FOHBC 2014 Lexington National Cocktail Party & Awards Banquet

The next group of pictures represent the Cocktail Party and Awards Banquet that occurred on Friday evening at the Lexington National. A good time to chill, catch up with bottle friends and to break bread. The featured speaker was Michael Veach aka “Mr. Bourbon”. This is also when we had the judged Hat Contest and Awards Ceremony. Pretty amazing to see bottle collectors from all over the country. The show had dealers from 31 states and many were represented in this room. The top picture is Cynthia Maryo with her cool Pot Lid beret.

Read: 2014 Lexington National | FOHBC Hat Contest.

All photographs by FOHBC photographer, Scott Selenak (Los Angeles).

COCKTAIL PARTY

Left to right: Jerry Forbes (Big Sur, California), FOHBC President, Ferdinand Meyer (Houston, Texas) and banquet keynote speaker, Michael Veach aka “Mr. Bourbon” from Louisville, Kentucky.

Shaken…not stirred.

Big time digger, author and FOHBC Hall of Famer, Johnny Fletcher (center) and long-time Federation member Ed Provine (Memphis, Tennessee). Ed developed the scaled table drawings for the show.

Historical Flask collector Richard Tucker in from Laguna Hills, California.

DINNER

Banquet seating promptly at 6:30 pm. Keep in mind, the Run for the Roses event started at 8:00 pm on another level of the hotel.

Special, embellished table centerpieces using a mirror, candles, potpourri, roses and Ball fruit jars. Thanks to Helen Forbes, Pam Selenak and Elizabeth Meyer for setting up.

Finding a seat and waiting for friends.

Hall of Famer, Bill and Bea Baab (Augusta, Georgia) sitting with Federation board member Jim Berry (St. Johnsville, New York) and new Federation member James Viguerie.

Major, Warner bottle collectors, Michael and Kathie Craig from Campbell, California. Their collection was featured earlier in the year in Bottles and Extras.

First up was a rather nice salad. I notice Scott didn’t take a picture of the main fare which was chicken. Probably a good idea.

Yum dessert.

Leanne Peace (Memphis, Tennessee) just being recognized as a winner of the Hat Contest.

Sue Kaiser announcing the winner of the $100 gift certificate. We had over $5,700 in cash certificates to give away over the weekend. Thanks primarily to Jeff Wichmann and his generous $5,000 donation.

Lexington National Show Co-Chair, Randee Kaiser (Holts Summit, Missouri) looking dapper in his sports coat and tie.

“I swear, I’m innocent!, I won the election fair and square”

Old and new friends.

Board members being recognized. In this case outgoing FOHBC Conventions Director, Tom Phillips from Memphis Tennessee. Tom gets much of the credit for this show. He also won the President’s Award later in the ceremony. Unfortunately he was already at the Run for the Roses event setting up.

Peggy Pichenor, representing the International Perfume Bottle Collectors Association, welcomed the FOHBC to Kentucky.

Pam Selenak (FOHBC Conventions Director, Orange California) catching up with Dar Furda (Oak Park, California) who was our Hat Contest judge.

Lexington National Co-Chair Sheldon Baugh (left seated, Russellville, Kentucky) with long-time Federation Board member Bob Ferraro (Boulder City, Nevada). Confirming name of standing gentleman.

Keynote speaker Michael Veach, aka “Mr. Bourbon” gives a nice talk on the rich history of Kentucky Bourbon.

Left: Mike Bryant (San Diego Bottle Club) and Dave and Cynthia Maryo (Los Angeles Bottle Club)

Everyone seemed quite attentive.

AWARDS CEREMONY

Gary Beatty (North Port, Florida) winning First Place, Best Fictional Story, “Case of the Missing Case”.

Phyllis Koch (Akron, Ohio) winning Second Place, Best Research Story, “Smelling Salts“.

Winning Third Place in the 2014 Newsletter contest was Joe Coulson (Greenwood, Indiana) with the Midwest Antique Fruit Jar & Bottle Club

Winning Third Place (tie) in the 2014 Newsletter Contest was Joanne Begert, Editor, “International Perfume Bottle Association-Young Collectors”

Winning three award during the evening, Steven Libbey (Delafield, Wisconsin) from the Wisconsin Antique Advertising Club. Awards included Second Place, 2014 Show Flyer/Poster Contest, Third Place, Best True Story, “WA & AC First Privy Dig 4/5/2014″ Published in the “Badger Collector’s Journal” and First Place, 2014 Best Website, wisantique.com

Long-time FOHBC supporter, Adam Koch (Akron, Ohio) winning Third Place, 2014 Show Flyer/Poster Contest.

Tom Phillips (Outgoing FOHBC Conventions Director, Memphis, Tennessee) collects his FOHBC Presidents Award plaque at the Run for the Roses event.

