Back Issues - April-June 2002

Tea Leaf Club International | Additional Tea Leaf OnLine Back Issues

	TEA LEAF ONLINE June 16, 2002
	Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.

This week's feature photo comes to us from eBay. It's hard not to feature an almost complete Anthony Shaw Basketweave bath set, even though there's a milk jug stuck in here as an ancillary pitcher. Congratulations to Gene & Betty on their new acquisition.

TEA LEAF ONLINE MEMBER UPDATES

Welcome new members...

None this week

Email address changes...

None this week

Undeliverable email addresses...

None this week

DISCUSSION TOPIC

DISCUSSION TOPIC: SELLING TEA LEAF

Three of our members are combining and selling a large portion of their collection

at auction in a couple of weeks. Have you considered disposing of all or part

of your collection? Do you periodically dispose of some of your collection?

By what means? Do you turnover or cull the collection? How do you decide

what to sell? If not a dealer do you ever buy something with the intent of

reselling?

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

CLUB AND CONVENTION NEWS

Membership

Current Membership Count: 876

Regional Meetings

Click here to see the most recent Regional Meeting Schedule.

Important Upcoming Deadlines

JUNE 30	Exceptional Service Award Nominations are due Saturday, June 30.
JULY 1	2002 Auction Consignments due. Send to Nancy Upchurch
AUG 15	Convention registration deadline for "Early Bird" registrations
AUG 15	Hotel reservation deadline for special Tea Leaf group rate. Interested in getting your hotel reservation taken care of? Call the Nashville Airport Marriott at 615-889-9300 and be certain to mention that you're with the Tea Leaf Club to qualify for the $89 nightly group rate.
SEPT 19-22	CONVENTION! Nashville Tennessee

Convention News

Have you marked your calendars for September 19-22?

What a line-up we've got planned for this year's convention. Don't miss a single event!

SEEN ON

SHAW CHINESE SHAPE COFFEEPOT

Seller's Description

We are pleased to offer this Anthony Shaw Tea Leaf Ironstone Teapot for auction. This piece measures 9 1/2 inches high, 6 1/2 inches front to back, and 9 inches handle to spout. It is in the Chinese pattern. It is in great condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. It is marked as shown below. It does have a very small flake on inside rim shown in the last photo below. It also has some stain spots only on the one side.

SHAW CHINESE SHAPE COVERED VEG
	Seller's Description We are pleased to offer this Anthony Shaw Tea Leaf Ironstone Oval Covered Casserole for auction. This piece measures 12 by 8 inches and is 7 inches high. It is in the Chinese pattern. It is in great condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. It is marked as shown below. It does have a very small craze flake on the handle.

SHAW CHINESE SHAPE HIGH-LIPPED CREAMER
	Seller's Description We are pleased to offer this Anthony Shaw Tea Leaf Ironstone Creamer for auction. This piece measures 6 1/4 inches high, 4 inches front to back, and 5 1/2 inches handle to spout. It is in great condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs.

INTRODUCTIONS

No profiles were received this week. If you haven't submitted a profile yet, please think about sending one this week.

LETTERS

Julie writes regarding the Dresden mark which Riene inquired about a couple issues ago...

I do hate to disagree with Nancy (anybody else is fair game) but Dresden is not a mark used by Brunt, etc. The mark is The Potters Cooperative and that mark was used in 1897 (Gates book-pg. 215). Potters Cooperative was founded in 1882 as a result of a lockout by companies of potters who were seeking to form a labor union. Eight potters went together and founded the company with H.A.McNicol as President.

They purchased the Dresden pottery from Brunt, Bloor, Martin & Co.. Hence the use of the name "Dresden" on their ironstone. The first company lasted only a year because there was great dissension among the 8 original potters. However, The Potters Cooperative continued under McNicol until 1925. It then became the Dresden Pottery Company. Henry, T.A., Patrick McNicol and W. H. Vodrey and A.P. McPherson issued the stock in the new company which continued producing ironstone until 1927. Their backmark contained the words "S.V.China, Made in USA". Only the Potters Cooperative used the world mark.

I thought that I had sent this to TLOL but maybe only sent it to Riene. Sorry that the last letter I sent corrected Dale and now this one correcting Nancy but it best that we share what we know.

As for disbursement of our collections. Neither of my daughters really want all this TL and I have made my will to read that it is to be auctioned by Terrill with the exception of any pieces that Roxann or Todd would like to keep. I've also made note of certain pieces that will go to good friends. The Morning Glory child's set will be auctioned by the Tea Leaf Club and the proceeds are to go to the Annise Heaivilin Fund. Or if that is not possible, it will be auctioned with the proceeds of that auction going to the Fund. Facing my 77th birthday in just a few weeks and following the shock of having a pickup truck rearrange my head, my body and my car, I thought it best to make sure of certain arrangements. Hopefully, there will be some of you who like American TL because there is certainly a lot of that. But there are a few other nice little items so be prepared.

