Back Issues - October-December 2000

Tea Leaf Club International | Additional Tea Leaf OnLine Back Issues

TEA LEAF ONLINE

December 17, 2000

Welcome to the Holiday Edition of Tea Leaf OnLine and to the last issue of the year. Thought I'd start out this issue with a photo sent to us by Californian Valerie Giorgi showing her holiday table-top tree decorated with Tea Leaf butter pats.

Who wouldn't want to eat their Christmas meal at this spectacular table?

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

By now, you all should have received your Tea Leaf Club Membership Renewal mailing. Our Club membership year ends on December 31 and if you don't pay your dues by the end of January, you'll be dropped from the Tea Leaf Readings mailing list, the Regional invitation list and from Tea Leaf OnLine. On January 31, the Tea Leaf members-only password will change and only those who renew their membership will be provided with the new password. Don't miss out on any of the great information which we'll be sharing in 2001.

RENEW NOW!!!

Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue.

Whenever you see it, you can click

it to send a contribution to

Tea Leaf OnLine.

TEA LEAF ONLINE MEMBER UPDATES

Exciting news...Ellen Hill joins us this week . Ellen lives in Florida and New Hampshire and is well-known to Tea Leafers for her convention presentations. Ellen is Education Chair of the Flow Blue Collectors Club and author of a fantastic book on Mulberry ironstone.

Also new to our group this week, Jim & Judi Jones

Adele Armbruster reports a new email address

DISCUSSION TOPIC

DISCUSSION TOPIC: Holiday Wishes
The holiday season will have come and gone by the time the next Tea Leaf OnLine is published on January 7. Tell us...was there any Tea Leaf on or under your holiday tree? Did you give or receive any Tea Leaf pieces?	Have an opinion about this topic? Click below to send your TLOL contribution

Please be sure to send in photos of your home and holiday decorations featuring Tea Leaf pieces. If you don't have a digital camers, that's no problem. Just mail me a picture and I'll get it scanned and posted.

TEA LEAF PUZZLER

No Puzzler this week but I'd love some suggestions.

SEEN ON

Featured this week, a sampling of Tobacco Leaf...

Elsmore & Forster Tobacco Leaf Butter Dish
	Seller's Description This is a very nice piece by Elsmore & Forster in the Tobacco Leaf pattern. It measures approximately 5 3/4" tall and 6 1/2" diameter. It is in wonderful condition, with the expected exception of the inside of the base showing discoloration and crackelture due to holding ice to chill the butter. It is marked "No. 2" and "E & F" on the bottom.

E&F Tobacco Leaf Covered Vegetable
	Seller's Description This item is a beautiful Covered Vegetable Bowl by Elsmore & Forster. The bowl is marked "Number 2 E & F", and measures 11" handle to handle, is 7.25" wide and 3" high. The top adds another 3" in height. There is a small factory inclusion in the top. See the photos to appreciate this wonderful offering. This is a hard to find item in such perfect condition.

E&F Tobacco Leaf Nappies

Seller's Description

You are bidding on a set of four (4) Elsmore & Forster Tobacco Leaf Lustre Nappies. They measure 5.25" in diameter and are almost an inch high. They are all marked "Number 2" and "E & F". The design is 1.25" rather than 1 5/8". There is slight wear at the edges in the glazing only. There are no cracks. These really sparkle!

E&F Tobacco Leaf Waste Bowl
	Seller's Description This is a very nice Tobacco Leaf Lustre Waste Bowl that stands 3.5" high. It measures 5 5/8" across the top. The condition is very good, with only minor wear from use. There are no markings on the bottom. This will be a very nice addition to your collection.

Interested in Tobacco Leaf? The Spring issue of Tea Leaf Readings will feature a Tobacco Leaf "Focus on Variants".

LETTERS

Some people write letters to Santa, but Lona shares a letter to Edward Walley...

Hello Mr. Edward Walley,

I just had to write you even though I am about 150 years late (give or take a few years). I just wanted to say thank you.

I know you are probably thinking "Thank me, why? When you are done reading my letter, you will know why. I know that your time and my time is like two different worlds. I know that back in your time the living and working conditions were so very hard. I can't even imagine living back then. I cannot even imagine my grandchildren or my children having to work in the pot shops etc. Some of the children in your time didn't have time to be a child and play. It would break my heart today to see children 10 and 11 years old working under those conditions. For the moms of your time, it had to be so hard on them to have to see their babies work so hard and not be able to be just a child. With no modern conveniences, I could not have been a woman of your time.