11 August 2014: The 2014 Lexington National has come and gone but it is still very much on many of our minds. Debriefing, accounting reports, web posts, image cataloging and the push to get an article in this issue of Bottles and Extras has been the task of many following the show. Read more…

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“Back to where it all began for the FOHBC”

FOHBC 2016 Sacramento Town Hall Meeting

23 October 2014

[NOTICE] The FOHBC is planning to conduct a WebEx Town Hall Meeting for all interested parties within the next two weeks for the 2016 Sacramento National Antique Bottle Convention. It will most likely occur on a weeknight evening at 8:00 or 9:00 pm CST to accommodate west coast participants. Please RSVP when the date is given. Comments now can be sent to fmeyer@fohbc.org

Topic: National WebEx or conference call for all interested parties in getting an update and determining the next steps for the FOHBC 2016 Sacramento National Antique Bottle Convention.

Hosts: Ferdinand Meyer V and Richard Siri

Date: To Be Determined

Proposed Agenda: 

Facilities: McLellan Convention Center and Lion’s Gate Hotel (Note that contract has been signed and deposit was made)

Events: Board Meeting, Registration, General Membership Meeting, Local Tours, Cocktail Party, Cocktail Party Contest, Banquet, Banquet Speaker, Awards, Hall of Fame and Honor Role, Bottle Competition, Breakfast, Dealer and Early Member Event, Seminars, Regional Display, Auction, Educational Displays, Ribbon Cutting, Early Admission, Bottle Show Day 1, Bottle Show Day 2, Bottle Appraisal, Youth Events, Raffles, Official Show Photographer, etc.

Host Club: An opportunity for a host club

Co-Chairs: An opportunity for two co-chairs

Volunteer Areas: Work distribution for Advertising, Seminars, Bottle Competition, Regional Display, Displays, Registration etc.

Show Marketing: Slogan, logo, advertising, souvenir program, posters, banners etc.

Security: Theft prevention etc.

Steering Committee: FOHBC National and Local Participation

Schedule: What is next. What happens when.

Funeral Information

DECEMBER 20, 2014: Legendary bottle man and Force Majeure passes…. Stay tuned for details. Richard Watson, FOHBC Historian for the past 23 years, is a Federation Life Member and was elected to the FOHBC Hall Of Fame in 1968. Dick has been collecting since 1959 was fortunate to know a number of the early collectors. He collects bottles of many types plus three mould decanters, patent models, fruit jars etc. He is also a longtime board member of Wheaton Arts, formerly Wheaton Village and he is a Board rep for the Museum Of American Glass where he is the Museum coordinator for annual FOHBC displays. He is the author of Bitters Bottles in 1965 and Bitters Bottle Supplement, 1968.

UPDATE: 01 January 2015: From Jim Bender yesterday… “I spoke to Steven (one of Dicks sons) yesterday and he is not sure about viewing or funeral dates for sure yet but they are thinking the 9th and 10th at this point. No other info at this time about that. Dick passed at home in peace with his family by his side. He had done well during Christmas and then got a cut on his foot which took him to the Hospital where he got pneumonia . They could not clear it up with his breathing issues and Dick made his own choice to go home. That was the way Dick always wanted it, to go with his stuff around him.” The FOHBC will be doing a reflection of Dick Watson piece in the next issue of Bottles and Extras. It will be led off by stories from some of Dick’s closest friends. Please consider sharing.

2015 Baltimore Antique Bottle Show Another Success

by Jim Bender

The 2015 Baltimore Bottle Show by the Baltimore Antique Bottle Club has come and gone over the weekend of March 8-9. As always the show was a huge success.

My weekend started off on Friday night with Linda and I having dinner with friends Ferdinand and Elizabeth Meyer, Jim and Val Berry and my newest friend Jerry Forbes from Carmel, California. Ferdinand led the way, taking us to Aldo’s in Little Italy.

Ferdinand was raised in Baltimore and knows the city. This is a good thing because other than Val Berry who also was raised in Baltimore, none of us had a clue where to go. The meal was a great place to visit and talk a bit about the FOHBC.

Saturday night the show was already packed with dealers and helpers setting up and carrying in their bottles. I have just as much fun on Saturday night as I do Sunday. I stop and talked to everyone I know. I have never stopped and really thought about all the great people this hobby has brought me to know. Linda tells me all the time, “You know everybody.” I really don’t, of course, but I am trying.

It was a bit bittersweet for me this year as our sales table moved over to Dick Watson’s spot. We had asked for that spot after Dick’s passing. Dick was a dear friend and I just wanted that spot. Many people spoke to me about Dick and I had a feeling he was glad I was sitting there. Dick loved the Baltimore show and never missed one, as far as I know.

If you have never gone to a Baltimore show, you are missing out on a yearly event second to none as far as a one-day show goes. There are people from all over the country as well as people from other countries. One would ask why people from another country would travel to Baltimore for a bottle show? The answer is because it is that good a show!