As far as Bill Smith's cup, I have had one of those for a long time. I'm sure it appeared in some issue of Readings. That TL was used by Glasgow (John Moses), Wick and maybe some other American company. I've often wondered whether the decorator who used it traveled around the circuit. Glasgow was in Trenton, Wick, of course, in PA. John Moses was among the first potters to propose that there be a decorating company used instead of the potteries having the expense of each using their own decorators.

Julie

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From Atlanta, Karen asks...

Hi, I have a question about finding tea leaf dishes. I have been going to bazaars, flea markets, antique shows, and antique malls, all over Georgia and some parts of Tennessee. I rarely see any tea leaf dishes. Were these dishes more prevalent in the North? My few pieces came from Ohio. I just don't see much of it here. Anyone have some thoughts on this?

Karen in Atlanta

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Nancy's Berry Cluster platter has arrived...

The platter is here and it is beautiful. Right now it's soaking in peroxide to remove a few stains. Yes, I recognized it as J.Furnival's Berry Cluster despite the blurry photo on Ebay. It is a really showy piece. I may bring it to Show & Tell at the convention to show it off. Actually, I really didn't think I'd win the bid because we were out of town when the auction closed. Before leaving, I left a bid equivalent to what I would pay for it in a mall or shop. And lo and behold! It was enough to secure the bid.

Since this is the last TLOL before the auction deadline, I want to urge you to please, PLEASE, get those auction consignment forms in. I've received eight so far - I still need a good twenty more to make up a good and interesting auction. My thanks to those eight folks who heeded our request and have already sent their forms. How about the rest of you? Surely you have something you'd be willing to part with. Deadline is JULY 1st.

To respond to the topic of the week: I was introduced to TLCI by Grandma herself. After Don purchased the Prairie Shape child's set for me, I was anxious to learn more about this lustred ironstone. Grandma's book had just been published - Don saw an ad for it in one of the trade papers and ordered it for me. I wrote to Annise about the items in one of the photos. She responded with the information I requested and also told me about the club. I couldn't wait to join! Because I was teaching then, I was not able to attend the convention that year (I think it was in Columbus) but I did attend the next year and every year since! I feel honored to literally have been sponsored by Grandma Annise.

That's all the news for now - get those CONSIGNMENT FORMS IN PRONTO PLEASE!

Nancy Upchurch

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Ann Derner lets us know...

A new stamp has come out commentating the WTC on 9/11, it shows 3 fire fighters putting up the flag, it sells for 45 cents and the extra cost is going to the families of the survivors.

Ann Derner

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The eBay misnomers just leep coming, this one from the Dieringers...

How's this to add to the list of eBay misnomers? #2032242944 is listed as an Ironstone roaster pot. It is obviously a footbath!

Ernie & Bev

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And, lastly, Terrell reminds everyone about next weekend's Tea Leaf auction...

Auction reminder for June 22nd, 10:00 Central time Connersville, In.

Mary Bertram, Bob Skinner and Harold Wyand, three long time friends of our Tea Leaf Club, will be combining portions of their collections for a fantastic auction that you won't want to miss! This will be a 6 hour sale consisting of 1100 pcs. selling in 468 lots of Tea Leaf and Transfer Ware.

Preview on Friday from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.. Doors open Saturday at 7:30 A.M.. Lunch by our local Methodist church. Held in our new Civic Center located in the city park. Hope to see YOU there. "Thanks" in advance, Terrell and Phyllis Medd. Phone: 765-825-7479.

Terrell

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That's it for letters this week.

What a wonderful Great Lakes regional meeting we had yesterday at Sara and Tom Hummel's log home. 26 Tea Leafers enjoyed camaraderie, great food, neat table sales (Walt & Pat says it was the best table sales at any regional they've been to this year). We also spent as couple hours yesterday afternoon at the Barbershop Museum in Canal Winchester Ohio -- a very interestingly place. Sara and Tom have a large Tea Leaf collection and had set up vignettes all over their home. Every room had a least one themed display -- Thanksgiving, Christmas, Wedding Day, Breakfast in Bed, Tea Time, etc.

There won't be another TLOL in June so please take a few moments before the end of the month to send in a contribution to the next issue.

Dale

	Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.	Publication Schedule
		July 7, 14, 21, 28

	TEA LEAF ONLINE June 9, 2002
	Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.

This week's feature photo comes to us from an eBay seller who took their green and gold Ceres milk pitcher and artfully added a beautiful Spring floral display.

TEA LEAF ONLINE MEMBER UPDATES

Welcome new members...

Welcome to new members Mary Beth & Rex Oberg (PA)

Howdy, too, to Sue Summers (CA)

Email address changes...

Glenda Deal reports a new email address

Undeliverable email addresses...

