Tea Leaf Club International | Additional Tea Leaf OnLine Back Issues
Back Issues - July-September 2001
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TEA LEAF ONLINE
September 9, 2001
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Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue.
Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.
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This is it...the last Tea Leaf OnLine prior to the convention. I'll be spending the rest of my weekend and all next week packing, sorting, pricing, organizing, and anticipating a great convention weekend. Looking forward to seeing you there!
TEA LEAF ONLINE MEMBER UPDATES
Welcome new members...
None this week
Email address changes...
None this week
Undeliverable email addresses...
Marlys & Walter Black
DISCUSSION TOPIC
CURRENT DISCUSSION TOPIC: CONVENTION MEMORIES
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By the time we publish the next Tea Leaf OnLine at the end
of September, convention 2001 will be history.
Please share with us your convention memories.
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Have an opinion about this topic? Click below to send your TLOL contribution
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CLUB AND CONVENTION NEWS
Membership Growth
The Tea Leaf Club now has 957 members worldwide.
Help us reach our goal of 1,001 in 2001
Convention News
It's finally (almost) here. If you missed the access note from last week I've left it below. Any last minute convention questions can be sent to convention chair Walt Stevens
Need driving directions to French Lick? Try this Mapquest hotlink. Type in your address along with the hotel destination address and, like magic, door-to-door driving directions!
The hotel address is
8670 West State Road 56
French Lick IN 47432
IMPORTANT NOTE:
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When you arrive at the Hotel the first thing you will notice is the very long stairway leading up to the lobby level. For those of you who are bringing lots of boxes of items for show and tell, the auction, the display, table sales, etc., please don't be intimidated! Take advantage of the hotel staff to direct you to the lower level entrance. I'll also encourage you to do as I do...let them be responsible for taking your boxes and delivering them to your room or other appropriate location. I'm definitely getting too old to carry that many heavy boxes and would much rather give a couple bucks to a porter to do it for me.
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Take a look, too, at the location of each event for which you are bringing boxes of Tea Leaf. For example, if you're bringing items to check in for the auction, think about leaving them in your car until auction check-in time. The lower level entrance is just steps from the auction check-in tables and you can save yourself lots of schlepping if you don't handle your heavy boxes any more than you absolutely have to. The hotel has options to help you so take advantage of their resources.
TEA LEAF PUZZLER
Anyone have any ideas for future Puzzlers?
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Anyone have any favorites to share?
SEEN ON 
Two very different Mayer Brush Vases...
J&E Mayer Brush Vase
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Seller's Description
We think this is a vase. It is 5 1/2" tall and 4" wide with a top opening of 2 3/4". The mark indicates it is late 1800's the glaze and copper trim are excellent, and the only problem is one small chip on the base (see photo).
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J&E Mayer Brush Vase - UNUSUAL HANDLED STYLE
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Seller's Description
This is a lovely OLD Tea Leaf spooner. It is 5 1/2" tall. It is marked-see pic. There is glaze crazing, and some cracks. It is still a wonderful, HTF, piece of vintage Tea Leaf! This would be a wonderful gift for someone special, or treat yourself!!
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INTRODUCTIONS
No new profiles were received for this issue. If you'd like to submit a profile to share with other Tea Leaf OnLine participants, click on the "splash" below or email it to TLOL@aol.com.
LETTERS
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We've mentioned hot water pitchers in the last couple of Tea leaf OnLines so I thought I'd pay special attention to the Shaw Cable hot water pitcher that sold on eBay this week. Quite a rarity.
Nancy writes...If this isn't a hot water pitcher (supply jug) ONLY, I don't know what it is! It definitely is not a table pitcher in my estimation.
Nancy
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Convention presenters Bev & Ernie Dieringer send...
Hello everyone. We decided to add some new interesting visual material to our Plate Book presentation at the Convention at French Lick Indiana. Dale has been helping us by making slides of luster decorated plates. Some of them are unusual. We hope to show how to identify the embossed White Ironstone body styles/shapes under all the various luster enhancement. Slides of the book pages will be shown along with slides of the luster decorated plates. It should be interesting and we know we will all learn something new.
We hope to see you there and to get to meet more of the members behind the names we see on TLOL.
Ernie & Bev Dieringer
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Attending Convention as a First Timer? Buddies chair Valerie advises...
WOW! As of August 28th there was a whopping 27 First Timers registered for the convention in French Lick. I have been busy matching the First Timers up with members who have previously attended conventions. Both First Timers and Buddies will find in their registration packet a black top hat identification tag to wear to help First Timers and Buddies identify each other. I encourage previous attending members to assist all these First Timers on maneuvering the convention. It is always such a shock for a first timer to see so much tea leaf in one place.
Looking forward to meeting all the First Timers and seeing the returning members at this superior convention.
Valerie
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Glenda and Al could use some volunteers at Convention...
Hope you are all planning to come to the Convention. We are very excited, and working diligently to get things ready for registration. The most recent mail brings our current convention numbers up to 249. Can't wait to get us all together.
If anyone is looking for a job at convention, we could use someone Thursday afternoon, and someone Friday afternoon to help with registration. If you feel that you might enjoy seeing lots of friendly faces with big smiles, we can put you to work for a couple of hours. Our E-mail address is Asleep220@xxx.xxx if you feel inclined to help us out. Thanks in advance.
My mother, Betty Colebert, had planned to come to the Convention again this year, but became ill and has had to cancel. She was hospitalized for about a week, is home now, but is still pretty weak. She was really looking forward to coming, and is quite disappointed. If anyone has time, and could send her a card, it would make her day brighter, I'm sure. Her address is 24 Hastings Rd. Orchard Park, NY 14127.
See you all at French Lick.
Glenda Sleeper
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Margie Delheimer has some Tea Leaf for sale...