I feel that in your time, you all wanted better for your families and what you didn't have or know about, you did not miss. Not like today, we would miss a lot, like electricity, Tea Leaf, washer & dryer, you've got mail, indoor toilets, vehicles, Variants, refrigerators, you've got mail, plumbing, Pre Tea Leaf, microwave, telephones and of course,Tea Leaf, oh yes and PIZZA.

I wish there was a way to wipe away a lot of the past. But you know Mr Walley, without our past, the creators and inventors, we would not be where we are today.

I read somewhere that so much of all of the ironstone you and the other potters made left England. Your ironstone went to the US and Canada. Oh, Mr. Walley, the way of living back in your time was so hard. It amazes me how such beautiful ironstone dishes etc. could have even been made. I recently read a article in Grandmas Tea Leaf about you, and it was so interesting, her book is outstanding. Then Nancy Upchurch wrote an article about you. Did you know that you are considered the "Luster Magician"? She feels that the eight copper luster motifs you introduced in the 1840's qualify you for that name, hmmm, I like that name. I know that you are sitting there saying "this lady needs to be committed, what in the heck is she talking about? Maybe she is a witch. We should burn her at the stake." Oh, I am just rattling on and I still have so much to say.

You would be proud Mr. Walley. We in the 21st century are very proud of your work you did. We know of some of the patterns you put on your ironstone dishes etc. Your Pre Tea Leaf, Variants, Chelsea Grape, Scroll, Palissy, Star & Garter, Hong, Foliage, Indian Stone, Moss Rose, plus your Gaudy patterns: The Wagon Wheel, Seeing Eye, Large Leaf and Blackberry. I know there has got to be more out there and someday more will be found.

I'm going to tell you something else, but please just read on, ok? We have a club here called the Tea Leaf Club International . We have a lot of members that collect copper luster ironstone from all of the makers of your time. We truly appreciate all that was made. We even have a convention once a year to learn more about all of English and American potters.

Mr. Walley, I recently bought a few pieces of your Chelsea Grape. As I held them I felt so strange. To think I was holding a plate that you had designed. You created them with your hands, brain and heart. I recently won (oh, don't even ask, that is a whole other letter) a Mulberry Wreath plate and two Niagara Pre Tea Leaf plates. I recentally bought 4 pieces of your Palissy. Just knowing I am getting them, oh my, I just get all wishy-washy inside. When I hold a piece, it is like going back into time. I can see you and you workers (in my mind) in your shop working so hard to make your wonderful ironstone.

Mr. Walley, there is still so much we do not know. Dog gone it, I wish you had kept a diary or receipts, something that would of let us know more about your time. We know that you lived and your business was in Cobridge. Who was John Walley? For a few years you were partners with a Mr. Elijah Jones. Who was this man? Then by yourself for a while, then you and your son were partners for a short time. I wonder, did your son love the business as much as you did? Did he have the talent you did to create such beautiful treasures? Did your son carry on the business and where, or was that it? Or did you all perish from a disease there in your time? Mr. Walley, if you did not all perish what happened to you and your family? Where did you go and what did you do? It is like you dropped off the face of the earth, you just disappeared, nothing, nada. No more writings about your wonderful ironstone and about you.

I know your sitting there in a state of shock, not believing that someone from the 21st century would be writing you. I know that you are there thinking "yup, she's nuts, she's truly lost her mind. She has got to be a witch, better burn her at the stake before she writes something else". I just have a few more things to say Mr. Walley, then I will leave you alone. If I were ever to meet you, I would give you a great big hug (where have you heard that before). I want to just say, thank you. Just like Annise said "your ironstone was all on a very superior body of blue white color that she doubts would ever chip". Nancy said "you are The Luster Magician". Mr. Walley, I know I am not the only one, so I'm going to say: We all thank you, we are all so proud of your works, we honor you.

I will close for now as I know you will want time to let all of this soak in.

Again Thank You,

Lona Trott

21st Century

P.P. No, I'm not nuts, well, maybe just a little???????? But,hee hee hee, you all thought I was done? "Wrong."

Imagine a letter being able to go back into time. How would they react? Imagine a letter from their time coming to me, and I would try and tell you all what Mr. Walley had written, that he told me everything. How would you react? Would you believe?

