Milwaukee

One of my favorite things about selling antiques and collectibles is sending items back where they belong. For example, at a flea market many years ago, a gent purchased a graduation announcement from us. It was from 1923, a Milwaukee high school. It cost him $5.00 and he walked away, absolutely jubilant. Was that because it would make him rich someday by purchasing this valuable ephemera? Nope. It was the fact that his father was one of the graduates named inside!

Another time I sold a 1930s post card to a lady who grew up in the very town pictured on the front. It was a small village in Illinois and she swore to us that Main Street still looked the same today.

Hubby purchased a nifty art deco advertising mirror with thermometer from Ruby Farms (near Milwaukee, Wisconsin.) I listed it on ebay and it sold to a lady whose family still owns that farm. She was very happy to win it and said she would be glad to display it in her home.

I came across a neat paperweight a while back. Glass with a picture underneath. It featured a church located in a town in Ohio. We had several paperweight collectors bidding but it turns out the winner had another motive for the buy. He had actually recently purchased that very building and was in the process of renovating it as his home. He was, to say the least, thrilled for this bit of the past.

I recently listed a brochure from a dairy located near Green Bay. The winner was a man in Colorado. I learned that he had worked there for several summers in the 1960s. He told me it brought a smile to his face and a deposit in his memory bank.

There are times when I sell items to folks with ’similar names.’ For example, I’ve sold a number of breweriana items to a gent with the last name of “Blatz”, a recent grouping of beer labels to a lady named “Miller”, and items from the Schroeder Hotel to a buyer named “Schroeder.” I do not know for certain if they are distant relatives, but it makes sense and is fun to believe they are.

My latest ‘history connection’ is by far the best! Hubby and I attended an auction at a closing of a Masonic Lodge a few years back. We purchased a ‘lot’ of booklets called “100 Years of Masonry in Wisconsin.” Late last year I listed one of these booklets and in my description, I mentioned some of the past members. One was especially important, not only to the Masons, but to Milwaukee’s history: Byron Kilbourn. Mr. Kilbourn worked in Ohio as a surveyor and state engineer. He visited Wisconsin in 1834, then deemed the area near the Milwaukee River to be a promising location for commerce, purchasing land there. In 1837 he founded Kilbourntown (presently Westown.) Two other men who were significant in Milwaukee’s history, Solomon Juneau and George Walker, joined ranks and their three ‘properties’ formed the city of Milwaukee. Kilbourn went on to serve as an alderman and two non-consecutive terms as mayor, in 1848 and 1854. He was also instrumental in the local railroad industry, then started a new railroad from Milwaukee to La Crosse, on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin. He passed away in 1870, at the age of 69.

After I listed this booklet, I received an email from Lauren, who resides in Los Angeles. She was interested in more copies of the booklet and any additional Kilbourn-related items we might have. It turns out her husband, Charles, is a relative of Mr. Kilbourn. I told her we had also purchased a large, nicely framed picture of Byron Kilbourn and had planned to take it into our antique booth, but for some reason I had not done it. We emailed back and forth, and I sent her some pictures. In early January, Lauren contacted me to say they planned a vacation to Wisconsin in February. She was hopeful we could meet and they wanted to see the picture ‘in person.’

We were able to make those arrangements last week, and met with the two of them. They were very excited about the picture and commented on the family resemblance! The end result is that this marvelous picture is returning to its rightful owners. They purchased it from us and vowed to display it proudly for all to see. Now I understand my reluctance to sell it just as a ‘historical picture’ in our booth – it was simply meant to be returned home!

We often stop & shop on our way back to Fargo from Wisconsin, and a few weeks ago I purchased these two old bits of paper.

Both promote social events — early mixers of sorts.

The first, or earliest, invites “yourself and friends” to the 1st Grand May Party, arranged by the Pearl Pleasure Club, at the Metropolitan Hall on the evening of May 30th 1908. Since the location for the hall is given as “Cor. 6th and Clarke Streets”, it seems this event was held the old Pabst Brewing Company Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Sing-alongs must have been a part of the evening’s amusements as the back of both cards contain song lyrics. Images & imaginings of such gatherings are both charming and, in the case of my memories of such large untrained singing groups, a bit alarming. Especially when you factor in the great likelihood of beer, a staple in Wisconsin social gatherings (historically speaking).