I have 13-9" plates for sale. They are all Alfred Meakin. They are in good condition, showing the usual surface wear and age from being used. One has a chip on the underside of the rim. Will take $12.00 a piece for total of $166.00. I can be reached by e-mail (Mardel 7@xxx.xxx). I will be attending the French Lick meeting, arriving late on Thursday. If buyer is attending the conference, I could transport the plates to FLR meeting.
If several buyers are firm with intent to buy, I will go by the first response to this e-mail. Hope to see you all at FLR. I remain, Margie Delheimer.
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From Mike & Marie Compton...
I was the bidder on the tall ewer/pitcher at Apple Tree. Do you know what shape it was? Of course, based on their description I considered it my mystery bid!!
We have been interviewing realtors as we make ready to move to Chicago area in November, so it has been a long week - getting the house ready to list, readying for convention and preparing for my parents visit this weekend! We may not give them the new address (well - that's never worked before!).
Take care,
Mike & Marie
[Marie, Yes, the ewer was Shaw Niagara Shape in excellent condition. You got a very nice piece of Tea Leaf! DA]
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Walt & Pat's convention wish list...
We never come home with just one piece of Tea Leaf from the Convention, so guess we cannot add to the current discussion. However, we will be looking on Friday night for these lids: a Maidenhair chamber pot, a LOV sugar bowl, a Cable sugar bowl, a Chelsea butter and did we say the lid to a Maidenhair chamber pot.
We will also have our eyes open for these: in Maidenhair Fern, a teapot, a 7 inch pitcher, a hot water pitcher, in Brocade a teapot and waste bowl, in Beaded Handle creamer and sugar, in Portland (Morning Glory motif) a cake plate and waste bowl, need the same pieces in Livesly & Powell Wrapped Sydenham, in Shaw Chinese a covered vegetable or a soup tureen. We would love to find creamers in Laurel Wreath or Fig Cousin.
We aren't even sure all of these pieces even exist, there are several that we have never seen. Although we might not find these at the Convention we know that we will something to buy. We always do. And there isn't any doubt that we will find many, many friends who want to talk about Tea Leaf. See you in a couple of weeks.
The Stevens
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Another wish list, this one from Linda McElwee...
I have thought and thought about what ONE item I wish to find and finally narrowed it down to two. The NY Teaberry sugar really needs a lid and the Feather soup an undertray. I have never been disappointed at the quality or quantity of TL at the convention. It's like the best shop in town!!
We are almost packed and ready to head to French Lick, and are anxious to see our TL family again.
Dale, I never cease to be amazed at the work you do for us in keeping this site up and going. Thanks once again.
Til French Lick, Happy Tea Leafing!!! Linda
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And another wish list from Peggy & Vic...
Regarding the discussion topic of which piece we would most like to come home from the convention with - a Walley Pre-Tea Leaf 4 pc. Soup Tureen. Seriously, does anyone know if they exist? We would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone to visit the Hospitality Suite in the Pavilion near the main lobby between 3:30 and 5:30 Friday afternoon. Maybe you can share the highlights of the tour as we are unable to participate due to Peggy's prior commitment (bank related). Looking forward to seeing Walt Stevens (in his spats) "Puttin' on the Ritz".
Peggy & Vic Regnaud
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Juliehoo writes...
Well, here I am - at the end of the line and late again. This probably won't make it this Sunday either but I got so busy reading bios of all these happy members that I forgot I was here to write again.
There are several of the bio writers that I have never met that I know of but I am looking forward to meeting all of you. Dale and Dick beat me by one convention. I have not missed one since 1981 when I joined the Club. I don't remember meeting Arene Burgess but always thought she must collect Burgess. I'm looking forward to her book. Will it be privately published or will she join Schiffler?
Connie Barr I remember fondly from her first and only convention. I cannot believe the baby she was carrying around (inside) at that convention is now 15. I have written about Connie's collection of Tobacco Leaf and kept in touch with her. I would have loved seeing her again as well as many old and newer friends but wasn't able to attend the Hanson's Regional.
Eleanor Washburn was very modest about her collection. Her home on the Lake is absolutely wonderful and her collection is all through it and all beautifully displayed.
HongKong Dick forgot to mention who helped him back all that TL before he left for the Far East. Well, Dale and Dick packed. I was the one who had to inventory each piece as it was packed. Dale also photographed much of it. I think that the final count was something like 100 boxes. I don't think I "clerked" all of it but it was getting to be a blur after several hours.
One question. The Wilkinson brush vase on eBay is not a shape I've seen before. Is it an unusual one?
Just a few more weeks. And thank you Dale for giving those directions. I was there with Dale earlier this year. I think everyone will be very impressed. Also tired of walking and HK Dick is going on the trip. He usually antiques during that time. Mary and I are going to monopolize him. We miss him.
Juliehoo
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And, finally, from Denny & Connie Kear...
Well, convention time is nearly here. Our Tea Leaf for the auction, Friday night and Sunday morning is packed and ready to load in the car. Before you know it we will be on our way. We have TLCI members coming from all over the country. It will be fun to renew old friendships once again. For those of you who aren't to keen about conventions in cities, you will love French Lick.
It looks like we will be at about 250 people for this years event. If you haven't signed up, there is still room for you.
There have been a lot of emails going back and forth as last minute details are being ironed out. Walt and all his chairs have worked hard as they always do. I personally want to thank each and every one of them for all their dedication.
We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in French Lick. Have a safe trip and see you soon.
Denny and Connie Kear
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That's it for letters this week.
Since we're off to French Lick, perhaps you'd like some background information:
History of French Lick Springs
The area called French Lick, Indiana, site of the French Lick Springs Resort & Spa and one of the earliest outposts in the middle-Western wilderness, was first settled more than 200 years ago by French traders.
After the discovery of rich mineral springs, which attracted animals who flocked to lick the waters and wet rocks, this valley became known among settlers as "The Lick".
The French had ideas about exploiting these lush salt deposits, but because of one obstacle and another, they never did make much progress. Finally, following the Louisiana Purchase Treaty in 1803, in which Napoleon relinquished claims on that part of the frontier, the French abandoned their trading posts at The Lick.
