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HLCCA Conference 2004
by Saarin Schwartz & Kathy Holley
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Early summer morning in the desert. In the flawless turquoise sky, a bright yellow Fiesta relish tray rises over ragged terra cotta peaks as a posse of red-headed strangers gallops into town. Wait a minute...is this a dream? Not on yer life, pardner—it’s Conference time in Phoenix!
Over at the Pointe Squaw (local lingo for the lush Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort), where the atmosphere was hotter than a chipotle pepper, club members from California to Connecticut were coming down with a fever. Some called it Scarlet fever, and “the redheads” might have confirmed that diagnosis, but they were still holding their cards close.
Conference attendee and Arizona resident Rick Benning would explain it simply as a typical day in “America’s largest open-air kiln.” But even the 106° temperature couldn’t match the fever of anticipation that spread like wildfire through the group. Conference 2004 would prove to be hot, hot, hot.
While some members arrived early to take advantage of the resort’s deluxe amenities and cultural opportunities of the area, the Fiesta fiesta really started to simmer at the Thursday night welcome mixer. With a large contingent of first-time attendees in the group, there was plenty of getting acquainted to do. Mariachi musicians set the tone for the weekend’s southwestern theme as old pals reunited, chat group regulars put faces to familiar names, and brand new friendships began to be forged.
It wasn’t long before the prizes began to blow in like tumbleweeds. Registration packets included a Fiesta jigsaw puzzle and a decorative fan—a souvenir that would prove quite useful in the desert heat. Joan Stock (aka “Betty Booped on Fiesta”), who rode in on a hand-crafted steed, had a saddlebag laden with “arrowhead” necklaces for everyone. Post-86 bud vases and candle holders as well as vintage HLC cups and saucers— remaining from Conference 2002’s high tea at the New Orleans Ritz—were awarded as door prizes, and would continue to be given away throughout the weekend. The party was definitely underway.
 Friday morning’s scheduled events began with a showing of Amy Levine’s “Dishes: A Documentary.” Much of the video had been taped at Conference 2003 in Pittsburgh, and featured interviews with HLCCA notables such as Richard Mayberry and past-presidents Nancy May and Matthew Whalen. “I’ve shown this several times to good reviews,” said Levine. “But you’re the people whose opinion I really care about.” She needn’t have worried. The award-winning documentary explores the phenomenon of dish collecting with insight and wit, and was heartily received by the group. Levine got an emotional standing ovation at the conclusion of the 46-minute production.
Levine confessed that making the documentary influenced what she eats from. “I don’t collect Fiesta, but I do have some now,” she said as the crowd laughed knowingly. “Okay, I have a lot... (more laughter)...but really, it’s all seconds! (big laughter).”
It’s likely that a national audience will get to see the documentary as well. Levine reports that PBS is considering airing “Dishes” and some cable distribution companies are also looking at it. It can be ordered on DVD or video from Levine’s website at www.fiestadocumentary.com (cost is $20, including shipping.)
Following the screening of “Dishes,” Melicity Deatherage presented a seminar entitled “Southwestern Sampler.” Particularly appropriate for this year’s Conference setting, Melicity’s display and slide show featured a variety of HLC shapes decorated with decals depicting scenes with a Mexican or Spanish-influenced flavor. Melicity offered documentation of over 20 different decal treatments, with information covering decal descriptions, shapes on which the decals can be found, dates of production, availability, and estimated values. Both historian and collector, Melicity often buys more than she really wants to own in order to document the decals, then sells the extras after logging the information. While her knowledge of her subject seems encyclopedic, Melicity humbly contends, “I’m just a collector like everyone else. I’m not an expert.” Why does she focus on southwestern decal ware? “I just love it so much,” she says simply.
