Back Issues - April-June 2004

Tea Leaf Club International | Additional Tea Leaf OnLine Back Issues

	Tea Leaf OnLine June 27, 2004
	Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.

That's a whole lot of Pre-Tea Leaf...perhaps more than we've ever seen for sale at one time. Sold via an eBay Alderfer live auction. We'd like to find out who the successful bidder was -- were you the lucky buyer or do you know who was? Let us know.

(See description below)

DISCUSSION TOPIC

DISCUSSION TOPIC: Attendance at Regional Meetings and Convention
Some of our 2004 Regional meetings have been very successful but others have either had small attendance or had to be canceled/rescheduled because of low RSVPs. Additionally, attendance at the Annual Convention is also declining. Do you have any ideas on how we might improve attendance at our Regional and Annual meetings?	Have an opinion about this topic? Click below to send your TLOL contribution

CLUB AND CONVENTION NEWS

Convention 2004

Our 25th Anniversary convention is coming up faster than you would think and we're reproducing some of the forms you'll need here. Printed copies of all these forms will also be included in the next issue of Tea Leaf Readings which will be mailed to you in mid-May. September 30-October 3 are our convention dates.

Convention 2004 Registration Form	Convention 2004 Auction Consignment Form	2004 Exceptional Service Award Nomination Form	2004 Silent Auction Donation Form
Convention Registration Form	Auction Consignment	ESA Nominations	Silent Auction
Deadline: August 30 for Early Bird Registration and deadline for hotel reservations. Complete convention information can be found in the upcoming May Tea Leaf Readings.	Deadline: July 2 Please DO NOT complete or send in your consignment form until you have had a chance to read the auction consignment guidelines in the May Tea Leaf Readings.	Deadline: July 31	Deadline: August 1

Membership

Current membership count is 743

Regional Meetings

Click here to see the most recent 2004 Regional Meeting Schedule and to view the Regional Map.

LETTERS

Please note a new email address for Tea Leaf Readings editor Chris Weinbrenner: chriswein@iowatelecom.net

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Julie reminds all of us of the July 31 Exceptional Service Award nomination deadline...

I want to remind everyone reading TLOL that nominations are due for ESA. Please, please, people send nominations. Thank you.

[If you need another nomination form, you can print one out here....

ESA Nominations

Mail completed forms to Julie or just email your nomination to her by July 31.]

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Gaylon Gwynn from Alabama sends...

We rarely have anything to share with the TLOL readers, since we are not as deeply into our tea leaf collecting as some are. Our knowledge is growing, but we have a long way to go! Maybe that has something to do with our variety of other interests that also take time and energy. (We're too diverse!)

This past weekend we had business in Raleigh, NC, and stopped in a few of the antique shops/malls while there. We found this Morning Glory teapot in a mall -- Jerry saw it first and had to climb over things in the booth to see about condition, price, etc. There are no chips or cracks, and very little crazing. It's in nearly perfect condition. The sign on the booth said that everything was 25% off so he thought it might be something we could handle without skipping meals the rest of the trip. Imagine our surprise and delight to carry this beauty home for less than $90. We know that E-Bay prices are often high because of bidding/sniping competition, so we rarely see Morning Glory pieces go for low prices. Wonder what this teapot would bring in bidding? (Not that we're considering that -- it will have a permanent home on the china cabinet.)

Looking forward to seeing everyone at convention this fall.

Gaylon Gwin

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Glenda Sleeper observes...

I was very interested to see this weeks question, because I have seen this becoming a problem for the last few years. Although we were one of the ones unable to attend the regional this year, because Al had a knee replacement in May, the problem was evident when we held the NE-Cap regional last year. Many notices, sparse attendance.

I seems to me that the people attending regionals tend to usually be the same group of people. We need to convince some of the many members who have never attended one to join us. Once you attend, you will be reluctant to miss a meeting, because they are so much fun and so informative. Come on folks, you are really missing a good time.

Although I am very lax in writing to TLOL, I love reading it. I feel that I have at least touched the friends we only get to see once a year. We really appreciate all of your time Dale, and hope it will continue. If every other week becomes a problem, at least once a month would be greatly appreciated.

This has been a particularly sparse year for Tea Leaf. We have seen very little of it. I guess we do our traveling in the wrong parts of the country. This is one more reason for TLOL. I have seen more interesting pieces here than anywhere else with the exception of the Convention.

Speaking of the Convention - see you all there!

Glenda Sleeper

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Margaret Payne shares this news...

I am sad to let all of you know about the death of Ruth Wilcox, Cedar Falls, Iowa, a long-time tea leaf member. The lymphoma from which she suffered was in a second remission when it returned with a vengeance and she was hospitalized only a few days before her death on Monday, June 14. The funeral services were on Friday. Her family was grateful that she did not endure a long period of critical illness and had no pain. While both she and her husband, Keith, have had health problems in the last few years, they were faithful attendees at many Tea Leaf conventions and Regionals and were Regional hosts at their lovely home, which had a long history in Cedar Falls. Once owned by the manufacturers of early pumps, the house was paneled in various woods when the company became importers of wood.

Most of their extensive collection of tea leaf was sold in Connersville by the Medd auction team at one of our “mini-conventions” and therefore many of us own a piece of the Wilcox collection. Ruth was an elementary school teacher for about 30 years and was very active in the Cedar Falls Historic Society. An interesting facet of her life was that one of her fellow teachers was the wife of Robert James Waller, the author of The Bridges of Madison County.

I am sure Keith would appreciate a card or note from club members.

