The Dish Patch, 2002 Pottery Convention, Newsletter

The Dish Patch Newsletter on the 2002 Pottery Convention written by Jo Cunningham and Darlene Nossaman.

Published by Robbins Nest

The East Liverpool Ohio Pottery Convention officially began the evening of Thursday, June 20th with an informal gathering at the Thompson House in East Liverpool.  Lots of wonderful food served in the fabulous setting of the restored Thompson house, renewals of friendships and the making of new friendships made for a very pleasant evening.  Even though this was the official opening of the events, many of us had been in the area a few days shopping and looking for treasures.  There is no better place to find our American- made treasures than at the Pottery City Antique Mall in downtown East Liverpool.  Not only do they have a wide variety of American- made dinnerware, the Russell’s who own and operate the mall go all out to make shopper’s feel comfortable and welcome.Friday morning we all met again at the East Liverpool Country Club for a breakfast buffet.  Pottery tours were available for those who wanted to tour, at both The Hall China Company and The Homer Laughlin China Company.  We met in the evening at the Country Club for the auction.  While there was a nice variety of ware, there was not a lot of unusual ware and merchandise sold for lower than expected prices.

Homer Laughlin collectors would be interested in our tour of the Homer Laughlin home completed in 1882 which now houses the University Bar.  The present owner of the property graciously escorted us around the property.  The wood interior was beyond description.  Some stained glass windows remain and with just a tad of imagination one was able to travel back in time.  I could almost visualize Nealie (Cornelia Laughlin) visiting with her friends in the opulent Victorian home that she and Homer had built.  Two heavily carved doors still remain.  One has a carved H and the other door has the L standing of course for Homer Laughlin. See Photos

Saturday morning early was set- up for the Pottery Market dealers.  Not only was there some wonderful merchandise for sale at the Pottery Market, a nice display area for unusual items added interest for both shoppers and dealers.  Harvey Duke was the guest speaker in the afternoon.  We met again in the evening for dinner and the closing of the event.  Bill and Donna Gray did a wonderful job organizing very small detail of the convention.  Everyone that I spoke to said they had an enjoyable time.  Even though the event is small it is well worth the trip.  Wonderful dishes, fabulous food and great friends! What else could a collector wish for?