and accessories. Contact: BOB FORD, Ph: (410) 531-9458 or E-mail: bottles@comcast.net.
Wanted: Collections of quality bottles for purchase or consignment. Contact: GALLERIAAUCTIONS, Ph: (610) 377-1484 or E-mail: oldbottles57@yahoo.com.
Wanted: California gold rush items, belt buckles, clay face pipes, whale oil lamps and bottles. All items from gold rush period considered. Contact: MAX BELL, Ph: (530) 823-3315.
Wanted: Old issues of bottle related magazines. If anyone has old issues of Bottles and Extras you don’t want, please consider giving to the FOHBC. We have new members looking for old issues. Contact: JUNE, Ph: (816) 318-0160 or E-mail: OSUBuckeyes71@aol.com.
Wanted: Oregon bottles, especially from southern Oregon towns of Medford, Ashland and Jacksonville. Contact: DAVE SCAFANI, Ph: (541) 773-6503 or E-mail: Scafanind@charter.net. Wanted: Embossed South Carolina bottles, pre-1920 sodas, medicines, South Carolina dispensaries. Any South Carolina bottle questions? Drop me a line. E-mail: SCbottles@aol.com. Wanted: Always looking for update South Carolina bottles & South Carolina dispensary bottles. Contact: JOHN T. BRAY, c /o Bottle Tree Antiques, 1960 Mount Lebanon Rd., Donalds, SC 29638, Ph: (864) 379-3479 or E-mail: Bottletree@wctel.net. Wanted:Advertising jugs and crocks from St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri or nearby Illinois. Contact: DAVE CRANCER, Ph: (636) 225-2755 (day or night) or E-mail: Davecrancer@charter.net. Wanted: Bottles, souvenir china, postcards, & memorabilia from Muskegon county, Michigan. cities are: Bailey, Brunswick, Casnovia, Fruitport, Fruitvale, Holton, Lake Harbor, Lakewood, Michillinda, Montague, Muskegon, North Muskegon, Ravenna, Sullivan, Sylvan Beach, Trent, Twin Lake, Whitehall, White Lake and Wolf Lake Contact: ELMER OGG, Ph: (231) 798-7335 Email: eogg@nortonshores.org. Wanted: Barber bottles. Also anything relating to Cape May, New Jersey, including bottles, post cards, photos and ephemera. Contact: RICHARD GIBBS, P.O. Box 126, Essex Falls, NJ 07021, E-mail: capemayone@aol.com. Wanted: Good blood bottles. E-mail: joak20@bottlebooks.com.
WANTED Southern Illinois blob top Hutchinson-style soda bottles. No painted labels!
Steve Kehrer (618) 410-4121 Kehrer@charter.net
Bottles and Extras
Wanted: South Carolina stoneware jugs and minijugs. Colored sodas from Charleston. Contact: CHIP BREWER, Ph: (843) 416-8197 (home); Cell: (843) 452-5734 or E-mail: JohnBrewer771@comcast.net. Wanted: Hostetters Stomach Bitters in rare colors. E.L. Billings Sac. City colored blob sodas. I collect all kinds of colored blob
Wanted: Blue blob-top sodas embossed John Ryan/1867/Columbus, Ga. Will pay $3000+. Any pottery pig marked Georgia. Will pay $5000+ for pigs marked Elberton or Macon. Amber, square paneled Life Everlasting Bitters/Atlanta, Ga. Amber Dr. Tutts Golden Eagle Bitters/Augusta, Ga. Any bottle marked Eatonton. Contact: TOM HICKS, 532 Rabbitskip Rd. SW, Eatonton, GA 31024, Ph: (706) 485-9280 or E-mail: 65wareagle@bellsouth.net. Wanted: Antique bottles to clean, $16 each less than 10 bottles; $13.50 each 10-14 bottles; $11 each 15 or more bottles. Contact: CHURCHILL’S ANTIQUE BOTTLE CLEANING SERVICE, Ph: (616) 974-1064 pr E-mail: mdiscoidalis@comcast.net. Wanted: Bottles made by the Boston & Sandwich Glass Co. Included are inks and colored scent/cologne bottles. I particularly need cut overlay cologne bottles. Please send photo and price required. Contact: BRYAN GRAPENTINE, 1939 W. Waltann Ln., Phoenix, AZ 85023, Ph: (602) 993-9757 or E-mail: bgrapentine@msn.com.