 Friday afternoon was turned over to HLC Director of Marketing and Sales Dave Conley, and he had plenty to show and tell. As attendees entered the seminar room, they passed by a six-foot advertisement for Fiesta, with pieces glazed in the new color— scarlet—prominently featured. “Everybody at Homer Laughlin is very excited about this color,” Conley told the crowd. Minutes later, a scarlet java mug was eagerly being passed from person to person, with whispered “oohs” and “ahhs” of approval.
For two hours, Conley talked about how scarlet came to be, the new mug design, the current business atmosphere at HLC, and answered questions. Input was also provided by Judi Noble, HLC Art Director, and Kimberly Faloon, Director of Marketing (the red-headed members of the HLC posse.)
Dinnertime found many people gathered at one of the resort’s several restaurants. Afterward, attendees reconvened for a dessert buffet, settling down with plates of goodies on laps and bid cards in hand. Professional auctioneer Kip Kane, with the assistance of HLCCA volunteers, knocked down over 130 items, from the commonplace to the unique. Donated and consigned pieces of vintage and contemporary HLC ware, plus some unusual auxiliary items, brought prices ranging from $1 for a group of Eggshell Nautilus plates and bowls to $600 for a Fiesta juice tumbler glazed in Harlequin yellow. Other big-ticket items included two framed Phillip Carrol prints that sold for $225 and $300 each, a maroon Dripcut syrup that went for $325, and a light green vintage Fiesta carafe that brought the hammer down at $250. Four bound volumes, each containing the first five years of The Dish, went for $100 -$300 each. Two unique items contributed by HLC were the original artworks for the “Baby’s First Fiesta” set, and “Cookies for Santa,” signed by artist Karen Cunningham. Several Fiesta disc pitchers, made as prototypes for General Mills’ Pillsbury Bake-Off contest, sold in the $300 range. Many bargains were acquired as well, with dozens of lots of vintage Harlequin and other HLC ware selling for $20 or less. The pace was fast and fun, making the event entertaining for spectators as well as serious bidders.
Doors to the Show & Sale room opened promptly at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, revealing a panorama of color to the eager crowd. Always one of the most-anticipated events at the conference, this year was no exception. The HLCCA had an impressive offering of consigned items as well as books, notecards, photographs, and some discontinued pottery including the stick-handled demitasse cup and saucer in sunflower. Other vendors, coming from both local and long-distance locales, had a wide variety of vintage and post-86 ware, ephemera, and go-alongs. There were shopping opportunities aplenty for collectors of decal ware as well as solid-color enthusiasts. The Betty Crocker booth showed a sample— for display only— of the new Fiesta canister set as well as a scarlet dinner plate. For those whose main access to vintage ware and discontinued post-86 pieces is through online auction or retail sites, it was thrilling to be able to see and hold so many hard-to-find items, like Fiesta covered onion soups, complete relish trays, or Warner Brothers decaled teapots. Information was also available on shipping and insuring collections. For the tired and thirsty there was even a supply of Fiesta soda (courtesy of Rick Benning) to keep the shopping buzz going.
Exhibits this year included three judged and two non-judged entries. Seminar presenter Melicity Deatherage exhibited her collection of HLC ware decorated with southwestern-influenced decals. She took home a Gold award for her exhibit, as well as the Grand Award. Silver awards went to Gene Cox for his tongue-in-cheek exhibit “Red Hot...Danger Radioactive Area” and to Gary Burg for “Breakfast on the Riviera.” Gene’s impressive collection of “radioactive red” Fiesta, also winner of this year’s People’s Choice Award, would surely have made a geiger counter go haywire, but didn’t scare off intrepid viewers. Gary’s exhibit featured an intimate table setting of HLC’s vintage Riviera line, plus a display of accessory pieces and go-alongs. In the non-judged exhibit category, Kit Fox showed his completed collection of Carnival ware, originally distributed as premiums in boxes of Mother’s Oats; and Rick Benning, in an exhibit entitled “Find,” displayed some of his serendipitous discoveries—the bargains and surprises that every collector loves to come upon by chance.