DISCUSSION TOPIC

DISCUSSION TOPIC: SELLING TEA LEAF

Three of our members are combining and selling a large portion of their collection

at auction in a couple of weeks. Have you considered disposing of all or part

of your collection? Do you periodically dispose of some of your collection?

By what means? Do you turnover or cull the collection? How do you decide

what to sell? If not a dealer do you ever buy something with the intent of

reselling?

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

CLUB AND CONVENTION NEWS

Membership

Current Membership Count: 876

Regional Meetings

Click here to see the most recent Regional Meeting Schedule.

Important Upcoming Deadlines

JUNE 30	Exceptional Service Award Nominations are due Saturday, June 30. .
JULY 1	2002 Auction Consignments due.
AUG 15	Convention registration deadline for "Early Bird" registrations
AUG 15	Hotel reservation deadline for special Tea Leaf group rate. Interested in getting your hotel reservation taken care of? Call the Nashville Airport Marriott at 615-889-9300 and be certain to mention that you're with the Tea Leaf Club to qualify for the $89 nightly group rate.
SEPT 19-22	CONVENTION! Nashville Tennessee

Convention News

Have you marked your calendars for September 19-22?

What a line-up we've got planned for this year's convention. Don't miss a single event!

SEEN ON

EDWARDS PEERLESS ("FEATHER") COFFEEPOT
	Seller's Description Here's a Rare Tealeaf Peerless Pattern Coffee Pot. I've had this piece in my collection for about 10 years. It measures 9 1/2" tall w/lid 10" from spout to handle. These pictures do not show the feathers that border this coffee pot it's very unusual. The copper is in excellent condition except for the crazing this is a must have for any Tealeaf collector.

ALFRED MEAKIN BROCADE COVERED VEG

Seller's Description

This lovely tureen is in mint condition! Both the lid and the bottom have a lovely brocade pattern. This piece also has large copper-luster tea-leaves and a very elegant trim. It measures seven inches across the top, six to seven inches tall, and is twelve inches long including the handles. This gorgeous collectable has no darkness, cracks, or chips. The bottom is stamped "Royal Ironstone China" Alfred Meakin England with the lion crest and insignia.

WILKINSON MAIDENHAIR FERN PITCHER & BOWL

Seller's Description

This large tea leaf ewer and bowl was made by A.J.Wilkinson. The design is maidenleaf fern. It is shown on page 130 of Grandma's Tea Leaf Ironstone text. The ewer measures 12" in height. The pitcher (ewer) is in good condition with no chips. There is a 1 1/2" circular brown spot in the center. The bowl is also in good condition, having only a small nick on the rim. It measures 15" in diameter and is 5" high.

INTRODUCTIONS

No profiles were received this week. If you haven't submitted a profile yet, please think about sending one this week. View previously-submitted profiles here...

TLOL Member Profiles
	To send your own profile today <--- click here

LETTERS

Thanks to Walt for sharing some photos of Tea Leaf collectors and their grandchildren...


Gerry Nelson & granddaughter Rachel	Charlie, Charla & grandson Jord Miller

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In a letter last week, Ruth Bull asked about putting Tea Leaf in the dishwasher. Dick Brackin responds...

This is really directed to Ruth Bull, but I guess anyone can read it. Ruth asks if Tea Leaf "should" be put into the dishwasher.

My response has always been "Never!" I have never put a piece in the dishwasher nor have I ever put a piece in the oven except when I was still in the cleaning business and baked it for an hour at 200 degrees F. after it had been soaked in peroxide. Then once it had cooled, I washed it by hand. I know that some folks say that they do wash their Tea Leaf regularly in the dishwasher. Others say that they do so, but do not add detergent, just put it through the water and drying cycles. I always fear that it will begin to wear the copper lustre. Certainly I would not put a piece with gold lustre in the machine for we all know how easily that can be worn away. I always wash my Tea Leaf in warm water with light detergent. There are, however some who suggest that even when washing by hand, if any detergent is used, it is harmful to the copper lustre. I am not an expert, but have a pretty strong personal fear of damage in the dishwasher. I guess that you will have to weigh all the comments you receive and make your own decision. You will need to be ready for the result however, if in time you recognize damage if you decide to put it in the "magic machine". :-)

Dick Brackin

[What about everyone else??? Do you put your TL in the dishwasher? DA]

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Regarding Riene's question about the Dresden mark, Nancy Upchurch sends...

Just finished reading [the May 26th] edition - great issue! Thought I'd comment on the Dresden mark - it's Brunt, Bloor & Martin. I'm sure Julie will write about it so don't print this.

Now you've made me jealous! My Chinoiserie sugar bowl doesn't have a pagoda and I want a piece with a pagoda. Are any of your pieces marked? I'd sure like to know who potted these interesting dishes.

I once took an Elderhostel seminar in Williamsburg, VA that was conducted by John Austin. Great teacher and very interesting man. He's written several books on English ceramics, but not past 1850. If he has endorsed the book you reported on, then it's definitely worth owning. Thanks for the info.