The Glass Artisan’s Bottle Cleaning Services We can also polish your non-bottle items. Many years of cleaning bottles and glass, with dealer and collector satisfaction. Your glass is treated as if it were my own and I pay close attention to detail. Prices start at $15 Contact: STEVE (414) 281-5885 glassartisan@yahoo.com
Bottles and Extras
July-August 2008
NEW . . . 2008 EDITION
We are happy to announce that we are now the Northeast Distributors for: JAR DOCTOR TM
Most up-to-date information on fruit jars and pricing available today!
In New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Eastern Canada. We have machines, parts and supplies in stock and will be happy to deliver your machine or supplies to a show near you.
* 10,000+ Entries * 53 Additional pages of listings
$40 Post Paid within United States Order directly from author: Douglas M. Leybourne, Jr. P.O. Box 5417, North Muskegon, MI 49445 Or through the Website: redbookjars.com
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Tony Hofeld 8724 Ferris Avenue Morton Grove, IL 60053 Ph: (847) 966-0909 E-mail: ahofeld@aol.com
est. 1979
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The world’s first full color bottle magazine simply got BETTER and BIGGER PACKED FULL of all the information you need on the UK & worldwide scene Well-researched articles & All the latest finds Upcoming sales & Full show calendar Personal Check, MasterCard/Visa, even $ bills!
BBR, Elsecar Heritage Centre, Barnsley, 2, Yorkshire, S74 8HJ, England Tel: 011-44-1226-745156; Fax: 011-44-1226-361561
Bottle Cleaning by Jennrog Collectables - Professional cleaning with a personal touch - Nearly 10 years in the business - References are available - Pricing: Single bottle - $14; Pontiled - $16 Discounts are available for lots of 6 or more - Turnaround time is typically 3-4 weeks - See our Bottle Cleaning Page on website below.
The Collector’s Guide to Old Fruit Jars
Levitan and Bagan, Chicago, Ill. bottles of any/all kind(s). Seltzer and soda bottles are known. Company operated by my great-grandfather during the early 1900s. Known to have been delivered at some time by Seipp’s Brewery wagons
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Current 2008 Show Schedule: York, Pa. - August 8-10 Poughkeepsie, N.Y. - Aug. 17 Lowell, Mass. - Sept. 28 Keene, N.H. - Oct. 12 Jennrog Collectables 99 Lawrence St., Pepperell, MA 01463 (978) 433-8274 http://www.jennrog-collectables.com
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Wayne Lowry 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 401 Johnston Ct., Raymore, MO 64083 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 E-mail: JarDoctor@aol.com 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 Website: www.jardoctor.com 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 (816) 318-0161 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123
JAR DOCTOR
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Bottles and Extras
FOHBC SHO-BIZ FOHBC Sho-Biz is published in the interest of the hobby. Federation affiliated clubs are noted. Information on up-coming collecting events is welcome, but space is limited. Please send at least four months in advance, including telephone number, to: FOHBC Sho-Biz, c/o Kathy Hopson-Sathe, 341 Yellowstone Dr., Fletcher, NC 28732, or E-mail: kathy@thesodafizz.com. Show schedules are subject to change. Please call ahead before traveling long distances. All listings published here will also be published on the web site at http://www.fohbc.com.
