Red Wing Collectors Society Secures Display of “Little Brown Jug” for its Convention

Red Wing, MN – The Red Wing Collectors Society announces today that the University of Minnesota has granted permission to display the Little Brown Jug for the week of the 2015 Convention – July 6-12.

The RWCS recently announced that the Convention keynote presentation by Ken Magee, author of The Little Brown Jug: The Michigan-Minnesota Football Rivalry, would be open to the public. It’s slated for Thursday, July 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Red Wing High School.

Magee encouraged RWCS Executive Director Stacy Wegner to reach out to Adam Clark, Director of Football Operations at the University of Minnesota to request having the Little Brown Jug on display for his keynote presentation.

“I always thought in the back of my head it would be cool to have the jug, but never thought it would happen!” Wegner said. “Ken came through for us and working with Clark at the University of Minnesota has been easy.”

Wegner was more than pleased to secure the jug for the keynote session. But when Clark made it clear that the University of Minnesota is eager to share it with the people of Minnesota, she asked if the Society could display the jug for the full week of the 2015 RWCS Convention. Starting Monday, July 6 through Sunday, July 12 the jug will be in Red Wing. The Pottery Museum of Red Wing will be the main viewing location, but it will be at Red Wing High School on Thursday, July 9 for Magee’s keynote address.

“We are excited that the Red Wing Collectors Society was able to secure the ability to display the Little Brown Jug during Convention,” said Robin Wipperling, manager of the Pottery Museum of Red Wing. “Showing this iconic Red Wing stoneware jug in Red Wing is a great opportunity for the RWCS, the Pottery Museum of Red Wing and the Red Wing community as a whole.”

Make plans to see the Red Wing Stoneware Company’s most famous jug during the Red Wing Collectors Society Convention and hear its history on Thursday, July 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Red Wing High School, 2451 Eagle Ridge Dr., Red Wing, MN.

RWCS Opens Keynote Session on the Little Brown Jug Book to Public

Red Wing, MN – The Red Wing Collectors Society is inviting the general public to hear its Annual Convention keynote speaker Ken Magee, co-author of The Little Brown Jug: The Michigan-Minnesota Football Rivalry The keynote is slated for Thursday, July 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Red Wing High School.Kenneth-Magee.JPG

During his writing of the book, Magee contacted RWCS Executive Director Stacy Wegner for information on the Little Brown Jug. Wegner provided Magee with all the information the RWCS had previously published and connected him with collectors as well.

“From Ken’s first contact, I knew he would be a great speaker for our Convention. With the Minnesota Gophers recently winning the jug back from Michigan, it’s perfect timing!” said Wegner.

After the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers’ win last fall, Wegner asked the RWCS Board of Directors to open the keynote session up to the public. This unique invitation has only been done a few times in the past for speakers like Kathy Wurzer, author of Tales of the Road; the Highway 61 story, and Eva Zeisel, designer of Red Wing’s Town and Country dinnerware line.

The RWCS Board of Directors recognized that the excitement of the recent Little Brown Jug win by Minnesota and approved opening the keynote slated for Thursday, July 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Red Wing High School.

“We are very excited to have Ken Magee bring the story of one of the most famous jugs to ever come out of Red Wing, the ‘traveling trophy’ brown jug of the Minnesota – Michigan football rivalry,” said RWCS President Larry Birks. “So many folks from Red Wing are familiar with this jug and because of the rivalry between these two teams, so we’re opening Ken’s keynote address to anyone who would like to hear about the famous jug that is treasured by the winning team each year at the annual football match-up.”

Magee’s book contains more than 200 images that have been donated from the private collections of local sports enthusiasts, photographers and libraries. Many of the myths and stories that surround the famous Little Brown Jug trophy are examined and corrected, and various other tales are revealed for the first time.

Magee will bring a limited number of his book along with some event-only souvenirs for attendees to purchase after his presentation. The book costs $20.00 and a portion of the profits from sales are being donated to the Ken Magee Foundation for Cops, which benefits police officers permanently injured in the line of duty, and their families, to attend Michigan Football games, all expenses paid.

Currently, Wegner is in negotiations with the University of Minnesota to have the original Little Brown Jug on display for the 2015 Convention. They hope to secure the jug for display during Magee’s presentation.

Mark your calendar now to come and learn more about the facts and stories about the Little Brown Jug on Thursday, July 9 at 1:30 a.m. at Red Wing High School at 2451 Eagle Ridge Drive, Red Wing, MN. Admission for Magee’s presentation is free and open to the public.

