Red Wing, MN – Terry Moe and Larry Roschen were inducted in to the Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame at the 2014 Convention during the Annual Business Meeting on Friday, July 11.

Terry Moe and Larry Roschen were recognized for their contribution in the area of Red Wing Dinnerware 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 during the RWCS Convention Annual Business Meeting.

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 11^th 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 11^th 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.

The RWCS Hall of Fame inductees can be seen on the Hall of Fame Page.

The 2014 Red Wing Collectors Society Commemorative is a Success Filter with lid. First produced in Red Wing in 1894, they came in two sizes – 4 gallons for home use and 10 gallons for hotel use. The upper crock contains a natural stone filter that collects the impurities in the water, thus leaving the user with clean water in the bottom crock. Production of filters was phased out in the 1930s.

The RWCS produced three different versions of its commemorative in 2014. Version A is zinc glazed and decorated with a RWCS ad and red wing. Version B is salt glazed with a cobalt ad. Version C is the seldom seen blue sponged Success Filter.

Version A is 90% of total production, Version B is 9% and Version C is 38 pieces to match the Convention’s anniversary. Members did not know which version they received until opening their box at Convention or receiving it in the mail.

The lower crock is ink-stamped “RWCS July 10-12, 2014” on the bottom. The crocks were cast in a four-piece mold and the lid was pressed. The decorative toggling on the crocks was built into the mold. All commemoratives were produced by the Red Wing Stoneware Co. The Version B pieces were salt glazed at Red Wing Pottery. Both potteries are under single ownership. This is only the second time in the history of the club that the commemorative was made in Red Wing. The first time was 2007. There were no potteries actively producing stoneware in Red Wing when the club started in 1977.

For the second-straight year, the RWCS also offered an accessory piece that could be purchased only by members who attended the Convention. The 2014 accessory piece is a stoneware riser with decorative toggling that the Success Filter rested on top of, allowing users to fit a mug under its spigot when dispensing water. It was produced by the Red Wing Stoneware Co. and cast in a six-piece mold. A limited number of risers were made in zinc glaze, salt glaze and blue sponge.

The RWCS Special Commemorative is a German Spittoon. Eighteen spittoons were hand-turned on the wheel. The toggling was applied by hand. Half the spittoons are zinc glazed and half are salt glazed. All have an Albany slip interior and all are ink-stamped “RWCS July 10-12, 2014”. The zinc pieces were given away to display winners. The salt glaze version was used for prizes and various drawings. One of each was also silent auctioned in the Commemorative Room during Convention.

A limited number of filters were also specially made for KidsView. The pieces are zinc glaze and have various color handprints randomly stamped on them. The pieces were auctioned and proceeds went to KidsView.

2014 Convention Crock Hunt

Starts Friday, July 4

Turn in your form on Saturday, July 12

at the CONVENTION SHOW AND SALE

DOWNLOAD AND START TODAY!

2014 Convention Attendees!

We are just a week away from the Convention and the grand opening of the Pottery Museum of Red Wing! I am sure many of you are already packing your bags and cars right now.

The RWCS Website and the Convention Supplement are your sources for all your convention information. Here are the links to plan your Convention Experience:

Schedule

Updates

Crock Hunt – Starts Friday, July 4 until Saturday, July 12

Checking out the City of Red Wing shops, eateries and sights? Many of them are on the Crock Hunt. Join the fun! Download the form, grab the supplement, or pick one up at the sites. No matter how many sites you get to you will be included in the prize drawings

Wednesday, July 9

• 7:00 am RWCS Board Meeting – NEW LOCATION – Pottery Place Annex (watch for signs)
• 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Pre-registered pick up inside Pottery Place Annex
• RWCS Foundation Events
• 5:45pm  Pottery Museum Grand Opening Ribbon cutting
• 6:00 pm– 9:00pm – WINE-ing for Red Wing, FRIEND-raising Pottery Museum of Red Wing

Thursday, July 10

• Hands on Pottery Classes at Red Wing High School – With Richard Spiller $40 – spots still available
• Keynote: Pottery Museum of Red Wing presented by RWCS Foundation special presenter Louise Schleich
• Visit the Vault – Goodhue County Historical Society behind the scenes tour
• 1:00 – 4:00 TWO Commemorative Distribution locations Red Wing High School and Red Wing Stoneware (you must have your badge and voucher to pick up at Red Wing Stoneware)