P.P.S. Breaker, Breaker 19 - This is TLeafanatic1800

Want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years. Yes, this has been a wonderful year for us, you have all opened up a whole new world for us through TLOL, Readings, Giftique, emails, mail, phone calls

and the regional meeting. It was so sad that we were only 100 miles from the convention, but Tinker is doing great and that is what counts. He is on medication to keep his ticker beating like it is suppose to.

Oh yes, this club is very special. We thank all of you for all the hard work you've done to make it what it is today. Tea Leaf is the " BEST ".

See you on the flip flop 2001,

TLeafanatic1800

Tinker (Oliver ) and Lona

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From Margaret Mitchell in Dayton, Ohio...

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all the Tea Leaders in the U.S. & Canada. Even the ones in China. I wish everyone good health in the New Year. This is the best country in the world. It's fun to visit other countries, but not to live. Good luck on Bay. Hope no one experiences "sniping" that happened to yours truly recently. They really are shifty!

May I add my THANK YOU, DALE also. Look forward to new ideas next year.

Sincerely, Margaret Mitchell

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From cold and snowy Michigan, Eleanor sends...

Cheery Holiday Greetings from beautiful, snowy Northern Michigan! One real positive about living in the Northland is that whenever the snow falls, snow plows are always available and roads are almost always open and kept up with up-to date equipment..and besides, I love it up here! My home is filled with poinsettias, evergreens and holly, no big tree this year as I will be in Virginia and Maryland with Jane and Anne and those wonderful GRAND children! Poinsettias, the small varities, are in Ironstone waste bowls, Tea Leaf, White, Variant, and look so festive. They don't take up much space and just add a lovely holiday color everywhere!!

I want to say how good it is to see and know that more Tea Leafers are actually using their treasured pieces..and so beautifully. The Widder's table is wonderful!!! I have felt that these lovely pieces were meant to be used..for using them truly doubles the enjoyment and pleasure of owing them. If Grandmother and Great Grandmother used them, why shouldn't we? My wish, this year, for a lustre band Grape Octagon Soup Tureen (Walley or Livelsy-Powell) didn't come true, so I'll just wish again...and maybe someone, somewhere will turn a bit of magic and help my wish come true!! Do enjoy the Season, dear Tea Leaf friends. Blessings to one and all and here's a wish for a happy, healthy 2001. And I couldn't sent this greeting without Dale's many, many efforts and dedication to the wonderful world of Tea Leaf..so thank you, Dale....let's keep TLOL going on and on!

Eleanor Washburn

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Holiday wishes from the Johnsons...

Happy Holidays & a prosperous New Year to everyone. The midwest is being covered with a blanket of ice & snow. We had ice before all the leaves fell from the trees so it is quite a sight seeing them blow across the white glazed snow.

Update regarding the membership. We already have 11 new members for the new year. Two came to us from the internet. If anyone needs brochures be sure to contact me.

Rebecca, I always put my Tea Leaf in the dishwasher & have had great results, however I do hand wash all my Adams.

Not much going on in Mo. when the wind chill index is - 45 & it is blowing pretty hard. Just enjoying being inside by the fire.

Look for Tea Leaf under your Christmas tree.

G & M

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Walt and Pat send Christmas and Hanukkah wishes...

Happy Holidays to everyone whether they celebrate on December 22 or December 25. This is a very special time of year and the Teal Leaf family are very special people. Hope everyone has the best of holidays.

Pat and Walt Stevens

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To accompany her photo at the head of this TLOL, Valerie writes...

I thought I would send a picture of a Christmas Tree that I put together using Tea Leaf Butter Pats for the Christmas Dinner Table. I am sure all of you have more than enough butter pats to make such an arrangement.

Hope each and everyone of you have a very HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!

Valerie Giorgi

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From the Kears...

Since we only have one more shot at TLOL this year, I thought I had better get on the stick.

The comments and pictures of the Chadwick auction have been great. I had to dig out my drool bid that is usually reserved for convention auctions. By the attendance I would say that we had a mini convention.

It was great to see so many club members support Carol's auction. It is not often that you will see that much Tea Leaf in one place, let alone have a chance to buy some of it. Sorry we couldn't make it but the club was obviously well represented.

As far as the Buy Now feature added by eBay goes. I give it a thumbs down. I believe this can be very costly for someone who does not really know what they have. As an example, the reticulated compote that Dale

recently purchased. Dale might have missed a chance to bid on it at all and the seller would have missed out on a super sale. Of course the flip side would be if Dale had seen the "Buy Now" before anyone else,

........well let's just say his smile would have been a lot bigger than it currently is. I believe the auction, even with the snipers, is the best way to go, and a lot more fun.