In a different vein, the deadline date for the Tea Leaf auction is drawing near -- July 2. Please consider being a supporter of TLCI in this way. Nancy has provided explicit directions for descriptions of consigned items and has explained the effect that changes have during the auction, thus encouraging all consignors to provide accurate descriptions. It is also time for nominations for the Exceptional Service Award and to plan to attend and participate in activities celebrating the 25th Anniversary of TLCI.

Experiencing a great dearth of good tea leaf for sale, we are looking forward to a good auction and excellent table sales to provide our yearly “tea leaf fix.”

Hope to see all of you in Fort Mitchell.

Margaret

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The Stevens send...

It's been some time since we last sent a TLOL message. We have been traveling, starting with a trip to Athens Ohio and Dick Brackin's Regional. It's taken us that long to find our way out the hills and one lane roads of Southern Ohio. (A private joke for those who attended Dick's Regional.) Hard to believe that the gregarious Mr. Brackin lives in an isolated area. Dick gave detailed but complicated directions to his home that all the guests complained about. However, they did all agree that the trip was well worth it. Dick's collection is outstanding; his house remarkable, the food great, the companionship exceptional, and we had great table sales. We made several purchases and that was the only Tea Leaf we bought on our trip although we looked. (Another reason to go to Regionals or the Convention. Where else can you buy such great Tea Leaf?)

Regarding the current topic: make video tapes of Regionals such, as Dick's to show people what they are missing by not attending. It was a blast.

We took pictures at the regional. Pat received a digital camera as a birthday gift from our children. It is one of the special kinds that do everything if you know how to work it, we are still learning. A photo of Dick's regional attendees follows...

Pat and Dale also took pictures of some of Dick's “Rare and Unusual” items. These are being sent to Mike Compton. I'm sure some of these will be shared at the Convention.

From Dick's we went through wild & woolly West Virginia, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to Asheville N C. There we visited the Biltmore mansion, the largest private house with over 200 rooms. One thing we noticed from our tour was that the guest room had what we would call a hot water pitcher on the table while the servants had a ewer. Any suggestions about the distinctions?

After Asheville we drove the Skyway to Knoxville TN. Our grandson was performing in world finals of Destination Imagination, (Too complicated to explain.) They finished 3rd in the world. From Knoxville it was a race home against tornadoes. Got home without damage. Thursday we went to our grandsons high school graduation. Friday traveled to Iowa for my 50th college reunion.

It was a wonderful time but there was a down side to the trip. We both caught a virus that laid us up and delayed this message.

Walt Stevens

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Folks are already registering for the upcoming convention! Fran sends...

Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day. I have already received several registration forms for convention. Only you can make our 25th as successful as we hope it to be, so please get your registration forms in as earlier as possible. I will be looking forward to receiving many of your registrations in the weeks to come.

Fran

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Kim Carr sends a Hoosier Regional report...

The Hoosier Regional meeting, hosted by Nancy Morris, Sue Crandall and the Carrs, was held on June 5, a gorgeous Saturday in good ole' Muncie, Indiana! Tea Leaf Club members arrived at Nancy's home for coffee and conversation before heading to the nearby Minnetrista Cultural Center and its current seasonal attractions. Members browsed the Garden Fair for plants, flowers, and other outdoor items. The Minnetrista Orchard Shop was also a favorite for locally produced treats and gifts. With plants and shopping bags in tow, everyone headed back to the Morris home for a delicious meal served on tea leaf dishes from Nancy and Sue's collection.

Attached is picture of those attending Hoosier regional.

Jon and Barb Agne (and canine companion)

Vivian and Thomas Morgan

Nancy Morris, Sue Crandall, Kim Carr, Erik Carr

Ken and Anita Adams

Fonis and Margaret Payne

Loiseen Brewer

Beth Stepp

Annalea Robeson

Carol Brewer Dettmer

Milton and Lola Schmelzer

After enjoying Sue's yummy homemade desserts and doing a little shopping at the table sales, members were treated to a slide show presentation given by Annalea Robeson. It was a lovely day to spend with Tea Leaf friends from the Hoosier region. Thanks to all who came to Muncie and shared in the special day!

Kim Carr

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The Morgans also report...

Tom and I have just returned from a great Hoosier Tea Leaf Regional co-hosted by Nancy Morris and Sue Crandall. The food, fellowship, local garden tour, Tea Leaf items for sale and slide presentation were just great! Regionals are a good way to become better acquainted with fellow Tea Leafers and learn more about our mutual interests. Annalea Robeson prepared and presented an interesting presentation about how tea was first introduced and how it has progressed to the present day uses.The Indiana weather was wonderful! Our son lives in nearby New Castle, IN and we enjoyed an over-nighter with he and his family prior to attending the meeting at Nancy's house. This was our first Regional and we heartily encourage everyone to make every effort to attend your regional meetings! You are bound to enjoy them.

Vivian and Tom Morgan

Vine Grove, KY

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Kim Guzzi also responds to the Discussion Question...

Hi! Hope all is well and everyone is enjoying their summer! I want to address the lack of interest and declining attendance to events. I am also the president of a historical log house museum in my township. We have a great facility, and more than enough money to have wonderful programs and tours to other historical places. The problem seems to be lack of time. More and more women are working, children have so many things to be driven to, and there is less and less time, and money, to visit conventions and meetings. I would love to have several more programs a year at the museum, but I work full time, my son is doing college visits this year, and I also have a daughter who plays soccer. That leaves me with little time.

