Swirls, Whirls, Twists & Twirls

Posted on 2 September 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

The cover of the September 2012 issue of Antique Bottle & Glass Collector proudly displays Dwayne’s glass as the feature art. – photo Ralph & Janet Finch

“Swirls, Whirls, Twists & Twirls”

D I S P L A Y S E R I E S

Dwayne Anthony won the Most Educational Award at the FOHBC 2012 Reno Expo with his outstanding “Swirls, Whirls, Twists & Twirls” display. This was one of the most exciting displays I have ever seen. A bit challenging to photograph, I have assembled a group of great photohgraphs that the FOHBC professional photographer, Scott Selenak took unless otherwise noted. Way to go Dwayne.

The Gallery

Posted in Bottle Shows, Club News, Collectors & Collections, Color Runs, Flasks, FOHBC News, Insulators, News, Photography | Tagged Antique Bottle & Glass Collector, Bottles and Extras, Dwayne Anthony, fohbc, Insulators, NIA, Reno Expo, Swirls, Twirls, Twists, Whirls | Leave a comment

H F & B = Holtz Freystedt & Brothers – New York

Posted on 2 September 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

H F & B NY – Michael George

Anyone into crude PUCE colored sided embossed whiskey bottles?

Michael George posted a picture the other day on facebook (Antique Bottles for Sale) of an example of one of my favorite, non-bitters bottles. The H F & B New York. Mike described as follows:

[Michael George] Anyone into crude PUCE colored sided embossed whiskey bottles? Here is a nice one from NY. Lightly cleaned but has some light exterior wear, as well as a small burst bubble seen at lower left panel. GREAT COLOR and a SCARCE piece!! $1,375 plus shipping.

H F & B melon – photo Rod Walck

This prompted me to try to figure out what H F & B means. Here is what we have:

Holtz, 7 E. 20th St. (2004) – New York Signs

[New York Signs] Holtz was Christian P. F. Holtz (1827/28-?) born in Hamburg, Germany. His name often appears in the variant form, Christian F. Holtz, as well as in its Americanized form, Charles F. Holtz. He lived in Hoboken, New Jersey, where a city directory from 1859 lists: “Holtz C. F. Park Hotel, Hudson c. Fourth Hoboken.” He is described as working as a waiter in the U. S. Census of 1860, and in 1862 the Internal Revenue Service assessed taxes consisting of $30 for “Hotel 4th Class,” $20 for “Retail Liquor Dealer,” and $15 for 3 billiard tables. These businesses were located at 150 and 152 Hudson St., Hoboken. Trow’s New York City Directory of 1863 shows that he had by that time opened a “saloon/restaurant” on Duane St. in New York. Trow 1869 describes Christian F. Holtz as dealing in “Havana segars, champagnes, Bordeaux & Rhine wines.” This is a clear indication that he was running an import business for these products. And, in fact, in the U. S. Census of 1870 Holtz gave his occupation as wine merchant.

From around 1870 Holtz’s restaurant and wine importers were located at 95 Duane St. and 307 Broadway (two entrances to the same building). By the mid-1870s he acquired a partner, Henry Koennecke. City directories in the 1880s describe Holtz & Koennecke as “importers of wines, &c. sole agents for C. F. Eccardt, Creuznach, Rhine & Mosell wines, P. J. de Tenet & Ed. de Georges Bordeaux clarets, Bruch-Foucher & Co. Mareuil Sur Ay champagne, Rheus natural mineral water, Ofner R·kÛczy bitter water and D. H. Carstens Lubbeck canned vegetables, & c.” Then around the mid-1880s this partnership dissolved, and Holtz took a new partner, Bruno Freystedt. This created the long-lived business, Holtz & Freystedt, which tended to be the name used for the import business. The name Holtz was retained for the restaurant, and in 1896 a second Holtz Restaurant was opened at 365-367 Broadway on the northwest corner of Franklin St.

Christian Holtz’s name disappears from city directories after 1894, and in 1896 the New York Times reported a new incorporation: “Holtz & Freystedt Company of New-York City, to deal in wines and liquors, rectify liquors, and to keep and erect or operate hotels; capital $100,000.” The directors were Bruno Freystedt, Ernest Harbers, and Amandus Mayer of Hoboken, N. J. and Paul Freystedt and Charles W. Folden of New York. In 1902 the New York Times reported that Mrs. James J. Coogan had sold the 6-story building at 604 to 608 Broadway on the southeast corner of Houston St. to the Holtz & Freystedt Co, who “will occupy the lower floors as a restaurant.” This third Holtz Restaurant was the victim of a destructive fire in 1904, but was back in business a year later.

Trow 1909 is the first to list the Holtz Restaurant at 7 E. 20th St. Plans for a new 12-story brick and stone loft building at that address were filed with the New York City Dept. of Buildings in that year. The owner was Philip Braender, 143 W. 125th St., and the architect was William C. Frohne, 26 E. 21st St. A Holtz Restaurant seems to have operated here from approx. 1909 to 1913. After 1913, listings indicate the building was used for Holtz & Freystedt offices but not for a restaurant. The Holtz Restaurant at 365 Broadway continued to operate until around 1940. The Times reported in April, 1940, that the 6-story building at the northwest corner of Broadway and Franklin had been sold and that the ground floor had been occupied by Holtz Restaurant since 1895. In 1942 the obituary for Eugene J. Mentzel, former proprietor of Holtz’s Restaurant at 365 Broadway, states that the restaurant had closed “two years ago.”

This advertisement for Holtz & Freystadt from 1915 gives the two Broadway addresses (corner Frankin St. and corner Houston St.) for Holtz restaurants.