Just a reminder, membership renewal notices have been sent out, and I hope everyone gets their dues sent back to Fran ASAP. Our membership goal this year is 1001. We did a recount of last year's membership and

still came up a little short of our 1000 goal.

Hope everyone has happy holidays and may your travels be safe.

Denny and Connie Kear

[D&C, I agree wholeheartedly...I don't like the Buy it Now option either. eBay says it's evaluating the offering so it may be worth providing them with some frrdback about how we feel. Maybe they'll reconsider and drop it! DA]

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David Popovich wrote to ask...

What has happened to WICA (White Ironstone Club of America's) WEB site? I cannot find it in the search or link with in on this site.

Rgds

David Popovich

[David, Thanks for bringing to our attention the fact that the WICA home page is now available at www.whiteironstonechina.com. If you haven't visited the WICA Home Page you may want to check it out - and while you're at it, print out a membership form and join the club. It's a great investment. DA]

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From the Widder family - ALL of them...

Just want to write a short note to all of our extended Tea Leaf family and send special thoughts for this time of year. Dan Sr. and I have only been able to attend the last two conventions and get to meet some of the people that we have been reading about for years. Also, to become a part of a fantastic group of people and realize and witness the hard work that goes into the yearly meetings knowing that they just don't happen. There is much time and dedication spent for others to enjoy. We want to thank each and every one of you for continuing on with your love of knowledge of Tea Leaf so that others, like ourselves, can benefit. We eagerly anticipate each new Tea Leaf Readings and want to thank Chris for doing such a superb job. We also enjoy the TLOL and can only imagine the hours that you Dale, puts into every weekly issue and agree with everything Julie wrote last week.

The Christmas tree and decorations have been up since the week before Thanksgiving as this is my time of year. Just love it. The excitement and anticipation of the grandchildren are beginning to rise as well as our own. Mom, Evelyn Boyd, younger brother and his two children will be coming in from Texas, our daughter will be here from Manhattan, Ks. son Jeff with son Zach from Grand Island, Ne. will be here also and of course Dan Jr., Julie, Collin and Alec live here. Some will be coming as others are leaving so it will be another open, swinging door Christmas. Didn't I say short note?

Merry Christmas everyone and a safe and Blessed Happy New Year.

Dan Sr., Sandy, Dan Jr., Julie and sons, Mike, Cami and sons, Jeff and Kay and sons and Jennie

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And, finally, from Hong Kong, Dick sends...

I agree with Julie...I am so fortunate to have become involved with such a wonderful group of folks...Actually, I had no idea more than 21 years ago when our friend, Carl Zehner almost insisted that Dale and I go to

Springfield, Illinois to that first "get together" of folks who were interested in Tea Leaf, what a wonderful part of my life it would become. So, along with Juliehoo, I wish everyone a very joyous and blessed holiday season as well as a happy and prosperous real first year in the millennium (there are still a few of us who are purists, you know!).

Speaking of Carl Zehner, he and Leo Lindsay can be added to the list of Tea Leafers who are China travelers. They will arrive in Hong Kong this coming Friday and will stay for two weeks. We are going to Guilin to cruise

the Li River. I also have heard from Joey and Bill Bear--they will be here in February and we will get together some time at that time. They will be in Hong Kong for three days, I think.

About the "Buy it Now" option. I just this evening saw that notation for the first time. It was not anything which I wanted, but I wonder if that is the reason that I did not see the Ceres sauce boat on eBay? Those

of us who work (even in retirement) do not have the opportunity, as Maxine and Gerald suggest, just to sit in front of eBay all day and all night every day and every night. There may be some great bargains there, but it seems that each person who may be interested in the item should have an opportunity at least to see it once before it is snapped up. Oh, well...

Enough from Hong Kong for this year! Happy, Happy and BIG HUGS to all.

Dick

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That's it for the week and for the year.

I got a chance to proofread the January issue of Tea Leaf Readings this week and was, as always, impressed with the wonderful information which Chris Weinbrenner, our editor, is able to share.

I also got an early holiday gift from Bev & Ernie Dieringer in the form of a "sneak preview" copy of the White Ironstone Club's newest publication, "White Ironstone Teapots: An Identification Guide". There are even some copper lustre decorated teapots included! W-O-W. If you're not a WICA member, you ought to be.

My own holiday card to each of you follows. More on this interesting piece to come in January.

