Hall of Fame

The Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame was officially established in 1991. The honorees are individuals who have made a major positive impact in the collecting, preservation and/or education of stoneware and pottery made by Red Wing companies. These members are nominated by the membership and voted on by the Board of Directors. Inductees are given a plaque and recognized with a ceremony typically during the RWCS Convention Annual Business Meeting. A plaque is also placed on display in the Society office in Red Wing.

If there is someone you feel should be nominated to the Hall of Fame, please contact the RWCS Historian or the RWCS Business Office for more information.

Lyndon C. Viel - 1991

Lyndon C. Viel of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Red Wing Collectors Society Member #1, was inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame July 5, 1991 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Author of The Clay Giants, The Clay Giants Book 2 and The Clay Giants Book 3
  • Author of numerous articles in national publications
  • Speaker and promoter of Red Wing at meetings of other antique clubs and organizations
  • Frequent speaker at convention events and educational seminars
  • Frequent contributor to the RWCS newsletter
  • A guiding light and spokesman in the early years of the RWCS
  • Encouraged RWCS support of the Goodhue County Historical Society Museum

Lyndon Viel’s article in the August 1976 issue of the Antique Trader provided the spark that brought collectors of Red Wing stoneware together.  The release of Viel’s book, The Clay Giants was the focal point for the first RWCS Convention in 1977.  He enthusiastically shared his knowledge and speculations about the products of the Red Wing Stoneware industry; His books reflect the joy and adventure he found in his pursuit of Red Wing.  Lyndon Veil’s contributions were key ingredients in the formation and growth of the RWCS.

David Newkirk - 1997

David Newkirk of Monticello, Minnesota, Red Wing Collectors Society Member #3, inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame this eleventh day of July, 1997 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Instrumental in founding the RWCS
  • President RWCS 1977-1981
  • Convention committee for 1st and 2nd RWCS conventions
  • Publisher and editor of first RWCS newsletter
  • Author of numerous articles in national publications
  • Author of Red Wing Dinnerware and 2 editions of Guide to Red Wing Markings
  • Chair of the Membership Committee for several years

David Newkirk started collecting Red Wing jars and pottery in 1972 and still is an avid collector. His extensive collection consists of a variety of stoneware and dinnerware.  He specializes in 2 gallon jars and dinnerware “lunch hour” pieces. David realized the importance of and necessity of an organization where collectors could get together and expand their collections and knowledge of Red Wing products. This led to the founding of RWCS. His articles in the Red Wing newsletter not only provided valuable information to collectors; but also generated overall interest for beginning collectors.

Dennis A. Yaeggi – 1997

Dennis A. Yaeggi of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Red Wing Collectors Society member #745, was inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame on July 11, 1997 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Past President of Wisconsin Chapter
  • Vice President RWCS 1989-1991
  • President RWCS 1991-1992
  • Promoted educational awareness of RWCS
  • Dedicated collector and friend of RWCS

Dennis was an enthusiastic collector of Salt Glaze and Advertising Stoneware. Dennis would be seen at flea markets and auctions as he continued to pursue stoneware for his private collection, or assist in completed the collections of other RWCS members. As an officer of the RWCS, he was instrumental in securing the purchase of the Swenson Collection. His good nature and hard work toward the preservation of Red Wing Stoneware are among the many contributions for which he will always be remembered.

Stanley J Bougie - 1999

Stanley J. Bougie of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Red Wing Collectors Society member #231, inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame July 9, 1999 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Vice President RWCS 1984-1989
  • Convention Committee Co-Chairs RWCS 1981
  • Co-Author of Red Wing Dinnerware 1980
  • Frequent speaker at RWCS Convention events and educational seminars
  • Master of Ceremonies at numerous Convention banquets
  • RWCS Newsletter Contributor

Stan worked at the Red Wing Potteries Saint Paul Branch store from 1951 until the closing of the potteries in 1967. He has generously shared his insider knowledge of the company and the wares produced during this period with his fellow collectors. He collaborated with David Newkirk to produced the book Red Wing Dinnerware, which stirred interest in Red Wing Dinnerware and served for nearly two decades as the sole reference for collectors. Stan’s wit, sense of humor, knowledge and easygoing nature have made him an annual choice to serve as speaker or master of ceremonies at RWCS events.