Other than Bruno Freystedt, two other Freystedts were involved in the business. These were Paul Freystedt (1858-?) and Walter William Freystedt (b. 24 Feb. 1887, Hoboken, N. J.). Paul Freystedt was possibly Bruno’s brother, and Walter W. Freystedt was Bruno’s son. Paul Freystedt is first mentioned in the 1896 new incorporation. He appears in the 1900 U. S. Census (born Germany, immigrated 1880) living in the Bronx. He was president of Holtz & Freystedt until 1910, later became a vice-president, but in the 1920 Census gave his occupation as “None.” Walter W. Freystedt was president of Holtz & Freystedt from 1912 to 1915, but in 1917 registered for the World War I draft when employed as a salesman for the Mutual Tire & Rubber Co. of New York.

H F & B N.Y., Deep Cherry Puce or Claret, Circa 1860’s, Superb and rare deep cherry puce or claret vertical ribbed melon with seal in the shape of a shield “H.F.&B – N.Y.” Bulbous neck. American ca. 1860’s. Early smooth base, applied double tapered top. Super rare and pretty. 14 broad vertical ribs. Bottles and More Galleria XXVII Lot #82, April 2009. Meyer purchase.

H F & B NY melon – photo Ferdinand Meyer V

H F & B N.Y. Deep Cherry Puce or Claret, Near Perfect, Circa 1860’s, Super deep cherry puce or claret 6 sided with seal “H.F.& B. – N.Y.” American ca. 1860’s. Early smooth base, applied double taper top. Crude with a crooked neck. 2 rings on neck. Hammered with whittle and with zillions of seedy bubbles. This bottle explodes with color and crudity and looks like stained glass. Incredible eye candy. Attribute this bottle to Holtz & Freystedt with the B standing for Brothers. Rod Walck, May 2009. Meyer purchase.

H F & B NY – Meyer Collection

Handled jug, “THE HOLTZ & FREYSTEDT CO / R & W / INC. / N.Y. on base. Amber, 9 1/4” high, hand tooled lip, applied handle, numerous bubbles in the glass. Rare – sold by GreatAntiqueBottles.com

Posted in Collectors & Collections, Facebook, History, Spirits, Uncategorized, Whiskey, Wine & Champagne | Tagged Bruno Freystedt, Charles F. Holtz, Christian F. Holtz, Christian P. F. Holtz, Germany, Hamburg, Henry Koennecke, Hoboken, merchant, Michael George, New Jersey, New York, Paul Freystedt, restaurant | Leave a comment

Saloons and Establishments from Yesteryear

Posted on 1 September 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Ketcham | Yesteryear Gallery

Steve Ketcham
Early American Bottles, Advertising, and Stoneware
www.antiquebottledepot.com

Saloons and Establishments from Yesteryear

01 September 2012

Presenting the fifth gallery of vintage pictures from up North as new material has come in from Steve Ketcham. This is a continuation of many other historical picture posts (see bottom of this page). Just love looking at these pictures.

The reverse of this photo says it was taken at a Minnesota dental convention in 1923 (Yes, that’s three years after Prohibition took effect!). – Steve Ketcham

Gluek was a Minneapolis brewery, Menglekoch dealt in liquor in Minneapolis. – Steve Ketcham

Same saloon as pictured further below. – Steve Ketcham

Nice corner sign for Blatz, Milwaukee to the right. – Steve Ketcham

Interior view of a fancier saloon than most. – Steve Ketcham

Barber shop wth bottles on the counter and mugs in the rack. – Steve Ketcham

Somewhere in Minnesota, circa 1950 – 1960. – Steve Ketcham

We have no history for this fun photo, but when we found it we were quite happy. We do know it is signed “Marshall Photo Racine (Wisconsin) 09. – Steve Ketcham

Here is one very dapper customer. Note the “free lunch” on the tables. – Steve Ketcham

This same salon is pictured in another photo within this collection. – Steve Ketcham

Gathering for a cup of Christmas cheer! – Steve Ketcham

A Lansing, Michigan, pre-Prohibition liquor store. – Steve Ketcham

While brewers and bottlers large and small were once fond of publishing images of the exteriors of their establishments, often exaggerating their size in the process, the interiors of those buildings were less accessible to the public eye. This image was found in Saugerties, New York, last fall. It depicts a bottling operation which may be that of J. B. Lambert of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. We offer as evidence two marked wooden bottle cases, one at lower right and another behind the lanky chap in the middle of the room. Whether the photo depicts the Lambert facility or not, it is a nice glimpse of just what a bottling operation might have looked like before automation took over the process of cleaning and filling the bottles with product. The fellow at left is operating a filling machine. Most likely the product is beer which is flowing from the keg behind him. As suggested by the two pieces of advertising on the wall behind the filler, the brew may have been either Pabst beer or Hanley’s ale. We are not too familiar with the Hanley’s advertising sign, but the Pabst sign is a framed, convex, multi-colored, reverse-on-glass piece that would inspire great desire in the heart of many a breweriana collector. The bottles on the filler appear to be quarts. The three gents at right are working around the soaking tub and bottle washer. The wooden tub is filled to the brim with bottles being soaked to remove old labels. (The pile of refuse behind the middle fellow may be the remains of the soaked-off labels.) The bottles are then placed on a device where they are washed, rinsed, and allowed to dry. It appears the bottles are crown tops, and it seems there are numerous crown caps scattered about on the floor beneath the tub. That the crew members are standing on pallets suggests the room was often damp. In fact, the water on the floor next to the tub is sufficient to reflect portions of the room. We checked with Hutchinson soda expert and FOHBC Hall of Famer Ron Fowler to be sure there were no rare Rhode Island hutch sodas hiding in the photo. Ron told us, “We have 12 different Hutchinsons catalogued for Rhode Island bottlers. All 12 are classified as Rare (1-10 known). This total includes one each for East Providence, Narragansett, Nasonville, and Newport, six for Providence, and two from Westerly. We have no knowledge of any Hutchinsons from Woonsocket, or of any RI bottlers by the name of Lambert.” Our thanks to Ron for this information and for helping us identify the bottling apparatus and its uses. – Steve Ketcham