Tobacco Leaf Footbath

A happy and healthy holiday season to all.

Dale

P.S. Please remember to renew your Tea Leaf membership today.

Want to send a TLOL contribution? Write to TLOL@aol.com or just click below!	TLOL Publication Schedule January 7 2001

TEA LEAF ONLINE

December 10, 2000

Only one more Tea Leaf OnLine this year. I'm leaving for NYC for Christmas, Chanukah and New Years eve so next Sunday's TLOL will be the final edition of the year. If you've got year-end or holiday wishes to share, please be sure to get them to me by Saturday. I received a wonderful letter from Lona that I'm saving for next week and I've got a special photo to share, too.

Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue.

Whenever you see it, you can click

it to send a contribution to

Tea Leaf OnLine.

TEA LEAF ONLINE MEMBER UPDATES

No updates or new members this week.

DISCUSSION TOPIC

From Gerald and Maxine comes an intriguing new Discussion Topic.

DISCUSSION TOPIC: eBay's "Buy It Now" Option

What is your opinion of eBay's "Buy It Now" feature?

Example: Let's say an Anthony Shaw Tea Leaf teapot appeared with a "buy it now" of $50.00. How much fun would that be? Does this mean we are going to have to sit with the screen on and our finger on the mouse all day and all night? For those who think sniping is a problem, this could be sniping SUPER MAX. Items could be on for a matter of minutes. The one who sees a bargain first gets it.

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

Not familiar with the "Buy it Now" option, here's eBay's explanation:

Learn about Buy It Now What is Buy It Now? Buy It Now is an exciting optional enhancement to your listings. As a seller, if you choose to use the Buy It Now feature at the time of listing, you will be able to name a price at which you would be willing to sell your item to any buyer who meets your specified price. Your listing will be run as a normal auction, but will now feature a Buy It Now price. Buyers will have the option to buy your item instantly without waiting for the listing to end or can bid on your item as usual. Buyers, if you see a Buy It Now item, you'll need to act quickly! Buy It Now will only be available before the first bid is placed on the item. As soon as a bid is placed, the Buy It Now price will no longer be available and the item will sell through the normal process. Why use Buy It Now?
Buyers	Sellers
Buy items without having to wait for the auction to end.	Sell your items fast, without waiting for the auction to end.
Quick, easy, and convenient way to shop for the holidays.	Quick, easy, and convenient way to sell items. Free for a limited time.
The choice to buy first or bid!	Get potential buyers to act on your items earlier
Buy an item at a fair price.	Sell your item for the price you want.
Pay easily with a credit card if the seller offers Instant Purchase	Get your payments faster by combining Buy It Now with Instant Purchase.
How do I know an auction has a Buy It Now price? It's easy! Look for the Buy It Now price on View Item pages. Note: eBay will be monitoring the success of the Buy It Now feature for both buyers and sellers. Should Buy It Now prove successful during the promotion, eBay may decide to continue this feature.

TEA LEAF PUZZLER

No Puzzler this week but I'd love some suggestions.

SEEN ON

ANTHONY SHAW LOV MUG
	Seller's Description Manufactured by Anthony Shaw, probably Staffordshire region of England. 3.5" in diameter and 3 3/8" tall. This hard-to-find brown Tea Leaf pattern transfer has the tea leaf on two sides and a molded form of the larger plant on four sides of this attractive mug. In excellent condition with only very slight discoloration on the shaped and decorated handle.

WILKINSON SUNBURST BUTTER DISH

Seller's Description

This is an ironstone covered dish in the Tea Leaf design. It was made by the Royal Ironstone China Co. A.J.Wilkenson, England. The dish looks old. It has the tea leaves and trim in gold. The dish is 5 1/4" by 5 1/4" and stands 3" tall. The lid is 6" x 5 1/2". I think it must be an extra large covered sugar bowl for cubes. Maybe a small covered dish for something else. There is a chip on the inside of the cover. I tried to take a picture of it but it does not show well. This is a very old nice piece.

ELSMORE & FORSTER CERES GRAVY BOAT

Seller's Description

I'm pleased to offer for auction, a white ironstone gravy in the Ceres shape, from the 1860's. The wheat and husk design of the pattern is trimmed with copper luster. It's marked on the bottom with only a raised diamond-shape reg. mark that's unreadable. The gravy is 5" tall, and 8" from handle to spout. It has no chips or cracks, but does have an area on the inside of the spout that's either been repaired or was never glazed when it was made. It also has overall crazing with discoloration. Any questions, please feel free to ask.