Friday, July 11

• Hands on Pottery Classes at Red Wing High School – With Richard Spiller $40 – spots still available
• Crock Fest sponsored by Red Wing Pottery and Red Wing Stoneware – 5pm to 9pm – Central Park, Downtown Red Wing
  Limited edition Crock Fest Pieces available from Red Wing Pottery and Red Wing Stoneware in the Park

Other Convention information links:

• About the Event Page
• Auction – Thursday
• Kids View – Thursday and Friday
• Young Collectors – Thursday and Friday
• Education – Great New sessions offered this year on Friday
• Shared Interest Groups – connect with other collectors stop in the cafeteria Thursday afternoon!
• Display – Check them out every day of the Convention
• Show and Sale – Saturday Morning
• Banquet – Saturday Night at the Pottery Museum– tickets still available
  -   5:30 Social at Players Sports Bar and Grill (formally Provenzano’s)
  -   6:30 Dinner in the Annex (follow the signs)

Information about the City of Red Wing:

• Things to do in Red Wing
• Directions to Red Wing High School
• City of Red Wing Information

Attention Attendees here are some special offers to include in your Convention experience:

• Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce: Guest Pass – Available at registration. On this card will be special offers or promotions from participating businesses.
• Goodhue County Historical Society – Free entrance to museum during Convention Week to all RWCS members, just show your badge. Visit the Historical Society to see their very large collection of Red Wing pottery and stoneware and learn about Goodhue County history.

One last reminder; don’t forget to bring your red badge holder and volunteer pin! I am looking forward to seeing all of you in Red Wing. Safe travels!

Goodhue County Historical Society Second Annual Vault Tours!

Red Wing, MN – The Goodhue County Historical Society will once againg give RWCS Convention attendees backroom access during the 2014 Convention Destination Red Wing slated for July 10-12, 2014 at Red Wing High School.

On Thursday, July 10, 2013, ours will be offered at 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30, 3, and 3:30.  Participants will need to arrive at least 15 minutes early.  We are going to limit each tour to 15 people.  Participants should register at the front desk upon arrival and may peruse the exhibits while waiting for their time slot. 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.,

Red Wing Collectors Society convention attendees have an exclusive opportunity to visit the Goodhue County History Center’s “vault” where their collection artifacts, including Red Wing Pottery pieces, are stored.  This is a great chance to view unique pottery pieces that have not been on exhibit recently.  The event is free with a convention badge.  Donations to help cover the costs of preserving the collections are appreciated.

The Goodhue County Historical Society will also be participating in the 2014 Convention Crock Hunt. The Crock Hunt begins Friday, July 4 and is open to everyone. Completed forms can be turned in at the Membership booth at the RWCS Convention Show and Sale on Saturday July 12 from 10:30 to 1:30. Show and Sale is free and open to the public.

The History Center is located at 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing.  For more information, call (651) 388-6024 or e-mail jlgrothe@qwestoffice.net

Join Us Monmouth, IL for “Pottery on the Square”

Celebrating Monmouth, Illinois’ historic tradition of creating quality stoneware and pottery is the idea behind our annual Pottery on the Square Swap Meet event on June 28th, 2014 starting at 8:00am and running until noon, on Monmouth’s Public Square.  This event also provides a learning opportunity for the aspiring collector.  Activities will include a pottery and stoneware swap meet, pottery demonstration, and window display of rare pottery pieces.

The pottery appraisal clinic will begin at 8:30am, where knowledgeable Illinois pottery collectors will be on hand to examine pieces of Illinois pottery brought by the public.  Rare items have been seen at the appraiser’s booth and it is exciting to see what prized item might show up.

In conjunction with the event the Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce is offering to the public an opportunity to purchase a handcrafted limited-edition, bristol mini crock with handles and a Monmouth Pottery Company ^TM two men in a crock logo.  The mini crock stands approximately 2 ¼ inches tall and 2 inches in diameter.  Each crock is inscribed with 1 of 250 on the bottom along with the Maple City Pottery logo.  Only 250 crocks will be made and are on a first come first serve basis.  Place your order now for the mini crocks that will be available the day of the event.  They are priced at $25 and shipping charges vary based on quantity ordered.