Once a saloon, now a lunch counter. Notice the pies! One remnant of the wet days gone by is the whiskey ad above the chef’s head. – Steve Ketcham

Taken at a Minnesota state Elks convention in Bemidji. Note the words “Sample Room” on the window. – Steve Ketcham

What do you bet they served a lot of wild game here? – Steve Ketcham

Same pool hall as above, ame proprietor in both images. These sad-looking fellows clearly need a nip to put smiles back on their faces. – Steve Ketcham

This image was likely taken after Prohibition was enacted. Not much to offer the customer without the beer and the booze! – Steve Ketcham

We found this image, already framed, during the final hours of a Minneapolis estate sale several years back. It was lying on the floor, face down, and the wording “Employees of the Illinois Glass Company – 1875,” printed on the reverse, caught our eye. This company was formed in Alton, Illinois, in 1873. – Steve Ketcham

Employees of the Minnesota Stoneware Co. of Red Wing, Minnesota. Minnesota Stoneware was in business from 1883 until 1906 when it merged with Red Wing Stoneware Co. to form the Union Stoneware Co. – Steve Ketcham

At first we did not notice that we owned two different images of the same drug store, clearly taken at different times. Compare this photo with the one below it and notice what has changed and what has stayed the same. – Steve Ketcham

At first we did not notice that we owned two different images of the same drug store, clearly taken at different times. Compare this photo with the one above it and notice what has changed and what has stayed the same. – Steve Ketcham

Posted in Advertising, Ales & Ciders, Barber Bottles, Bitters, Breweriana, Collectors & Collections, Druggist & Drugstore, Ephemera, Hair Tonics, History, Photography, Pottery, Shaving Mugs, Spirits, Stoneware, Whiskey | Tagged barber, Beer, Blatz, Brewery, Gluek, Illinois Glass Company, liquor, Michigan, milwaukee, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Minnesota Stoneware Co., photography, Prohibition, Racine, Saloon, Steve Ketcham, Whiskey, Wisconsin, yesteryear | Leave a comment

Galveston and the Civil War: An Island City in the Maelstrom

Posted on 1 September 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Exciting news from Jim Schmidt, my Houston celebrity friend, FOHBC member and historian extraordinaire. Jim joined our antique bottle and glass community ranks a year or so ago and brings major depth to the historical aspect of our collecting. This is yet another reason I am so excited about our growing membership for the FOHBC. Jim has been invaluable to me as a collector and consistently finds support material on Bitters bottles I am researching. His new book on Galveston and the Civil War is at the printer now so you can order by following the link below. I can not wait to get my signed copy!

On the eve of the Civil War, Galveston was a jewel of the Gulf Coast–a booming city with a fine natural harbor and all the commerce, culture and improvements that attended it. Galveston was also home to the largest slave market west of New Orleans and a hotbed of secessionist sentiment. Once the war started, Galveston became the focus of Union efforts to take Texas and Confederate efforts to defend it. Through the voice of its people, this lively book relates the interesting and important role the Island City played during the war, including the story of the Union naval blockade, the dramatic Battle of Galveston, Unionists, dreadful epidemics of yellow fever, the surrender of Galveston as the last major port still in Confederate hands and the bondage and liberation of the islands enslaved African Americans. Order Jim Schmidt’s new book.

About the Author

A chemist by education and profession, Jim Schmidt is currently employed as a pharmaceutical research scientist near Houston, Texas. Jim has had a lifelong interest in history and has written more than fifty articles for the Civil War News and North & South, World War II, Learning Through History and Chemical Heritage magazines and other publications. He is the author, editor or contributor to four other books on the American Civil War, including Notre Dame and the Civil War: Marching Onward to Victory (The History Press, 2010). He has given presentations on Civil War history to groups across the Midwest, South and mid-Atlantic. Jim Schmidt is a member of The Woodlands (TX) Civil War Round Table, the Galveston Historical Foundation and the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors.

Biography

Hi! My name is Jim Schmidt and thanks for visiting my amazon.com Author Page! I am a chemist by training and profession and currently work for a biotech company near Houston, Texas. But by night (and by lunch!) I am a writer! I have always been interested in history, and have been especially interested in the Civil War for the past 20 years. My special interests are in Civil War medicine, Catholic chaplains and sister-nurses, and the intersection of business history and military history. I have been writing historical pieces for magazines and newspapers for about 15 years. My work has been published in *North & South*, *The Artilleryman*, *Learning Through History*, *World War II*, *Chemical Heritage*, and *Today’s Chemist* magazines. My column, “Medical Department,” has appeared regularly in *The Civil War News* since September 2000.

My books include “Notre Dame and the Civil War: Marching Onward to Victory” (2010), “Years of Change and Suffering: Modern Perspectives on Civil War Medicine” (2009), and “Lincoln’s Labels: America’s Best Known Brands and the Civil War” (2008).

I am currently researching and writing a new book on Galveston (TX) and the Civil War to be published in mid- to late-2012! You can learn more about my interests by visiting my “Civil War Medicine” or “Notre Dame in the Civil War” blogs or e-mailing me at schmidtjamesm@gmail.com.

Thank You!