Saturday’s seminars began with a presentation on “Insuring your Collection” by Jim and Yvonne Tucker, founders of the Antique and Collectible Associations. Jim discussed trends and shared some interesting statistics about the $25-billion antiques and collectibles industry. For instance, did you know that the number of antique malls in the country has dropped from 9000 in 1998 to 7000 today, largely a result of the surging popularity of eBay and other online auction and selling venues?
The Tuckers encourage all collectors to closely examine their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies. They warn that most policies limit or exclude coverage for antiques and collectibles. While a policy may claim to provide full replacement value of household goods and furnishings, antiques and collectibles are often excluded from that stipulation.
The Tuckers are collectors who have lived through the devastation of a fire. They now represent Association Insurance Administrators, a specialized insurance company designed by collectors for collectors. The firm offers special insurance policies for collections of everything from toys to autographs to pottery. They report that most of the claims received are for theft or accidental breakage, but also cover natural disasters, vandalism and damage that may occur in shipping or moving. For more information, check the website at www.antiqueandcollector.com/collector.
The final seminar of the day was a reprise of last year’s popular “Dish Photography 101.” Becky Turner and Steve Beals presented a slide show of photographs— good, bad, and in-between— and invited participants to offer candid opinions. Each photo was critiqued by the group with regard to composition, lighting, and focus, and suggestions were offered for the eBay seller and art photographer alike. After the slide viewing, participants had an opportunity to put theory into practice using the HLCCA’s digital camera.
With the scheduled seminars completed by mid-afternoon, there was ample time for a dip in the pool or a relaxed tube float at the water park. Some attendees chose to visit museums and other points of interest off-site, or just rest up for the activities still to come. By 6 o’clock, colorful characters were seen gathering for the pre-banquet cocktail hour. Costumed revelers included a kilt-clad gentleman, a Spanish dancer, men in Hawaiian shirts and ladies in vintage ensembles. One irrepressible conferee showed up in a gown befitting a wild-west saloon hostess. Scarlet permeated the sartorial landscape. In the banquet room, each table sported a centerpiece specially designed for this event—a turquoise carafe decorated with a decal reflective of both the Art Deco period and the southwestern theme of the conference. Designed by Dish editor and graphic artist David Schaefer, the elegantly simple decal was repeated on the turquoise bread tray each attendee received as a gift. As Dave Conley had promised, everyone also received a scarlet java mug, inscribed in gold with the HLC logo and the words “First Fire Scarlet March 2004”. Tucked into each mug was a historic document: a copy of the letter written in 1998 by Marcus Aaron II, then President of HLC, giving permission to the HLCCA to use “Homer Laughlin China” in the club’s name, and wishing success to the new organization (courtesy of Sandra and Jack Bond.) In addition, there was a pack of five trading collector cards at every place setting, each bearing images of an HLCCA conference poster or exclusive piece. Since each person started off with five of the same card, much table-hopping and deal-making was needed to acquire a complete set of five different cards. Added to the baseball-themed trading cards given out at Conference 2003, the new set of fifteen cards will be increased year by year, and is sure to become a coveted collectible. Once the hubub died down, a buffet dinner of local specialties was enjoyed by all.
The evening’s keynote speaker was Debbe Goldstein, guest curator of the exhibit “Ozzie and Harriet at Home: Mid-Century Design” held at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art earlier this year. Rick Benning, whose HLC Kenilworth dishes were included in the exhibit, introduced Goldstein and spoke about the exhibit. “The display reflected not just what we had in the ‘50s, but what we were,” he said.
Goldstein expanded upon that theme. “Design is where commerce meets art,” she said. “We love having design in our lives.” She used a humorous media presentation to draw many parallels between the 1950s and the present, and cited our fondness for familiar brand names as a way of coping with the stresses of our world.