Sometime around noon, they made the announcement that the 1,000th admission ticket had been sold. Now that in itself is something. As I walked the floor, even at 2 p.m. they were still selling admission tickets. The club pulls this off every year with volunteers.

Shows are and always will be the backbone of our hobby. Clubs put on shows, members make clubs. Join your local club today. Or better yet join the FOHBC and make our hobby stronger.

Enclosed are photos of the show. Pictures can speak louder than
words.

Jim Bender, FOHBC Historian

Dave Maryo (left) talks with Michael George and Rick Ciralli.

John Pastor with American Glass Gallery talks with Charles Moore.

Some nice Harrison inks.

Three sizes of skull figural poisons at the Glass Works Auctions table.

Wheeler’s Berlin Bitters stoneware jug

Gary Katzen (Milk Glass King)

Gate Keepers were kept busy all day.

Jeff Burkhardt and Chattanooga Co-Chair Jack Hewitt (standing)

Heckler Auctions table. Norm Sr. and Jr. Heckler

2015 Hall of Fame nominee Adam Koch

Elizabeth Meyer and Val Berry at the FOHBC table.

Cone Ink display

Pre-Prohibition Baltimore display

Linda Sheppard and Jim Berry (seated)

Jim Hall (left)

Jim Hall table of goods

Scroll Flasks

Waiting for customers

Nice advertising pieces.

Jack Pelletier at his table (seated with hat)

Vintage soda bottles

Jim Hagenbuch talking with Jamie Houdeshell

Gorgeous Sarsaparilla bottle

Milk Bottles at the Manfredi table

(left to right) Michael George, Rick Ciralli and Jeff Noordsy

“Best of Show” ribbon for display on Embalming Bottles

FOHBC General Membership Meeting Breakfast

2015 Chattanooga National Antique Bottle Show (Info)

The FOHBC General Membership Meeting has been moved from Friday, 31 July 2015 to Saturday, morning, 01 August 2015 in the Marriott Plaza C room. A Breakfast for members will be served.

We also have an important Membership vote at this meeting. We will be voting on increasing dues, digital membership and life membership. Please read below. Click Notice below to enlarge.

FOHBC Members can come at 7:00 am if they chose and if they want to be first in line for the Buffet. The FOHBC Seminars follow from 9:00 am to noon in Marriott Plaza A & B.

The Chattanooga Marriott Convention Center Hotel will have their “American Dream Breakfast” which consists of sliced seasonal fruit, assorted breakfast breads, fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, cottage fried potatoes with peppers and onions and coffee, juices etc. There is no cost to FOHBC Members.

We hope to see you there!

Bottle Showroom Floor

2015 Mohawk Valley Antique Bottle Club Show Report

By Jim Bender

The Mohawk Valley Antique Bottle Club held its 21st bottle show last May 3rd at the Maennerchor located in Marcy, N.Y. This was the first time this location was used for the show. Over the years the club has been forced to move its show around because the places being used were sold or got way too expensive. As anyone who has put on a show knows, finding a location that fits all needs can be difficult.

The new location is a bit smaller than last year’s location, but loading and unloading were very easy and the food available was great. It was a sellout of about 60 sales tables. The club was forced to turn down some late contracts due to the sellout. It is suggested that next year everyone get their contracts in early. Holding off to the last minute just makes it hard on everyone.

There were dealers from all over N.Y. State set up. Everyone I spoke to was happy with their sales and had a good time. I always enjoy this show and get to see many of my friends here. The Mohawk club has four members who are also FOHBC board members: Me (Historian), Linda Sheppard (Membership Director), Jim Berry (Secretary) and Val Berry (Merchandise Director). We all help out with whatever we can when it comes to the hobby. If you like a great small show, join us all next year at the Mohawk Valley Antique Bottle Club Show.

As a side note, the word is out that FOHBC is bringing its national show back to the Northeast in 2017. Bob Strickhart and I will be co-chairs and we are planning a fantastic show for all in an exciting location that will be announced in the next week or so. Keep watch as details are released. We plan on seeing everyone there!

Barry Haynes and Mark Jackson visiting

Linda Sheppard standing watch at the Jim Bender table

Jim Berry (FOHBC Secretary)

Rick and Dee Weaver – Always a nice table of Clevenger and later glass

Jim Becker (left) and Ron Weir

Val Berry (FOHBC Merchandise Director) at the gate

Some great modern folk art hand painted bottles by Dick Aiken

Chris Davis from the Rochester Club

Alex Caiola – a face seen at most Northeast shows

Interesting go-with offered by Alex Caiola

Fran Hughes of the Albany Club visits with Jim Becker

2015 Chattanooga National Jug to be Raffled!

Now, here is some exciting news. Jim Bender, FOHBC Historian, has commissioned Jim Healy from Tribes Hill, New York to make a commemorative stoneware jug for the upcoming 2015 Chattanooga National Antique Bottle Show. Bender adds, “Jim made this jug for me at no cost what so ever. I donated the jug and Jim donated the skill to turn it into what we see today”. Jim picked it up this weekend and sent me a few pictures. I suspect we will sell raffle tickets for the piece. From the looks of it, every person that has seen it so far would like it in their home! Way to go Jim & Jim!