British settlers moved in about 1812. Despite continued Indian resistance, they succeeded in establishing a permanent fort. Indian incidents continued, however. One of the first recorded was the slaying of Irishman William Charles, who was attacked by Indians outside the fort. His remains are rumored to be buried somewhere beneath the front lawn of the resort.
In 1832, all the lands surrounding the actual mineral springs, which had been reserved for production of salt, was offered for public sale.
About 1,500 acres - including all the large springs - were purchased by a Dr. William A. Bowles. Within several years he opened the first French Lick Springs Hotel, a ramshackle, three-story frame building. It was an immediate success. People flocked from hundreds of miles to partake of the "miracle waters". They carried the mineral water away in all sorts of jugs and canvas containers. "Doc" Bowles had struck it rich.
In the 1850's, as North-South tension mounted, Bowles took time out from subversive activities to help charter the town of French Lick.
Just before the Civil War, Bowles was arrested, court martialed, convicted of treason and sentenced to death. President Lincoln, however, quietly commuted the sentence to life imprisonment. Bowles spent the war in a Federal prison in Ohio. He returned to French Lick in 1865 and managed the hotel until his death in 1873.
French Lick Springs thrived under various managements until 1897 when a disastrous fire destroyed most of the old frame buildings. Shortly thereafter the ruins were purchased by a syndicate which called itself the French Lick Springs Hotel Co. - headed by the then mayor of Indianapolis, Irish immigrant Thomas Taggart.
It was under Taggart's imaginative rule that French Lick Springs rocketed to international prominence. First he rebuilt a new main wing. He had the Monon Railroad lay a special spur and run daily trains between Chicago and the front entrance of the hotel.
He later designed a championship golf course (still later, a second). He modernized and expanded the baths and began bottling "Pluto Water" in concentrated form for national distribution. With an expansive and luxurious spa (and after Taggart had been named Democratic National Chairman in 1904), the elite of politics and society suddenly "discovered" French Lick Springs. It was at this hotel, too, in 1917 that tomato juice was first served, by world famous chef Louis Perrin.
Taggart insisted that the resort maintain a rigidly elegant dedication to health and recreation - although he himself was no teetotaler, he never permitted liquor on the premises. The first bar was not opened, in fact until after Repeal, some years following the old man's demise. The wealthy celebrities who descended upon the little town in the Indiana hills each spring and fall came (1) to take "the cure", (2) to play, (3) to conduct business and (4) to gamble.
Taggart always disclaimed any connection with plush gambling casinos throughout the valley. It never was however, officially explained how, in flagrant violation of state law, two big gambling rooms operated across the street from the hotel, perhaps half a dozen others catered to lesser hotel guests and common folk and, indeed at one time there was even a combination dice room and bowling alley right in the middle of the hotel's own Japanese gardens, near the Pluto Spring. In any event, French Lick Springs was to become as well known for it's resort facilities. The last casinos were shuttered in 1949. One of these buildings was taken over by the American Legion.
Taggart, who served briefly as a U.S. Senator by appointment, had three more wings added to the hotel in the
next 20 years. Taggart, who described himself as a hotelman first and a political hobbyist second, grew in stature until he was the acknowledged power behind Democratic politics in the U.S. Simultaneously, French Lick Springs developed a reputation as the unofficial party headquarters. It was there in Taggart's hotel in 1931 that Franklin Roosevelt rounded up support at a Democratic governor's conference for his party's presidential nomination.
Tom Taggart died in 1929. His son - the only boy among six children - Thomas D. Taggart, carried on. With the Depression, however, the popular French Lick Springs began to decline. World War II brought a momentary revival, but in 1946 young Tom Taggart sold out to a New York syndicate.
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Today, French Lick Springs Resort rests on some 2,600 acres in the breathtaking Hoosier National Forest. Newly acquired by Boykin Lodging Company, the resort eagerly embraces a "New Beginning". The current facility includes 470 rooms and boasts two superb golf courses, the Valley Course and the scenic, Donald Ross designed, Country Club Hill Course. Badminton, volleyball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, croquet, stables, and two swimming pools (including a spacious bubble enclosed one) are other activities offered. Additionally, excellent horses, tennis courts, mineral baths and massages await the pleasure of guests.
< Lobby
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The hotel's experienced staff is prepared to handle business meetings of any size up to 1,000 guests in some twenty-two function rooms, plus a 22,000 sq. ft. convention center. Facilities also include dining rooms, lounges, bowling alleys and a game room.
A rich and colorful history included such famous names as John Barrymore, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, President Roosevelt, The Trumans, and The Reagans. All were honored guests at the French Lick Springs Resort. They walked in the rose gardens, they drank brandy on the veranda, and they relaxed in the mineral springs.
And now.....you can too.
See you in French Lick!
Dale
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Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.
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Publication Schedule |
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September 16 - No
September 20-23 CONVENTION!
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September 23 -No
September 30 - Yes
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TEA LEAF ONLINE
September 2, 2001
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Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue.
Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.
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Only this issue and one next weekend before TLOL goes on hiatus for the Convention. If you have any convention-related news, please send it immediately.
TEA LEAF ONLINE MEMBER UPDATES
Welcome new members...
Elaine and Harold Nelson Email address changes...
None this week
Undeliverable email addresses...
None this week
DISCUSSION TOPIC
CURRENT DISCUSSION TOPIC: CONVENTION WISH LIST
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Convention 2001 is less than a month away. There will be opportunities to purchase Tea Leaf on Friday evening, Saturday auction and Sunday table sales.
What is the one piece you would most like to come home
with from this convention?
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Have an opinion about this topic? Click below to send your TLOL contribution
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CLUB AND CONVENTION NEWS
Membership Growth
The Tea Leaf Club now has 957 members worldwide...up 7 from last week!