CLEMENTSON LUSTRE BAND NY SHAPE SUGAR BOWL
	Seller's Description This nice early master sugar is marked CLEMENTSON BROTHERS HANLEY ROYAL PATENT STONE WARE. It is in WONDERFUL condition~no chips, cracks, or breaks~I can't even find any wear to the coppery gold decoration. This large piece measures about 8" tall.

MEAKIN CHELSEA GRAVY & UNDERTRAY
	Seller's Description Lovely! Here is a wonderful hard to find intact gravy TEA LEAF set! In Excellent condition this copper tea leaf still has loads of luster! The bottom plate and gravy boat with no repairs , no chips or age discoloration. Has slight age crazing , bottom of both pieces bear early Meakin mark. VERY NICE SET!

LETTERS

A couple of emails about a prior discussion topic...the ability to inspect items at an auction and return pieces which might have uncalled damage:

Kimmey writes...

I feel it behooves the buyer at an auction to inspect each item carefully and bid appropriately--if they really want the piece, the price will go on up obviously as we have seen. I do not think the auctioneer should take back the piece if it is damaged and the buyer has not seen the damage. That is what the preview is for--to look over each piece and assess what you think you want to bid.

Norm & Lou Ann observe...

If you have an opportunity to look the items over, you know what you are buying and should not be able to return it. eBay items, if not accurately described, then you should be able to send it back.

Norm and Lou Ann Scott

And Wayne checks in with...

I believe it is the buyer's responsibility to know what he/she is buying when there is time to view items before an auction. To buy something after the buyer has allegedly inspected it and the auctioneer has announced defects just to send it back seems to be a waste of time. The auctioneer should point out most if not all flaws (the major ones for sure), but this takes time and slows down the auction and makes a long day even longer. Those people who do not get a chance to inspect items before should listen carefully and bid with caution if they are unsure. Oddly enough, in the few auctions I have attended the second sale price has been within $10 - 20 of the original price.

Auctions on eBay or auctions without preview time are, of course, another story. I should be able to see something before I buy it, or have the ability to send it back if I do not like it.

If there is inspection time and the auctioneer announces flaws, sales should be final.

Wayne Chadwick

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On the topic of posting past educational articles to the Club's website, Calvin Johnson writes...

The online research library is looking great. The photos of Elsmore & Foster Tulip Shape come through looking good on my setup, appearing to be an integral part of the website. If they are in PDF, any transition is transparent. The article on mugs came through OK also, but there was a noticeable (though automatic) downloading of the Adobe software. The second time I checked, it did not appear that the Adobe download took place. I take all this to mean that the PDF format comes through fine on my setup.

On the other question as to the usefulness of online versions of previously published articles, I think they are definitely a valuable resource. For me personally, it seems easier to work with the original printed material, as long as it is feasible to keep it handy. But for articles missed or lost, the online availability could be invaluable. In any case, a comprehensive up-to-date online index would be extremely useful.

Calvin

[Calvin, You're right, you should only have to download the Adobe PDF reader once. Once the reader has been installed on your computer, the ability to open future PDF files should be seemless. DA]

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The Widders share some wonderful family Thanksgiving photos...

Hi , from Southwest Kansas . We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I wanted to share a picture of our Thanksgiving table. Most of the family came in including JN and Russell Moore from Sweet Springs Mo. Since we don't have a complete set of any one body style we decided to invite several of the great Tea Leaf makers. Among them we had Walley, Furnival, Shaw , and Meakin just to mention a few . We also used moms Broken Column pattern glass in the setting. Kansas has some of the best Pheasant and Quail hunting in the U.S. so naturally we had to get out the dogs and do a little of that over the weekend.

Because we live so far out in the boonies we were unable to get to the Chadwick auction but I did leave a couple of absentee bids at the auction in Iowa and to my surprise I picked up 3 nice pieces Tea Leaf. I used the pictures the auction company placed on the net to help the guy in Iowa locate the pieces I locate the pieces I was interested in . It is kind of hard when they don't know the body styles and your talking over the phone but I got what I was expecting and in the condition I was told it would be in. First I purchased a nice Furnival cable mitten with no damage for a mere $90. This is our first mitten and we were thrilled when we got it in this condition and at that price. I also picked up a Furnival cable casserole lid for $35. And finally a piece which I can not disclose as it a Christmas gift for some one who gets this email. I will say that I got a great deal on it also. I talked to the auctioneer who said that most of the Tea Leaf he felt went really cheap and now I wish I had left more bids. I believe Woody Birch was there and gave some of the final prices.