The first card has the lyrics for When It’s Moonlight On The Prairie; a cute song about the poor boy who wins his wealthy bride by convincing her to run off and elope with him, ending with the amusing irony that the rich girl’s pop had similarly won mom that way.

The second bit of ephemera promotes the After Easter Ball, arranged by the White Lily Socials, at the Bahn Frei Turn Hall. A search for this shows nothing in Milwaukee — and with the location sates and 12th Street and North Avenue, it cannot be, as I thought, the grand Turner Hall. Searching only helped me define Bhan Frei (“Clear the way!”) as a popular motto for German Turn-Art organizations, but did not help me with the location. Nor did any research clarify any history on the Milwaukee Turners having additional locations.

Ah, more mystery… I love that. And hate it too. It’s like a wiggly tooth in my mouth and I must keep playing with it until something pops up (or out).

While both cards were found and purchased together in Wisconsin, this does not mean that both must be from the same area; however I was able to find another similar card for Bahn Frei Turn Hall, and that seller states it was from Milwaukee. Plus, the idea of such musical social gatherings seems to fit the historical profile of Turner Hall… But the wiggly, nagging mystery continues (at least until some one pops up with information — hint-hint).

I’m especially interested in this particular card — not only for the thrill of the hunt regarding missing information on the location, possible connections with Turner Hall, and the intriguing White Lily Socials (which, as nothing about it is found on Google, must never have existed), but for the equally mysterious song on the back…

I’ve Got to Go and Get Myself a Girl Like You is an absolutely charming little ditty & I’d like to know the tune, who wrote it, and what sort of group would select such a cheeky song for a public gathering. (Another elbow in the ribs for information.)

Interestingly, the 1908 event had a $1 admission while the one from 1912 states tickets were 25 cents (and 50 cents at the door). While I (admittedly) don’t know much about the venues, I was surprised that four years later the price would be so much cheaper… Perhaps this is just about the stature of each venue, the popularity & budget of the group who hosted/arranged the socials, or the cost of the (possible) band or other entertainment. Or maybe it has to do with the growth of the city & competing social events. There are lots of ideas to chew on here. However, both events were free to ladies, proof that ladies nights and drink specials for ladies are nothing new at all. Where the ladies are, the men will show up. And even sing.

But then again, the beer was likely flowing. That always helps.

On Friday, June 8^th hubby and I went to the

wonderful Bead&Button Show. It was the first day ‘open to the public.’

It was held at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Called the “Biggest consumer bead show in the world”. The details were given on our earlier blog, so check it out.

We came across another silver craftsman who was at his first show in Milwaukee. He was actually just getting started in the business but had some very nice pieces. Prices were relatively low! The WorldRound is the name of Christopher Neal’s company. He plans to do other shows and hopes to get on the internet in the near future. Some nice, clean multi-metal pieces in silver and gold and with an “earthly” theme such as moons, Bali bells, and bamboo. To find examples go to http://www.theworldaround.com/. Good fun.

Well, you cannot be a glass ‘artiste’ without the necessary supplies. We came across the very large booth from Arrow Springs. “Everything for lampworking success – everything”, is on their catalog. And they meant it. They had tools, glass annealers, books, videos, etc.

Another incredible booth was that of Milon Townsend, artist, author and educator. He’s from Hilton, New York, http://www.milontownsend.com/. Not new to the field, he’s been in the business for many years! He was tied up with a lot of customers who were admiring his work and we chatted with his wife. She’s a big fan! She pointed out his latest and greatest – these beautiful ‘cast’ pieces with shells and other sea creatures, Aphrodite, etc. Wonderful colored glass with deep impressions in the back that make you feel like you are wearing a piece of art – and you are! You’ll love his work!

We found Jangles handmade ceramic beads next. The artist/owner is Jennifer Heynen and her work was a delight. In the business about 6 years, this was her fourth show in Milwaukee. You can find her at http://www.jangles.net/.