Some of you may remember the BOTTLES and EXTRAS story, “JIM HEALY, A man saving history one piece at a time” by Jim Bender in last years November-December 2014 issue. I thought I would share it with you. READ ARTICLE

Some of you may know that I spend quite a bit of time travelling for business. Sometimes, I can even tie in a weekend bottle show if I am fortunate. With all of the tools available, I can run my little world from my laptop and I-Pad, using the Internet, video meetings, cell phone, conference calls and e-mails. I know that this is not for everyone but it works for me. I don’t like down time so I make the best of my free time in hotels, taxis, airports, airplanes and Starbucks, my office away from office. I do miss my six dogs, though. I have not figured a way to have them with me yet.

Read More Below

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FOHBC General Membership Meeting Breakfast:

Marriott Plaza C, 7:30 to 8:30 am

10 minutes before the doors open at 7:00 am Saturday morning.

This was the first time that we had our annual FOHBC Membership Meeting in a breakfast format. Traditionally held on Friday afternoon, after the FOHBC Board meeting, we had noticed year after year, that the meeting was poorly attended. It wasn’t a big stretch to think that this was prior to many members arriving in town, and if they were in town, maybe they were sightseeing. We all know that if you have food, more will attend. Well, that was exactly our thought so we changed the meeting to 7:30 am and invited our members at 7:00 am for an “American Dream Breakfast” which consisted of sliced seasonal fruit, assorted breakfast breads, fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, cottage fried potatoes with peppers and onions and coffee, juices etc. We guesstimated and worried that too few, or too many would come. As it turned out, we sat about 110 members and the event was a huge success. This was important as we had some important news and voting to conduct. Oddly enough, two folks even came in and ate and left before the meeting. Oh, well.

The first arrivers, the early birds or the ones that want to get in line first at the buffet. The doors opened at 7:00 am. The meeting started at 7:30 am.

At promptly 7:30 am, the meeting started. As FOHBC president, I gave the members an overview of the FOHBC board meeting the day before, discussed the present show highlights. We next addressed the FOHBC “Next Generation” plan which was originally developed in March 2014.

Federation President, Ferdinand Meyer V gives an overview of the FOHBC Next Generation initiative.

Next Generation committee chair, Jim Bender, FOHBC Historian, explained that the board has been talking about FOHBC memberships and membership rates for about three years now. After research, it was determined that the Federation was just about breaking even financially with a membership that includes our 72-page magazine, BOTTLES and EXTRAS (76 pages with covers). Most clubs have discontinued the expensive printed magazine due again to printing costs and ever rising postal charges.

As a result, it was recommended that membership rates be increased as follows: Regular second class membership: $40 (was $30), second class membership: $55 (was $45), Canada membership: $60 (was $50), Other Countries: $80 (was $65), Clubs: $75 (same), 3-Year membership, second class: $110 (was $75), Digital membership: $25, (Associate membership will continue at $5; Not available with Life or Digital Membership). Discussion occurred and a vote was taken. Members present approved the cost increase unanimously.

There was also a vote to for Re-Institution of Life Membership. The committee has been working on this for quite some time. This type of membership has to appeal to everyone. Three possible levels of Life Membership were recommended. These levels were reviewed and discussed by Board members. The levels are as follows: Level 1: $1,000, Includes all benefits of a regular membership. No promise of a printed magazine for life. Level 2: $500, Includes all benefits of a regular membership but you will not receive a printed magazine, but rather a digital subscription. Note: In the future, a Level 1 could become a Level 2. Level 3: Earned or Honoree. The Board would have the option of bestowing an honorary Life Membership. This person would continue to join the FOHBC at the regular membership rate. The Board will determine how this honor is earned. Our membership voted and again this was unanimously approved.

Rate increases will occur on 01 September 2015 as will re-instituting Life Memberships.

THE BREAKFAST

*All photographs by Mallory Boyle

Federation Secretary, Jim Berry taking notes.

The line seemed to move rather quickly serving from both sides.

Fresh fruit, a nice way to start the day.

Assorted breakfast breads

It seems like most were in good spirits getting ready for a full day of antique bottles.

Tom and Mabel Hicks

Diggin’ in

About 110 capacity crowd.

Richard King (left) and Keith McIntyre

FOHBC board members Matt Lacy (left) and Andrew Vuono

Bob Watson takes a moment to pose

Western Region Director Eric McGuire and his wife Lisa.

The line went out the room at one point.

Rapt attention and thought.