Nancy

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Giftique Chair Marie writes...

From the Giftique

Spring is here and summer is on the way. If you're like me, you're looking forward to cooking on the grill. Not only will we be eating outdoors when we're by ourselves, but we'll also be going to picnics and parties with friends and family to share great food and great fellowship.

If you're like me in another way, a percentage of what you'll eat at these get togethers will end up on your clothes. So, I plan on using plenty of Tea Leaf napkins this spring and summer. Even if you don't usually end up wearing part of your meal, Tea Leaf napkins can still be useful. Use them at all your parties. What a wonderful way to steer the conversation around to the advantages of belonging to the Club? There are two different sizes of napkins to meet your every need. The luncheon napkins are 6-1/2" square with a gold foil Tea Leaf and beverage napkins are 5" square with a brown Tea Leaf. Both sell in bags of 50 for $6.00 per bag. If you're wise and want to stock up on napkins now, you can either email me at COMPTONMW@AOL.COM or use the Giftique Order form that was included in a previous Readings. Don't forget to include money to cover postage!

I wish you many wonderful meals outdoors this grilling season. I'll be out there with you. Just look for the stylish gold Tea Leaf napkin that will be tucked around my neck.

THANKS.

Marie

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Bev & Ernie report a Tea Leaf sighting in Connecticut...

Thought we should tell everyone that Tea Leaf is still found in CT. We went to a show in Ridgefield, CT yesterday and there was a New York dealer that had a three piece sauce tureen ($90.) and matching covered vegetable tureen ($80.) in Wilkinson's Daisy & Chain. They were in excellent condition, great luster (a very tiny 1/16in. chip on sauce lid) Prices were negotiable. If anyone wants them, we are sure they still have them. Call Tom Newcomer (we actually talked with his wife) Horsefeathers Antiques 670-746-7644. Tell them the White Ironstone people told you about it. We bought White from them, and told them to join the two clubs.

Ernie & Bev

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Another antique show report from Margaret Mitchell...

Talked to Terrell Medd and his daughter at the Richmond Antique Show last Saturday. Didn't see much Tea Leaf, but Terrell had a few nice pieces left to sell when my friend and I arrived at his booth. He told me all about the upcoming Tea Leaf Auction in Connersville the 22nd of June and hoped I could make it. Don't know if I'll have the time this month, but am looking forward to the Regional meeting in Canal Winchester, Ohio at the Hummel's home. Will give you a full report. However, I figure you will be there because it is so close to your home, Dale. Did not see much Tea Leaf at the Richmond show, so I came home empty handed. Maybe I'll buy something at the Regional. Hope springs eternal.

Sincerely, Margaret

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And, finally, from Lona and Tinker...

Hello from Hill Town, Welcome all you new Tea Leafers. Happy Birthday to all you June Tea Leafers. Happy Anniversary to all you June love birds. Wow, we are June love birds, too cool. June 8th is our anniversary (12) years, and Sunday June 9th is our (1st) year anniversary .

Been reading all of the TLOLs and really have enjoyed all your emails and all the fantastic Tea Leaf pictures.

The Tea Leaf Readings were so awesome this time, good work you all. We have read it over and over. They are always just so fantastic. I had typed out an email for TLOL two days ago and I was just busy busy busy typing. I had quite a lot typed and all of a sudden the computer went blank, shut down. I was in such a state of shock that I just sat there looking at this blank screen. I jumped up ran out the kitchen door (So Mad ) and I was telling Tinker what had happened and how the computer shut down and I lost all the email I was typing to TLOL. I looked at him and he had this new plug in his hand and with this shocked and guilty look on his face. He said "I blew a fuse". He was replacing the plug in one of our cords that goes to the pump in the fish pond. He felt so bad and has told me a few times how sorry he was. Now that I think about it the look on his face was really funny, it was this guilty I am so sorry look . When we looked at each other it looked like something in a comic strip, just too funny. It took me 2 days to get up the nerve to try it again, lol lol lol, so here I am again.

Laura Butler, I lost it reading your email about the earthquake. You poor lady, I do understand when you said "I may never hear the end of it, but we all have our priorities, don't we???" A few years ago we had major flooding here and one evening a police car drove by with his bull horn and was telling everyone in the neighborhood to get ready to evacuate. I was out on the porch when he went by. I ran into the cabin screaming at Tinker. I mean I was in a bad state of mind. So we just stood there like "oh my god, what do we take". We have a 3 room cabin and it is full of antiques and collectables. At that time we had just started to collect Tea Leaf but we had over 500 stoneware items in our cabin. So I was not in very good shape. But after our friends came over to help us pack we found out that it was a false alarm. So I do understand. I bet you did go straight to your Tea Leaf. I would now. What a horrible thought, oh my.