Andrew Brown at http://www.kbglassworks.com/ had some wonderful pieces too. These shells were beautiful and ‘priced to entice.’ Very tempting. Also had some very nice animal-themed hair barettes and such. In the same booth was Harold William Cooney. He’s been doing lampworking for 8 years, and this was his 5^th year at this Show. He recommended a website for all those who love glass beads and jewelry – called http://www.glassartists.com/. We’ll have to check that out soon.

Having granddaughters who love horses, it was only natural that we stopped at the booth with “the Horse Lady.” She was teaching a class and the lady in the shared booth told us she was an incredible teacher and well-respected artist. Lots of fun items!

While this show was advertised as the Bead&Button Show, we found only two vendors who specialized in the button part. One was with a customer and just could not take the time to share any information. Linda Wright from “My Mother’s Buttons” was able to share some time with us. She only uses antique buttons, some of them from the 1800’s. Her brooches are ‘one of a kind’ and quite distinctive. Real compliment magnets. She inherited her love of buttons from her mother who shared stories of their significance and their ‘history.’ Linda’s booklet on her company has some charming tales about buttons. One of the best is this one. Before sending her groom off to war, it was not uncommon for a new bride to place a drop of perfume oil on her most cherished fabric button, then stitch it beneath the collar of her soldier’s uniform. She hoped in doing this that he would always sense her near. How sweet! Linda has been in the button-business for 15 years and can be found on the web at http://www.mymothersbuttons.com/.

No show of this magnitude and importance would be complete without the ‘awards.’ The prestige of knowing you are top-in-your-class and that your work is truly appreciated, especially judged so by a group of your peers. We found these creations to be spectacular and hope you agree.

The Show was a wonderful experience and we are thankful to all the vendors for sharing their stories and ‘history’ with us. We’d also like to thank Matt at Kalmbach Publishing for ‘filling in the blanks.’

The Bead&Button Show was held Milwaukee, Wisconsin from June 3-10, 2007. The Show opens ‘to the public’ on June 8th, the earlier dates are for classes and receptions for the numerous vendors.

On Friday, June 8^th hubby and I went to the wonderful Bead&Button Show.

It was held at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Called the “Biggest consumer bead show in the world”, we were really looking forward to it! We patiently waited until Friday afternoon in order to beat some of the rush. We wanted to be able to meet with some of the vendors and understood that the opening hours would be their busiest time.

Some basic details follow:

More than 14,000 enthusiasts attended the 2007 Show!

There were 500 classes and workshops for all skill levels. These ran for 8 days. Attendees numbered 2,800.

This is the 7^th year the show has been held in Milwaukee.

370 vendors from around the world packed the marketplace floor.

There was 120,000 square feet in the exhibit hall.

The Show Manager is Marlene Vail.

We verified this information with Matt Quandt of Kalmbach Publishing. They are publishers of various collector’s magazines including Bead & Button, and Beadstyle, and Art Jewelry. They were also the publishers of the program for this show. For information on Kalmbach, go to http://www.kalmbach.com/.

Here is the beautiful Midwest Airlines Center and some happy customers!

We were overwhelmed by the variety we found. Ropes of glass and crystal (including Swarovski), ceramic beads, loose beads of all colors and materials, semi-precious stones, and lampwork, fused and dichroic glass by true artisans.

The vendors were very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. And passionate about their products!

We stopped at ECLECTICA (http://www.eclecticabeads.com/) which was a real treat. They had 14 spaces – a wonderful array of ‘beads from around the world. In addition to their stores in Brookfield and Mequon (Wisconsin), they sell on the internet. They’ve got beads, kits, ‘repro’ glass and cabochons. They are real pros – having been in business for 14 years. Their next big show is in Tucson, Arizona.

Another delightful stop was meeting Kelly Wiese of the Bead Parlor (http://www.beadparlor.com/.) Kelly has been in business for about 10 years, and specializes in classes and original bead kits. Beautiful work!