Help us reach our goal of 1,001 in 2001
Convention News
Convention Menus
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FRIDAY SNAK PAK
Petite Sandwich
Fresh Fruit
Cookie
(Beverages available from Cash Bar)
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LUNCHEON
Sliced Fresh Fruit Plate
Baked Lasagna
Green Beans
Garlic Bread
Lemon Cake
Coffee & Iced Tea
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BANQUET
Tossed Salad
Rolls & Butter
Grilled Chicken California
Wild Rice Pilaf
California Blend Vegetables
Carrot Cake
Coffee & Iced Tea
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
When you arrive at the Hotel the first thing you will notice is the very long stairway leading up to the lobby level. For those of you who are bringing lots of boxes of items for show and tell, the auction, the display, table sales, etc., please don't be intimidated! Take advantage of the hotel staff to direct you to the lower level entrance. I'll also encourage you to do as I do...let them be responsible for taking your boxes and delivering them to your room or other appropriate location. I'm definitely getting too old to carry that many heavy boxes and would much rather give a couple bucks to a porter to do it for me. Take a look, too, at the location of each event for which you are bringing boxes of Tea Leaf. For example, if you're bringing items to check in for the auction, think about leaving them in your car until auction check-in time. The lower level entrance is just steps from the auction check-in tables and you can save yourself lots of schlepping if you don't handle your heavy boxes any more than you absolutely have to. The hotel has options to help you so take advantage of their resources.
TEA LEAF PUZZLER
Anyone have any ideas for future Puzzlers?
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Anyone have any favorites to share?
SEEN ON 
WALLEY NIAGARA PRE-TEA LEAF
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Seller's Description
Edward Walley Niagara Shape Ironstone Tea leaf Lusterware Teapot
Beautiful Teapot/Coffee Pot in Excellent Condition. Edward Walley worked from 1845 to 1858. Clearly stamped and easily identifiable on bottom. There is some browning to the crazing as seen in the pictures and two small flakes, one on the end of the spout and one under the lid. Both are very small and unobtrusive. Pot stands approx. 10" tall with lid. Elegant addition to your collection or as a stand alone piece.
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WALLEY NIAGARA PRE-TEA LEAF
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Seller's Description
E. Walley Niagara Shape Ironstone Tea leaf Lusterware Mush Bowl
The Beautiful Tea leaf pattern is in Excellent condition with no Flaking. Edward Walley worked from 1845 to 1858. There are Two vertical hairlines on opposing sides of the bowl that are each approx. 3" long. Also there is some browning to the crazing and one 1/8" flake on the bottom rim. Bowl stands approx. 3-3/4" high and 5-1/4" across.
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WALLEY NIAGARA PRE-TEA LEAF
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Seller's Description
E. Walley Niagara Shape Ironstone Tea leaf Lusterware Handleless Cup & Saucer
LOVELY SET! Edward Walley worked from 1845 to 1858. Tea Leaf is in beautiful condition. Saucer is stamped with clear makers mark on bottom and saucer shows only light crazing. No chips, cracks or flakes. Nice addition for your collection.
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INTRODUCTIONS
No new profiles were received for this issue. If you'd like to submit a profile to share with other Tea Leaf OnLine participants, click on the "splash" below or email it to TLOL@aol.com.
LETTERS
Just at the very instant that I was emailing the announcement about last week's TLOL, Julie was sending a letter to share...so she gets the top spot this week...
Love those little red splashes. Makes my computer life so much easier.
Haven't been communicating much recently so here goes - hold on to your fingers and no skipping over.
Most memorable auction I've attended and many of you have heard about it - repeatedly - was at Conestoga several years ago. I arrived at an early hour and found three or four glass cases - floor to ceiling - filled with TL. I almost passed out right then and there. Fortunately I had brought along my Equity checks (thanks ML) and ended up mortgaging my house to pay my bill. Adams (old) master potty, child's Tobacco Leaf mug, and on an on. Not one other TL member there just a lot of disgruntled local dealers who were not willing to pay over what I did on the pieces that I wanted. I started out sitting on the 2nd row but got up and went to the back when my adrenaline got to really flowing. A great day and thank goodness my friend, Gloria W. who had first told me that she thought there were some children's cups to be there. They turned out to be posset cups three of them came home with me too. Gloria helped pack . I'd only brought one box and it took three to get it home.
Thanks Terrell for your concern about me and to everyone else who has been so thoughtful. I'll be in French Lick and yes, Dick, I'm driving with Mary. Or without her if something happens.
I really missed going to the New England Regional as I had planned on it but my live in keeper (Roxann who takes very good care of me) said no and I didn't want to make her any more anxious than she has been. If I had known that Carl and Ginger were coming, I could have met them here and gotten a ride. Wasn't meant to be.
About auctions and bidding wars, I think that mine with Max was interesting. At the Chadwick auction I paid $600 for that child's East End coffee pot but I was a little more determined than he. And I had driven 400 plus miles to Dale's to ride to Connersville with him and then 400 miles back from Columbus. That must be a record. Just couldn't do that again this time. I have a Vintage Beauty white ironstone syrup but it doesn't quite meet the record in price. Nice, though.
And speaking of Maxine's surprise, I once followed a dealer 40 miles to her home to look at a cabinet full of - TL? No, Autumn Leaf. Has everyone heard about Nancy U's reply to a dealer who called Autumn Leaf an antique. Nancy wrote that she didn't consider anything younger than she as an antique.
Dale, don't laugh at that "funky" living room. It looks just like mine only I have more Tea Leaf.
Thanks for being patient, everyone. I love you all.
Juliehoo!
Later in the day Julie wrote...
Guess I was typing up my comments while you were sending this weeks TLOL. Anyway, it'll be early for next week's.
I'd like to take home a mustache cup and it can be English or American but American would be better.
My Wilkinson washstand set has a hot water pitcher and I bought a Mayer hot water pitcher to go with my pitcher and bowl, shaving mug. The Wilkinson set is Sunburst and is complete except for a master potty. Bought the complete set at a show in DC and I was between jobs, unemployed. It was a good investment,
Juliehoo!