I cherish the quiet time I get to read my email, and I get so excited to see the TLOL come through. This is my only connection at this time with the group and the stories and letters really keep me going! Please keep the TLOL alive, because to keep younger collectors in the group, this is a great asset! I own Antique Center of Strabane, in Pittsburgh, with my Mother. There are not alot of people my age that are so involved in this business. I would hate to see this technology disappear for us. We need to educate more people on how to use TLOL. Maybe we could put instructions in Readings? I really enjoy when I meet people at the shop with the same interest. I met Nancy Upchurch last month and I was thrilled to talk Tea Leaf with her. Keep up the good work Dale, and you will always have a devoted reader in me.

Kim Guzzi

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And Eileen White also observes...

I think the time has come that we may have to consider combining conventions with other clubs; White Ironstone and Tea Leaf for example.

We belong to several antique lighting clubs and several years ago the Aladdin Club shared their convention with the Rushlight Club (earlier oil lighting); the Night Light Club (miniature oil lamps) plus other groups had

informational tables and displays. Over the past several years, although having attendance problems like all other clubs I can think of, the combination of these groups has aided in forming interest in other similar fields and cross collecting. Since there already is a relationship between the White Ironstone and Tea Leaf Clubs, now might be the time to consider this.

Eileen White

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Linda McElwee contributes...

Greetings from north Missouri! Things are quiet here for a change. Ron is busy trying to get his crops in and I am quilting like a woman possessed. All the years of not getting to my hobbies has caught up with me and I'm in overdrive! We are cleaning out Mother's house slowly as she is getting very frail and will soon have to give up living alone. She has quite a lot of TL and we will not be able to keep it all, so we have sent some to the Ray County Museum in Richmond, MO. The museum has a colorful past, as it was the old "poor farm" and kept people there until the 60's when the new county nursing home was opened. I remember as a very young nurse, we would get patients at the hospital from there. It is worth a visit if in the area, the cells in the basement with chains in the walls for the demented patients shows how far we've come in the treatment of mental illness. Anyway, we sent parts of a dinner service and the ewer/basin for a chamber set, with other pieces yet to go. Mother was very content to see the TL go to the museum and it was a joy to take it. The J.C. Penney Boyhood Home Museum in Hamilton, MO also has some TL we sent several years ago. It is a really nice place to visit also with several good antique shops in town.

Rebecca is busy with nursing school and we don't see her and Mike as much as we would like. We are hoping he will get a transfer back to the KC area.

We haven't found any TL in the area for a long while, but I hope I can get out and about more now that I will be retiring (completely this time) in September.

It is so good to keep in touch by TLOL. Thanks again, Dale for keeping us all connected. I know it truly is a labor of love for you to do all the work you do.

Happy Tea Leafing!

Linda

PS to Juliehoo- I wish the little bath pieces were marked with more than the number 2303 impressed on the bottom of the waste and bowl. I hope to see Carolyn in the next few weeks and have her take a look at them.

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That's it for letters for the week.

For the next Tea Leaf OnLine, a newer member has sent in a special surprise -- a newly discovered Tea Leaf child's set!!!

I hope that many of you will take the time to send in a contribution for the next TLOL. You don't have to stick to the Discussion Topic -- write about whatever you like -- just write! The next TLOL will be July 11.

Contributions should be sent to TLOL@aol.com.

Dale

SEEN ON

PRE-TEA LEAF (Sold as a single lot)

Seller's Description

White ironstone dinner service decorated in a pre-Tea Leaf motif featuring bands, leaves and berries in a copper luster, accented with wavy green lines, manufactured by Edward Walley of England in 1856, most pieces with impressed maker's and registration marks, 43-piece set comprised of a coffeepot with lid, 10 1/2"t., teapot with lid, 9 1/2"t., lidded sugar bowl, 7 3/8"t., creamer, 5"t., pitcher, 7 1/2"t., waste bowl, 5 1/2"dia., small oval open serving bowl, 8"l., larger oval open serving bowl, 10 5/8"l., round serving bowl, platter, 14 1/2"l., eight handleless cups and saucers, saucers 6" dia., cups 3"t., 3 3/4"dia., eight side plates, 8 1/2"dia., eight dinner plates, 9 3/4"dia. one shell-form pickle dish, 8 1/4"l. Condition: some pieces with repairs, crazing and discoloration.

[CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO MOST PIECES]

ELSMORE & FORSTER PEPPERLEAF COFFEEPOT

Seller's Description

Elsmore & Forster Copper Lustre Pepper Leaf Teapot

Unmarked Elsmore & Forster crystal shape copper lustre Pepper Leaf coffee pot & cover, 10 1/8" high, c.1870's. Pear shape, ruled spout & handle, dome cover with copper touch spire finial. Scalloped top edge. Copper lustre pepper-leaf decoration on both sides, copper bands & trim. Wetherbee's White Ironstone 1996 fig.16-49, page 161. Old spout tip small repair (see photo). Otherwise clean fine condition.

WEDGWOOD CAKE PLATE
	Seller's Description For auction is a Wedgwood China plate measuring 10"x 8 7/8". I can't tell you much about this piece as I have been unloading boxes of items I've been toting with me for quite some time - this just happened to be among the china, crystal, etc.

MEAKIN BROCADE SOAP DISH
	Seller's Description Copper luster tea leaves on each side of cover. Luster decorated open handle. Luster banding around cover, bottom of soap dish, around soap dish holder. Size O.A.4 1/4"x6". Ht.O.A.3 3/4". Marked Alfred Meakin,England and etc. on bottom. In bright clean perfect condition.