We also found the Pema Art Tibetan Beads booth fascinating! The owner is Pema Gurung and her sister told us that she has been working with beads for 28 years, starting out when she was a very young girl! She lived in Tibet and sells unusual beads from the Himalayas and antique ethnic tribal arts jewelry. She sells wholesale and retail and does shows – heading to Denver for the next one. She is at http://www.tibetanbeads.com/. There was a wide variety of product in her booth.

And who could ever pass up the Gita Maria booth? Once you saw the bold colored, unique items, you were hooked. She is celebrating over 25 years of designing handmade enameled embellishments and they were ‘to die for.’ She sells on the net at http://www.gitamaria.com/. We picked up a large commemorative catalog which was bright and colorful but seeing them in person was the real treat! She makes things called ‘Hugs’(made of glass enamel fired over silver plate.) These are designed to lay flat on all types of fibres and in your hair and have a ’stick’ to secure them. She also makes all sorts of brooches and pins, charms, bars and pendants, bails, knit sticks. She does a lot of pendants with ‘flying fairies and flower sprites!’ Gita herself was off instructing a class. The lady in her booth was one of her biggest fans and told us you can wear rather plain, unimaginative clothing and put on a few of her creations and ‘oila’, you are a star! Be sure to check her out!

Another delightful stop was at Glow Glass LLC. We met with Moraine, one of the owners. They are “Specialty Color Suppliers” and their glass is made in 7 Glow-in-the-dark colors. These are made from “rare earth minerals’, a new technology. They make beads and pendants. The light green is like the ‘vaseline glass’ of the olden days! From the “Bay Area”, they sell at trade shows and local art shows and can be found at http://www.glowglass.com/. Moraine started in the business about 8 years ago, but has been selling for the past 5 years. Very personal and enthusiastic – loves what she’s doing and proud of what the company has to offer. (Just could not pass up a few of those beads that glowed.)

We came across a large gathering of craftsmen from Australia, very friendly and with incredible offerings. Wendy Hearn, Glass Artist from Guru Creations, did beautiful fused glass! The pieces were large and ‘layered’, very bold! It was her first show in the USA but from the reception given her, she was confident it would not be her last one! She was very complimentary about the city of Milwaukee too, which we were glad to hear. She has been doing shows for 8 years. We do not believe she is on the internet but had an email of wendu@gurucreations.com. You will not be disappointed.

Being ’silver lovers’, we just had to stop at “Designs by Mary Poineal.” She is a top-notch silversmith and has been enjoying it for 9 years. Mary sells internationally, and at the big shows in Chicago and Minnesota, etc. Her latest creation is an absolute must-have for the bead lovers out there. She calls it the “Revolution” and it is a combination of attachments that can fit on or be taken off a silver necklace. The photo does not do it justice, it has so many variations and is reasonably priced. You can change a ‘ho-hum’ outfit into a ‘zowee’ with the addition of this ’system.’ She can be found at http://www.mcduckcreations.com/. Incredible silver work!

For a change of pace, we stopped at C.A. Therien – Polymer Clay Arts. “Cat” Therien was teaching a class but her husband was very knowledgeable and helpful. He showed us some of her creations and also the millefiore canes she uses for them. She sells a lot of these canes and is well-respected for her offerings. Lovely butterflies – they’re some of her favorites. It was her first show in Milwaukee and he said they were very pleased with their response. She’s been in the business for over 7 years. She sells a lot on ebay too, http://www.catherienarts.com/. Check her out!

Gold & Glass Designs by Joy Thomas was our next stop and it was fantastic! The two ‘workers’ in the booth were decked out in her creations and had wonderful things to say about Joy and her work. She is into teaching ‘big-time’ and was doing just that when we were at the booth. She does not sell on the net, only does shows. Very highly respected as a craftsman, she recently was interviewed on PBS! She does fine art fairs and home shows too. Once you see her work in person, you’ll have to have some. Look for more at http://www.joythomas.com/.

Boy, this is getting harder and harder to pass things up. Maybe I can find just a few more open spots in the old jewelry cabinet! These are top-quality pieces and one must sparkle!

To be Continued – check back for more on this marvelous show!