Working the crowd

Ed Provine pouring coffee

All smiles for the camera

Friday Morning, 8:00 am – Noon – Marriott East Room

*Photographs by Mallory Boyle

With a strong turnout, as most of the 19 board members were present, the board meeting ran smoothly and four hours were up in a blink, it seemed. Our conference line was available for board members who could not make the trip. We started off with a full report on the Chattanooga Show with co-chairs John Joiner an Jack Hewitt and moved on to the 2016 National Antique Bottle Convention & Expo in Sacramento, Calif. Eric McGuire, Western Region Director, gave an update here. From there we moved to the 2017 National Antique Bottle Convention & Expo in Springfield, Mass. Co-Chair Jim Bender gave an update. If that was not enough show business, 2018 Midwest Region Co-Chairs Louis Fifer and Matt Lacy gave us an update on their work in securing a venue for the 2018 Convention. Looks like Cleveland, Ohio is a front runner here. Louis is also Conventions Director and stated that he is also fielding requests for information for our 2019 Southern Region Show.

From there we talked about finances, investments, membership, BOTTLES and EXTRAS, the Virtual Museum, merchandise, our web site and facebook page, Hall of Fame and Honor Roll, awards, history and next years board elections. A full plate you might say. I am just so proud here with the FOHBC board that we have in place now. Lots of strength in every corner and plenty of new ideas and open minds.

Semi-Annual FOHBC Board Meeting at Marriott East Room. Note intercom conference line in center and flat screen for projecting support imagery.

Chattanooga National Co-Chairs John Joiner (left) and Jack Hewitt check out the 108 page Souvenir Program.

Western Region Director, Eric McGuire (left) and Jim Bender (FOHBC Historian) (2017 Springfield Co-Chair).

Val Berry (FOHBC Merchandise Director) and Jim Berry (FOHBC Secretary) taking notes.

Louis Fifer (FOHBC Conventions Director)

ALL FOHBC Meeting Notes are posted online a few weeks or so after a meeting or conference call.

Steve Ketcham (left) (Director at Large), John Pastor (Director at Large) and Matt Lacy (Midwest Region Director).

Federation President, Ferdinand Meyer V

The Rolling Thunder Auction catalogs were passed out during the meeting.

Financial Reports, Auction Catalog, Meeting Agenda and Souvenir Program

A four hour meeting requires coffee, water and light snacks.

Linda Sheppard (FOHBC Membership Director) sitting next to Val Berry. Elizabeth Meyer (FOHBC Business Manager) and Gene Bradberry, Second Vice President (bottom).

2015 Chattanooga National Antique Bottle Show

The FOHBC Banquet & Awards: Marriott Plaza Ballroom A & B – 6:30 – 8:00 pm

*All Photographs by Mallory Boyle

The traditional cocktail party preceded the FOHBC Awards Banquet and as usual, was the place to rub shoulders, bend your elbow and catch up with your bottle friends from across the country. At 5:15 pm the ballroom doors opened to the music from Glenn Millers Chattanooga Choo-Choo. A great way to start the banquet. Seating was prompt and initial introductions and announcements were made by the show organizers and Federation president.

Three meal choices were served in preparation of the keynote banquet speaker Tom Hicks from Eatonton, Georgia. The great southern storyteller, who spoke on his “Adventures in the Hobby,” captivated everyone. Another highlight of the banquet was the FOHBC Hall of Fame award that was given to Ralph Finch from Farmington Hills, Michigan. Ralph engaged the crowd, as he usually does, with his colorful way of speaking and reminiscing about his many years in the hobby and his global quest and love of antique glass. Yes, he spoke about target balls too.

Banquet keynote speaker Tom Hicks.

FOHBC 2015 Hall of Fame recipient Ralph Finch

More awards were given to the Federation clubs which included, Club Newsletter, Greater Buffalo Bottle Collectors Association (Buffalo, N.Y.), THIRD PLACE, “Traveler’s Companion”, editor: Craig Maefs, Mohawk Valley Antique Bottle Club (Utica, N.Y.), SECOND PLACE, “Bottles Along the Mohawk”, editor: Jon Landers and the Ohio Bottle Club, FIRST PLACE, “The Ohio Swirl”, editors Phyllis and Adam Koch. For Show Flyer awards, Genesee Valley Bottle Collectors Association (Rochester, N.Y.), THIRD PLACE, designer Aaron Weber, Ohio Bottle Club, SECOND PLACE designers: Matt Lacy and Louis Fifer and North Star Historical Bottle Association (Minneapolis, Minn.), FIRST PLACE, designer Steve Ketcham. For Web Site awards: Genesee Valley Bottle Collectors Association, THIRD PLACE, James Bartholomew, webmaster, North Star Historical Bottle Association SECOND PLACE, Steve Ketcham, webmaster and Ohio Bottle Club, FIRST PLACE, Alan DeMaison, webmaster. The three Articles-Research/Information awards went to Mike Bryant, author, THIRD PLACE “How Well Do You Know Your Fellow Club Members?”, published in “The Bottleneck”, Mike Bryant, author SECOND PLACE “Aztec Brewery Murals”, published in “The Bottleneck” and Jack Sullivan, author, FIRST PLACE, “Uncovering Lima’s National Wine Company”, published in “The Ohio Swirl”. Best True Story awards: Mike Bryant, author, THIRD PLACE “Promoting Our Show in the West Indies and Cuba” published in “The Bottleneck”, Mike Bryant, author, SECOND PLACE “John Crihfield, The King of San Diego Breweriana” published in “The Bottleneck” and Ed Stewart, author, FIRST PLACE “Don’t Dig Up the Dead Dog” published in the “Oklahoma Territory News”. The Best Original Fictional Story awards went to Mike Bryant, author, SECOND PLACE “Ask Aunt Blabby”, published in “The Bottleneck” and Jim Bender, author, FIRST PLACE, “A Weekend to Remember” published in “Bottles and Extras”.