Dan DePasquale - 1999

Dan DePasquale of Norfolk, Nebraska, Red Wing Collectors Society Member #165,  inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame July 9, 1999 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Charter Member, RWCS
  • President of RWCS 1984-1991
  • Presenter at numerous RWCS convention seminars
  • Promoted educational awareness of RWCS
  • Author of numerous articles in RWCS publications
  • Co-Author Red Wing Stoneware and Red Wing Collectibles

Dan DePasquale is a Charter Member of the Red Wing Collectors Society and still an avid collector. Dan authored numerous articles for the RWCS newsletter and was a frequent presenter at seminars at the annual RWCS Convention. He served as President of RWCS from 1984 to 1991. Perhaps Dan’s most significant contribution is her co-authorship of the two definitive books on Red Wing stoneware and Red Wing collectibles.

Gail Peck - 1999

Gail Peck of Grand Island, Nebraska, Red Wing Collectors Society Member #165, inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame this July 9, 1999 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Charter Member, RWCS
  • Educational Chairperson (Board of Directors) 1983-1988
  • Frequent banquet speaker
  • Frequent Convention seminar presenter
  • Contributor of numerous Red Wing articles for the RWCS newsletter and other national antique publications
  • Red Wing seminar presenter for numerous other antique organizations
  • Co-Author Red Wing Stoneware and Red Wing Collectibles

Gail was an original Charter Member of the Red Wing Collectors Society. She has contributed countless hours to the RWCS, both as a member of the Board of Directors, frequent banquet speaker and Convention seminar presenter. In addition, she has written numerous articles for the RWCS newsletter, as well as other antique publications. Perhaps Gail’s most significant contribution is her co-authorship of the two definitive books on Red Wing stoneware and Red Wing collectibles.

Larry Peterson – 1999

Larry Peterson of Farmington, Minnesota, Red Wing Collectors Society member #140, inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame this July 9, 1999 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Charter Member, RWCS
  • Educational Chairperson (Board of Directors) 1992-1996
  • Frequent speaker at RWCS Convention events and Educational seminars
  • Display room contributors at numerous RWCS Conventions
  • Past President of the Cannon Valley Chapter 1990-1991
  • Co-Author Red Wing Stoneware and Red Wing Collectibles

Larry Peterson is a Charter Member of the Red Wing Collectors Society and is still an avid collector. Larry is nationally recognized as an authority on Red Wing Pottery. Through his collecting contact, he has been a frequent banquet speaker and Convention seminar presenter. Larry has served as the RWCS Educational chairperson 1992 to 1995. Perhaps Larry’s most significant contribution to the RWCS is a Co-Author of Red Wing Stoneware and Red Wing Collectibles.

Gary and Bonnie Tefft – 1999

Gary and Bonnie Tefft of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Red Wing Collectors Society member #255, were inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame July 9, 1999 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Gary: Vice President RWCS 1981-1985
  • Bonnie: RWCS Historian 1981-1991
  • Gary & Bonnie: Commemorative Chairpersons (Board of Directors) 1981-1991
  • Gary & Bonnie: Presenters and numerous education seminars and other society functions
  • Published Red Wing Potters and Their Wares

Gary and Bonnie Tefft became members of the RWCS in August of 1977. From the beginning, they have been dedicated to discovering the history of Red Wing’s pottery industry. Equal to that determination has been their eagerness to share that knowledge and preserve it’s memory for posterity. Together they have authorized dozens of articles for the RWCS Newsletter. Each has been a speaker at numerous educational seminars and other presentation before Society audiences and other antique societies. They have written and published Red Wing Potters and their Wares, commonly recognized to be the stander reference on the history of early products of Red Wing’s Pottery industry.

Jerry Flicek - 2000

Jerry Flicek of New Prague, Minnesota, Red Wing Collectors Society Member #393, inducted in the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame July 17, 2000 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Instrumental in governing the Red Wing Collectors Society, Inc.
  • Treasurer RWCS 1983-2000
  • Member of the RWCS Vision Committee
  • Instrumental in establishing the RWCS Foundation.

Jerry, Working with 6 RWCS presidents, managed the growth of the RWCS Treasury from Less than $100. (handed to him in paper bag) to more than $500,000 in annual revenues.  His quiet leadership and dedication to the ideals of the Red Wing Collectors Society has been an invaluable service to both the organization and its membership. Jerry Flicek’s contributions were key to the consistent growth enjoyed by the RWCS.