A note on a recent eBay auction . The Elsmore Tulip mitten that Dale showed on the last TLOL. I bid on this mitten but was out bid at the end. I contacted the seller who stated that his reserve was a whopping $450 . I thought this was a little high .

Well better go for now. We want to wish everyone one Merry Christmas and hope to see you all next year.

Dan Widder Jr and Family

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Regarding the current Discussion Topic, Bev has some definite opinions...

I think we should email every seller that uses this feature and let them know that they lost a lot of money. I can't believe the prices that people got for ironstone pieces, from sellers using the buy it now feature. I think that if sellers can't wait seven days to make money, they should use the three day option.

Bev

P.S. By the way, I love these little star things that you can send email right where you read the question.

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And Julie writes...

As usual I'm way behind on hearing about anything new on eBay. I don't think I like it and I would probably be the last one to see any bargains and certainly the last to send an answer. So I'll vote along with Maxine and Gerald on this one.

Everyone who knows me knows that I usually have opinions on just about everything. First it always amazes me how TLCI members rally around when there's something that needs to be done. I'm so proud to be a member of a group like you. I don't think there is another antique club like us anywhere in the world. How come I got so lucky to become part of you. I'm really proud to call all of you friends. That crew really did a fantastic job of rallying! I, too, was a trifle surprised at some of the prices at both ends of the spectrum. Really too bad to see 4 piece sauce tureen sets going for not much money. However, there were a few other pieces that made up for it. I haven't heard from anyone about that Pepper Leaf coffee/teapot but I did get a message from one of you about some pieces to go with my Mayer washstand set. I'm sure I haven't sold the pieces that I already had. Is anyone interested in my Wilkinson set complete with everything but a slop jar.

I just want to wish all of you a Happy, Happy Holiday and a Merry, Merry Christmas. The three of us will have a quiet time and I will scold the daughters for buying me too many presents. I won't decorate like I used to and Roxann is working six days a week from 7 am to 7pm.

We went on the Christmas tour at Winterthur last week but were rather disappointed. It's usually so beautifully decorated but it was rather "blah" this year. As a member I did receive news about the Ceramics workshop and will hopefully be there. I'm looking forward to dinner on New Year's Day at Longwood Gardens with Roxann and my friend, Audrey, with whom I've spent New Year's for the last 10 or 12 years. The lights at Longwood will be wonderful and the decorations with thousands and thousands of poinsettias and other Holiday flowers will be spectacular and I wish all of you could come and see it.

A really special thanks to you, Dale, for bringing us all so close with the TLOL. You know how much we all appreciate it but maybe you'd like to hear it again. Okay - everybody all together - THANK YOU, DALE!!

Again, a wonderful holiday for all of you is what I wish and the best of New Year's with lots and lots of spectacular Tea Leaf finds in 2001.

Special love to special people from Juliehoo!

- - - - - - - - - -

That's it for this week. Please think about writing a year-end email to share with your Tea Leaf family. I've got some very nice photos from the Widder's Thanksgiving dinner for next week.

Want to send a TLOL contribution? Write to TLOL@aol.com or just click below!	TLOL Publication Schedule December 17 January 7 (no TLOL Christmas or New Years weekends)

Dale

TEA LEAF ONLINE

December 3, 2000

Two more issues of Tea Leaf OnLine this year so please be sure to send in a contribution for December 10 or December 17.

Only three emails were received for TLOL this week so I am holding them over for next Sunday and featuring the Chadwick Auction in this issue. Thanks to Carol for providing price information and photos.

Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue.

Whenever you see it, you can click

it to send a contribution to

Tea Leaf OnLine.

TEA LEAF ONLINE MEMBER UPDATES

Jean and Bill Cain have a new email address

DISCUSSION TOPIC

From Gerald and Maxine comes an intriguing new Discussion Topic.

DISCUSSION TOPIC: eBay's "Buy It Now" Option

What is your opinion of eBay's "Buy It Now" feature?