JULY 5-6 - ELSECAR, ENGLAND BBR's 18th Annual 'Summer National' Bottle & Collectible Show & Sale (Sat. 9 AM - 5 PM, Early Buyers 9 AM & Sun 9 AM - 3 PM) at the Elsecar Heritage Center, Elsecar, England. INFO: ALAN BLAKEMAN, BBR Elsecar Heritage Center, Nr. Barnsley, S. Yorks, S74 8HJ, England, PH: 011-44 1226 745156, E-mail: sales@onlinebbr.com. JULY 12-13 - BUTTE, MONTANA The Montana Bottle Collectors Association's 6th Annual Show & Sale (Sat. 10 AM - 3 PM, Sun. 10 AM - 3 PM; Dealer Set up and Early Bird, Sat. 8 AM - !0 AM, Adm. $5) at Montana College of Technology Gym, in the old historic mining town of Butte, Montana, which is hosting the National Folk Festival. Estimated festival attendance 50,000 +. A fun-filled week-end. INFO: BILL HENNESS, 5430 Wagon Wheel Dr., Helena, MT 59602: PH. (406) 458-6548, Email: bhenness@bresnan.net, or TOM BRACKMAN, 2575 Winchester Dr., East Helena, MT 59635: PH. (406) 227-5301, E-mail: brackman@bresnan.net. JULY 13 - MUNCIE, INDIANA The Midwest Antique Fruit Jar & Bottle Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Show & Sale (Sun. 9 AM - 2 PM, Adm. $2) at the Horizon Convention Center, Muncie, Indiana. INFO: DAVID RITTENHOUSE, 1008 S. 900 W., Farmland, IN 47340; PH: (765) 468-8091. JULY 18-19 - RENO, NEVADA The Reno Antique Bottle & Collectibles Club's 45th Annual Show & Sale (9 AM 3 PM; Early Buyers, Fri. Noon - 6 PM) at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center, 4590 South Virginia St., North Entrance, Reno, Nevada. INFO: WILLY YOUNG, PH: (775) 746-0922 or HELENE WALKER, PH: (775) 345-0171. JULY 19-20 ADAMSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA The 7th Annual Shupp's Grove Bottle Festival (Sat.- Sun. 6 AM to dark; Fri. Dealer Set-up 2 PM followed by Early Buyers 5 PM) at Shupp's Grove in Adamstown, Pennsylvania. INFO: STEVE GUION, E-mail:
sguoin124@comcast.net or JERE HAMBLETON, E-mail: jshdetector@ webtv.net or PH: (717) 393-5175. JULY 26 - BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA Alabama Bottle Collectors Annual Show & Sale (Sat. 8 AM - 3 PM) at the Bessemer Civic Center (Exit #108 on I-20/59), Bessemer (Birmingham), Alabama. Location convenient to Alabama Adventure Amusement Park and Water Mark Outlet Mall. INFO: TOM LINES, PO Box 382831, Birmingham, AL 35238, PH: (205) 410-2191 or (205) 987-0650, E-mail: bluecrab1949@hotmail.com. JULY 26 - LEADVILLE, COLORADO The Antique Bottle Collectors of Colorado 2008 Show (9 AM - 4 PM, $3 Adm.) at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum Convention Center, 117 10th St., Leadville, Colorado. Free Parking. INFO: JIM or BARB SUNDQUIST, Ph: (303) 674-4658. JULY 26 - DES MOINES, IOWA The Iowa Antique Bottleers 39th Antique Bottle & Collectibles Show & Sale (Sat. 9 AM - 2 PM, Adm. $2, children free) at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Animal Learning Center (at East Univ. Ave. & East 30th), Des Moines, Iowa. Featuring antique bottles, fruit jars, stoneware, insulators, lightning rod items, advertising, brewerania and educational displays. Door prizes every hour. INFO: TOM SOUTHARD, 2815 Druid Hill Dr., Des Moines, IA 20315, PH: (515) 282-6901. AUGUST 9 - VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI The 11th Annual Vicksburg Antique Bottle Show & Sale (8 AM - 4 PM) at the Battlefield Inn, 4137 I-20 N. Frontage Rd, Vicksburg, Mississippi. INFO: CASON SCHAFFER, 107 Eastview Dr., Vicksburg, MS. 39183, PH: (601) 638-1195. AUGUST 10 - TWYFORD, ENGLAND The 10th Annual Reading Bottle & Collectors Fair (10:30 AM - 3 PM, Early Buyers 9:30 AM) at the Loddon Hall, Twyford, England. INFO: STEVE WALKER, PH: 011 44 1189-691-446.