THIRD PLACE, “Traveler’s Companion”, editor: Craig Maefs, Mohawk Valley Antique Bottle Club (Utica, N.Y.)

Jack Sullivan, author, FIRST PLACE, “Uncovering Lima’s National Wine Company”, published in “The Ohio Swirl”.

Benny Baldwin picking up an award for the Ohio Bottle Club, FIRST PLACE, “The Ohio Swirl”, editors Phyllis and Adam Koch

Jim Berry accepting an award for the Mohawk Valley Antique Bottle Club (Utica, N.Y.)

North Star Historical Bottle Association SECOND PLACE, Steve Ketcham, webmaster

Mike Bryant, San Diego Bottle Club, winner of many awards.

Group picture of just a few of the FOHBC Club award winners. Left to right: Louis Fifer, Alan DeMaison, Phillis and Adam Koch, Jack Sullivan and Matt Lacy.

The special President’s Award was given to Jim Bender (Sprakers, N.Y.) for his outstanding service as FOHBC club Historian, his work in writing articles about the National Bottle Museum and The Bininger Man – Jack Pelletier and Michael Anderson – A Man with Everything Figural’d Out and his work with Bob Strickhart in securing a location for our 2017 National Antique Bottle Convention in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Jim Bender picking up the President’s Award

Ferdinand Meyer V receiving a Special Recognition Award from the FOHBC Board Members.

A special award was given to yours truly from the FOHBC board for outstanding service or something like that. This was a surprise as usually the president presides and lets all the great supporters do the work. Anyway, I was honored. Thank you. I told the crowd that my wife, grandkids and dogs were my bosses at home and that I reported to the membership and board of directors in my position. A lot of work but a lot of help. When you love what you do, it makes it so much easier.

Liz Maxbauer (left) winner of the Choo Choo Hat Contest. Alicia Booth was the judge awarding a Success to the Railroad historical flask in honor of her late husband Tom Booth. John Pastor on right.

Janet Finch, winner of a special drawing.

A special Success to the Railroad flask was given to the hat contest winner by Alicia Booth from Houston, Texas who donated the flask in honor of her late husband Tom Booth. Liz Maxbauer from New Hudson, Michigan won the award with what looked like a spur-of-the-moment concoction. Lastly, a $100 gift certificate was announced to be spent at the show and the “See Rock City” table centerpieces that were filled with sweets, were awarded to each table group with an “X” marked in tape on their chair leg. Pretty cool. A great evening that went too fast. Now we all pretty much scurried over to the Chattanooga Convention Center for the Battle of Chattanooga bottle competition.

People Spotting

Chattanooga National Co-Chair John Joiner and his wife Wanda.

Chattanooga National Co-Chair Jack Hewitt.

Tom & Mabel Hicks

Mike Newman

Federation Second Vice President, Past President and FOHBC 2013 Hall of Fame winner Gene Bradberry

Patsy Bradberry

Brenda and Sheldon Baugh (FOHBC First Vice President)

FOHBC Director at Large, John Pastor

2015 Chattanooga National

The Children’s Bottle Grab Bags

*All Photographs by Mallory Boyle

Federation Co-Chairs John Joiner and Jack Hewitt had a great idea to engage future young collectors at the recent FOHBC 2015 Chattanooga National. What child does not like to get a surprise present? Lined up beyond the Federation registration tables, outside of Hall A at the Chattanooga Convention Center, were boxes with dozens of bags containing antique bottles that John and Jack donated to the effort. These fellows had used the concept at their Atlanta Antique Bottle Show with grand success and tried it again here on a larger scale. The whole process was a resounding success as many children left with a gift that hopefully opened their eyes a little wider to our great hobby. You will see this again in Sacramento and Springfield, I hope.

Wow, a ladies leg whiskey bottle….