Vi Malquist, Charter Member 144 dies

Violet Louise Malmquist, 92, of Red Wing, died Tuesday, April 28, at Seminary Home in Red Wing
Published by the Red Wing Republican Eagle

She was born on Oct. 21, 1922, to Albert and Maud (Kells) Deden in Red Wing. She graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1941.

Vi married her high school sweetheart, Royce Malmquist, in Red Wing on May 1, 1942. Following his service during World War II, the two settled down to build a business and start a much longed-for family in Red Wing. Vi helped with the bookkeeping for the family business, Malmquist Home Furnishings, and assisted customers with the interior design of their homes.

A charter member of the Red Wing Collectors Society, she and friends opened River Peddler Antiques in the St. James Hotel in Red Wing in 1981. Collecting Red Wing Pottery and antiques was a pastime she and Royce both enjoyed. Together they took trips around the world. After his retirement, they purchased a condo in Mesa, Ariz., and spent time there every winter for the next 15 years.

Vi liked to play golf and bridge with her many friends. Shopping, eating out and Sunday drives with Royce were her some of her favorite pleasures. Although German and English by ancestry, Vi favored the customs of her Swedish husband. Blue and yellow were her colors. Decorating and entertaining for the Christmas holidays were annual highlights.

Vi was a compassionate caregiver, and loving mother and grandmother. She was a member of First Lutheran Church, the Red Wing Women’s Study Club, the Red Wing Country Club, the Southwest Red Wingers, the P.E.O. Sisterhood and Red Wing Area Seniors, Inc.

Survivors include her son, Craig (Sandra) Malmquist of Red Wing; daughter, Nancy (Mark) Swanson of Red Wing; six grandchildren, Erika (Kyle) Rabine, Elise Malmquist, Ian (Kingkane) Malmquist, Evan Malmquist, Sara (Jay) Underhill and Sam Swanson; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Mona) Deden of Centennial, Colo.; nieces and a nephew.

Her husband, Royce preceded her in death on June 24, 2007.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, at First Lutheran Church in Red Wing, with Reverend Jack Nordgaard officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the time of the service at the church.

Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church or Red Wing Area Seniors, Inc.

Funeral arrangements are through Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

STRONG TURNOUT AT RED WING COLLECTORS SOCIETY’S MIDWINTER EVENT

RED WING, MN. – Held in February, the Red Wing Collectors Society’s (RWCS) Annual MidWinter GetTogether saw a 24 percent jump in attendance over last year’s event and its highest attendance since 2010.

 

“We were really pleased with the turnout, especially considering this is the first time the event was held in a new location after being in Des Moines for the past 14 years,” says RWCS President Larry Birks. “We also saw many new faces at the event, which is great news for our club.”

Held Feb. 6-8 at the Olympia Resort & Conference Center in Oconomowoc, Wis., about 325 Red Wing collectors attended from across the country to buy, sell, learn and network with fellow pottery and stoneware collectors. Highlights of the event included collectors selling out of their hotel rooms, educational presentations, a formal Show & Sale and a “Friday Night Lights” reception where attendees dressed in their favorite professional, college or high school football team’s apparel.

 

A major focus of the event, educational sessions included keynote presentations on RWCS technology by RWCS Vice President Paul Wichert and creating an endowment fund for the Pottery Museum of Red Wing by RWCS Member Stan Lueck. RWCS Historian Nancy Lambert discussed the process she went through when a creating a book about the advertising stoneware Red Wing made for businesses located in Kansas and Missouri.

Longtime MidWinter speakers and RWCS Hall of Fame members Steve Showers and Dennis Nygaard presented their findings from digging in Red Wing’s pottery dumps last year. Dinnerware experts Larry Roschen and Terry Moe, who are also RWCS Hall of Fame members, discussed Red Wing dinnerware. Mark Wiseman spoke about the Iowa potteries that operated in Des Moines, Boone and Warren counties. In addition, new RWCS KidsView education program chairperson Linda Wipperling hosted activities that informed younger collectors about the different pieces Red Wing made for professional and college sports teams, such as the Little Brown Jug trophy that is awarded to the winner of every Minnesota/Michigan college football game.

 

In addition, Houghton Auction Service held an auction during the event on Saturday, Feb. 7. The proceeds of more than $10,000 benefited the new Pottery Museum of Red Wing, which opened in Red Wing, MN last summer. It boasts the largest collection of Red Wing pottery and stoneware on public display in existence and is a perfect summer destination, whether you’re visiting the city of Red Wing on your own or as part of a large group. Visit www.potterymuseumredwing.org for more information about the museum.