Helen Bell - 2001

Helen Bell of Red Wing, Minnesota, Red Wing Collectors Society, Society Member #109, inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame July 13, 2001 in recognition of these life time achievements:

  • Publicity Committee Chairman 1984-1990
  • Frequent speaker and convention events
  • Long-time convention volunteer
  • Dedicated Collector and friend of the RWCS

Helen Bell has provided the RWCS and its membership with unique perspective regarding the memories of growing up in a pottery family. Helen’s cheerful presence as a Convention volunteer has been noteworthy, her unwavering commitment and dedication to the RWCS exemplified the high ideals of the organization.

Diane and Dave Hallstrom - 2003

Diane and Dave Hallstrom of Red Wing, Minnesota, Red Wing Collectors Society Member #1237A & 1237, inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame  July 11, 2003 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Active RWCS members since 1981
  • RWCS Board of Directors – Convention Committee Co-Chairpersons – 1990 to 1997
  • RWCS 20th Anniversary Committee Chairperson, Diane 1995-1997
  • Initial MidWinter GetTogether organizers – 1996
  • Display Room Contributors at multiple RWCS Annual Conventions
  • RWCS Foundation Officers – 2002 to present
  • Charter Members – Gopher Chapter, Dave past President

Diane and Dave Hallstrom were the driving force behind saving the architectural star from the original North Star Stoneware Company Building before demolition in 1993. The star is now the centerpiece of the North Star Historical Monument dedicated in 1996. Diane and Dave were also members of the committee that formed the RWCS Foundation in 2000 and were the driving force to bringing a permanent Red Wing Pottery Museum to the Pottery Place Mall. Their hard work and dedication has made these two important visions a reality.

Ron Linde - 2003

Ron Linde of Northfield, Minnesota, Red Wing Collectors Society Member #1453, inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame this July 11, 2003 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Active RWCS member since 1981
  • Frequent RWCS Newsletter contributor and consultant
  • Education Day presenter at multiple RWCS Annual Conventions
  • Mid-Winter GetTogether Speaker
  • Display room contributor at multiple RWCS Annual Conventions
  • RWCS Foundation Officer – 2002 to present
  • Minnesota Art Pottery Association – Past President

Ron is a recognized authority in the history and development of the art pottery produced by Red Wing. His published original research regarding art pottery shape numbers has been a key advancement in cataloging the multitude of Red Wing art pottery shapes. In the early 1990’s, Ron performed and recorded interviews with Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Murphy to capture their unique perspectives regarding the design of Red Wing wares. Through research, display, and speaking opportunities, Ron has shared his knowledge of art pottery. Through these actions, he has become a worthy ambassador of the Red Wing Collectors Society.

Richard and Nancy Houghton - 2005

Richard and Nancy Houghton of Red Wing, Minnesota.  Red Wing Collectors Society Members #1703 & 1703A inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame July 8, 2005 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Joined RWCS in 1983
  • Served as the RWCS Convention Auctioneers Since 1984
  • Numerous Volunteer Positions at the RWCS Conventions
  • Education Seminar Speakers at the Convention
  • Kids View Volunteers and Auctioneer
  • Served as RWCS Chapter Officers

Richard and Nancy worked the RWCS Convention Auction gratis for many years and continue to volunteer their time and energies to promote the RWCS. To the benefit of the entire RWCS Membership, Houghton’s Auction Service has gaveled millions of dollars of Red Wing items over the years. In summation, their contributions to the RWCS “are too numerous to mention.”

Con and Sandy Short - 2005

Be it known that because Sandy and Con Short of Beach, ND Red Wing Collectors Society Members #692, inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame this July 8, 2005 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Joined RWCS in 1979
  • Display Room Contributors and Peoples Choice Award Winners
  • Numerous Volunteer Positions at RWCS Conventions
  • Served at RWCS Chapter Officers
  • Board of Directors – Sandy
    1991- 1996 West Representative
    1996 – 2004 Education Manager
  • Con – Keynote Speaker at MidWinter Get-Together
  • Con has been a Education Seminar Speaker at numerous RWCS Summer Conventions and MidWinter Get-Togethers.

In addition to their many RWCS Contributions, Sandy and Con Short were founding members of the North Dakota Pottery Collector Society, created in 1990. Con served as its first President while Sandy served as its first Membership Chairperson. The RWCS is delighted to welcome Sandy and Con Short into the RWCS Hall of Fame.