Dahlia Boyle, one of our youngest collectors, poses with Federation President, Ferdinand Meyer V. Dahlia had just opened one of the bottle, grab bags set up for children. Dahlia is the daughter of our photographer, Mallory Boyle and granddaughter to Jack Hewitt, one of the Co-Chairs for the Chattanooga National show.

Another youngster proudly shows off his new bottle that he pulled from the bottle grab bags.

Federation Board member Matt Lacy (Midwest Region) poses with his son Owen with his new bottle from the grab bags.

Wow, what a hot and dry summer so far! It was 107 degrees one day in Houston as we look forward to the relief of fall and some rain. Most of us are busy with life and of course, we had our recent 2015 National Antique Bottle Show in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was quite amazing as the temperatures seemed to subside for a few days to allow our visitors to enjoy the great city of Chattanooga.

Read More Below

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Time is just zooming by. Just when we finish one BOTTLES and EXTRAS issue or a Federation National Show, there is another to work on. Kind of like painting the Golden Gate Bridge, end-to-end each year. As soon as they finish they start again. Actually that is fiction. While painting is considered a primary maintenance task, only routine touch-ups are performed in the course of a year.

Read More Below

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Cleveland, Ohio to be the host city for the 2018 FOHBC National Antique Bottle Convention

The Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC) is thrilled to announce the 2018 FOHBC National Antique Bottle Convention in Cleveland, Ohio on August 3rd – 5th, 2018. This mega event promises to deliver in ways we haven’t seen before!

The Convention will take place at the Cleveland Convention Center in beautiful downtown Cleveland and the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center will be our host hotel next door to the Convention Center. The newly transformed downtown Cleveland is sure to deliver on a one of a kind experience featuring attractions such as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, Horseshoe Casino, Metroparks Zoo and Westside Market that are sure to entice collectors of all ages. See Video.

The revitalized Marriott Key Center Hotel is sure to exceed expectations with their sleek furnishings, stunning views of Lake Erie and breathtaking skylines. Rooms are $149 per night for the standard room and are located steps from the Convention Center.

Stay tuned to the FOHBC website for valuable updates and the link to make your hotel room reservation along with information on contracts (available summer 2017), events, seminars, bottle competition, live auction, banquet, membership breakfast and displays.

We’re looking forward to making our destination Cleveland in 2018!

Louis Fifer
FOHBC Conventions Director

The 2016 Little Rhody Bottle Show & Sale

by Jim Bender | FOHBC Historian

This past weekend, good friend Jim Berry and I were able to attend the 45th annual Little Rhody Bottle Show & Sale. We attend the show every year as long as the weather stays good. It takes us about 4 hours to get there, but we don’t mind as it is a great time to visit and joke around which is a must for me on any trip.

This year the show moved to its new location because the old location was sold. The Holiday Inn located on Myles Standish Boulevard, Taunton, Mass., proved to be a great location. The Holiday Inn is right off the exit and very easy to find. There is plenty of parking and easy in and out with boxes. I was told they even got discounts on rooms for people staying the night before or after the show.

Bill Rose, who is president of the club, served as show chairman. He did a great job with the show getting a new location and making it all happen. Shows are not an easy thing to pull off and many times just a handful of people do all the work. It is up to us the collecting community to support these shows and let the people putting them on that we support their hard work.

Bill’s hard work paid off as the place was packed full of dealers and buyers. Brian Wade joked with me to say, “nice to see the bottle community came out of hibernation.”

There were just over 70 sales tables with 50 dealers coming from six different states. At last count around 1 p.m., they had just over 300 paid admissions. That’s not bad for a show held in the Northeast in January. This club has been doing the hobby a service since 1970. They hold a monthly meeting the second Tuesday of each month except July and August. They also offer an internet news letter. Dues are $15 a year. If you would like to join, check out their web site at littlerhodybottleclub.org

For me, most of the fun at the shows is visiting with friends. Once again the questions quickly went to the FOHBC 2017 Springfield National Antique Bottle Convention & Expo. I thanked Maureen Crawford for the great job she and Mike George did with the FOHBC 2013 Manchester National Antique Bottle Show. Manchester is clearly the springboard for Bob Strickhart and I to go bigger and better. The Manchester show was such a hit in the Northeast, people are just waiting on the edge of their seats for another great event. Bob and I plan on giving them all that they want and more.

I had a chance to visit briefly with good friend Marc Vuono about his role in Springfield. Marc will be doing one of our seminars on flasks. We will call it Flasks 101 and Marc will talk about the numbering system and how you can tell what you have. This is a seminar you do not want to miss.

I had a chance to thank Mike George for signing on to Team Springfield, as I call it. Bob had spoken to Mike about heading up the seminars and Mike was ready to join the team. Mike also will be doing a seminar about New England glass houses.