 

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. The MidWinter GetTogether was a precursor to the RWCS National Convention slated for July 9-11 in Red Wing. These two events serve as great opportunities for members to connect, renew friendships 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.

 

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 Red Wing in 1977 and is devoted to educating people about all American pottery. There are more than 3,300 members worldwide. 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. From primitive stoneware made as early as the 1870s to art pottery and dinnerware made from the 1930s to 1960s, these photos show a sampling of the goodies two dealers had for sale at last year’s affair. This year’s event will occur on the weekend of Feb. 6-8 at the Olympia Resort & Conference Center, 1350 Royal Mile Rd. in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Most dealers will start selling from their hotel rooms starting on Thursday, Feb. 5; the official Red Wing Show & Sale will take place in Olympia’s ballroom from 1:00 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7.

RWCS Auction Manager Changes

Red Wing MN -RWCS Member Bruce Selfridge regretfully informed the RWCS Board of Directors in February that he had to step down from his position as RWCS Auction Manager due to several personal obligations that are consuming his time right now. We’ll miss Bruce’s involvement and we thank him for his dedication to the RWCS. Thankfully he has offered to continue volunteering during the event itself.

A brief search for a replacement yielded Scott Hardman, a member of the Golden State Red Wing Chapter who enthusiastically said he would enjoy taking on the auction manager role provided someone would be able to provide tech support to assist with spreadsheet work, etc. Luke Wegner (husband of RWCS Executive Director Stacy Wegner) was already helping with the auction and said he’d be happy to work with Scott and handle the computer end of the job.

A retired detective from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office in California, Scott now serves as a private investigator. His love for Red Wing started in high school when he bought a 5 gallon crock with a 6-inch wing and “ski” oval at an antique show. He was only 15 years old! Years later he learned about the RWCS and he and his wife Genise joined in 1996. They have two children – Kristina & Cody. Please welcome Scott as your new RWCS Auction Manager.

The submission process will remain the same only submission forms may now be sent to the RWCS office below. If you have already submitted your form to Bruce Selfridge; he will forward it along to Scott Hardman.

Red Wing Collectors Society – auction submission
240 Harrison St. Unit 3
Red Wing MN 55066

If you are planning to provide a photo of your submission please email those to director@redwingcollectors.org with your name and membership number.

To reach Scott Hardman you can email him at auction@redwingcollectors.org or call 209-602-1461.

Pottery Museum Grand Opening and Sale of 70 Gallon Jug Highlight 2014 Red Wing Collectors Society Convention

Red Wing, MN? In most years, reporting that a 70 gallon Red Wing jug sold for $17,000 at the Red Wing Collectors Society (RWCS) Auction would be big news in itself. But pair that with the grand opening of the new Pottery Museum of Red Wing, and you have one of the most memorable RWCS Conventions ever.

Much to the enjoyment of more than 400 attendees, the RWCS Foundation proudly opened the doors to the new Pottery Museum on Wednesday, July 8 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and fundraising event. The 13,000 sq. ft. facility, which is located in the Pottery Place Annex building at 240 Harrison St. in Red Wing, has more than 6,000 pieces of Red Wing stoneware and pottery on display – largely in thanks to the donation of longtime RWCS member Louise Schleich and her late husband, Jerry. The couple created a museum to display their collection in Lincoln, Neb. many years ago, but it was always their intention to move the collection to Red Wing once a permanent, adequately sized location could be acquired.

The 38th Annual RWCS Convention officially kicked off the next day, with the Schleich Family presenting the keynote address at Red Wing High School. They discussed their longtime passion for collecting and the process of moving the collection back to where it was made.

This year’s Convention brought nearly 1,500 visitors to the city of Red Wing during the week of July 7 to buy, sell and learn more about the many lines of Red Wing stoneware, art pottery and dinnerware. This year’s event was sponsored by Red Wing Stoneware, Red Wing Pottery, Larry’s Jugs Antiques and other local businesses.

Events throughout the week included the annual business meeting, a “Crock Hunt” scavenger hunt around the historic Mississippi River town, and the always anticipated Saturday Show & Sale. There was also a special display room at Red Wing High School, where members created their own unique displays for the education and enjoyment of attendees, combined with some fun and creative competition. Members bought and sold items throughout the week in the parking lot at Pottery Place Mall. About 200 volunteers helped make this year’s Convention a success.