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Connie Barr checks in with...
I, sadly, will not be at the convention, but if I could be, my dream piece would be a covered piece of Tobacco Leaf. I would love a covered vegetable, or tureen, or indeed, anything Tobacco Leaf. Tobacco Leaf grows
on me, more and more, as the years go by.
I was able to attend the New England Regional at the Hanson's, and enjoyed it completely. Seeing their home, filled with Tea Leaf and variants, was a thrill in itself (and made it all the sadder to hear of the table disaster). Lunch was wonderful, and the creative and challenging games were great--but meeting the other attendees was the best. Carl Earl and Anne Ballantine stayed in our home--we so enjoyed our time with them. We hope they will come back and we would also welcome any other members who are in the Boston area.
Does anyone else get an email newsletter from Country Home magazine called "Let's Go Antiquing?" I just opened mine this week, and there is a paragraph about Tea Leaf, and what a useful website TLCI has...based on the comments of Mary Emmerling. The paragraph says she likes collecting Tea Leaf because of it's "rustic charm--and the fact that it's still reasonable priced and readily available." I wonder where she shops! I also wonder where she uses it...her homes have been featured in Country Home magazine and on her HGTV show, and I have seen lots of white ironstone, but never any tea leaf.
I will close now and take my kids for school supplies--hard to believe the summer is ending...Happy Labor Day.
Connie Barr
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Thanks from our Treasurer...
My request for assistance at auction check-out has been answered. I thank those who volunteered. See you all in French Lick.
Fran
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Dick Brackin is looking forward to the Convention...
At this point in time, I have not seen the auction catalog, so I do not know what might be available. There is always something, however, that I think that I absolutely cannot live without. I hope that there will be some Thomas Hughes piece(s) differing from what I have. Of course, I am still looking for a Boston Egg Cup. I am sure also that there are lots of creamers (perhaps one by Clementson like the one I did not win last week) as well as handleless cups and saucers out there which I do not have in my collection. Actually, I do not really know
what I have in my collection these days--there is an entire year's worth of accumulation in a corner of Dale's dining room which I have yet to see! In addition, not having seen the major portion of my collection for two and a half years now, and my memory not being what it once was.
In any event, I KNOW that the convention is going to be great fun! There will be something else to add to that corner full of treasures. I am hopeful that I am one of the ones whose registration was in time to be included (for certain) on the tour--I want to ride a steam locomotive one more time! I am really excited about that prospect--when I was in college sometimes we took the train (The Pennsylvania) between Columbus and either Scio or Denison and at that time it was still steam power!
I did not know that Don Upchurch has been ill. What a relief to know that he is "on the mend". I do hope that he will soon be back in his usual good health and will be able to be with us in French Lick. I just cannot imagine a convention without Don and Nancy being there. This will be a much quicker "get well" message than if I were to attempt to send it via snail mail (sometimes things NEVER arrive via that means!)
Dick
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We've had a couple letters regarding the question of hot water pitchers. Nancy writes...
Greetings Friends: Now that things have settled down a bit at home, it's time for me to send my contribution to the discussion of hot water jugs. I did tell Walt that I thought I had seen a Chinese hot water jug several years ago - but my memory isn't always accurate these days, so I may be incorrect. Here's my opinion regarding these jugs: I feel that as long as they've made wash sets, they have had some type of pitcher designated for hot water. To me, that's only logical. The question is, was a jug made specifically to go with a given wash set, or was one of the graduated jugs made by most potters used? As Mr. Godden told us, ceramic ware was not sold for one specific use, consumers used a particular piece for whatever purpose they desired.
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What characteristics were necessary for a jug to be used as a hot water vessel? It had to have a small neck, and be substantially smaller than the ewer since hot water had to be carried from the stove to the washstand. I'm sending a photo of a Burgess Chrysanthemum ewer and hot water pitcher. You will notice that the jug looks like a reduced-sized clone of the ewer. The ewer is 11.5" high; the hot water jug is 6.5" high or approximately 60% of the ewer size (actually, 57% but who's counting?).
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By the way, if the person who purchased my Chrysanthemum chamberpot a couple of years ago is reading this - I need it back! (It never fails - I sell a piece and then find the whole rest of the set!)
It's interesting to note that a reprint of an 1879 glass and china catalog lists the following as a Toilet Service: Ewer & Basin, Chamberpot, Soap Box, Brush Tray. It further states that "Extra pieces, such as Slop Jar, Foot Bath, Supply Jug, Cover to Chamberpot,. .." can be made to match any Service. In other words, not even the chamberpot lid was part of a standard service. I am assuming that the "Supply Jug" is what we refer to as the Hot Water Jug.
Of course, Burgess' Chrysanthemum is a late 19th c. body style. We know that Shaw made a hot water jug for his Basketweave body style, and many other potters also produced this type of piece for similar sets. Maybe these potters said "hey, here's a need, let's fill it - and make some more money".
Since my paragraph appeared in TLOL last week, we've received many calls and E-mails inquiring about Don's health. Thank you all so very much, we really appreciate it. To put the story in a nutshell, Don was rushed to the hospital in Asheville with a fever of 104.6 degrees. He was admitted, and hospitalized for five days while they tried to determine the cause of his illness. During this time he was mentally, physically and emotionally "out of it". I brought him home two weeks ago, discharge diagnosis was Meningo-Encephalitis, probably Viral. The first week at home was pretty rough but he is recovering nicely now - almost back to his old ornery self! So we will be at the convention, God willing and the creeks don't rise!
Looking forward to seeing all you wonderful folks in a couple of weeks!
Nancy Upchurch
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Bath set expert Betty writes...
In our experience we found hot water pitchers to be very scarce. We have a few with our sets or partial sets. I think that probably every bath set was made with a hot water pitcher but fewer of that item was purchased because it was not an essential part of the set, as most pieces were sold separately. They would be very easily broken.
