1. hobbies and interests
2. arts and crafts
3. pottery

J U L Y
2 0 1 3
Blue Ridge Collector’s
Club
VOLUME 2
ISSUE 3
WHAT’S HAPPENING
The changing of our newsletter format received many compliments.
We do strive to make it interesting and informative to our readers and
collectors. Please share your thoughts and suggestions . . . we
welcome your ideas.
Welcome
Welcome to the newly
formatted Blue Ridge
Collectors’ Club Newsletter.
Please feel free to use this as
your communication with the
Blue Ridge community.
nnn
Sad news. Longtime collector and BCC dealer, Bonnie Wilson,
passed away June 19, 2013 at age 95. Bonnie loved Blue Ridge and
was an active collector up until about a year ago. We will certainly
miss her.
Blue Ridge Collectors’ Club is gearing up for the big 34th Annual
Blue Ridge Pottery Show and Sale at the National Guard Armory on
South Main Avenue, Erwin, TN.
BLUE RIDGE SHOW & SALE
Mark your calendars for the 34th Annual BCC Blue Ridge Show
and Sale at The National Guard Armory, South Main Street, Erwin,
TN will be October 3rd, 4th & 5th, 2013. Preview sale Thursday,
October 3. Hope to see you all there for the Blue Ridge Collectors’
family reunion. If you wish to set up - contracts are being issued,
contact Sandra Barefoot-Reid at [email protected]
Officers:
Gary Edmonds, President
Ruthann Batta, Vice President
Brenda Dowis, Treasurer
Sandra Barefoot-Reid, Secretary
www.blueridgecollectors.com
BLUE RIDGE OR NOT BLUE RIDGE?
!
!
Thanks to pioneer Blue Ridge Researchers such as Bill & Betty Newbound and John & Frances
Ruffin, we know a great deal about the history and production of Southern Potteries, Inc. products,
affectionately known as ‘Blue Ridge’ to us as collectors.
I am not as well versed in the intricate details of Southern Potteries, its history, and production
details as the authors of the books on Blue Ridge; but over the past thirty plus years of collecting, I have
gained some knowledge that may be helpful to novice collectors. When ‘on the hunt’ there are some
suggestions that may keep you from buying Blue Ridge lookalikes or reproductions. Reproductions
usually carry the #6 back stamp* (*#6 backstamp in Newbound’s Southern Potteries, Inc., Blue Ridge
Dinnerware). In summary use the following test criteria to help eliminate non Blue Ridge pieces:
1. Shapes: Know your shapes (they’re listed in all the Newbound and Ruffin books. There are certain
shapes that are shared among potteries and there are some that are uniquely Southern Potteries. Using a
process of elimination, when you first view a a piece - ask yourself, is the shape Blue Ridge? There are
some shapes that were NOT made by BR such as the one pictured to the right. However, keep in mind
that there are many shapes that will match a BR shape and still not be a Southern product. If the piece
matches a Blue Ridge shape, move on to the next question, what about the color of the pottery? Learn to
recognize the blank style: Candlewick and Piecrust edges are the easiest to recognize. Astor, Colonial,
Skyline, Trailways and Woodcrest are other blank (mold) styles.
2. Back Stamps: - There are lots of back stamps, be sure to familiarize with Blue Ridge back stamps and
jobber marks. A back stamp will either confirm that it’s Blue Ridge or leave you with more questions,
such as Clinchfield Artware that is NOT Blue Ridge OR if it is marked “Clinchfield Ware”, it is early
Blue Ridge.
3. Pottery Color: The pottery itself should be a very pale ivory - off white color - not stark white or
chalk-like. If the pottery color meets the test. How about weight?
4. Pottery Weight: Blue Ridge pottery tends to have weight to it, it is not light weight or porous. If the
item passes this test.
5. Paint Color: How about the color of the paint. Blue Ridge pretty much used the same ‘colors’ on all
their products (there’s always an exception to the rule). The pitcher above shows a orangey rust color
and a pale green - neither of these colors exactly match Southern colors. Once the colors have been
determined to be ‘possibly’ Blue Ridge, let’s go to the painting style. Being able to discern style usually
comes from years of collecting, but it is distinctive.