Wilkinson Maidenhair Fern Pitcher and Bowl Set

Seller's Description

Maidenhair Fern Ewer & Basin by AJ Wilkinson.Basin is 151/2" in diameter& is 51/2" tall. It has a 41/2 " tight hairline that goes through.There are 2 tiny chips(less than 1/8 in)on foot and 3 stilt marks on bottom rim. It has great glaze and lustre with very crisp embossing. There is a sm. area of discoloration (1/4" by1/2") under the tip of spout. We have not cleaned these pieces.Sm area of roughness 1/8"by1/16" on foot.

THOMAS ELSMORE COFFEEPOT (Notice unusual placement of the Tea Leaf)
	Seller's Description coffee pot-Thomas Elsmore long crack at base, hole in spout

ADAMS MICRATEX TWO-HANDLED SOUP BOWL
	Seller's Description VINTAGE TEALEAF LUSTRE HANDLED SOUP BOWL ADAMS MICRATEX Gorgeous antique china piece by Wm. Adams and Sons, England. Micratex, Tealeaf, Tea Leaf lustre pattern. The double handled soup bowl is in perfect condition. It measures 6.25" handle tip to tip and is 1.75" tall. The copper luster accenting is in undamaged condition.

	Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.	Publication Schedule
		July 11 July 25

	Tea Leaf OnLine June 6, 2004
	Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.

At which Regional meeting was this fantastic display of

brush vases and brush boxes featured?

DISCUSSION TOPIC

DISCUSSION TOPIC: Attendance at Regional Meetings and Convention
Some of our 2004 Regional meetings have been very successful but others have either had small attendance or had to be canceled/rescheduled because of low RSVPs. Additionally, attendance at the Annual Convention is also declining. Do you have any ideas on how we might improve attendance at our Regional and Annual meetings?	Have an opinion about this topic? Click below to send your TLOL contribution

CLUB AND CONVENTION NEWS

Convention 2004

Convention 2004 Registration Form	Convention 2004 Auction Consignment Form	2004 Exceptional Service Award Nomination Form	2004 Silent Auction Donation Form
Convention Registration Form	Auction Consignment	ESA Nominations	Silent Auction
Deadline: August 30 for Early Bird Registration and deadline for hotel reservations. Complete convention information can be found in the upcoming May Tea Leaf Readings.	Deadline: July 2 Please DO NOT complete or send in your consignment form until you have had a chance to read the auction consignment guidelines in the upcoming May Tea Leaf Readings.	Deadline: July 31	Deadline: August 1

Membership

Current membership count is 736

Regional Meetings

Click here to see the most recent 2004 Regional Meeting Schedule and to view the Regional Map.

A bulletin from David Kile regarding the Northwest Regional...6/03/04 I'm not sure when the next TLReadings is published, but our Northwest Regional will probably be changed to either August 28 or September 18, and I should know within the week, so will pass the word along, in case it could get in a publication. David

LETTERS

Are you taking advantage of the FREE Tea Leaf Classifieds available to Club members? Ila writes...

Hi Dale, Another successful sale through your Classified Ads. I'll be listing more soon, I just need to take the time to do it. Thanks for this opportunity.

Ila

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Ernie Dieringer sent this observation...

Please do continue with TLOL. We know how much work it is but the resulting communication between members is essential for the life of all of the ironstone clubs. It is important to us as a dialog. The newsletters publishing dates of all the clubs are too far apart to have a dialog. Sure we can call or email each other and have that dialog, but it isn't shared with a large number of others. TLOL is almost a chat room for collectors. And we all use some of TLOL in our newsletters -- so those that are not on line can at least read some of it. Dale and the Tea Leaf Club should be commended for its leadership in this area of communication.

Many of us are "crossover members." We belong to some -- or even all of the Ironstone clubs. And TLOL is one way we Ironstone collectors can learn about Tea Leaf and Tea Leafers can learn about the many body styles. A great example is the last TLOL. Dale showed us that wonderful J.F. Hidden Motif body style (with Botanical Luster). Never have seen one in embossed white -- It is a rare shape. In the past few years WICAns have found a teapot, relish dish, mug, a potty and a table pitcher. We couldn't even find a plate for our plate book and had to use a plater. Which made us all the more curious about what the covered pieces of the rest of the dinner set looked like?

As Jean Wetherbee taught us all -- many of the potters produced and exported many different kinds of decorated ironstone on top of White embossed body styles. Because of that Bev and I have studied decorated ironstone in order to find -- shapes/body styles -- that we have not found in white and sometimes to identify the potters of new body styles without a mark. We have learned that chamber sets (in decorated ironstone) could include hot water pitchers and sometimes a covered sponge bowl. No sponge bowls were found in named White Ironstone body styles. Ellen Hill has helped us identify potters of white pieces because she knew the transfer patterns which each potter used. And we have found potters marks and registry dates that are not recorded on Flow Blue, Mulberry and Transfer decorated ironstone.

And I want to thank Dale for becoming a WICA Board member. He is one of many Tea Leaf members to contribute their talents and serve. Dale was the first person Jean Wetherbee told us to contact when WICA was begun ten years ago. His advice and willingness to share his experience in the TLCI was important to our beginning.

Ernie Dieringer

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Gloria Poertner sends...

I always enjoy TLOL. It is interesting and keeps me updated. It's especially great when there is news from old friends. I know it's lots of work so twice a month would be great.

Didn't have time to antique much in FL and am convinced not much Tea Leaf there.

Gloria Poertner

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And another note from the Dieringers...