Monmouth Pottery Company was formed on February 1, 1893.  They manufactured all kinds of stoneware and survived a few plant fires.  Monmouth Pottery Company used their name on their products in different fonts and different designs along with various logos.  Then on November 29, 1905 Monmouth Pottery Company was sold and by 1906 was merged with six other pottery companies to form Western Stoneware.

For more information on the event or the commemorative Monmouth Pottery Company Two Men in a crock mini crock please contact the Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce at 309-734-3181 or e-mail amm@monmouthilchamber.com. You may also go to the “Pottery on the Square” page of the Chamber’s website for information and photos from last year’s event, www.monmouthilchamber.com.

Red Wing, MN – Red Wing Collectors Society (RWCS) Commemorative Manager Bob Morawski has selected Red Wing Stoneware to manufacture the 2014 RWCS Commemorative. Red Wing Pottery will assist with the manufacturing process and will also turn out cobalt-decorated 2 gallon salt glaze water coolers as the special pieces that will be auctioned off to benefit the Society during the club’s annual Convention, July 10-12, 2014.

“I’m excited to work with new owners Bruce and Irene Johnson,” Bob says. “Keeping Red Wing Stoneware and Red Wing Pottery alive and in Red Wing is huge for the community, so this is the perfect time to have them create our Commemorative.”

The Johnsons purchased Red Wing Stoneware from previous owner Tom Woodruff last November and then bought Red Wing Pottery from Scott Gillmer in December. Red Wing Pottery was owned by the Gillmer family ever since former Red Wing Potteries President Richard Gillmer bought out the company’s assets after the Potteries closed in 1967.

“The Johnson’s passion and vision for Red Wing Stoneware and Red Wing Pottery will benefit the RWCS organization, the membership, the community of Red Wing, and so many more,” adds Stacy Wegner, RWCS executive director. “We can’t wait for Convention to see it all in motion.”

Morawski says this will be only the second time in RWCS history that the Commemorative is produced in Red Wing; the Johnsons hope it is the first in a long line of pieces that they make for the club.

“We want to build a long-term relationship with the Society by creating a high-quality Commemorative that’s on time and on budget,” Irene says. “We’re also going to do everything we can to promote the club, because the Society’s success directly impacts us.”

“We strongly feel that working with the Collectors Society will enhance the club’s growth just as it will ours,” Bruce adds. “We include a company flyer with every product that we ship out, and we see a lot of benefit in including information about the Society, as well. Making customers aware of the club’s existence can only increase their interest in pottery and stoneware, which is good for all of us.”

The identity of the RWCS Commemorative is a closely guarded secret every year until the piece is unveiled on the Thursday of Convention Week (July 10). But something that isn’t a secret is the activities and events the Johnsons have in store for all the RWCS members who will visit Red Wing this July.

First, the popular factory tours will continue at Red Wing Stoneware and the Johnsons found a lot of unique pieces when cleaning out storage space, which they plan to sell during Convention Week.

As for the Red Wing Pottery Salesroom, the Johnsons are remodeling the interior and exterior to give it more of a “stoneware and pottery look and feel”. The candy shop will reopen soon along with the Salesroom, but a coffee shop will also be incorporated into the space by the time Convention rolls around in early July. The Loons and Lady Slippers gift shop will reopen around May 1.

“We’re going to have a lot going on at both sites during Convention Week,” Bruce says. “We’ll use this time to unveil our companies’ annual commemorative and perhaps our annual Christmas ornament. In addition, we’d like to set up an area in the Pottery Salesroom to serve as an Antique Roadshow for people to bring in their Red Wing items and chat with Red Wing Collector Society members about it’s history and value.  We will also have some activities going on in the parking lot.”

The Johnsons also plan to open a pottery classroom at the Pottery Salesroom so customers can try their hand at making their own pieces after watching the potters at work as well as provide community education classes.

“We’ve noticed during the factory tours at Red Wing Stoneware that people really enjoy watching the potters hand-turn pieces, and they will often buy a finished example of a piece they watched being made because they’re amazed by all the skill and patience that goes into creating it,” Irene explains. “We’re going to carry that over to the Pottery by giving visitors the chance to try it for themselves.”