I have no problem printing out TLOL now. The only problem now is that it does not matter what I print out it usually prints out in the landscape mode. Drives me crazy. I have gone in many times and switched back to the regular print out and most of the time it goes back to the landscape. My printer is not being nice.

Bill Smith, I almost had a seizure when I saw your American cup and saucer. WOW. A few weeks ago we went to Fredricksburg, Texas for a bed and breakfast night out in an old 1800's school house. It was a wedding gift some friends had given us last June when we got married. Anyway, we did see a few plates and a platter while junking up there and back. But we also found a little scolloped bone dish by Wilkinson. We paid $8.00 for it, not bad. It was not a great find but by golly we finally found something other than plates and platters to buy. It is so strange though, we can go into 50 antique shops and never see Tea Leaf and if we do it is plates and platters. We do not even see any variants or white ironstone, so strange. We see all kinds of dishes but nothing we collect. Where is it all???

Valerie, your flower arrangements are wonderful.

We made our reservations for the convention. What can we say, we are like 2 kids waiting to go to a big party to play with our friends and get lots of goodies, hee hee.

There was so much more I wanted to say but it would have made this email way too long and I could just see Dale saying, my gosh, does she ever shut up. Well, a girls got to do what a girls got to do and this girl needs to get off and get busy. Good bye for now from HILL TOWN,

Tinker & Lona

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That's it for letters this week.

I'm looking forward to next week's Great Lakes regional meeting right near Columbus in Canal Winchester Ohio. Who else will be there?

Only one more TLOL in June. Please take a few moments this week to send in a contribution to next weekend's issue.

Dale

	Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.	Publication Schedule
		June 16 July 7, 14, 21, 28

	TEA LEAF ONLINE June 2, 2002
	Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.

Only a small number of letters this week but I know we're all thankful to those who took a few moments to write.

TEA LEAF ONLINE MEMBER UPDATES

Welcome new members...

Welcome to new member Lura Smith Popovich, Plano, TX. William Smith is her brother & Duane Smith is her father.

Email address changes...

Undeliverable email addresses...

DISCUSSION TOPIC

DISCUSSION TOPIC: Club Membership
When did you first hear about the club? When did you join? Where did you get the information about joining? Any ideas about recruiting new members?	Have an opinion about this topic? Click below to send your TLOL contribution

CLUB AND CONVENTION NEWS

Membership

Current Membership Count: 876

Regional Meetings

Click here to see the most recent Regional Meeting Schedule.

Important Upcoming Deadlines

JUNE 30	Exceptional Service Award Nominations are due Saturday, June 30. Send nominations to Julie Rich
JULY 1	2002 Auction Consignments due. Send to Nancy Upchurch

Convention News

Have you marked your calendars for September 19-22?

What a line-up we've got planned for this year's convention! Interested in getting your hotel reservation taken care of? Call the Nashville Airport Marriott at 615-889-9300 and be certain to mention that you're with the Tea Leaf Club to qualify for the $89 nightly group rate.

SEEN ON

TEABERRY BALANCED VINE SOAP DISH LID ON WHITE IRONSTONE BASE
	Seller's Description Lovely small covered dish, ironstone, lid has a bronze colored motif of clover or flower.Lid does go with bottom;however does not fit tightly, there is crazing no cracks.

ALFRED MEAKIN SCROLL SHAPE WASTE JAR

Seller's Description

Here is an extremely rare Tea Leaf Copper Lustre Ironstone Master Waste Jar potted by Alfred Meakin in the Scroll pattern. Sometimes this is called a Slop Jar. It was made in the 1870s and thought to be Meakin's earliest Body Style adorned with the Tea Leaf motif. The Scroll pattern is identified by the Copper Lustre decoration found at the finials and handles. The keyhole arch finial is also an identifying feature. Notice the turned down handles. This piece is very large and heavy. The Waste Jar stands 14 ½” tall including the finial. The widest portion is 10” wide and the top rim of the base is 9” in diameter. One of the pictures shows the bottom copper lustre band and I am not sure if this is a sloppy paint job by the decorator when made or a possible repair, other than this the Master Waste Jar is in mint condition with no chips or cracks. There is some light crazing. The inside is brilliant white as well as the dome lid. You don't see this piece of Tea Leaf very often and especially in the condition.

ALFRED MEAKIN CHELSEA SHAPE BRUSH VASE
	Seller's Description This toothbrush container is 5 1/2" tall, backstamped Royal Ironstone China Alfred Meakin, England and coat of arms. No chips, cracks or repairs, light fine crazing only. Good copper lustre sheen.

Correction: Thanks to Bev & Ernie for pointing out to me that I mis-attributed the Teaberry Berry Cluster platter (below) to Clementson. It's probably unmarked and should have been credited to JF (Jacob Furnival, not Clementson. Since our own Nancy purchased this stunning platter perhaps we can find out more when it arrives.