Jerry and Louise Schleich – 2007

Jerry and Louise Schleich of Lincoln, Nebraska, Red Wing Collectors Society Members #3598, have made significant contributions to the Red Wing Collectors Society.  Jerry and Louise are hereby inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame this 13th day of July, 2007 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Joined the RWCS in 1988
  • Jerry served as RWCS Treasurer
  • Both served as Southwest Chapter officers
  • Both served as Nebraska Chapter officers
  • Both were members of a number of other state Chapters
  • Jerry served as a founding Board member of the RWCS Foundation
  • Louise served as a RWCS Foundation Board Member
  • Both have presented Educational seminars and supported Keynote addresses during RWCS Conventions.

In addition to their many RWCS contributions, Jerry and Louise Schleich have established a Red Wing Pottery Museum in their hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska. This comprehensive collection of both Red Wing products and associated documentation has greatly enhanced our understanding and appreciation of the wares produced in Red Wing. The RWCS is delighted to welcome both Jerry and Louise Schleich into the RWCS Hall of Fame.

Dennis Nygaard - 2011

Dennis Nygaard of Hastings, Minnesota, Red Wing Collectors Society Members #1111, inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame this July 8, 2011 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Joined the RWCS in 1981
  • Member of the Gopher Chapter, serving as President 2006 – 2010
  • Educational Seminar presenter at Convention and Midwinter since the early 1980′s.
  • Frequent participant in the RWCS Display Room
  • Member of the Cannon Valley Red Wing Collectors and Gopher Chapter,

For many years, Dennis has uncovered and retrieved significant numbers of pottery shards from the factory dump sites. This “Dump Digging” has verified a number of pieces not previously attributed to Red Wing. Dennis has researched and educated our membership to these important findings in various ways. Dennis’ sharing of his discoveries has greatly enhanced our understanding and appreciation of the wares produced in Red Wing.  The RWCS is delighted to welcome Dennis Nygaard into the RWCS Hall of Fame.

Steve Showers – 2011

Steve Showers of Welch, Minnesota, Red Wing Collectors Society Members #353, inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame this July 8, 2011 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Joined the RWCS in 1978
  • Convention Educational Seminar presenter since 1978
  • Donor to the Kids’ View seminars
  • Donor to the Red Wing Collectors Society Foundation Museum
  • Member of the Cannon Valley Red Wing Collectors Chapter, Gopher Chapter, Iowa Chapter, and Southwest Redwingers
  • Frequent host of local Chapter meetings.

For many years, Steve has uncovered and retrieved significant numbers of pottery shards from the factory dump sites. This “Dump Digging” has verified a number of pieces not previously attributed to Red Wing. Steve has researched and educated our membership to these important findings in various ways. Steve’s sharing of his discoveries has greatly enhanced our understanding and appreciation of the wares produced in Red Wing. The RWCS is delighted to welcome Steve Showers into the RWCS Hall of Fame.

Terry Moe – 2014

Terry Moe of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Red Wing Collectors Society Member #5933 inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame this 11th day of July, 2014 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Joined the RWCS in 1991
  • Convention and MidWinter Educational Seminar presenter since 1999
  • Donor to the Red Wing Collectors Society Foundation Museum
  • Member of the RWCS Iowa Chapter
  • RWCS Website Ask the Experts dinnerware expert
  • Numerous RWCS Newsletter articles
  • Co-Author of RWCS Newsletter series “Intro to Dinnerware”

Terry Moe has tirelessly researched original Red Wing Pottery dinnerware source documents. His research has been published in RWCS Newsletter articles and other publications. Terry co-authored with Larry Roschen the RWCS Newsletter article series “Intro to Dinnerware” which has become the current cornerstone of Red Wing Dinnerware knowledge. In addition, Terry has shared his knowledge with RWCS membership through numerous Dinnerware Educational Seminars at both RWCS Convention and MidWinter. Terry’s commitment to advancing members dinnerware knowledge has greatly enhanced and expanded the RWCS members understanding and appreciation of the dinnerware produced in Red Wing. The RWCS is delighted to welcome Terry Moe into the RWCS Hall of Fame.