As mentioned earlier, the “big” news from the always anticipated RWCS Convention Auction was that a 70 gallon shoulder jug sold for $17,000. The jug, which had been restored, is one of only three that the Red Wing Stoneware Co. made for the 1923 Minnesota State Fair. Only one other of these jugs is known to have survived, and it is now part of the Pottery Museum’s collection; it was one of the pieces donated by the Schleich Family.

Other items of interest in this year’s auction, which was operated by Houghton’s Auction Service, included a 4 gallon salt glaze crock with triple target decoration (hairline), $5,000; a 4 gallon North Star salt glaze water cooler with upturned leaf (mint), $2,000 and a mint “Minne-ha-ha Brand” advertising crock, $1,900; Two 1977 (first-year) RWCS Commemoratives sold for $1,150 and $1,050, respectively.”

Notable art pottery items included a blue/green #687 Chromoline vase, $650, and an M3016 Decorator Line vase in silver green glaze, $400. Top dinnerware lots included two sample Red Wing dinnerware plates. One that was likely made for Sheraton Hotels in the 1960s sold for $525, while another with the Turtle Dove pattern sold for $340. The auction, which consisted of about 190 items, brought in nearly $78,000 in total sales.

The year’s commemorative, which could be purchased only by RWCS members, was a Red Wing Success Filter. Two limited-edition commemoratives were also produced. These were mixed in with the regular commemoratives and all commemoratives were packaged in sealed boxes, so a small number of members were fortunate enough to get one. Of all the Commemorative Success Filters that were made, 90 percent were zinc glaze with a red wing, 9 percent were salt glaze and 38 were blue-sponged. RWCS Commemorative Manager Bob Morawski also had several special items made that were auctioned off to benefit the Society.

Attendees had a good selection of topics to learn about during the educational sessions held on July 11, including an orientation for first timers, Red Wing zinc glaze, recent finds from the old pottery dump, Red Wing dinnerware, kiln building, insuring your collection, history of Iowa’s Eldora Potteries  and creating the 2013 RWCS Commemorative. Local potter Richard Spiller held hands-on pottery classes for adults, and the RWCS Foundation held an info session on all the happenings at the new Pottery Museum.

In recognition for all the research they have performed and knowledge they have shared on Red Wing’s many lines of dinnerware, longtime friends and RWCS Members Larry Roschen and Terry Moe were inducted into the RWCS Hall of Fame later that afternoon during the Annual Business Meeting. In addition, it was announced that the following members were elected to the RWCS Board of Directors: Larry Birks (President), Paul Wichert (Vice President) Dan Beck (Treasurer) Nancy Lambert (Historian) and Jerry Mounts (Rep. at Large). Re-elected to the Board were John Sagat (Secretary) and Russa Robinson (Rep. at Large). Following the meeting, the 3nd annual Crock Fest celebration featuring food vendors and music by Generation was held at Red Wing’s Central Park later that day. It was sponsored by Red Wing Stoneware and Red Wing Pottery.

Another unique aspect of the RWCS Convention was the participation of the younger generation through the KidsView program. The Society is on the leading edge of creating engaging and educational ways to get the younger generations involved in collecting. The focus on these RWCS members is an important part of the vision of the Society to ensure its continued existence and growth. Many interactive and challenging activities and seminars were offered for children of all ages. Former Red Wing Potteries employee Marion Bjorklund told the kids about her time working as a plate painter, and Emily Nelson (Red Wing Art Reach) and Susan Obermeyer (Northern Clay Center) lead the kids in hands-on art projects and pottery creations.

Young Red Wing collectors ages 13 to 20 participated in the Young Collectors Club at Convention. Activities included a hands-on pottery wheel opportunity led by RWCS Members Frank Sheldon and Mike Robinson, and a hike up Red Wing’s famed Barn Bluff. Young Collectors Club creator and chairperson Wendy Callicoat announced the during the Annual Business Meeting that she was stepping down from her role. The RWCS is now in search of members to lead KidsView and Young Collectors.

The next official RWCS event will be the annual MidWinter GetTogether, which will be held at the Olympia Resort and Spa in Oconomowoc, Wis., February 6-8, 2015. This will be the first time the event is held in Wisconsin after a long stint in Iowa. To make lodging reservations, contact the Olympia Resort at 800-558-9573. Registration for the MidWinter event will open in October and can be done online at the RWCS website or by phone or mail.

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 about 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 director@redwingcollectors.org or log on to www.RedWingCollectors.org. Find the RWCS on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Terry Moe & Larry Roschen inducted into RWCS Hall of Fame during 2014 Convention

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 11th 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 11th 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.