We are working on one of the projects that was on my Education Committee and I feel it should be completed even though Amy Earls is now chair. Could you put this request in the next TLOL? I need your help (on a project of the education committee). A travel guide for Ironstone collectors. It was suggested by Janice Stork a while back that we gather a list of all of the Museums and /or Historic sites Nationally that have Ironstone on exhibit. We started to do so three years ago. We planned a booklet with all of them listed by state and perhaps a map. It was to include the name of the place -- the address and phone number and email. Also the months -- days and hours they are open. Along with a short description of what is exhibited and if possible some photos of ironstone.

It is for WICA and the focus is on White Ironstone. But I planned to include decorated ironstone since it seems to be found along side the plain white Ironstone in Museums and reconstructed sites. For example the Bertrand Stores & Arabia Museums have lots of both. As do the Texas Museum of Handmade Furniture -- the East Liverpool OH Museum -- and the Strang Museum in Rochester, NY-- where there is some White Ironstone but most of it is Petra Williams Flow Blue and Mulberry.

We know of the Hermitage in TN --Andrew Jackson’s home -- and an Admirals House on the great lakes. Also the Ford Museum in Detroit. Abe Lincoln's homestead in IL. Also a couple of bed and breakfasts loaded with Ironstone one in Texas and the other in Wisconsin. I am asking the Parmer’s for the historic sites at which they provided Ironstone. One is a general store.

Do you have any brochures or postcards from other places? Do you have a list of places that you have visited? Please send them to us.

Dieringer1@aol.com

or Bev & Ernie Dieringer

75 sport Hill Road Redding CT, 06896

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Karen Larson recently sold a Cumbow pitcher on eBay and received an email from a Cumbow relative...

I just got a nice e-mail from a cousin of Mabel Cumbow Ruskin. I have a Cumbow cream pitcher in this auction. She told me it was made in 1932 and called Margaret. In 1980 the doors closed after Mabels death. It was very special that they took the time to write me and tell me what I have. I purchased this at the antique shop in Peoria where the tour bus took us. The purple shows through the cream color. Not great looking. I purchased it because it was a Cumbow and I had another one.

Thanks, Karen Larson

Your creamer was made, as you indicated, by Cumbow China Company in Abingdon, Virginia (see the book, Cumbow China of Abingdon, Virginia by Richard Foil). The name of the pattern is called "Margaret." It was made between 1932, when the shop opened, to 1980 when the doors closed at the death of my cousin & shop owner, Mabel Cumbow Ruskin. I hope this information is of some interest.

Sincerely, Shirley Cumbow Mitchell of Abingdon, Virginia

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A follow-up story as promised by Denny...

The last time I wrote TLOL, I mentioned another Tea Leaf story I had to pass along. Since that time the person who told me the story has joined the club, so I hope I don't steal her thunder.

Bonnie Gustafson lives in the Houston area and very close to our home. We met through eBay and she told me this story. In 1903 Bonnie's grandparents purchased and operated the Hamburg Hotel in Hamburg Michigan. The hotel was built in the 1830's. At the time of purchase it was equipped with Tea Leaf. Bonnie recalls that the rooms were complete with Tea Leaf bath sets and the dinning room used Tea Leaf for their guest meals. This must have been a magnificent display of Tea Leaf being used as it was intended. Bonnie recalls as a youngster playing house in the hotel with all that Tea Leaf. Of course at this time they were just old dishes and were of little value.

As time went on the hotel was closed and Grandma went to a rest home. What ever happened to all the Tea Leaf is really not certain but Bonnie recalls that the Tea Leaf in the kitchen was sorted out and anything stained or damaged in any way was thrown away. When grandma could no longer look after the hotel, she moved to a rest home. The hotel was left idle for years and vandals often broke in, until one time it was set on fire and destroyed.

Now Bonnie appreciates Tea Leaf for the sentimental reasons, and has started her own collection. She is now a recent TLCI member and we welcome her and her husband Gus on board.

Our own collection started from a bath set that came out of a small hotel in a little Ohio (Sycamore) town. It makes you wonder how many hotels during the 1800's and 1900's were equipped with Tea Leaf. What a sight that would have been to see. Do we have any TLCI members who remember or know of the Hamburg Hotel. Wouldn't it be great to have a picture of the hotel or other accounts of this establishment where Tea Leaf once resided.

Thank you Bonnie for the story and we hope you enjoy your Tea Leaf membership as much as all of us enjoy ours.

Denny

(I would also like to add that TLOL is an important way our club can pass along stories like this. I am sure there are many more. Pass them along, and help keep TLOL alive and well)

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Kimmey Decker sends...

Sadly, I had to cancel the Regional meeting at my home on Saturday, May 22, for lack of interest!! I sent out 86 invitations to two Regions, NYNE-Canada and Capital Editions, with only 3 positive responses, plus Julie, the program person, and Mary Oursler, to drive her. I am not sure what the answer is--It is Victoria Day in Canada, so the three families from Canada were busy. But the lack of response bothers me more--when one goes to all the trouble of gathering information and doing an invitation and sending it out, a response should be sent--even by email, phone or writing a note. I received about 18 negative responses---you do the math. I guess we can discuss future Regionals at Convention

Kimmey

PS. Just received my Readings yesterday and on the first page, love the 25 teapots--just one question (or correction) Isn't the teapot, 2nd in from left, on the lowest row, a Clementson Prairie Shape Teaberry, not Portland? I looked up in the Handbook and Clem. did not make Portland Shape, and it looks like Prairie in the picture. Note teapot to its left is Portland Shape, and on page 4, the Coral motif is on the Prairie Shape too. Kimmey

[K, You are, of course, absolutely correct -- this coffeepot is misidentified on the cover of the most recent Readings. Thanks for the correction! DA]

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Walt and Pat sent this regional report...