We have been on the road since July 6 and will see everyone at French Lick.
Betty Burger
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And, finally, on this topic, white ironstone experts -- and convention presenters -- Bev & Ernie write...
What is a hot water pitcher? Is there a record of one in some old sales ad? Some late Victorian ads we've seen include sponge bowls. Has any ad included the master waste jar or the foot bath? Ellen Hill (in her Mulberry Ironstone book) says chamber sets sometimes include a small pitcher which might have been used for hot water. Whenever we have seen one included in a chamber set (at an auction or displayed in someone's collection) that "hot water pitcher" seemed to be just a medium to small sized table pitcher.
Table pitcher is the name Jean Wetherbee gave to all sizes between the creamers and the ewers. She suspects all were used in the kitchen and for serving beverages during meals at the table. We have thought that the hot water pitcher was just a table pitcher used to carry hot water to the chamber room. Not necessarily part of a set and yet usually part of the household service. We have never seen them listed as a part of the dinner sets. Yet we speculate that they were ordered as such. We have always been surprised when we see a new or different shape among the various graduated sizes of a body style in white ironstone pitchers. There are some that seem to be a shorter version of the ewer (narrow necked with an arched handle but with a very bulbous bottom) there is one by E&F in Ceres Shape that some say could be a hot water pitcher and others say its a child's size ewer and have seen it with a smaller basin! What ever those unusually proportioned medium sized pitchers are they are rare. Perhaps like Mr. Godden and Julie Rich say "It is called whatever you use it for" -- in this case, if you use it for hot water it is a Hot Water Pitcher.
Ernie Dieringer
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That's it for letters this week.
I went to the Apple Tree sale yesterday to try my hand at the Tea Leaf. There weren't any other Tea Leaf collectors in the bidding audience, but lots of absentee bids and I didn't come home with much. At least it was a nice day for a drive in the country. Did anyone go to the sale this weekend where the Shaw Spittoon was sold. Who bought it? What did it sell for?
There is only one more TLOL before the Convention. Please take time to send a contribution.
Dale
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Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.
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Publication Schedule |
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September 9 - Yes
September 16 - No
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September 20-23 CONVENTION!
September 23 -No
September 30 - Yes
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TEA LEAF ONLINE
August 26, 2001
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Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue.
Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.
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Maxine, Woody, Lee, Glen and Fran can use some help with their convention responsibilities. Read on and volunteer. It's your convention - help to make it great.TEA LEAF ONLINE MEMBER UPDATESWelcome new members...
Hope Blau Jacobs, Jeffersonville, IN Janet A & William R. Lee, Hillsdale, MI Email address changes...
None this week
Undeliverable email addresses...
These TLOLers have apparently changed email address and the ones we have on file no longer work:
Jane Elliott: Guy Motsinger: DISCUSSION TOPICCURRENT DISCUSSION TOPIC: CONVENTION WISH LIST
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Convention 2001 is less than a month away. There will be opportunities to purchase Tea Leaf on Friday evening, Saturday auction and Sunday table sales.
What is the one piece you would most like to come home
with from this convention?
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Have an opinion about this topic? Click below to send your TLOL contribution
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CLUB AND CONVENTION NEWSMembership Growth
The Tea Leaf Club now has 957 members worldwide...up 7 from last week!
Help us reach our goal of 1,001 in 2001
Convention News
Al and Glenda Sleeper are doing a great job of processing convention registration forms and I thought I'd give you some summaries. As of Friday, we have 244 Club members registered to attend - a very healthy number, especially considering that our registrations last year were down considerably.
The tour is overbooked and there is a waiting list. However, the convention committee is working hard to arrange additional transportation and squeeze more folks into the inn at lunch so it's likely we'll be able to accommodate almost everyone who has signed up.
Friday night's Lid Swap and Under-$40 sale now requires 30 tables with over 40 people participating. 25 collectors/dealers have signed up to sell at Sunday table sales and have reserved 47 tables which will be filled with Tea Leaf.
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Where can we still use help? Maxine needs more folks to participate in the Friday night Show and Tell. If you have an interesting piece of Tea Leaf, please contact Maxine and let her know you'll be willing to bring it. Woody, Lee and Glen still need more people to bring Gravy Boats for the Saturday afternoon display. Which of you doesn't have a gravy boat you could bring? Let the team know which boats you have in your collection and find out if you can fill up their gravy boat wish list. And, as you'll read later on in this TLOL, Fran Miller can use some help with Auction checkout.
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TEA LEAF PUZZLER Anyone have any ideas for future Puzzlers?
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK |
SEEN ON 
ALFRED MEAKIN FISHHOOK SOUP TUREEN
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Seller's Description
A BIG SHOWY PIECE! This Ironstone Tea Leaf Lustre Covered Soup Tureen BASE is 6 3/4 x 10 x 4 3/4" high. With the cover on it is about 7" high. It was made by Alfred Meakin. Condition of the base is good+ to very good. There are a couple of hairline cracks in the bottom, only one of which goes partially through. The rim is clean. There is an even light stained crazing throughout the inside. Condition of the lid is poor. It has been dropped and mended.
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CLEMENTSON TEABERRY COVERED VEG
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Seller's Description
7 3/4" Opening on this nice piece of English china. No wear, chips or dings. Gold in great condition. Lid is in good condition also.
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CLEMENTSON "MEDALLION" CREAMER
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Seller's Description
Excellent Condition. Circa 1850’s. This Knockout Copper Lustre Creamer is impressed CLEMENTSON under the foot ring and has an unusual early Victorian handle. The trunk of the creamer has embossed vertical ribs and impressed shields repeated around the trunk. The creamer is highlighted with generous amounts of copper lustre decoration. This Copper Lustre Trimmed Creamer would make a great addition to any Tea Leaf or Creamer Collection.