Visit Civil War Medicine (and Writing)

Table center-piece display for Jim Schmidt of Civil War Medicine (and Writing). This was Jim’s first time to display at a bottle show. Jim has been instrumental in providing depth and research for obscure bottles in my collection.

Order Jims Books

Posted in Advice, Article Publications, Civil War, Collectors & Collections, Ephemera, FOHBC News, History, Medicines & Cures, News, Publications | Tagged Amazon.com, Civil War, Confederate, fohbc, Galveston, historian, History, Houston, James M. Schmidt, Jim, Lincoln, Notre Dame, texas, Union | Leave a comment

Michael George: Manchester Chairman & New England Tour de Force

Posted on 31 August 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Tour de Force is defined as “a feat demonstrating brilliance or mastery in a field”. Now if this does not describe the role and backbone of the Chairman of our FOHBC 2013 National Antique Bottle Show in Manchester, New Hampshire, nothing will. Mike, pictured with his wife Janet above, reside in New Boston, New Hampshire. Mike is an authority on New England early American glass and one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. With his Co-Chair, Maureen Crawford and supported by the Merrimack Valley Antique Bottle Club, they have paved the way for our next great national show. They have already sold almost half of the allotted dealer tables so stop procrastinating and make your plans soon to reserve a spot.

Here is Mikes design of our Show Contract (click for contract) and a few of his wonderful pictures. Peachridge Glass has seven index pages of his work in previous posts! He also oversees a great web site called BottleShow.com.

One of my favorite pictures that Mike has posted. Janet looks so comfortable in this Zen-like setting.

Gorgeous group of Blown 3-Mold Decanters – Michael George

Nice NH whimsey piece made from a large utility bottle! – Michael George

: Here is why I needed to keep the little yellow amber jug… As a collector, some items are just too difficult to sell!! – Michael George

Puce Glass Trio – photo Michael George

Three Amber Bitters Bottles – photo Michael George

Here is a small group of snuffs… mostly NH stuff. – Michael George

With all of this “gutsy” glass from Hartford County… Here is a picture that shows the “lighter” side of Pitkin glass! – Michael George

All 3 of these pieces came from New England. Two of them had attribution to Germantown or Temple by Boo Morcom. I can’t say with any certainty where they are from… just that I like em! I can post base shots if anyone want to compare. – Michael George

Although the winter was mild, I was thinking about Spring while taking this photo in February! Most of this glass is mid-late 18th century in my opinion, one or two may be early 19th century. Some of the pieces are possibly from the Wistar factory. – Michael George

Wonderful color run of Townsend’s Sarsaparillas – Michael George

A nice New England demijohn…with a little character!! – Michael George (around 1840). It looks like NH glass to me, but can’t say if it is earlier or later than 1840… a pivotal date for trying to determine local origin. My guess is Stoddard.

Couple o’ jars… nice range of New England color. – Michael George

Rick Ciralli I think this is like your deep dish bowl with the rolled lip. The shard (which matches the lip identical) was excavated at the location of the Granite Glass Co in Stoddard. I am not 100% on it, but is fairly conclusive. This glass is also a little later (1860s) and much cleaner than the earlier Stoddard glass. Although, this one has a huge potstone in the rim… quality control was still an issue! – Michael George

SUFFOLK BITTERS | PHILBROOK & TUCKER BOSTON, bright orange amber, bordering a yellow amber through the base and mouth area. This one has the rare squared collar “medicine type” top. – BottleShow.com

Three New Hampshire Sunburst Flasks – Michael George

Early blown three molds – Michael George

Eclectic group of New England glass – Michael George

Posted in Advice, Bitters, Blown Glass, Bottle Shows, Collectors & Collections, Color Runs, Decanter, Demijohns, Early American Glass, Flasks, FOHBC News, Freeblown Glass, Historical Flasks, News, Peachridge Glass, Photography, Sarsaparilla, Snuff, Utility Bottles, Whimsies | Tagged 2013, bitters, contract, Decanters, Demijohn, fohbc, Janet George, Manchester, Merrimack Valley Bottle Club, Michael George, national, New Boston, New Hampshire, Pitkin, Sarsaparilla, Snuff, Stoddard | 1 Comment

How to make an EXTRACT OF SMART WEED bottle look enticing

Posted on 30 August 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Every once in a while I notice a style of photographing bottles and glass that prompts closer review. In this case the body of work is from Peter Marston from Plymouth, New Hampshire. These pictures speak volumes. They are crisp, detailed and use the mirror to maximum advantage. You are drawn into the picture. It is actually really challenging to photograph aqua and capture the character of the bottle. Very nice Peter.

I was really interested in finding out a little more on the DR. PIERCE’S EXTRACT OF SMART WEED bottle. I bet Elizabeth would say I could really use some of that stuff sometimes. Peter actually has it on eBay now. Description: Here for your consideration we have a beautiful CITRON colored 1880s ” Dr. Pierce Extract Of Smart Weed, Buffalo, N.Y. R V Pierce MD ”

Smartweed – In combination with tonics and gum myrrh, it is said to have cured epilepsy – probably dependent on some uterine derangement. The infusion in cold water, which may be readily prepared from the fluid extract, has been found serviceable in gravel, dysentery, gout, sore mouths, colds and coughs, and mixed with wheat bran, in bowel complaints. Antiseptic and desiccant virtues are also claimed for it. The fresh leaves, bruised with those of the Mayweed (Anthemis Cotula), and moistened with a few drops of oil of turpentine, make a speedy vesicant. – Botanical.com