She referenced many well-known names and their influence in consumer design, such as Russel Wright who “first harnessed the idea of branding” and Herman Miller, of furniture fame, as the first to recognize the importance of good design. And of course, she spoke about the influence of the Homer Laughlin China Company’s products.
“Fiestaware contributes to a sense of consumer happiness,” she said. “We love putting something beautiful on the table.”
Goldstein took something beautiful home from the Conference. Her husband won one of the table centerpieces and she purchased at least one of the auction pieces. Looks like yet another person is hooked on Fiesta!
After the keynote address, exhibit awards were announced, as were the other annual awards. The Homer and Shakespeare Award, chosen by 2003 winner Jo Cunningham, went to historian Darlene Nossaman. The President’s Award was given by Marjorie Duthely to Becky Turner, whom Marjorie described as “the person I’d like to be when I grow up.” The Best Article of the Year Award went to Linda Hedlund for “Homer Laughlin Goes to the New York World’s Fair,” which appeared in Vol. 6, No. 2 (Winter, 2003) of The Dish. A prize for best costume of the evening went to Joan Stock. The design for the 1936 exclusive pitcher was revealed. The tangerine pitcher features a decal honoring Frederick H. Rhead and the introduction of Fiesta, and the reverse reproduces Rhead’s personal bookplate, courtesy of Homer Laughlin China Company.
An auction of HLCCA exclusives concluded the night’s activities. Items in the auction included baseball teapots and trading cards from last year’s conference, turquoise carafes with the Conference 2004 decal, and exclusive pitchers from former years. The pieces which generated the most excitement of the evening and brought the highest prices were those created by HLC especially for this auction. Many bidders wanted one of the four pizza trays specially designed for Conference 2004 with artwork by Karen Cunningham, the highest of which sold for $400. HLC also created a one-time matte terra cotta glaze and fired it on both the utensil crock and Royalty vase, then embellished some with the Phoenix cactus decal and others with a reproduction of Rhead’s personal bookplate. Intense bidding on these items—some one-of-a-kind—resulted in prices as high as $600.
Sunday morning is a bittersweet time at Conference. The end is almost at hand, and while discussion of HLCCA business is the main event, farewells are also on the agenda. President Marjorie Duthely and Becky Turner, who holds the newly-created position of Financial Consultant, reported on the club’s healthy finances and the success of Conference 2004. Proceeds for HLCCA from the two auctions totalled over $8,000, higher than any previous conference. This exciting outcome will make it possible for the club to increase its donation this year to the “Dollars for Scholars” program, which provides college scholarships for high school students from the East Liverpool, OH, area. The last of the prizes were given out—to lucky raffle ticket holders and to winners of the weekend’s trivia contest (Kathy Holley) and signature-gathering challenge (Samme Gee.) Special volunteer recognition prizes went to Richard Mayberry and Terry Brennan.
Election results for new members of the HLCCA board of directors were announced, as were also the new slate of officers elected by the board. Steve Beals, chairman of next year’s conference, reported on plans already underway for 2005. Dates and location in Pittsburgh have been chosen, and some events— such as a riverboat cruise, and a bus trip to the HLC factory— are already planned. Be sure to save July 14-17, 2005, when Conference 2005 will be held at the Hilton Pittsburgh & Towers at Gateway Center. In closing remarks, outgoing Vice President Steve Douglas thanked HLC and all the hard-working volunteers who made Conference 2004 possible. He also assured members that “the organization is strong,” adding, “We’re going to be here for years to come.”
With addresses exchanged and hugs all around, Conference 2004 came to a close. First-time attendee Daphne Durham expressed the feelings of many when she said, “I felt very welcomed by everyone and was especially impressed by the friendliness of the Homer Laughlin representatives who came to meet with us.” As the relish dish sank slowly in the west, wagons were loaded, the redheads— strangers no more— collected their pups from Coyote Camp, and Cowboy Dave and his trusty sidekick Sue rode off into the desert in their rented scarlet convertible.
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