AUGUST 8-10 - YORK, PENNSYLVANIA EXPO The 2008 FOHBC EXPO (Fri. Seminars and Specialty Meetings in AM; Set-up, Early Adm. 1 - 5 PM, Banquet 6:30 PM; Sat. 9 AM - 5 PM, Early Adm. 7 - 9 AM; Sun. 9 AM - 3 PM) at the York Fairgrounds, York, Pennsylvania. 600-800 tables capacity for the largest EXPO ever! For consignments, contracts and INFO: R. WAYNE LOWRY, 401 Johnston Ct., Raymore, MO 64083, PH: (816) 318-0161, E-mail: JarDoctor@aol.com. AUGUST 17 - POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK The Hudson Valley Bottle Club's 21st Annual Mid-Hudson Show & Sale (9 AM 3 PM, Early Buyers 8 AM) at the Poughkeepsie Elks Lodge 275, 29 Overocker Rd., Poughkeepsie, New York. INFO: ART CHURCH, 411 Hillside Lake Rd., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590, PH: (845) 221-4259, E-mail: art362@aol.com. AUGUST 23 - PASADENA, TEXAS The Lone Star Insulator Club's Annual Insulator & Collectibles Show (Sat.) at the IBEW Hall, 4345 Allen-Genoa Rd., Pasadena, Texas. INFO: JOHN HALL, PH: (281) 9925717 or CHRIS RENAUDO, PH: (281) 4619652 or KEITH BROOKING, PH: (979) 2452558. AUGUST 23 - SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH The Utah Antique Bottle & Collectibles Show & Sale (9 AM - 1 PM; Early Buyers 8 AM) at the Redwood Multipurpose Center, 3100 South Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, Utah. INFO: BOB CAMPBELL, 1123 E 2100 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84106, PH: (801)4678636 or RICK HOLT, E-mail: rckholt@netscape.net. AUGUST 24 - TAUNTON, ENGLAND The 10th Annual Taunton Antique & Bottle Collectors Fair (10 AM - 3 PM, Early Buyer 9 AM) at The Heathfield Community School Monkton Heath, Taunton, England. INFO: ROD MARTIN, PH: 011 44 1822 616-503. SEPTEMBER 7 - PEKIN, ILLINOIS The Pekin Bottle Collectors Association's
Bottles and Extras
July-August 2008
39th Annual Show & Sale (8 AM - 3 PM) at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 715 N. 11th St., Pekin, Illinois. INFO: JIM SEARLE, 1003 Illinois, Pekin, IL 61554. PH: (309) 346-7804. SEPTEMBER 7 - LEWES, DELAWARE The Delmarva Antique Bottle Club's 16th Annual Show & Sale (9 AM - 3 PM, Early Buyers 7:30 AM) at the Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes, Delaware. INFO: PETER BEAMAN, PH: (302) 6845055, E-mail: oldngnu@comcast.net. SEPTEMBER 13 - DOWNIEVILLE, CALIFORNIA The Historic Downieville Antique Bottles & Collectibles Show (Sat. 8 AM - 3 PM; Early Bird, 8 AM - 10 AM, Adm. $10) at the Downieville School Gym, 130 School St., Downieville, California. Show is featuring a Western Bitters bonanza, a fabulous display of Western Bitters. There will be two raffles: one for a beautiful gold specimen mined from The Original 16 to 1 mine in Sierra County and the other for an awesome underground mine tour for 4 in the same mine. INFO: LOU or LEISA LAMBERT, PH: (707) 823-8845, E-mail: maxbitters@comcast.net or RICK or CHERRY SIMI, PH: (530) 2893659, E-mail: seeme@sccn.net. SEPTEMBER 13 - NUNICA, MICHIGAN The West Michigan Antique Bottle Club's 8th Annual Show & Sale (Sat. 9 AM - 1 PM, Adm. $2; Set-Up 7 - 9 AM; No Early Adm.) at the Crockery Township Hall, 17431 112th, Nunica, Michigan. Free appraisals. INFO: ELMER OGG, Show Chairman, PH: (231) 7987335, E-mail: eogg@comcast.net or STEVE DeBOODE, Co-chair, PH: (616) 667-0214, E-mail: thebottleguy@comcast.net. SEPTEMBER 13-17 - HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA The 11th Annual All-Dairy Antiques, Bottles & Collectibles Show & Sale (8 AM - 5 PM daily) at the Pennsylvania Farm Sow Complex & Expo Center, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. INFO: CHARLES A. ITLE, PH: (717) 423-6789 or LOLLY LESHER, PH: (717) 787-2905. SEPTEMBER 14 - KIRTLAND, OHIO The Ohio Bottle Club's 40th Annual Show & Sale (9 AM - 2 PM, Early Buyers Sat. 7 - 9 PM) at the Lakeland Community College (20 miles East of Cleveland South of I-90 on Rt. 306), Kirtland, Ohio. INFO: ROBERT SMITH, PH: (440) 285-4184, E-mail: rts2ride@windstream.net or TIM KEARNS, PH: (440) 285-7576, Email: tkearns4@aol.com. SEPTEMBER 13 - ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA The Los Angeles Historical Bottle Club's 41st Annual Show & Sale (Sat. 9 AM - 4 PM, $2.50 Adm.; Set-up 6 AM, Earlybird 8 AM, $5 Adm.) at the Arcadia Masonic Temple, 50 West Duarte Rd., Arcadia, California. INFO: DON WIPPERT, 22224 Wyandotte, Canoga Park, CA 91303; PH: (818) 346-9833 or DICK HOMME, 15446 Cobalt St., #172, Sylmar, CA 91342, PH: (818) 362-3368. Website: www.lahbc.org. SEPTEMBER 20 - SMYRNA, GEORGIA The Atlanta Antique Bottle Show and Sale 38th Annual Show (9 AM - 4 PM, Early Buyers, 6 AM - 9 AM) at the Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna, Georgia. INFO: JACK HEWITT, 1765 Potomac CT., Lawrenceville, GA., 30043, PH: (770)963-0220 or JOHN JOINER, PH: (770)-502-9565, E-mail propjj@bellsouth.net.
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SEPTEMBER 20 - JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA The Antique Bottle Collectors of North Florida's 41st Annual Show & Sale (Sat. 8 AM - 3 PM, Early Buyers Fri. 5 - 8 PM) at the Fraternal Order of Police Bldg., 5530 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida. INFO: MIKE SKIE, 3047 Julington Creek Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32223, PH: (904) 710-0422 or JACKIE MCRAE, PH: (904) 879-3696. SEPTEMBER 20 - ALBANY, NEW YORK The Capital District's Antique Bottle, Insulator & Table-Top Collectibles 12th Annual Show & Sale (9 AM to 2:30 PM) at the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Road, Albany, New York. INFO: FRAN HUGHES, PH: (518) 377-7134, E-mail: fhughes3@nycap.rr.com. SEPTEMBER 21 - WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA The Apple Valley Bottle Collectors Club 34th Annual Show & Sale (9 AM - 3 PM, Early Buyers 7:30 AM) at the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Family Life Center, 1309 Opequon Ave, Winchester, Virginia. INFO: RICHARD M., VENSKOSKE, 2038 Chestnut Grove Rd., Winchester, VA. 22603, PH: (540) 247-4429. SEPTEMBER 28 - LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS The Merrimack Valley Antique Bottle Club 34th Annual Show & Sale (9 AM - 2 PM, Early Buyers at 8 AM) at the Lowell Elks Club, 40 Old Ferry Rd, Lowell, Massachusetts. INFO: CLIFF HOYT, PH: (978) 458-6575 or GARY KOLTOOKIAN, PH: (978) 256-9561, Website: choyt48.home.comcast.net/mvbc.htm. SEPTEMBER 28 - DEPEW, NEW YORK The Greater Buffalo Bottle Show (9 AM - 2 PM, Adm. $3) at the Polish Falcons Hall Columbia (off Transit), Depew, New York. Breweriana, insulators, stoneware, tabletop antiques, postcards. INFO: DAVE POTTER, PH: (716) 668-9131, E-mail: dave_potter@verizon.net or PETER JABLONSKI, PH: (716) 4407985, E-mail: Peterjablonski@adelphia.net. OCTOBER 4 - RICHMOND, VIRGINIA