Dr Ray Vaughn Pierce (pictured, courtesy of Project Gutenberg) was an über-quack whose laboratory in Buffalo, NY, produced millions of dollars worth of patent remedies. As well as the Pleasant Pellets, there were Dr Pierce’s Anuric Tablets, Dr Pierce’s Favorite Prescription, Dr Pierce’s Vaginal Tablets, Dr Pierce’s Extract of Smart-Weed and Dr Pierce’s Golden Medical Discovery – a licorice-flavoured tonic that reportedly contained quinine, opium and alcohol and was advertised as giving men “an appetite like a cow-boy’s and the digestion of an ostrich.” Pierce ran an opulent hotel for invalids, the first incarnation of which burnt down in 1881. The rebuilt hotel is said to have included among its guests the Sundance Kid and Etta Place in 1901. His company, the World’s Dispensary Medical Association, gave away freebies such as calendars and notebooks to advertise the products, and Pierce’s own book, The People’s Common Sense Medical Adviser in Plain English, was a vehicle for recommending his own medicines. As well as the laboratory in Buffalo, the company had a British branch at Great Russell Street, London. – The Quack Doctor

“I usually do the mirror thing with my eBay listings. I should get a new mirror or setup though. It is getting stale I think… have used that one mirror for a whole year”

Peter Marston

Posted in Advice, Collectors & Collections, Druggist & Drugstore, eBay, History, Humor - Lighter Side, Medicines & Cures, Photography | Tagged Buffalo, Dr Ray Vaughn Pierce, eBay, Extract, mirror, New Hampshire, New York, Peter Marston, photography, Plymouth, Smartweed, The Quack Doctor | Leave a comment

Post Office against Diggers? Hmmmm

Posted on 30 August 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Incoming email from James Campaglia. See Outhouse Patrol

On Friday Aug 24th, a friend and I went to the state run historical society (McFarland Curatorial Center) in Virginia City, Montana to see what they could show us that had been dug in Virginia City. And to see what knowledge they had on the artifacts found in outhouses and in general to say hi and explain that we have like interests. I later learned we do not have the same interest! The archaeology woman was gone to a seminar. There was a small box of relics on a table so I asked questions about these items that I associated with being found in an outhouse. The guy we met with did have some info and was able to tell us that some bones in the box were of an ox (I knew that). I told him about bottles and by the second sentence I felt that I had him lost. We were not to touch these artifacts (perhaps the DNA would of been ruined) but I touched anyways. He was cordial and gave me some area info. I am told by locals that the archaeology woman does not like us, yet has never met us or has not taken it upon herself to come see us which is an open invitation I gave to others in this state run center. We dug all day Friday and continued that weekend but no state workers stopped by.

Those that I invited, once in an outhouse I am sure would not be able to climb back out. Perhaps that is why they didn’t stop by after I let them know I would loan them a shovel so they could show us their skills. I feel the shovel might of been a threat since they use tweezers, toothpicks, and toothbrushes to excavate old excrement.

I still am in disbelief about this story that was told to me by one of the state guys” “we get calls when the water company hits some artifacts or when a wall is being shored up. We then go out and dig 1 by 1 foot squares a few inches at a time until we find the needed artifacts. One hole we feel was an outhouse had a burlap bag with something hard like metal in it. So I asked, “what was in the bag?”, “I don’t know we were done with the project at the 3 foot level so buried the hole!”, “We had dug all we needed by that time”. He also said they dig seeds on the top soils of the outhouse and can tell what local foods were eaten by this. Seeds float to the bottom not the top! The depth or other important artifacts will never be known now that they completed what they needed to do. (Or the budget permitted).

Take a look at the attached poster (see above) which is now hanging in the local post office (and maybe other places) behind glass after having been approved to be hung. I am still trying to find out who hung this. This nonsense just makes me work harder to find bottles on private land in and around Virginia City. Where we are currently digging in a field is outside city limits and I wish they had spent a week or so digging and finding the small amount we did after a lot of effort. Apparently they feel we charge money to dig outhouses which I don’t know of anyone being able to pull that off!

I would sure like to see them go find some of the outhouses in fields we search! Big nasty trash dumps with bones, tin, etc. and a chance of a rattlesnake is all we have found lately. The one outhouse last Monday had some common bottles and Chinese relics. I offered to donate anything they might want to display but learned there is no display or way of educating the public as to what they have found. I asked where the items are and got the same darn answer I get from any state run organization or museum in regards to bottles “In boxes in a room not accessible!!!!!!!!!!”

Regards,
James

Update from James Campiglia 02 September 2012:

HI Ferd,

Thanks for posting that for me. Others might as well know how we are not liked by the states.

Update:

Tried to meet with the archaeology mgr. girl. Doors all locked at state building, but people inside doing something. Sign says make an appointment. I still need a phone number to do this. After talking to others they agree we have done nothing wrong, they love us in Virginia City (talked to other business owners, etc) and its very childish whoever put this sign up there and allows it to hang. Last week I went and tore their sign down. Put up a bunch of my business cards in place. Its just a bulletin board not the locked one I thought, but still inside the post office. I saw more of these posters around town too! My friend, not Reggie with OuthousePatrol but a younger friend and I who enjoys the bars and drinks ventured up to the other bar. Out on the bench is where people hang out to smoke and we stopped to say hi to a few we have seen around town before. When they asked “what are you here doing again” and Gabe said “digging for bottles in outhouses” a lady got up and left. We didn’t think much of it but a little while later found out she is Kate the state archaeologist! She will not talk to us we were told. She went in to hang with a rough looking man and I decided to leave it alone but Gabe was enjoying the strong rum and cokes more than I so went to try to talk to her. He let her know we have the same interests and just want to learn more of what they do. The male friend told him to get lost- but in not such nice words and we had better get out of town we are not wanted. Ok this is too much! I wanted to then go over but I hadn’t been in a bar room brawl in years, or I guess never, but it sounded like maybe it would make the papers “Outhouse Diggers don’t just kick cans…or OuthouseDiggers don’t take no S**t!????”
Well Gabe tried to talk to her once again and invite her to come dig but I see this will never happen. The state will remain separated from other humans not on their level. A lady friend wants me to call her friend, the lieutenant Governor. Perhaps he can do an investigation as to what is going on. All that we talked to in town basically has had their business harassed and any progress stopped for years due to this state funded deal not allowing anyone to do anything. In Virginia City many buildings have old time displays showing life in the stores in the 1800’s. One building is in shambles. The lady has waited 3 years for the state to set up a display that she is more than capable of doing as runs a very fine gift and book store there. The large crane, one of 5 known in the World, was cut up and salvaged and still everyone is amazed the state workers took that upon themselves to do, with or without approval on a higher level. The crane was an amazing focal point by old mining equiptment in Nevada City (the other state run old town outside of Virginia City).