The 2014 RWCS Annual Convention, Destination Red Wing, is slated for July 10-12, 2014 in Red Wing MN. To learn more about the annual Convention, or the Red Wing Collectors Society, visit http://www.erwcs.org, find them on Facebook, Pinterest, or follow on Twitter.

RED WING, MN. – Lovers of Red Wing stoneware and pottery will hunt for that next great treasure when they attend the Red Wing Collectors Society’s (RWCS) Annual MidWinter GetTogether in Des Moines from Feb. 7-9.

The RWCS is devoted to those who collect a diverse line of crocks, jugs, churns, dinnerware and art pottery manufactured in Red Wing from the 1880s to 1960s. Hundreds of people from around the country are expected to attend the February event, which will help tie collectors over until the next RWCS National Convention in Red Wing in July. These two events serve as great opportunities for members to buy and sell Red Wing and learn about the history of the potteries that once operated in Red Wing, their diverse production lines and the impact they had on the American pottery industry.

The RWCS has held its winter event in Des Moines for the past 14 years, but in 2015 and 2016 it will be held at the Olympia Resort & Spa in Oconomowoc, Wis. – about 30 minutes west of downtown Milwaukee. So, collectors in and around Iowa are encouraged to take advantage of their close proximity to Des Moines and attend this February before the event moves to Wisconsin.

The MidWinter GetTogether includes a number of other organized activities like a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7. The theme of this year’s event is “Red Wing Hunter’s Paradise”.  Attendees are encouraged to don their blaze orange and camouflage gear to take part in the fun.

Highlighting this year’s event will be a keynote presentation from RWCS Foundation President Dave Hallstrom, who will talk about all the progress that’s been made at the new Red Wing Pottery Museum in Red Wing. Several years in the making, the first phase of renovations is nearly complete and the new museum will have its grand opening in July during the RWCS Convention.

Mark Wiseman will share a historical description of the potteries that were in business in Eldora, IA from 1860 to 1892. Longtime Red Wing Pottery Dump diggers Dennis Nygaard and Steve Showers will hold separate sessions about their experiences and finds over the years and Larry Roschen and Terry Moe will discuss Red Wing’s True China dinnerware line and recent discoveries. The RWCS Foundation Board will also hold Q&A sessions for attendees who want to learn more about the new Red Wing Pottery Museum. In addition, the RWCS KidsView education program will have fun activities that will teach younger collectors about Red Wing’s wares.

Many attendees sell Red Wing wares from their hotel rooms during the MidWinter GetTogether. A formal Show & Sale will run from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 followed by an auction at 6 p.m. – both of which are open to the public. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the RWCS Foundation. Whether you’re new to collecting Red Wing or an experienced collector, there’s something for everyone at the MidWinter GetTogether.

All activities will be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 4800 Merle Hay Road, in Des Moines, Iowa.  For more information on the MidWinter GetTogether, or the annual Red Wing Collectors Society Summer Convention, which is slated for July 10-12 in Red Wing, Minn., log on to www.redwingcollectors.org.

Annual membership in the Red Wing Collectors Society costs only $35 and includes six 16-page full-color newsletters mailed to your home throughout the year. The Red Wing Collectors Society was founded in 1977 in Red Wing, Minn. and is devoted to educating people about all American pottery. There are more than 4,000 members worldwide. The Red Wing Potteries had diverse pottery lines that included stoneware, dinnerware and art pottery. For more information or to become a member, call the RWCS business office at 800-977-7927, e-mail membership@redwingcollectors.org or log on to www.redwingcollectors.org. You can also join the RWCS on Facebook and follow it on Twitter at twitter.com/RWpottery.

Photo caption:

Every year, a variety of rare and unexpected treasures show up for sale at the Red Wing Collectors Society’s MidWinter GetTogether. The stoneware and Red Wing Decorator Line art pottery vases in these photos show a sampling of the goodies that were for sale at last year’s affair. This year’s event will occur on the weekend of Feb. 7-9 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Des Moines, IA, with the Show & Sale portion taking place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8.

The Give to the Max website is overwhelmed at this time with online donations.

Red Wing Collectors Society members wishing to make a donation can still mail them and they will be included as a donation during today’s Give to the Max campaign.

Donations can be mailed to the following address:

Red Wing Collectors Society Foundation
317 Bush St
Red Wing MN 55066

Thank you for supporting the Red Wing Pottery Museum through Give to the Max day.