The Richmond Area Bottle Collectors 37th Annual Show & Sale (Sat. 9 AM - 3 PM, $3 Adm.; Early Entry 7:30 AM, Adm. $20) at the Showplace Annex, 3002 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, Virginia. INFO: MARVIN CROKER, 4718 Twila Ln., Richmond, VA 23234, PH: (804) 275-1101 or ED FAULKNER, 4718 Kyloe Ln., Moseley, VA 23120, PH: (804) 739-2951 or E-mail: faulkner@antiquebottles.com . OCTOBER 4 - POINT PLEASANT, WEST VIRGINIA The West Virginia State Farm Museum Antique Bottle Show (Sat. 9 AM - 3 PM; Dealers 7 AM) at the West Virginia State Farm Museum (Rt. 62, 4 mi. north of Point Pleasant, turn right on Fairgrounds Rd., Museum is 1 mi on the right), Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Held during the Fall Festival featuring antique bottles, steam engine show, live music, home cooked meals, apple butter & cider, quilt show, tractor pull, corn meal and sorghum. Dealer space available. INFO: CHARLIE PERRY, 39304 Bradbury Rd., Middleport, OH 45760, PH: (740) 992-5088 or E-mail: perrycola@suddenlink.net. OCTOBER 5 - DRYDEN, NEW YORK The Fingerlake Bottle Collectors Association's 39th Annual Antique Bottle, Jar & Collectibles Show & Sale (Sun. 9 AM - 3 PM, Adm. $2; Early Bird, 8 AM, Adm. $10; Set-up, Sun. 5:30 AM on) at the Dryden
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~ RENO ~ Antique Bottle & Collectibles Club 45th Annual Show & Sale
Saturday July 19, 2008 Reno/Sparks Convention Center 4590 South Virginia Street Saturday Show: 9:00 A.M - 3:00 P.M. Admission $3.00 Friday Dealer Setup; 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Friday Early Bird: 12:00 P.M. - $10 Show Info: Willy Young (775) 746-0922 Show Reservations: Helen Walker (775) 345-0171
Over 100 Tables ! BOTTLES - COINS - TOKENS ADVERTISING - INSULATORS ANTIQUES - AND MORE!
Bottles and Extras
ANTIQUE BOTTLE COLLECTORS OF COLORADO SHOW 2008 Antiques
Glassware
Old Bottles
Collectibles Free Parking
Paper
Photo Courtesy of Chris Buys: Historic Leadville in Rare Photographs & Drawings
HISTORIC LEADVILLE JULY 26, 2008 9 AM to 4 PM $3 Adm. Dealer Setup: 6 AM
National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum Convention Center 117 10th Street
INFO: Jim & Barbara Sundquist (303) 674-4658 E-mail: barbsund@msn.com
12th Annual Capital District Antique Bottle, Insulator & Table-top Collectibles Show September 20th, 2008 9 am - 2:30 pm St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church 440 Whitehall Rd. Albany, New York
For info, contact: Fran Hughes (518) 377-7134 fhughes3@nycap.rr.com
Bottles and Extras
July-August 2008
Fire Hall, Neptune Hose Co., Rt. 13, Dryden, New York (located between Cortland and Ithaca on Rt. 13 - the weekend before the Keene Show). INFO: TON KANALLY, Show Co-Chair, Cortland, NY, PH: (607) 753-7250, E-mail: Tkanalle@twcny.com; or GEORGE BLAASCH, Show Co-Chair, PH: (607) 589-6436, E-mail: gblaasch@aol.com. TOBY DEAN, Pres. of FLBCA, E-mail: toby@tobiasdean.com. OCTOBER 5 - CHELSEA, MICHIGAN The Huron Valley Bottle & Insulator 33rd Annual Show (Sun. 9 AM - 2 PM, $2, Set-up, 6 AM)) at the Chelsea Conference Center, 1645 Commerce Park Dr., Chelsea, Michigan. Kids under 12 free., free appraisals, free items for kids, free parking, food available on site, variety of glass. INFO: MICHELE KOTLARSKY, Pres., Box 210145, Auburn Hills, M I 48321-0145, PH: (248) 673-1650, E-mail: MicheleK@mac.com