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INTRODUCTIONSNo new profiles were received for this issue. If you'd like to submit a profile to share with other Tea Leaf OnLine participants, click on the "splash" below or email it to TLOL@aol.com.
LETTERSDavid Kile files this report about the Great Northwest regional meeting...
Just to report in that on Saturday, August 18, we met in the Sky Lounge of Horizon House in Seattle, Washington.
There were five TLCI members present, Audrey Gruger of Seattle, Joy Bosworth of Portland , Oregon, Marcia Balleau and Annise Doring Heaivilin from Bellingham, Washington and David Kile, plus 5 guests. We spent the morning getting acquainted and sharing about our Tea Leaf collections, and then viewed the Variant Video by Bob Skinner. We really enlarged our knowledge about many new patterns we did not know existed. After a delicious lunch, we visited more, swapped the door prizes sent by Giftique, and agreed to meet next year on Saturday, August 17, 2002 at the home of Marcia Balleau, in Bellingham, Washington. That's it for this year!
David
[I spoke with David this week and he reports an accident similar to the one that Alan and Suzi reported last week. David purchased some new display cases recently and, last week, one of the glass shelves came loose and David lost a couple pieces from his wonderful Pinwheel collection. David also promised me that in a couple years when he retires, he'll finally get to a Tea Leaf convention. DA]
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Terrell & Phyllis have been on the road and report...
On Monday following the Stafford auction, we left for a seven day trip to Iowa to attend the National Graniteware Society Convention. The convention was a three day affair held at the Collins Plaza in Cedar Rapids! We had made earlier plans with Chris Weinbrenner to stop for a visit in Williamsburg. What a wonderful four hour visit it was! We now refer to her home as the NATIONAL TOBACCO LEAF IRONSTONE MUSEUM!! There were tons of other tea leaf to compliment her home which is filled with stoneware, country pine furniture and many other antiques too numerous to mention. With her decorating techniques, inside and outdoors, she should be on the front cover of Country Living magazine. The evening was topped off with dinner at son Mark's restaurant. And that to was wonderful. In all, our visit with Chris was the highlight of our Iowa trip. And we all appreciate Chris for who she is and ALL she does for the tea leaf club, a real blessing. Looking forward to seeing all of you in French Lick.
Terrell/Phyllis
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A cry of HELP from Fran Miller...
With less than a month till convention, I'm sure everyone is getting very excited. There is still lots of planning to be done and many arrangements to be made. I am in need of volunteers to assist with auction check-out. Those that had volunteered have had unexpected circumstances arise, which makes them unavailable to attend convention. Thanks.
Fran
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Dick Brackin is looking forward to another trip "home" for our convention...
I just read TLOL and need to respond to a couple of things.
First, I am quite anxious to see the Davenport Fig Union sauce boat as well as the Violet and Vine piece. Both of these are shapes that I have never seen.
Second, I am quite distressed because I lost the bid this morning on the Lustre Band Clementson creamer on eBay! I do not know what the ultimate bid was, but I was still trying to get ahead of it when the auction ended! That was a shape that I do not believe that I have ever seen before either. Even though it had no Tea Leaf motif, I would have liked to have had it for the unique shape.
Third, I could not see the photo of Marie's covered dish very well. It does look like a marriage to me, however, since the lid seems to be too large for the base. Yes, I do have two Shaw dishes which I do not believe ever had lids. They are identical. I believe, Dale that you got them for me either at an auction or at a show many years ago.
About auctions. One of the great disappointments of having been in Asia for the past two years is that I have missed what sound to me as two of the most exciting auctions of Tea Leaf for some time--the Chadwick auction and the Stafford auction. Dale did get me something (which I have yet to see) at the Chadwick auction, but I did not even ask anyone to bid on anything for me at the Stafford auction. I went with Gale Frederick to the Weinbrenner auction in 1998 and was deeply involved in that bidding frenzy. I made several purchases there, but the most memorable piece I took home is the botanical plate for which I paid what I think is an astronomical plate price! I went to that auction wanting to take home the Hughes waste bowl, but my adrenaline had not really reached fever pitch when it was sold relatively early on the Tea Leaf day, so I did not get it. Winning the botanical plate, however made up to some degree, the disappointment of losing the Hughes piece.
Like everyone else, I have driven half-way across the state when "30 pieces of Tea Leaf" have been listed only to discover that it is autumn leaf. When I was still in the States, I learned to call ahead if the auction was some distance from home. I suspect that I shall follow that pattern when I return. Actually, I have made many more purchases at the Convention (auction and table sales) than I ever have at estate auctions. One of the most memorable experiences, however was at an estate auction in Logan, Ohio many years ago from which I went home with my Burgess soup tureen with ladle. In those days I had not much money at all, and had pre-determined, however that I would bid up to $500, even though I have no idea how I would have covered the check. My friend, George Weckman was with me however, and as the bidding progressed, he whispered into my ear "Keep bidding, Dickie, I will cover you." Had I been standing, my knees would have gone out from under me, for they instantaneously had turned to rubber! As it happened, I did not have to bid nearly to my limit (beyond which I would have gone with George's encouragement). Fortunately, I have not been in that kind of
circumstance often.
Enough...I am so looking forward to being back in Ohio in a couple of weeks and in French Lick for the excitement of "Puttin' on the Ritz" with Tea Leaf and my Tea Leaf family.
Dick
[Dick, Regarding the Clementson creamer, I've put a photo of it in this issue under the "Seen on eBay" section. There is a photo of a cup and saucer in this style (see photo at right) in the Handbook, but it's not named and Nancy has it listed in the Rare and Unusual section as being called "A Puzzler". In fact, there have been other pieces of this body style on eBay which is where I got the creamer that I have in my own collection. It joined two cup and saucer sets that I bought almost 15 years ago at that year's convention Sunday morning table sales. In her Handbook description, Nancy notes that there are shield blanks on the cups and saucers. She surmises, "One explanation may be that the shield marks were available for advertising logos such as a hotel or restaurant name". That wouldn't surprise me, although I haven't ever seen a piece with such a logo or monogram. DA]
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Walt Stevens remarks and asks...