We attended the North Central Regional in Rochester Minnesota. The Grimms & Copples did a marvelous job. The Regional was so good that it took 2 days. On Friday we visited Stewartville MN the birthplace of Richard Sears, founder of Sears Roebuck. The house is open to visitors. Among the items displayed is a set of Wedgwood donated by Ardis Copple. After touring the house and sipping wine in the back yard we had dinner at a Rochester Hotel. The evening program featured a talk by Bob Sawtell about the history of the Mayo Clinic.

Saturday morning was damp, but the company at the Grimm's house was sunny. Morning coffee, donuts, and Tea Leaf stories were enjoyed by all. Guests came from Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin for "Show and

Tell" and table sales. I think Verleine said that there 37 who had signed up for the Regional. After the Regional we went to the "Gold Rush" antique show and flea market at the Rochester Fair Grounds. Even made a few purchases.

We can't get enough of Regionals. We will go to the Great Lakes Regional at Dick Brackin's. If you have a chance to attend a Regional, do so. They are lots of fun. We are driving to Athens Ohio, over 800 miles away, so you know we enjoy them.

Pat & Walt Stevens

About the same North Central Regional, Verleine Grimm writes...

The North Central Regional was held May 7 and 8 in Rochester, MN. The afternoon of May 7 began in Stewartville, MN with a tour of the birthplace and home of Richard Sears (Sears and Roebuck). Ardis and John Copple were our hosts and served wine and cheese following the tour. From there, we proceeded to the Holiday Inn in Rochester for dinner and a program. A speaker from the Rochester Historical Society gave us the History of Rochester for the past 150 years. Our own, Dr. Robert Sawtell, concluded with a talk about the world famous Mayo Clinic and the Dr. Mayo who started it. Both talks were very interesting. Saturday morning we went to the home of Richard and Verleine Grimm for coffee and rolls, where we had show and tell. Five members set up tables of Tea Leaf to sell. The total attendance was 42, which included 37 members and 5 guests. Everyone had a wonderful time. We departed at 11:00 am to attend the annual Gold Rush Antique Show which is held in Rochester two weekends every year.

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Report on the Heartland Regional from the Valentines...

Heartland Region T-Leafers from Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri met at the Topeka, Kansas home of Tom and Kathy Valentine on April 17. Those attending were Virginia

Basinger, Sam and Fran Miller, Jean Crowley, Ron Gisi, Trudy Racine, Eva Wood, Maxine and Gerald Johnson, Tom and Kathy Valentine. The day included chicken dinner on T-Leaf, sharing of new and unusual pieces, tall T-leaf tales, experiences with eBay purchases, table sales and lots of visiting and sharing.

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From Juliehoo...

I'm writing this a week early so I don't miss the deadline for TLOL. How I would hate to see it discontinued. I like everything about it. I like hearing what great finds others have made. I like seeing pictures of their collections. I'd love to answer questions about American Tea Leaf, I'd love to have items for my "Sharing" column in Readings.

Why are we not getting the response from readers? I know many more read it than write. However, this last edition only had 96 readers. It used to be many more than that, I'm sure.

I feel hesitant to keep writing in every week. Members have heard me talk and write so many times, I feel that sometimes it's best if I shut up. But since I always have an opinion, I guess I'll keep submitting them to TLOL.

I like the topics and questions that have been suggested. Sometimes it's something I'm interested in and want to talk about and sometimes I just enjoy hearing what other members think about things.

Why we do not have more contributions baffles me. As does the fact that we have lost members. I know that some of us have had to drop out for several reasons. Aging members who are just not doing the antiquing and buying they once did may be one answer. Certainly, I'm not rushing out to the auctions and visiting the antique malls that I used to do every weekend. Certainly eBay has replaced my forays to Adamstown and New Jersey. Economics also may have something to do with dropping membership but certainly TLOL is an inexpensive pursuit. Do readers feel intimidated by some of our more knowledgeable members? No one likes answering questions more than Nancy or the Dieringers or Denny or the Stevens, to mention a few.

I was disappointed this weekend to have Kimmey's Regional canceled. Mary and I were poised to go. I hope the lack of response didn't have anything to do with the program. That would be a blow! Only 3 responses besides the 2 of us. Kimmey, too, was disappointed. Wanted to show off her new house.

I would like to find my way into Linda Mac's basement if she's harboring any more little pieces like the tiny washstand set. I wish I could tell her whether they were American or not but I'd have to see them. Shame they weren't marked.

The Hidden Motif covered veg. What a find! I love the Botanical pattern. Roxann has several pieces of white in Hidden Motif pattern. I did make an interesting buy of a bread plate, American by Steubenville. It's trimmed in gold lustre but in the center is a transfer pattern of a sheaf of wheat in yellow. I'm delighted to add yet another bread plate - 14, I think. I'm trying to think of a way to hang them. And only one is an English one. All the others are all by different American potters. Someday I'll learn how to use that confounded digital camera and how to send pictures. Dale does such a wonderful job in TLOL.

Had a great time at the WICA Convention. Wish Tea Leaf ones were that close to my part of the world. I'm also concerned about how long it takes us in the East to get our copies of Readings. Does that bother any of you? That might be a topic for discussion. I know I'm outvoted (and justly so) on having it mailed 1st class but I wish there were a solution to the fact that some of us in the East are 2-3 weeks later receiving ours.

I hope I haven't taken too much space. I hope that there are so many of you responding to Dale, that he has to limit my contribution. I would just hate to see TLOL canceled. It is such a great convenience for keeping members connected. As is Readings!