or MIKE BRUNER, Show Host, 6576 Balmoral Terr., Clarkston, MI 48346, PH: (248) 425-3223, E-mail: abbottt4girl@sbcglobal.net. Website: http://hvbic.org. OCTOBER 10-11 - PHOENIX, ARIZONIA The Phoenix Antiques, Bottles, & Collectibles Club Annual Show & Sale (Fri. 10 AM - 5 PM; Sat. 8 AM - 4 PM, Early Buyers Fri. 10 AM) at the North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona. INFO: BETTY HARTNETT, PH: (602) 317-4438, E-mail: bettchem@cox.net. OCTOBER 10-11 - MONCKS CORNER, SOUTH CAROLINA The Berkeley Antique Bottle & Collectibles Show at Berkeley Industries, Moncks Corner, South Carolina. INFO: LIBBY KILGALLEN, PH: (843) 761-0316 or E-mail: lkilgallen@bciservices.org. OCTOBER 11 - SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA The Northwestern Bottle Collectors Association's 42nd One Day Show (Sat. 10 AM - 4 PM, Early Buyers & Set-up 9 - 10 AM) at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Finley Hall Bldg., Santa Rosa, California. INFO: BEV SIRI, PH: (707) 542-6438. OCTOBER 12 - KEENE, NEW HAMPSHIRE The Yankee Bottle Club's 41st Annual Show & Sale (9 AM - 2:30 PM, Early Buyers 8 AM) at the Keene High School, Arch Street, Keene, New Hampshire. INFO: CREIGHTON HALL, 382 Court Street, Keene, NH 03431, PH: (603) 352-2959. OCTOBER 18 - LOUISBURG, NORTH CAROLINA The Raleigh Bottle Club's Annual Show & Sale (Sat. 8:30 AM 2 PM, Gen. Adm. $3; Early Adm. 7 AM, $10) at 111 South Church St., Louisburg, North Carolina. INFO: BARTON WEEKS, Show Chairman, PH: (336) 508-2759, E-mail: bweeks6@triad.rr.com or DONNIE MEDLIN, Co-Chair. PH: (919) 496-1367 or E-mail: donniepepsinut@msn.com. All show info available at: www.raleighbottleclub.org. Club E-mail: raleighbottleclub@gmail.com.
Show Biz, 341 Yellowstone Dr., Fletcher, NC 28732 kathy@thesodafizz.com or use the online form at: www.fohbc.com
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WANTED Penn Colored Hutchinsons TURCHI BROS. PHILA (CITRON) T.D. CUMMINGS, PHILA (OLIVE GREEN) P.J. SERWAZI, MANAYUNK (DEEP OLIVE) JOS. SMITH RENOVA, PA (OLIVE GREEN) GOUDIE MOL & CO. ALLENTOWN (GREEN) P.H. REASBECK BRADDOCK (E. GREEN) UNION BOTTLING WORKS, PITTSBURG (CITRON) SOUTHSIDE BOTTLING HOUSE, A.M. SCHADEMAN (AMBER & CITRON) SOUTHSIDE BOTTLING HOUSE (COBALT) LAFFEY & HARRIGAN, JOHNSTOWN (COBALT) RIDGEWAY BOTTLING WORKS, R. POWER (COBALT)
KEYSTONE BOTTLING HOUSE, PITTSBURG (LT. COBALT) J.C. BUFFUM & CO., PITTSBURG (ALL COLORS) ROYAL BOTTLING HOUSE, J. UNGLER, PITTSBURG (AMBER) F.J. BRENNAN, SHENANDOAH (YELLOW) ASHLAND BOTTLING WORKS, ASHLAND (AMBER) PHIL FISHER, PITTSBURGH (CITRON) T.I. (AMBER & COBALT) PITTSBURGH BOTTLE EAGLE BOTTLING WORKS, YORK (AMBER) A.K. CLARK, 41 CRAIG ST., ALLEGHENY (CITRON & AMBER) EXCELSIOR BOTTLING WORKS, ALLEGHENY CITY, PA (COBALT, AMBER, CITRON)
I WILL PURCHASE OUTRIGHT OR TRADE FOR OTHER PENN COLORED HUTCHINSONS. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT (813) 286-9686 OR EMAIL AT RBROWN 4134@AOL.COM FOR LIST OF AVAILABLE COLORED HUTCHS. R.J. BROWN, 4114 W. MULLEN AVENUE, TAMPA, FL 33609
Huntâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Remedy - Page 28 -
Bloody Good Time In England Page 59
Hutchinson, Kansas Show - Page 14
Absinthe - Part I Page 44
FOHBC c/o June Lowry 401 Johnston Court Raymore, MO 64083
Bottles andExtras
Clarke and Kelley: Hounded in Richmond - Page 38 Non-profit periodicals
US POSTAGE PAID Raymore, MO 64083