We will move on but not after letting others know that we tread light on land, fix it better than when we started when we can, and we are not paid to dig outhouses. I have called the local paper for an interview so other can learn more about us and the historic research that we do. If the local paper does a story on us i will send it in here! I am running nice big display ads to buy bottles and that we will pay to dig your outhouse. The many donations from OuthousePatrol.com that we gave to the Firemans Ball for this next weekend, Sept 8th, will also put our name out there even more. Nearly everything we dug is being dontated for the silent auction.
We have made display with old horseshoes, miners shovels, etc. that we found in holes and at a blacksmith shop. We must of found 200 horseshoes now from the 1870’s to 90’s period we figure, although no expert on these shoes.
Pics of our digs, the town, and some historical info. will get posted on our OuthousePatrol.com probably next week as soon as I get some time.

Heres’s a couple pics for you, or the site. The big bone pit was a pain. Full of rocks and tin and broken bottles, but not many broken but we all agreed the toughest dig we had ever had.
Thanks,
James
http://www.jameschips.com
http://www.outhousepatrol.com/

Posted in Digging and Finding, History, News | Tagged artifacts, Digging, Historical, James Campiglia, McFarland Curatorial Center, Montana, outhouse, Outhouse Patrol, Post Office, Society, Virginia City | 1 Comment

How we Transported our Goods, Beer and Liquor Back Then

Posted on 30 August 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

How we Transported our Goods, Beer and Liquor Back Then

30 August 2012 (R•040915) (R•041815) (R•061617) (R•102618) (R•040119 – Moxie Wagon)

As you may have noticed of late, I have been developing a number of posts dealing with historical photographs. It started earlier this year with glass houses and factories, boys that worked in glass houses and then moved on to a series of historical drinking photographs. I really enjoy looking and studying all of these old pictures. Today I posted some great photographs of primarily transport wagons.

I am sitting in the building in the next three pictures below, typing this post now. These are my design offices in downtown Houston in the historic Wagon Works building.

Texas Wagon Works before becoming Eller Wagon Works (see below). My design offices for FMG Design are located within this building. The train tracks are beneath the paved street now.

Eller Wagon Works building – Circa 1910. My design offices for FMG Design are located within this building. You can still see the faded graphics on the facade of the building. So cool. I’m sitting the first floor corner in between the two white wagons. – photo FMG

Eller Wagon Works is actual FMG studio space – Circa 1910. My design offices for FMG Design are located within this EXACT space. I am looking at those same steel columns and windows now as I write. No dirt floors though. – photo FMG

Galveston Brewing Company and Bottling Works, unknown date.

The famous Watkins Man makes his pitch. Notice the bottles in both hands. – photo Steve Ketcham

Bower & Company General Store – In 1914 the Bower & Company General Store was located at 2643 North High Street, Clintonville, Ohio. This is their delivery wagon around 1914.

Historic photo of a wagon of Green Brewer’s Hops at a Newberg, Oregon, Willamette River Valley farm in 1939 – photo by Al Monner

Beer delivery wagon for Louis Gluntz. Notice the Schlitz graphics on the side of the wagon. – photo Steve Ketcham

Kentucky Wagon Manufacturing Company (Old Hickory Wagon vignette). From a beautifully engraved certificate from the Kentucky Wagon Manufacturing Company issued in 1914.

A pro-prohibition horse-drawn wagon in a parade in Phoenix – circa 1916. Bootlegger’s Take Warning, Arizona’s Dry.

Budweiser Clydesdales in D.C. after the repeal of Prohibition.

Wagons and early automobiles share the street in downtown Joplin, Missouri. Date unknown.

A Minneapolis or St. Paul delivery wagon – photo Steve Ketcham

A Minneapolis dairy – photo Steve Ketcham

A bit blurry since the photo subject was moving in a parade. We have no idea where this one was taken. – photo Steve Ketcham

Washington, D.C. 1922. “J.C.L. Ritter – Polli Food Products truck.” – National Photo Company Collection glass negative

Morning rounds – Dairy delivery truck

Fred D. Follet, the milk man.

This photograph was taken in the latter part of the 1800’s, and shows the market square in Cleburne, Texas.

The original Mayer Bottling Plant. Charles Mayer is standing in front of wagon with hat and vest on. The wagon to the right appears to be driven by Joseph Drackert. He owned the Drackert delivery, hauling and storage company in Hammond and delivered the bottles for Charles. The two young boys are probably Charles’ sons. ** (Hammond Brewing Co. Indiana)

P Stumpf & Co Wagon

Billson’s Brewery

Travellers_Decorated_Caravan_(6136023633)

Irish Travellers also called pavees, tinkers or gypsies, are a traditionally itinerant ethnic group who maintain a set of traditions. Although predominantly English speaking, some also use Shelta and other similar cants. They live mostly in Ireland as well as having large numbers in the United Kingdom and in the United States. Their origin is disputed. Around 10,000 people in the United States are descendants of Travellers who left Ireland, mostly during the period between 1845 and 1860 during the Great Famine. About 2,500 of them live in Murphy Village, a community outside North Augusta, South Carolina. [Wikipedia]

Vaseline Hair Tonic wagon

Early oil transportation wagons.