Julie

[J, Thanks for your email. This also gives me a chance to tell folks that the May issue of Readings should be in your mailbox by now. We have also posted it on the website for members if they want to read it online. DA]

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It's been a while since we heard from Virginia but she sent an interesting email this week...

I haven't contributed to TLOL in quite awhile, but I could not use the "splash" feature today to access sending something to you. I have never used the secure passport feature and do not have a password. Maybe there are others in the same boat and you could give us some guidelines. I hope you will feature in the next TLOL, in the "As seen on Ebay" section, the Meakin Fishhook brush box that I recently purchased. I have heard from a number of Tea Leafers that they were unaware (as I was) that such a piece ever existed. Had you ever seen one?

The brush box arrived here from Canada this week and is currently soaking in my peroxide tub. Except for a small stain on the lid, it is in pristine condition. Better than that, I received the receipt that the owner said had always been inside the box and have attached is a photo of it. The sales receipt shows a purchase price of $6.50 plus 21 cents tax. It was purchased by the current owner's mother in Brockville, Ohio in October 1961. The 1961 seller may be a "G. Steedem" or something like that. I think inflation definitely has hit the marketplace, but I'm thrilled to have won the auction (sorry Mike & Marie). According to the owner, all of the tea leaf pieces currently being sold from this collection belonged to her mother who recently died at age 100, in Calgary. Most was bought in Ohio and taken to Canada when the family relocated there. Very interesting.

I am deep in the midst of retirement preparations--all of the sorting, packing, yard saleing, house listing/selling, address changing, and the list goes on. (Why, oh why, am I still buying tea leaf?) If the house sells timely I will be in the process of moving to Washington State the week of the convention, so I'll not be in attendance this year. Local obligations also prevented me from attending our Regional in May, but next year I'll be looking forward to attending both (Lord willing). My firm plan is to NEVER move again. During my thirty years of Federal service, I have made seven professional moves and am currently in my second home in NJ. Enough Already!!! That's all for today.

Virginia Beakey

[V, Thanks for the email and the photo. Of course, I was already planning to feature the Fishhook Brush Box in the eBay listings (below). We have seen a small number of these over the years so they are not unknown. I have had a lid to this piece in my own collection for over 10 years looking for the base, and I think the price you paid was very reasonable. DA]

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An additional Regional report...

Submitted by Eileen White and Valerie Giorgi

GOLDEN WEST REGIONAL 2004

After skipping a year for our regional, and missing all our fellow tea Leafers, a gathering was held the weekend of May 22-23 at the home of Jason and Kristina Schmidt in Portola Valley, California. Fourteen members and guests came from far and near to attend this mini-convention so the Schmidt's made it a whole weekend affair. On Friday evening, Jason & Kris gave us a tour of their lovely home, filled with beautiful tea leaf and white ironstone displays. We had time for an informal visit and light refreshments.

On Saturday morning, after a continental breakfast served by our hosts, we talked more tea leaf. Valerie Giorgi and Eileen White gave informal presentations on brush holders and mugs with much ooohing and aaahing over

the lovely patterns and unusual shapes. Table sales were held and all enjoyed a noon buffet. After more visiting, those who could stay on attended an evening meal at a local restaurant. Some members not willing to part, stayed over for a Sunday morning breakfast gathering. A good time was had by all! Those attending were: Jason & Kristina Schmidt; Ruth Richards; Sandra Rothe; Al & Valerie Giorgi; Betty Tovey; William Tomlinson; Robert & Betty Mosley; Bill & Joey Bear and Eileen & Herb White.

Next year's 2005 Regional is being planned by Sandra Rothe of Yuba City, California. No date has been set.

People in the Picture are:

Standing: William Tomlinson, Betty Tovey, Albert Giorgi, Eileen and Herb White, Betty and Robert Mosley, Sandra Rothe

Kneeling: Valerie Giorgi, Jason and Kristina Schmidt

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A question from Ann Derner...

I just purchased a pitcher with the mark Adora.... have you ever heard of this mark on a piece of tea leaf?

Ann Derner

[Ann, I know you have also forwarded this information to Julie so perhaps her research on American Tea Leaf can be helpful. This is certainly an American piece and I suspect either the body style or artist name is Adora. I can find no reference to an American potter by that name. Can any of our readers help? DA]

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Dick Brackin hosted the Great Lakes Regional and reports...

Saturday's Great Lakes Regional was held at Dai Tin Yuen, on Willow Creek Road near Athens, Ohio. Since the bridge between my home and Athens is out, making access much more circuitous than "normal", most everyone seemed to have some difficulty getting here, but everyone expected did arrive--I got to the point of not listening to any more stories about forwarded written directions and the accuracy of same. Fifteen members and four guests (one of whom is a lapsed member but promises to renew), were in the gathering.

We began the day with a catered brunch from 10 to 11 while wandering through the house, asking questions and getting some answers. Then during introduction we learned all kinds of things about each other and our collections of Tea Leaf. A couple of "first time ever" to a TLCI function were particularly delightful folks--they promise that we will meet them again in Ft. Mitchell.

Dale Abrams with comment from Walt Stevens, gave a preview of "TLCI 25" with lots of questions, comments, and suggestions.

At about 12:30 we adjourned for a catered lunch and resumed about 1:30 for a short version of "show and tell". During that time, Ginny LaPorte invited the group to the Great Lakes Regional at their home in Gnadenhutten, Ohio for 2005.

We adjourned to table sales and one by one or two by two began to try to do the directions in reverse and get home.

Dick

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Do you collect butterpats? Marie Compton is writing an article for the Butterpat Collectors Association and could use photos. Please email your pictures to Marie at comptonmw@aol.com.