LETTERS AND EMAILS
Heidi D. Buscema - Colorado. “My parents', Howard & Edith
Decker of Loveland, Colorado, passion was Blue Ridge for over 40
years; and, they often wrote in, and had their letters & photos of their
collection posted in the National Blue Ridge Newsletter, edited by
Norma Lilly of Blountville, TN. They began their collecting BR in
the 1980s when they were still living in California, but after retiring and moving to Colorado in
1990 they really enjoyed the hunt even more. They met another couple through Norma Lilly's
newsletter classifieds (the Wrights) who actually also lived in Loveland and they became fast
friends. My father passed in 2007 and my mother in 2011. I gave my parents’ extensive collection
to my sister except for...all four character jugs, Paul Revere, Daniel Boone, Pioneer Woman,
Indian in mint condition, a large turkey Gobbler platter, and their daily dinnerware set of (I believe
called Quaker apple). Due to a career-ending accident my husband had last summer, I am looking
to sell the character jugs as a complete set of four, and the turkey Gobbler platter.
<[email protected]>
Nancy Field, New Jersey - Many years ago, I was given some things my mother could no longer
use or store. She was downsizing and I was a young married woman looking for pretty things to
have in my own home. I am now getting ready to downsize myself and am taking a closer look at
some of my "treasures". One of them, turns out to be a set of china for a bed tray. I have had it
displayed for a long time without paying much attention to it rather than the fondness attached
because it was my Mom's and the fact that it is pretty and colorful. Imagine my surprise when I
discovered that this set of china that my Mom had in New Jersey (where I was born and raised)
was made in Erwin, TN. I have lived in Johnson City for over 20 years and in Knoxville for 15
before that. I am attaching a picture of it and am curious as to whether or
not there is a market for it and what it might be worth to a collector. Can
you identify the pattern?
(Editor’s Note): I responded to Nancy, that the pattern was “Emalee”
and gave her an approximate value.
Judy Murray, Fultonville, NY - “Looking forward to seeing some of
Ralph’s stuff. We’ve ‘traded” BR from time to time over the years. . .
I forgot to mention that I found an Alice in ‘Anniversary Song’ . . . couldn’t
believe it!” Looking forward to your next issue...”
Dave & Edwina Kraemer - “We’re going to Erwin, TN soon and would like to check out antique shops
in the Johnson City, TN area. Do you have any suggestions?” Also, we’re looking for the pattern, “Tartan
Apple” in a pitcher and/or other unusual pieces.
BLUE RIDGE COLLECTORS’ CLUB HISTORY
The Blue Ridge Collectors’ Club was founded in 1979 and the first show was held in the old YMCA
building (now torn down and replaced with the new Erwin Post Office). In 1980, Phyllis Ledford, an
avid collector of Blue Ridge, became president and built the show to to maximum capacity with a
waiting list for dealers. Eager collectors would wait in line for hours on Thursday night outside of the
old YMCA (and later at the Armory) to get first dibs on that special one of a kind, prize piece. With the
help of Norma Lilly and with Phyllis’ guidance the show that we know and love today, would not have
existed. Because of Phyllis’ enthusiasm and dedication, Wayne was drafted to become a one man
support group and gopher. He continued the tradition of the show in honor and memory of his beloved
Phyllis.
In 1994, the YMCA building was scheduled to be torn down and due to a terminally debilitating illness,
Phyllis had to step aside as President and Chairperson. With her devoted husband, Wayne, by her side
and despite her severe personal trials, blind and confined to a wheelchair, she would attend each of the
shows to see everyone from 1994 until her death on May 13, 2005. In 1994, Wanda Hashe became
president of the club and show chairperson and the show was held for the first time at The National
Guard Armory where the show has been held from 1994 to the present with a slight interlude because of
9/11 when the Armory was closed to the public for security reasons for two years. The show briefly
moved to the old middle school gym for two years (until it was torn down) and when security lightened,
the National Guard Armory again became the home of Blue Ridge Collectors’ Club Annual Blue Ridge
Show and Sale where it remains today. Wayne Ledford became President in 2002 and served until 2008
when due to Wayne’s failing health (Wayne died Nov 30, 2012). Rodney Price became President.