INTRODUCTIONS

No profiles were received this week. If you haven't submitted a profile yet, please think about sending one this week.

LETTERS

Regarding the Discussion Topic, Carol Chadwick sends...

I can't remember for certain if Gale Fredrick or another member from Michigan, Sherrie (can't remember her last name) told us about the Tea Leaf Club. Whoever it was, thank you!! We immediately completed the registration forms and made plans to attend our first convention in Evansville (1987?). We were hooked, especially Tom. Well, an awful lot has happened over subsequent years, but the friendships remain and continue to grow.

In reference to building our membership, perhaps one of our very industrious, computer-savvy members (Walt?) could develop a list of people bidding on Tea Leaf presented by eBay, bounce it against the membership list, and send a prepared letter/presentation to those who are not members. We could send this via e-mail but I think a hard copy snail-mailed would be more effective. At least we would be capturing the attention of those individuals known to appreciate our beautiful obsession. It seems a good many of our members learned of the club from people already members attending auctions and bidding on Tea Leaf. This is just an electronic extension of that, after all. That's about the only thought I have on the matter.

Hope all had a great holiday weekend. We finally saw something resembling summer here in Minnesota; very welcome, indeed!

Carol Chadwick

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A note from Alma about next weekend's upcoming Mountain Regional...

We are looking forward to our Tea Leaf Regional in Denver with Ann Moldodenziec. June 8th. We have a wonderful small group and always have fun. I hope to take a few pieces of tea leaf to sell. Ann has restored an older brick house to the original and it is charming and delightful to see the finished floors and woodwork but most of all to be with our dear Tea Leaf friends.

Alma Brunner Gerbitz

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Ruth Bull has a question for us all...

Should Tea Leaf or ironstone be put in the dishwasher?

Ruth Bull

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Ann Derner provides a P.S. to her letter from last week...

I left out the rest of Francis Ford's name....Coppala..

Whenever I went to Antique shows, I always heard that the "Tea Leaf Lady" had already been there and purchased all of the Tea Leaf.....then I too saw the club mentioned in "Spinning Wheel" magazine and contacted Julie.......At last, I found out who was always there ahead me....Julie has been a dear friend ever since...

I would like very much to attend this year's convention, as our son Chris lives in Nashville..but as usual our annual Retired FF reunion will be the same weekend, which we host at the 4-H center for over 200 people.

This October, in DC there is going to be a a Special Memorial for all the fallen Firefighters and their families from 2001. Firefighters from around the world are coming....Germany is sending over a plane full, and Scotland is sending their Bagpipe Regiment...This is scheduled to last 4 days....It usually is held in Emmitsburg, MD. which is too small to have it this year.

Ann

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That's it for letters this week.

Please take a few moments this week to send in a contribution to next weekend's issue.

Dale

	Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.	Publication Schedule
		June 9, 16 July 7, 14, 21, 28

	TEA LEAF ONLINE May 26, 2002
	Look for the email "splash" throughout this issue. Whenever you see it, you can click it to send a contribution to Tea Leaf OnLine.

Our very talented photographer, Valerie Giorgi, provides this patriotic photo using a Tea Leaf open vegetable as the base. Happy Memorial Day to Everybody!

TEA LEAF ONLINE MEMBER UPDATES

Welcome new members...

Welcome back Guy Motsinger & Cookie Berthelot, Metairie, LA

Email address changes...

Undeliverable email addresses...

DISCUSSION TOPIC

DISCUSSION TOPIC: Club Membership
When did you first hear about the club? When did you join? Where did you get the information about joining? Any ideas about recruiting new members?	Have an opinion about this topic? Click below to send your TLOL contribution

CLUB AND CONVENTION NEWS

Membership

Current Membership Count: 874

Regional Meetings

Click here to see the most recent Regional Meeting Schedule.

Important Upcoming Deadlines

JUNE 30	Exceptional Service Award Nominations are due Saturday, June 30. Send nominations to Julie Rich
JULY 1	2002 Auction Consignments due. Send to Nancy Upchurch

Convention News

Have you marked your calendars for September 19-22?

SEEN ON

CLEMENTSON BERRY CLUSTER TEABERRY PLATTER

Seller's Description

Here is a GORGEOUS antique IRONSTONE PLATTER with COPPER LUSTER border and a TEABERRY variation of the popular TEA LEAF copper luster decoration in its' center .. made circa mid to late 1800s .. this is a HUGE platter measuring OVER 17" long! .. molded floral relief design impressed on shoulder - I'm not sure of the pattern or maker .. a FABULOUS find offered with NO RESERVE!

EXCELLENT condition with some absorbed staining - see photo below of the backside too - (I've been told this can be bleached out with peroxide) - NO chips, cracks or repairs (a couple small factory popped bubbles) .. copper luster decoration is also EXCELLENT and unworn .. measures 17 3/8" x 13 7/8" x 1 5/8" high .. marked on bottom only with an impressed 'P' and '15" - GUARANTEED old and original Victorian era Ironstone!