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That's it for letters for the week.

Several of us have received emails about an upcoming Tea Leaf auction. For those near Arkansas, here is the announcement...WE ARE HOSTING AN AUCTION ON SUNDAY JUNE 13TH AT 12 NOON WHICH INCLUDES OVER 150 PIECES OF TEA LEAF. WE THOUGHT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED. OUR

WEBSITE IS DONGUTHERYAUCTIONS.COM. THANKS, Don Guthery Auctions E-MAIL: dguthery@cox-internet.com, business phone: 479-750-9990. Peg Schilling writes, "I visited the website to see a table top full of assorted pieces. Springdale, AR is south of Kansas City, about 30-40 miles inside Arkansas. Any idea who the club member is that is selling the Tea Leaf? Peg Schilling". Well, Maxine does know and writes, "You may have already received an email regarding the June 13th tea leaf sale at Springdale, Arkansas but if not it belongs to Leroy Lindahl who has been a member since 1997 & lives at Bella Vista, AR. If you have time and/or want to I guess you could send emails to people from your TLOL addresses to let them know about the sale. There are several good pieces but quite a bit of common pieces. Leroy has been to our house for regional but he did not come the last time we had one here at our house. I have no idea why he is selling. Maxine".

Contributions should be sent to TLOL@aol.com.

Dale

SEEN ON

ALFRED MEAKIN FISHHOOK BRUSH BOX
	Seller's Description This auction is for what I believe is a covered butter dish - it is just under 7 and ½ inches long and just under 3” wide - it stand about 3” to the top of the handle on the lid. It has 2 raised ribs in the bottom of the dish Item does have some crazing and mild discoloration - but no chips or cracks.

ELSMORE & FORSTER CERES BERRY/SAUCE DISHES

Seller's Description

A RARE AND VERY DESIRABLE PAIR OF WHITE EARTHENWARE / CREAMWARE SAUCE DISHES. THE REVERSE WITH THE IMPRESSED MARK OF ELSMORE AND FOSTER, Elsmore and Foster, Clayhills Pottery, Tunstall, Staffordshire, circa 1850 – 1860.

These Luster decorated Ceres Shape pieces are berry or sauce dishes. They accompany a footed Ceres compote. See PG 93 and 94 of Jean Wetherbee's Collectors Guide to White Ironstone China for examples in white. She calls it a sauce dish.

ALFRED MEAKIN BROCADE BUTTER DISH

Seller's Description

You are bidding on a covered serving bowl made by Alfred Meakin, England. I am not familiar with the patterns in the Tea Leaf design but this one is rather ornate. It measures 7 1/2" wide including the handles, 5 1/4" in diameter and approx. 5 1/4" tall. It is in good condition but does have some crazing but not that noticeable. There is no discoloration on the outside but does have two spots on the inside of bowl. The bowl is in good condition with no chips, cracks or repairs but the lid does have two chips, one on the underside and one along the underside edge.

RED CLIFF TEA LEAF ASHTRAY
	Seller's Description This ashtray is Red Cliff ironstone Tea Leaf, it is approx. 4 1/4" x 4 1/4". It is white and decorated around the rim and in the center. It is marked on the back.

EDGE MALKIN RELISH DISH
	Seller's Description I am offering a relish dish in ivory with a tea leaf trim by Edge Malkin and Co. (Ltd.) Burslem, Staffordshire, England. Minor crazing other wise it is in mint condition.

UNMARKED HEBE SHAPE(?) CHILDS TEAPOT

Seller's Description

YOU ARE BIDDING ON AN ADORABLE DIMINUTIVE DOLLS TEAPOT IN THE IRONSTONE TEALEAF PATTERN. IT IS MISSING THE LID. IT HAS SOME ROUGHAGE AROUND THE SPOT AND AT THE TIP OF THE HANDLE BUT NO CRACKS OR BREAKS. IT HAS THE COPPERLUSTRE BAND AND TEALEAF ON "THE BELLY". IT MEASURES 5 1/4" FROM SPOT TO TIP OF HANDLE, 2" AT THE OPENING,4" ACROSS THE BELLY AND THE BASE IS 1 1/2"IN DIAMETER.

FIGURAL JUG, IRONSTONE WITH COPPER LUSTRE BANDS
	Seller's Description Here is a small relief molded jug in white with a tavern scene and an oak leaf border around the top. It measures about 5 inches high and 3 inches across the base.

	Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.	Publication Schedule
		June 27

	Tea Leaf OnLine May 9, 2004
	Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.

Recognize the Body Style?

See below for details

DISCUSSION TOPIC

DISCUSSION TOPIC: Ideas to Revitalize Tea Leaf OnLine

A recent issue of "Readings" recounts the progress TLOL has made since its inception. We seemed to have now reached a plateau. As you know there haven't been many letters to TLOL in 2004. This could be due to winter travel, or winter inertia. Whatever, I hope we can add some zest to TLOL from your ideas and continued contributions. As a topic for this month's discussion:

How can we build on TLOL's success? Should we continue the way we are? What would you like to see covered? Should we do away with topics for discussion and rely on news from members only? How can we encourage more and broader participation? What should be the frequency of TLOL? Has TLOL run its course? Are there other ways we can use the Internet and the web page to keep in touch? Does TLOL justify the time and effort Dale puts in?

Your input is needed, let us hear from you. Please send a message to TLOL.

Walt Stevens

Technology Chair

Have an opinion about this topic? Click below to send your TLOL contribution

CLUB AND CONVENTION NEWS

Convention 2004

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