While Wayne was President, the Secretary/Treasurer was Katherine Henderson. Kate is a inspiration to
us all ... still active in the club and attending every show, she is such a joy to be with and in spite of
several serious hospitalizations . . . at 90 she’s still going strong. Rodney Price was President
(2008-2012) and Phyllis’ daughter, Robin, was Secretary/Treasurer (2008-2011). In October 2011 the
slate of officers was expanded to include Ruthann Batta, Vice President; Sandra Barefoot-Reid,
Secretary and Robin Gross, Treasurer. In 2011, Robin Gross resigned as Treasurer and Brenda Dowis
was elected to take her place. In 2012, Gary Edmonds was elected President. Ruthann Batta was
reinstated as Vice President, Brenda Dowis, Treasurer and Sandra Barefoot-Reid, Secretary.
Up until her death in November 2012 (ironically both Norma and Wayne died in the same month),
Norma was a staunch supporter of the Blue Ridge Collectors’ Club and attended the Annual Show and
Sale until her health prohibited her from attending - but her support was stalwart - providing mailing
addresses and giving prized pieces for door prizes. Bill & Betty Newbound’s first book, Southern
Potteries, Inc., Blue Ridge Dinnerware lists on page 151 under “Getting Help and Finding Friends”
section: Subscribe to: “The National Blue Ridge Newsletter” c/o the editor, Norma Lilly, Blountville,
TN AND Join: “The Blue Ridge Collectors’ Club, c/o Phyllis Ledford, Erwin, TN This information
confirms the existence of Blue Ridge Collectors’Club back to its origin in 1979 (34 years). (Phyllis
passed away in 2005).
NEW FINDS AND INFORMATION (PLEASE SEND IN INFORMATION)
EYE CANDY
(Photos by Ruthann Batta of some more extraordinary pieces
from Ralph Grissom's fabulous collection)
“RIOTIOUS”
7” Jug & Tabbed Cake Plate
Left Side
Right Side
Front View
Back stamp
RARE “Spring Bouquet” complete set
“Spring Bouquet”
The china demi teapot shown here
is one of the rarest pieces of Blue
Ridge. Here we have the teapot,
cream & sugar and four matching
china demi cups and saucers.
Courtesy of Ralph Grissom
“Yellow Ribbon” a hard to find pattern showing a complete Breakfast Set.
Courtesy of Ralph Grissom
BLUE RIDGE FOR SALE:
(This publication is not responsible for any transactions between buyers and sellers nor the
representations of items listed in this publication . The transactions are strictly between buyers and
sellers . This publication is only a vehicle to connect buyers and sellers. Sellers please advise me if your
items have sold and I will remove them.)
Ralph Grissom – Russellville, AL: Sets and miscellaneous pieces of Rose Hill pattern. email:
[email protected] or Call: 256-810-8289 bowls, baking bowls. Big round serving bowls –
beautiful dishes and pitchers china pieces, etc. ALSO: ” Specifically: “Elegance/Rose Marie”
Chocolate Tray ($300); “Midnight” Chocolate Tray ($275); and “Romance” Chocolate Tray ($350).
Martha Burt - Jacksonville, FL: “I have so much Blue Ridge, maybe you could steer someone my way.
I have lots of Blue Ridge for sale: set of Poinsettia; Apples; Trumpet Flower; pitchers, lots of plates and
bowls, baking bowls. Big round serving bowls – beautiful dishes and pitchers china pieces, etc.
(904-448-2193)”
Brenda & Sam Green: Many items too numerous to list here, will send photos, prices and a more
thorough description if interested. Photos and a more contact Brenda & Sam Green at 864-592-1290 or
email: [email protected] to get a list.