Larry Roschen – 2014

Larry Roschen of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Red Wing Collectors Society Member #949, inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame this 11th day of July, 2014 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Joined the RWCS in 1980
  • Convention Educational Seminar presenter since the mid 1980’s
  • RWCS Commemorative Manager 1993-2000
  • RWCS Foundation Board Member 2009- Present
  • Donor to the Red Wing Collectors Society Foundation Museum
  • Gopher Chapter member since 1980
  • Gopher Chapter President 1984-1986, Commemorative Manager 1990-1992 and 2001-2011, Vice President 2002-2006, Secretary 2006 – Present
  • Founding RWCS Website Ask the Expert for Dinnerware since 2005
  • RWCS Newsletter Contributor
  • Co-Author of RWCS Newsletter series “Intro to Dinnerware”

Larry Roschen’s curation and research of original Red Wing Pottery source documents has uncovered significant findings about Red Wing Dinnerware. He has shared this information in the RWCS Newsletter and other publications. Larry co-authored with Terry Moe the RWCS Newsletter article series “Intro to Dinnerware” which has become the current cornerstone of Red Wing Dinnerware knowledge. In addition, he has shared his knowledge through countless Dinnerware educational seminars at both Convention and MidWinter. Larry’s responses to the RWCS “Ask the Experts” web service have become a web- based reference for Red Wing Dinnerware. By sharing his knowledge he greatly enhanced the understanding and appreciation of the dinnerware produced in Red Wing. The RWCS is delighted to welcome Larry Roschen into the RWCS Hall of Fame.

Wendy Callicoat – 2015

Wendy Callicoat of Seneca, Missouri, Red Wing Collectors Society Member #7961, has made significant contributions to the Red Wing Collectors Society. Wendy is hereby inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame this 10th day of July, 2015 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Joined the Red Wing Collectors Society in 1995
  • RWCS MidWinter Registration Volunteer 1996-1999
  • RWCS Convention Registration Chairperson 1996-1998
  • RWCS Convention Volunteer 1996-2015
  • RWCS Vice President 1998-2006
  • Co-Founded KidsView of Red Wing 1999
  • Co-Chaired KidsView of Red Wing 1999-2012
  • RWCS 25th Anniversary Convention Committee Member 2002
  • RWCS Newsletter Contributor
  • RWCS 35th Anniversary Convention Chairperson 2012
  • Developed and Implemented RWCS Convention Crockfest Event 2012
  • Developed and Implemented RWCS Young Collectors Club 2012-2014
  • RWCS Foundation Donor
  • Developed and Chaired RWCS Foundation Event “Wine-ing” for Red Wing 2011-2015
  • Founding Member Friends of the Pottery Museum of Red Wing 2014
  • Trails West Chapter Charter Member

Wendy Callicoat attended her first RWCS Convention the same year she became a member. She began her legacy of volunteerism shortly thereafter, impacting every task with her energy and creativity. Wendy and Sue Jones Tagliapietra co-founded KidsView of Red Wing in 1999 and together they developed a program that in time would encourage hundreds of children to develop an appreciation of the Red Wing clay industry. Every event Wendy has had a role in creating, implementing and planning, including Crockfest and “Wine-ing” for Red Wing, demonstrates her event planning expertise. The Red Wing Collectors Society is delighted to welcome Wendy Callicoat into the RWCS Hall of Fame.

Sue Jones Tagliapietra – 2015

Sue Jones Tagliapietra of Madison, Wisconsin, Red Wing Collectors Society Member #3732, has made significant contributions to the Red Wing Collectors Society.  Sue is hereby inducted into the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame this 10th day of July, 2015 in recognition of these lifetime achievements:

  • Joined the Red Wing Collectors Society in 1988
  • RWCS Convention Volunteer for Registration and Shared Interest Groups
  • RWCS Newsletter Advisory Board 1997-2000
  • RWCS Secretary 1998-2003
  • RWCS Newsletter Contributor
  • Co-Founded KidsView of Red Wing 1999
  • Co-Chaired KidsView of Red Wing 1999-2013
  • RWCS President 2004-2009
  • Founded and Chaired MidWinter GetTogether Kids View 2007-2013
  • RWCS Foundation Board Member 2010-2013
  • RWCS Foundation Donor
  • Founding Member Friends of the Pottery Museum of Red Wing 2014
  • Wisconsin Chapter Member since 2000
  • Badger Chapter Charter Member

Sue Jones Tagliapietra has served the RWCS in many areas with her contagious enthusiasm and cheerful attitude. Her joy of  RWCS friendships carried over into her leadership skills during her tenure as President of  RWCS. Sue and Wendy Callicoat co-founded KidsView of Red Wing in 1999 and together they developed a program that in time would encourage hundreds of children to develop an appreciation of the Red Wing clay industry. Sue expanded KidsView activities to the MidWinter GetTogether in 2007. Sue’s commitment to the KidsView program, leadership of  RWCS and her positive outlook and inclusive personality have been appreciated by many. The Red Wing Collectors Society is delighted to welcome Sue Jones Tagliapietra into the RWCS Hall of Fame.