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

Not familiar with the "Buy it Now" option, here's eBay's explanation:

Learn about Buy It Now What is Buy It Now? Buy It Now is an exciting optional enhancement to your listings. As a seller, if you choose to use the Buy It Now feature at the time of listing, you will be able to name a price at which you would be willing to sell your item to any buyer who meets your specified price. Your listing will be run as a normal auction, but will now feature a Buy It Now price. Buyers will have the option to buy your item instantly without waiting for the listing to end or can bid on your item as usual. Buyers, if you see a Buy It Now item, you'll need to act quickly! Buy It Now will only be available before the first bid is placed on the item. As soon as a bid is placed, the Buy It Now price will no longer be available and the item will sell through the normal process. Why use Buy It Now?
Buyers	Sellers
Buy items without having to wait for the auction to end.	Sell your items fast, without waiting for the auction to end.
Quick, easy, and convenient way to shop for the holidays.	Quick, easy, and convenient way to sell items. Free for a limited time.
The choice to buy first or bid!	Get potential buyers to act on your items earlier
Buy an item at a fair price.	Sell your item for the price you want.
Pay easily with a credit card if the seller offers Instant Purchase	Get your payments faster by combining Buy It Now with Instant Purchase.
How do I know an auction has a Buy It Now price? It's easy! Look for the Buy It Now price on View Item pages. Note: eBay will be monitoring the success of the Buy It Now feature for both buyers and sellers. Should Buy It Now prove successful during the promotion, eBay may decide to continue this feature.

TEA LEAF PUZZLER

No Puzzler this week but I'd love some suggestions.

WWW.TEALEAFCLUB.COM - OUR CLUB'S WEBSITE

I have had a couple of emails regarding TLOL. In the first, one of our members writes "Help...the light color yellow is so hard to read. Am I doing something wrong? Has anyone else had this problem?". This question is a puzzle to me since I have used light yellow as a background color but don't think I've used it for text. Is anyone else experiencing contrast problems?

Also, from an unnamed reader comes the question "What music? Is there music with TLOL?"

Yes, on a couple of occasions, I have included music in the background of TLOL. The first time was when Lona sent in her famous song, sung to the Rawhide tune, and the week before last, "We Gather Together" was playing in the background. If your computer doesn't have sound capabilities you won't even know that the song was playing. If your does, it'll be a little added mood music.

SEEN ON


No eBay features this week...we've got spectacular photos (below) from our own sale!	Seller's Description

LETTERS

Carol Chadwick was kind enough to send us the auction price list and I have selected about 150 items to print below. PLEASE REMEMBER that these prices do not reflect damage or other condition descriptions which might have been highlighted at the sale. This list is intended only to give those who were at the sale some exciting memories and those who missed the auction some items to drool over.

Lot #	Item	Sale Price
77	Adams Empress Creamer	$65.00
225	Adams Huron Plate	$35.00
224	Adams Huron Platter	$150.00
389	American Child's Copper Tea Leaf Teapot	$600.00
340	Burgess Shield Shaving Mug	$300.00
416	Cinquefoil 6 1/2" Pitcher	$575.00
180	Cinquefoil 9" Pitcher	$375.00
354	Cinquefoil Coffee Pot	$525.00
277	Cinquefoil Large Mug	$1,000.00
346	Clementson Augusta Honey Dish	$45.00
204	Clementson Elegance Teaberry Coffee Pot	$500.00
440	Clementson New York Teaberry Cup Plate	$90.00
363	Clementson New York Teaberry Honey Dish	$90.00
251	Clementson New York Teaberry Honey Dish	$60.00
371	Clementson Prairie Teaberry 9 1/2" Plate	$70.00
378	Clementson Teaberry 7 1/2" Plate	$30.00
153	Clementson Teaberry Heavy Square Creamer	$300.00
253	Clementson Teaberry Heavy Square Ewer	$1,000.00
367	Corn Tall Brush Holder	$375.00
184	Davenport Fig Cousin Creamer	$375.00
412	Davenport Rondeau Cup Plate	$50.00
343	E. F. Five (5) Tobacco Leaf Nappies	$400.00
422	E. F. Four (4) Tobacco Leaf Cups/Saucers	$480.00
108	E. F. Pepper Leaf 16" Platter	$70.00
200	E. F. Pepper Leaf Coffee Pot	$275.00
148	E. F. Pepper Leaf Covered Vegetable	$400.00
201	E. F. Pepper Leaf Creamer	$325.00
126	E. F. Pepper Leaf Gravy	$150.00
286	E. F. Tobacco Leaf 3-Piece Butter Dish	$800.00
129	E. F. Tobacco Leaf Creamer	$225.00
349	E. F. Tobacco Leaf Relish	$525.00
127<