Rich Doll - New York: “At an estate sale in East Aurora, NY I recently purchased a 52 piece “Big
Apple” dinnerware set. In addition, there is a small pitcher with a different pattern, which from my
internet search, I believe is Annette's Wild Rose. If you are interested, please contact me for price and
itemized list. [email protected] (716) 867-5974
John and Dana Nabor have pieces of the 'Karen' pattern for sale - 6 plates and a bowl – please contact
[email protected]
Hillbilly Antiques, cell 606-219-0195 – Specializing in Blue Ridge China, Jerry and Janet Foster, 11346
W. Hwy. 80, Nancy, KY 42544. Come visit Janet & Jerry in person at the Annual Blue Ridge Show and
Sale at the National Guard Armory, South Main Avenue, Erwin, TN - October 3,4, & 5, 2013.
BLUE RIDGE FOR SALE: (CONTINUED)
Emily Gordon - Tennessee: Has several pieces of Border Print pattern (teapot, covered casserole bowl,
ashtray, cake plate and lifter), Charm House and rectangular individual ashtrays (shown below). email:
[email protected]
Gary Edmonds, BCC President, is assisting this person to sell this set of Whirligig on Colonial blank
that he inherited and he wants to use the money toward his daughter's college tuition. If you are
interested, please contact Gary Edmonds [email protected].
WANTED TO BUY BLUE RIDGE:
“Autumn Berry” pieces – contact Dorothy: [email protected].
“Anniversary Song” pattern in the following pieces, flat shell, deep shell, candy box with lid, and
Milady pitcher. Sandra Barefoot-Reid, [email protected].
David Plemons wants to buy “Flower Ring” pattern pieces. Email the editor with the pieces you have,
and I will contact him by phone and relay your contact information.
Ralph Grissom – Russellville, AL: Wanted Fisherman plate from the Country Life Series and a
Brittany 7” Square plate. email: [email protected] or Call: 256-810-8289
Judy Murray - Fultonville, NY - wants to buy tea tiles and Alice Pitchers with unusual patterns.
Contact [email protected]
Dave & Edwina Kraemer - Tartan Apple - pitchers and other odd pieces: [email protected]
SHOPS AND MALLS WITH BLUE RIDGE FOR SALE:
Haggle Shop Antiques, 147 Broad Street and 154 Commerce Street, Kingsport, TN Open 7 days a week
– Monday through Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 1-5:30. 423-230-1091 – Kathryn Lilley.
Hillbilly Antiques, cell 606-219-0195 – Specializing in Blue Ridge China, Jerry and Janet Foster, 11346
W. Hwy. 80, Nancy, KY 42544
ONLINE SHOPS:
Etsy.com – VisionsofYesteryear
Antiquemaster.com
REMINDER - BCC SHOW 2013
Please join us as a dealer at the Blue Ridge Show and Sale at the National Guard Armory, Erwin, TN for
2013, email Sandra @[email protected] or call 804-457-4649 – we would love to have you.
ATTENTION-ATTENTION-ATTENTION
A portion of your letters and/or emails including pictures may be selected for publication. Keep in mind this is a collectors'
publication and sharing finds and information is how we learn a better appreciation of Blue Ridge. If you DO NOT want
your letters, emails or photos shared, please MARK AT THE TOP “NOT FOR PUBLICATION!” To honor your right to
privacy, I do NOT sell, trade or share subscribers' names, addresses, emails or phone numbers with anyone. This information
is used strictly for the purposes of notification of club activities and publishing this newsletter.
I'm striving to have it issued electronically every 3 months.
I need your help; please supply me with your Blue Ridge for Sale Ads; your Blue Ridge wanted to buy; your new and
unusual finds with or without pictures. A brief note about your finds and any new information discoveries that can be
published.
Reproduction, including copying, of this publication cannot be used without written permission from the editor.
Editor: Sandra P. Barefoot-Reid, Secretary, Blue Ridge Collectors' Club [email protected]
“Street’s Barnyard”
Courtesy of Ralph Grissom Collection