CLEMENTSON AUGUSTA SHAPE TEABERRY PLATTER

Seller's Description

You are bidding on a hard to find 150+-year-old Teaberry platter. Although unmarked, Clementson is known to be the potter of the very sought after Teaberry (Tea Leaf Variant) pattern. The platter is in the Augusta shape and the Teaberry motif retains bright and shiny lustre but does show some wear from use. The platter is approximately 13” long, and 10” wide. There are no crack, chips or repairs, but there is the usual crazing found on a piece of ironstone of this vintage.

UNMARKED BOTANICAL CUP PLATE
	Seller's Description STAFFORDSHIRE BUTTER PAT LOT. Lot of 15, includes a set of 12 transfer square pats, printed in dark purple, with rose bush pattern; PLUS a painted luster Tea Leaf pattern; AND 2 other blue transfer-printed examples. Set perfect others with light stains.

INTRODUCTIONS

No profiles were received this week. If you haven't submitted a profile yet, please think about sending one this week.

LETTERS

Walt and Pat send...

The Warners reported on the North Central Regional last week. We just wanted to add that we had a great time and to thank Charla and Charley. There must be something about Regionals that people like. There were 6 of us who attended the Heartland Regional in early April and 10 who attended the Prairie Regional the week before. Those who came in from Illinois may have just been looking for sunshine. It poured at the Prairie Regional. It sure was a beautiful day in Iowa. Charla must have been baking all week. She made breads for our morning coffee and cakes for afternoon dessert. The meal at Bonaparte's Retreat was special for us since we shared a table with Charlie's mother and out daughter. There was a bit of difference of age between the two of them but there wasn't any difference in great conversation. It was a fun meal. We capped off the day by crossing the Mississippi and seeing the new Mormon temple in Nauvoo. Quite a day that started with the mailbox bombing about 20 miles from the place we spent the night.

After that Regional and the others we have attended we are so glad that we joined the club in 1990 but it wasn't easy. We first learned of the club from a short piece about the Evansville Convention. For some reason there wasn't enough information for us to try to join but we were interested. Next year we tried very hard to get information about the Williams burg Convention. Pat's sister lives there and called around including the Chamber of Commerce. but wasn't able to get any information. Finally somehow, neither of us remembers how, we got an application in time to sign up for the 1990 Convention in Kansas City. We haven't missed a Convention since then. Based on our experience there are collectors out there who want to join club but we need to get in contact with them. Spread the word.

The Stevens

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Bill Smith reports on a purchase and his surprise at finding an American maker...

GOT THIS THE OTHER DAY THOUGHT IT WAS A J E MAYER PIECE WHEN I BOUGHT IT GOT A SURPRISE WHEN I LOOKED IT UP. MARKED: J M & CO, SAUCER IS 7 1/4" IN DIAMETER

CUP IS 3 3/4" TALL AND 3 7/8" IN DIAMETER, GOLD LUSTER

THE PIECE IS VERY LARGE. IRONSTONE BOOK SAYS THAT THE MAKER IS JOHN MOSES IN TRENTON NJ. I WAS UNAWARE OF THIS MAKER.

BILL SMITH

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Regarding the Edward Clarke piece pictures in last week's TLOL, Julie writes...

Not new, Dale. I took a plate to my first Convention in Rockford. I had never heard of him and neither had anyone else. But later, the vet from Iowa found a piece and I think there have been several since then. In fact, I think I found another one but I cannot remember what it is. Anyway, I wrote about Clarke in Readings long time ago. He also worked with an American potter and used the double shields - English and American. He's mentioned in Barber.

WICA was nice and close to home. Roxann and I commuted. It was great after 1:30pm on Sat. I did put together a nice little 2 page backmarks booklet and I have a few extra if anyone is interested. Please, SASE. I think 2 first class stamps will do it. The presentation was so-so but thanks to all of you who were kind.

Bill Miller's cuspidor looks exactly like the one I bought at the auction in Williamsburg (I think) and later sold to a member in Texas. I'm sure it's still there but it's nice to see two of anything as great as that.

Marie, you are kind. It was a dismal day but Mike, Marie and I trudged through the gardens and they are extensive. They trudged, I rode. No cars allowed but I rode a 2 wheeled chair with Mike being the engineer. Roxann and I had celebrated her birthday there a week before and it was beautiful. I recommend anyone coming this way to make it a point to visit. In Chadds Ford, PA.

Anyway it was wonderful to have TL appreciators visit and it meant the house got a going over before they came. Glad you liked seeing our collections.

As for how I came to find the Club - it was in the old Spinning Wheel magazine. An article on the forming of the Club. I got there 3 weeks too late but it had Bill Durham's address and I wrote and wrote and wrote. When I found out that there was going to be a 2nd Convention and that there was a book being published about TL, I made plans to go to Rockford. Even though I was unemployed at the time and had been.