Let’s face it, folks: I always say support your shows no matter how big or small. I look forward to seeing you at the next one and be sure to stop me and say hi.

Art Gueguen Jr. getting ready to sell.

The Bininger Man – Jack Pelletier and his wife enjoy the show.

Richard Carney showing one of his many creations.

One of Richard Carney’s works of art. The bottles he uses are of course all damaged before he gives them a new life.

Norm Heckler Jr. on hand to support the show.

Carl Pratt always ready to support a Northeast show.

Maureen Crawford one of the Co-Chairs of the great FOHBC Manchester, New Hampshire National Antique Bottle Show

Always nice to see a crowded show room

Wes and Diane Seaman, part of the original founders of the Little Rhody Club.

Always trying to get the kids involved.

Brain Wade enjoying the hobby and visiting.

No New England show is complete without a signed Patriots football.

Generals House Reception

Lions Gate Hotel, Generals House Reception, Thursday evening, August 4th 2016, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, Sponsored by American Bottle Auctions and Peachridge Glass at the historic Lions Gate Hotel Generals House. This event is for dealers who have bought tables, their assistants, displayers, seminar givers and those with early admission passes at the FOHBC 2016 Sacramento National Antique Bottle Convention & Expo

Club newsletter announcing the FOHBC talk by Jim Bender

Mohawk Valley Bottle Club Supports the FOHBC

On Monday, March 14, 2016, I did a talk on the history of the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors (FOHBC) at the Mohawk Valley Antique Bottle Clubs monthly meeting. Ron Weir had asked me a month or so ago if I would be interested in speaking on the Federations history. Of course I said, and I was willing and excited to do so.

Ron told me that he also wanted to give away five free memberships to the FOHBC that night to be paid for by their Mohawk Valley Antique Bottle Club. This was music to my ears. The Federation supports all member clubs in whatever way we can. The Mohawk Club has been a member of the FOHBC for years and continues to find ways to support us too. I can only hope that other clubs will follow this lead and raffle off or give memberships to the FOHBC to their club members.

The past four or five years, the FOHBC has grown and once again has become an important part of antique bottle and glass collecting. The FOHBC had become somewhat tired over the years and a bit outdated. The current President, Ferdinand Meyer V, brought new life back into the organization. His personal drive and design work has become evident with his tenure on the board. BOTTLES and EXTRAS, as well as the FOHBC web site you see today is all due to his hard work.

Many new board members have come on board. How could they not chip in and help? Today the FOHBC Board of Directors is one of the best we have had in years and all have a common goal to make the hobby stronger and everlasting. Also, our National Antique Bottle events are getting back to what they were in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Great team work!

I am also proud to say that my co-chairman, Bob Strickhart and I are on the way to making the FOHBC National Antique Bottle Convention in 2017 in Springfield, Massachusetts every bit as good as the old Expo’s so many people talk about. This event will put FOHBC national shows back on the map.

Every single show I go to, people ask me when they can get their contracts? I have had people come up to me and tell me they have not set up at a show in years but plan on doing Springfield in 2017. This is something all Convention Directors and National Show-Chairs dream of hearing. Contracts for Springfield will be available online 10 days before the FOHBC 2016 Sacramento National Antique Bottle Convention.

I hope to see some of you in Sacramento at the Springfield 2017 table and I will have contracts and information packets. Keep watch for some special dealer incentives too. Folks, mark your calendar and plan on coming. I can tell you this is an event you do not want to miss. Once again I would like to thank the Mohawk Valley Antique Bottle Club for their support. My next stop will be at the Ithaca Bottle Club meeting sometime this summer. I have also been invited to speak on the FOHBC and look forward to the presentation. Remember, support the FOHBC, we support you!

Jim Bender
FOHBC Historian
FOHBC 2017 Co Chairman Springfield Convention

Jim Bender starts off with the year 1969 explaining the first FOHBC logo and commemorative bottle. You can see the bottle on the table.

Mohawk Club members looking at the FOHBC history display before the meeting starts.

Jim Bender explains the major changes in the FOHBC bi-monthly BOTTLES and EXTRAS and how the 72-page magazine, plus covers is in full color.

Some of the 30 to 35 people who typically attend the monthly club meeting.

FOHBC Membership Director Linda Sheppard awards Ron Weir with his new free membership to the FOHBC.

FOHBC Membership Director Linda Sheppard awards Yvonne Wall with her new free membership to the FOHBC.

FOHBC Membership Director Linda Sheppard awards Carol Blenis with her new free membership to the FOHBC.

FOHBC Membership Director Linda Sheppard awards Doris Harf with her new free membership to the FOHBC.

FOHBC Membership Director Linda Sheppard awards Jim Strickler with his new free membership to the FOHBC.

Amelia Weeden didn’t win a membership but was very happy to celebrate her birthday with the club. Amelia and her husband Dan have overseen the refreshments for the club for years. Thanks Guys!