In last week's TLOL we mentioned that we were searching for a lid to a Maidenhair Fern chamber pot, a Chinese master chamber pot and a Chinese hot water pitcher. In an editorial comment, which we welcomed, Dale asked if we had any evidence of the existence of a Chinese hot water pitcher. The short answer is no.
Now the long answer. We assumed that if Shaw made bath sets in the Chinese shape he would have made a hot water pitcher in Chinese. In fact, we believed that we were in hot pursuit of one thanks to a tip from Julie. The hot water turned out to be a jug that matched 2 of other Chinese pitchers. We confirmed that it was a jug with Nancy. Nancy believed that she has seen a Chinese hot water pitcher many years ago and it resembled a Chinese ewer. That is our only experience with a Shaw Chinese hot water pitcher.
Now our question is: if Shaw did not make a hot water pitcher, why not? Secondly how many other bath set shapes are missing a hot water pitcher or other parts of a normal set? Is this a new topic or should we just
let Gene Burger answer?
In answer to Allen's question about the noise of a collapsing table filled with Tea Leaf, we suggest that it causes a huge groan wherever Tea Leaf is collected. And how could it happen to such nice people?. "We feel your pain".
Pat & Walt Stevens
PS When I print TLOL our messages have very strange line breaks. Does anyone else have this trouble with our messages? Perhaps we are hard keying in the wrong places.
WBS
[Walt, In my experience, most Tea Leaf bath sets don't have hot water pitchers. Chinese Shape was registered in 1856, as was Niagara, Lily-of-the-Valley and others. To my recollection, none of these early sets had hot water pitchers. I'd like Gene and Betty's expert advice on this question but hot water pitchers, in my experience, are the exception rather than the rule. DA]
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From Margaret Mitchell comes...
Hello from Dayton, Ohio: Sent in our reservations for French Lick, sent my check for my T shirt. So the Mitchells are all set. My first T shirt-- because the previous conventions were sold out before we got there. So decided to do it ahead of time this time. Because I love the "flapper design" on a white T shirt. Know I will wear it here in Dayton frequently.
As far as attending and participating in previous auctions, I have always felt that going to an auction was "a true adventure". Had good experiences and not too many bad experiences. It is the "fun of the chase", so to speak. A lot of times I bid by the "seat of my pants" and it turned out just fine. I'm not a big spender when it comes to antiques--Tea Leaf included-- because I enjoy little purchases just as much at expensive purchases. At my age I don't need another thing (family excepted) so if I don't get the item at an auction, there is another adventure another day. Maybe when you least expect it!!
I truly think I've enjoyed antiquing because of the different people I have encountered along the way. When we lived in Texas, California etc. it was an outlet to meet very nice people and learn about a community. People are the same the world over and even in a foreign country, you can communicate with them through "sign language" as long as you are pleasant and respectful. Those things NEVER CHANGE.
Sincerely, Margaret
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And, finally, a note from Nancy Upchurch. For those of you who don't know, Don has been ill for about a month and there has been some concern that he would not be fully recovered in time for convention. Nancy sends this update...
I'm happy to report that Don is making remarkable progress in his recovery. Considering that less than two weeks ago he was literally knocking on death's door, he is now up and around and champing at the bit to get back to his normal routine. He is still weak and tires very easily - but his attitude has improved from one of deep depression to one of impatience to get well. As of today, I would say "yes", we will be at the convention although I want to cut down on our activities, particularly the number of tables for Sunday sales. We're looking forward to seeing all of you in just a few weeks!
Nancy Upchurch
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That's it for letters this week.There were several auctions this week which advertised Tea Leaf...all too far from me here in Columbus to get to, although I did have some unsuccessful absentee bids in Indiana. Was a Tea Leaf OnLiner lucky enough to get the Panelled Grape Botanical coffeepot? What about the pitcher and bowl set in Ohio? If so, can you send pictures? Did YOU get to any of the sales and, if you did, would you please send an auction report? That's what keeps Tea Leaf OnLine interesting.
There will be Tea Leaf OnLine issues for the next two weekends (assuming we receive sufficient letters), and then nothing until after convention. Please take time to send a contribution.
Dale
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Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.
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Publication Schedule |
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September 2 - Yes
September 9 - Yes
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September 16 - No
September 20-23 CONVENTION!
September 23 -No
September 30 - Yes
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TEA LEAF ONLINE
August 19, 2001
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Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue.
Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.
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A new body style? You bet. Read on.
Maxine, Woody, Lee and Glen can use some help with their convention responsibilities. Read on and volunteer to bring gravy boats or items for rare and unusual. It's your convention - help to make it great.
Check out this wonder tableful of Copper Lustre with Pinstripes and Cobalt Plumes. Items are by various manufacturers on several different body styles. Can you spot Gothic shape? Quartered Rose? New York Shape?
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Copper Lustre with Pinstripes and Cobalt Plumes
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TEA LEAF ONLINE MEMBER UPDATESWelcome new members...
None this week
Email address changes...
O.E. Byerly reports a new email address Wayne & Maryhelen Chadwick also have a new email address Undeliverable email addresses...
None this week
DISCUSSION TOPICCURRENT DISCUSSION TOPIC: AUCTIONS
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Saturday, July 21, there was a big Tea Leaf auction in Connersville, IN. Let's share auction experiences. How do you learn of auctions? Do you make any special preparations for an auction? Where do you like to sit? What are your memories of some of the past big Tea Leaf auctions. Memories of other auctions that did not feature Tea Leaf but was included. Best memories? Worst memories? What is your estimate of the percentage of Tea Leaf you bought at auction. Have you ever been deceived at an auction? What is the furthest you ever traveled to get to an auction? Was it worth the trip?
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Have an opinion about this topic? Click below to send your TLOL contribution
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