One of the best things I ever did. TLCI has become a way of life, I have made such wonderful friends and bought such wonderful things, and bought and bought and bought. I even have sold some. And developed a new passion, researching TL especially American.

Julie

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Also mentioning Edward Clarke, Terrell writes...

In the June 22nd auction there is an Edward Clarke cup and saucer (reference Tea Leaf Online notes). While unpacking the Wyand Tea Leaf, we came upon a PLEASANT surprise, a Meakin Scroll Hot Water Pitcher. It was listed on the inventory as a Meakin milk pitcher.

The Reverse Teaberry is in beautiful greens and copper! The offering of Transfer is wonderful! Again, you won't want to miss this auction, it's a "Jim Dandy". See you in Connersville.

Terrell

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Margaret Payne sends...

One of the things I learned as I read TLOL last week is that you should not send a message when you are in a rush and don't have time to proof. So---apologies to Grindlley, whose shape I credited to Furnival. Hope he did

not get too "out of shape".

I have a ton of other ideas for Vignettes and hope we will have at least a hundred--well, maybe a few less than that. You may use BASKETWEAVE with the song "A TISKET A TASKET", BOWKNOT with "BUTTONS AND BOWS" or CHINESE with "CHINATOWN< MY CHINATOWN" or "SLOW BOAT TO CHINA". THE NEW YORK shape would be great with items from the big apple and the song "NEW YORK, NEW YORK". Any of the florals could be used with "WALTZ OF THE FLOWERS" or "A LITTLE FLOWER SHOP AROUND THE CORNER". For creamers, "YOU'RE THE CREAM IN MY COFFEE", the obvious "TEA FOR TWO" for teapots, or a nice collection of cups--maybe handleless--and think of reading tea leaves with "THE GYPSY" or "A GYPSY TOLD ME". Gravy boats do well with "HERE COMES THE NAVY" or "THE PRIDE OF THE WORLD IN THE BRITISH

NAVY". If you have a special interest collection, use some of those pieces and select an appropriate song. And wouldn't SUNBURST look great with smiley faces "YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE". Try "AMONG MY SOUVENIRS", "THROUGH THE YEARS", "YOU DECORATED MY LIFE", "MY FUNNY VALENTINE", "HEY, LOOK ME OVER", "MY HAPPINESS", "MY BEST TO YOU","WHO WOULDN'T LOVE YOU" or any theme song to create a tabletop with you favorite pieces and bits of memorabilia that are meaningful to you. The possibilities are endless.

We traveled to Louisville to the Stewart show held there for 4 days on major holidays and might as well have stayed at home. There were several over-priced platters, but nothing else except a gothic shape platter with a

lion and unicorn on the back, the words "ironstone china" and a deep but discolored copper border. Not wishing to come home empty-handed, I did buy the platter--but it was not an exciting find.

Hope many of you are having great holiday week-ends and finding lots of tea leaf. This is a good time to select that special piece (or pieces) for the auction. There will be some great pieces there--I have already seen and

heard about some really exciting ones and hope that each of you will plan to consign an equally exciting one. You know, the auction depends on US--what we consign makes it special or a bust--and I cannot imagine that you will let that happen. We have too many people who have the best interests of TLCI at heart to imagine such a thing. Our real strength lies in the devotion and interest of our members. This is why we continue to

have great Regional meetings, Conventions, and support from our tea leaf family. Aren't we the lucky ones?

Margaret

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From Linda McElwee comes an update on Rebecca's upcoming wedding...

Greetings Tea Leaf Family,

We are 11 weeks away from the wedding and I have been just nuts trying to get all the loose ends together. Rebecca graduated from Grad School week before last and we enjoyed attending that with her. It seems like she just graduated from Kindergarten!! We haven't had time to look for anything but cakes, string quartets, etc. It will be good to wind down afterward. If any of you are coming our way August 10 and want to kick up your heels with us, please let me know and I will add you to the caterer's list. Hope to see you all soon,

Linda

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From Nancy...

With apologies to Debussy's delightful "Afternoon of a Faun", this narrative is entitled "Afternoon of an Auction".

Due to health concerns, I have been cooped up since mid-December. When the doctor finally gave the okay for travel, I was chompin' at the bit to get on the road again. Antique Week-Eastern listed a Thursday auction in an obscure little town in south-central Pennsylvania: 42 pieces of Tea Leaf. Would it be Shaw? Would it be Elsmore-Forster? Or would it all be Powell-Bishop, alot of that shows up in this region. After a couple of calls and some E-mails to the auctioneer, his staff finally got it unpacked. They posted photos on their web site. Immediately, I spotted several pieces of John Edwards Peerless Shape (feather). Hurray! There was something worth going for. We pack quickly and leave Wednesday morning for the trek north. At the preview that evening, I'm disappointed