Local Fire Department wagon

Saw your updated wagon post and thought of this “real photo” postcard. Let us not forget that bitters too, were delivered by horse and cart. This is the S 134 Smyrna Bitters. The post card is undated. – Joe Gourd

Horse pulled wagon for the Philadelphia Circus.

Overloaded Wells Fargo Express wagon

Moxie marketing wagon. Dr. Augustin Thompson set up practice in Lowell, MA, which was home to many patent medicines. He wanted to make a cure-all which did not contain harmful ingredients like cocaine and alcohol.

Posted in Ales & Ciders, Bottling Works, Breweriana, Ephemera, History, Milk & Creamers, Photography, Technology | Tagged Beer, Bower & Company General Store, Budweiser Clydesdales, Charles Mayer, Eller Wagon Works, FMG Design, Galveston Brewing Company, Green Brewer's Hops, J.R. Watkins Remedies, Joplin, Kentucky Wagon Manufacturing Company, Louis Gluntz, Mayer, Missouri, Moxie, photograph, Prohibition, Texas Wagon Works, transport, transportation, wagon, Wagon Works, Wells Fargo | 1 Comment

Mike AKA Chinchillaman1 AKA Mike’s Bottle Room

Posted on 29 August 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

I received this response on facebook to my recent post Cool Embossings 2:

Those are all cool!!! but I’m saddened by the fact that you didn’t mention any NYC stuff, there are some amazing embossing on blobs, Olbermeyer and Liebmann, Easter Brewing Co, John Kress Brewing Co, Defender Bottling Co, Jos. Strohmenger / Fred Opperman Jr. Turtle Bay Brewery Lagar Beer. and an NJ, Feigenspan Brewing Co. I though for sure one of them would be on the list, the Olbermeyer usually is. Michael Urbanski

My response:

Don’t be sad. Just send me pictures like most are doing. Agree for sure that I am weak in beers unless Rick DeMarsh or others jump in. These posts are numbered so let’s do beers next. Tks

Michael:

They are all here on my website: Mike’s Bottle Room

I got to looking at Michael’s web site and realized that this guy is a pretty talented digger who seems really ahead of the curve regarding finding, collecting, photographing and posting about primarily New York blob top beers. His web site is organized, visually attractive and covers historically the areas of New York City such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Coney Island etc. Michael’s home page reads as follows:

Welcome!

For those of you who don’t know who I am, my name is Mike AKA Chinchillaman1. I’m a Youtube Bottle Digger so to speak which means that I collect bottles and post the videos of various digs or elements of my collection onto Youtube. This site is for those who want to get into the hobby of bottle hunting, metal detecting or any treasure hunting hobby in general, or for those who want to find out about the history of bottles that they might already own. Ive been a collector for two years and my goal is to find out about the histories of all of the bottles that I have, local especially. If you’d like to view my bottle digging channel here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/chinchillaman1

If You Have Any Information On The Bottles Marked, No Info, Please Send Me An Email. I Am Looking For The History Of The Companies Specifically. Thank You!

A few of my favorite bottles after perusing his site, which he says he has more bottles to add:

COLONIAL BOTTLING CO. / COLONIAL BREWING, NY Blob, Address: 267-269 W. 17th St., This is one of the rarest bottles in my collection. Not only is it extremely scarce, it is also a prototype with multiple mistakes. This will get a little complicated: The Colonial Brewery opened in 1897, successors to the Bavarian Star Brewing Co of 1891-1897, at 240 W. 18th st. It closed in 1899, and the brewery was sold to the Eastern Brewing Co. as the Colonial Branch. The Eastern Brewing Co. was based in Brooklyn and this Manhattan branch was only in operation from 1901-1902. This bottle however, is a prototype, it says Colonial Bottling Co. instead of Colonial Brewery, and the address is incorrect as well, probably because the building for the company wasnt purchased yet. There is no record of the prototype anywhere. The design around the Indian trademark is also incorrect. – Urbanski Collection

THE JOHN KRESS BREWING CO. BOTTLING DEPARTMENT, Manhattan Blob Top, Address: 207 E. 54th St., The company opened in 1863 and closed in 1904. The founders applied for bankruptcy after mounting debt, liabilities, and fines due to hazardous working conditions. – Urbanski Collection

CARL H. SCHULTZ, NEW YORK, NY Vichy Water, Address: 430-444 1st Ave., In 1862, young German Carl Schultz was reselling mineral water in New York City which was being imported from France, more specifically Vichy water from a special area. By 1868 he was sued by the French over copyrights on label titles using the word Vichy in it and for reselling their spring water. He then decided to make his own Vichy water and the company was born the same year. By the late 1890s millions of bottles and siphons were being produced and distributed. By that time he began to lose money as it cost more to make the bottles and siphons then he had earned selling the drink. He died on May 29 1897 from Pneumonia, leaving his family in debt to pay back for the bottles. The company immediately closed that same year. – Urbanski Collection

JOS. STROHMENGER / FRED OPPERMAN JR. TURTLE BAY BREWERY LAGAR BEER, Address: 322 E. 45th St. & 785 1st Ave. E. 44th St. This bottle is from Oceanic NJ, but was brewed and made in Manhattan. The company started in 1850. Its first official address was at 320 E. 46th St. under the name J.G. Gillig and Fred Oppermann. In 1876 the name changed to Oppermann & Mueller. The address changed as well to 44th & 45th St., Between 1st & 2nd Ave. In 1878 the company changed its name again to Frederick Oppermann Jr. Brewing Co. in 1892 the company was bough tout by the Conville Brewing Co. until it closed in 1911. It is unclear how or when the company moved to N.J., nor were any dates recorded associated with the move. – Urbanski Collection

OBERMEYER & LIEBMANN, BROOKLYN Blob Top, Address: 59 & 71 Bremen St. & Noll St. On November 27th 1854, a German immigrant named Samuel Liebmann purchased a brewery in Williamsburg which would become the greatest brewery in New York over the course of the next 100 years. In 1868 he retired, and in 1872 he passed away, leaving the business to his three sons, Joseph, Henry, and Charles. It is unclear which of the sons branched off to create the S. Liebmann’s Sons Brewing Co. The company was successful until 1905, when it was passed down to their grandsons. To this day, no one is sure where the name Obermeyer comes from in the companie’s history. – Urbanski Collection

HENRY SIERICHS & CO. / Queens, Small Blob Top, Address: 159 Elizabeth St., The company opened in 1875 in Manhattan and close in 1917 in Queens. This bottler was a member of the Rockaway Bottlers Protective Association of Rockaway Beach, NY. – Urbanski Collection

J. H. CURRIE SARSAPARILLA / NEW YORK, Address: Unknown, No info on this bottle. – Urbanski Collection

Posted in Advice, Ales & Ciders, Collectors & Collections, Digging and Finding, Facebook, Glass Makers, History, Sarsaparilla, Water | Tagged Beer, blob, Bottle, Brewery, Brooklyn, Carl H. Schultz, Colonial Bottling Company, digger, Fred Opperman, Henry Sierichs, J.H. Currie, John Kress, Joseph Strohmenger, Manhattan, Michael Urbanski, Mikes Bottle Room, New York, Obermeyer & Liebmann, Queens, Rockaway Beach, top, Turtle Bay, Vichy | Leave a comment

Photographs and Images of People Drinking – Part IV (Brewing)

Posted on 29 August 2012 by Ferdinand Meyer V

Photographs and Images of People Drinking – Part IV (Brewing)

29 August 2012

Ketcham | Brewing Gallery

Steve Ketcham
Early American Bottles, Advertising, and Stoneware
www.antiquebottledepot.com

Presenting the fourth gallery of vintage pictures from up North as new material has come in from Steve Ketcham. If you have any candidates for inclusion in future galleries, please forward. Thanks.

The reverse of this photo says it was taken at one of the Minneapolis Brewing Company sites, but we cannot confirm it. Note the fellows holding tools of their trade (especially the maltsters with their shovels) as well as the fruits of their labors. – Steve Ketcham

Though unconfirmed, we believe this is an image of the Joseph Schmucker Brewery of New Ulm, Minnesota. The name on the wagon seems to read “Schmucker.” – Steve Ketcham

One of our all-time favorite images shows employees of the Milwaukee Waukesha Brewing Company of Waukesha, Wisconsin. They produced Fox Head Beer. Note the fox on a leash at the front of the group. Here again, many of the fellows are holding either tools of the trade or a glass, stein, or bottle of brew. – Steve Ketcham

Another one of our favorites. This photo captures the crew at the St. Paul, Minnesota, bottling plant of the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company. It is dated 1909 on the reverse, and the location is listed as being at the foot of Chestnut Street. – Steve Ketcham

Edward Drewry bought the Redwood Brewery in 1877. The company eventually brewed in Indiana for the American market. Edward Drewry is said to be related to the Drewry brewing and bottling family of St. Paul, Minnesota. Look for the tools of the various brewery trades these boys are holding. – Steve Ketcham

Louis Sadar, my wife’s grandfather, is shown here driving the Fitger Beer wagon in the Iron Range town of Eveleth, Minnesota. This photo was taken prior to 1917, the year Louis died. – Steve Ketcham

Minneapolis United Brewery Workmen sit proudly for a Labor Day, 1901, group photo. – Steve Ketcham

Originally owned by the Heinrich Brewing Association, this facility became a part of the Minneapolis Brewing Company in 1890 when it merged with three other breweries. Nearly everyone is enjoying a cold one, and these fellows chose to exaggerate the foam atop their steins just a bit. Maybe some crumpled paper? – Steve Ketcham

According to writing found on the reverse, this photo was taken at the cooperage of the Lauritzen Malt Company of Minneapolis. – Steve Ketcham

Because this image was taken in Watertown, South Dakota, we believe this elevator was used to store South Dakota grain prior to shipping it to the Gund Brewing Company in La Crosse. – Steve Ketcham

Filling kegs in an unidentified brewery. – Steve Ketcham

(Left Picture – see below) This pre-Prohibition photo of the crew at the Hamm’s Brewing Co. Bottling Department is over 24 inches long. We had to take two shots to get it all. Sorry, but we have no photo stitch software. – Steve Ketcham

(Right Picture – see above) This pre-Prohibition photo of the crew at the Hamm’s Brewing Co. Bottling Department is over 24 inches long. We had to take two shots to get it all. Sorry, but we have no photo stitch software. – Steve Ketcham

Photographs of People Drinking – Part I

Photographs and Images of People Drinking – Part II

Photographs and Images of People Drinking – Part III

Photographs and Images of People Drinking – Part IV (Brewing)

Photographs and Images of People Drinking – Part V

Photographs and Images of People Drinking – Part VI

Possibly the Earliest Photograph of People Drinking Beer – Part VII