Thursday, February 26, 2009

On-Line Registration Now Available for HLCCA Conference 2009


You can now register on-line for our 2009 conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Visit the on-line registration page by clicking here.

The Conference opens Thursday July 9th with an evening reception at the hotel. A variety of interesting seminars will be held Friday with an auction held on Friday evening. Saturday will include the Show & Sale, judged exhibits, a banquet dinner, speaker and HLCCA exclusives auction. The annual business meeting and continental breakfast will take place on Sunday. Single memberships may register one non-member guest with an additional same regular registration fee. Couple memberships may register two non-member guests with two additional same regular registration fees. Registration is $165.00 per person for HLCCA members and $190.00 for non-members.

We look forward to seeing you in Pittsburgh!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Laissez les bon temps rouler!


Pardon our fractured French, sil vous plait, but we hope you're enjoying a great Mardi Gras! HLCCA had its own celebration in the Big Easy in the Summer of 2002--it was our first "away" conference. You can relive all the bon temps by clicking here.

Check back with us soon for details about our upcoming 11th annual conference in Pittsburgh this July!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Post-86 Fiesta Date Codes



We had a question from a blog visitor the other day about the 3-letter codes found in the backstamps on Post-86 Fiesta. For those of you who may not know, these are production date codes, indicating when a particular piece of Fiesta dinnerware was produced.

The first 2 letters of the code signify the year of production, while the last letter signifies in which quarter of that year the piece was produced. The year codes began with "AA" in 1986 and have proceeded alphabetically ever since. Starting in 2012 the date code expanded to 3 letters, with the 4th letter signifying the quarter code.

AA=1986, BB=1987, CC=1988, DD=1989, EE=1990, FF=1991, GG=1992, HH=1993, II=1994, JJ=1995, KK=1996, LL=1997, MM=1998, NN=1999, OO=2000, PP=2001, QQ=2002, RR=2003, SS=2004, TT=2005, UU=2006, VV=2007, WW=2008, XX=2009, YY=2010, ZZ=2011, AAA=2012, BBB=2013, CCC=2014

The quarter code letter is also alphabetical:

A=1st Quarter (Jan.-Mar.)
B=2nd Quarter (Apr.-Jun.)
C=3rd Quarter (Jul.-Sep.)
D=4th Quarter (Oct.-Dec.)

In the examples below, the code "OOA" signifies that this Periwinkle dinner plate was produced in the 1st quarter of 2000.
Also, the code "AAAB" signifies that the Flamingo dinner plate was produced in the 2nd quarter of 2012. 




























Friday, February 20, 2009

Going, going....


Don't let opportunity pass you by. Fewer than 90 of the limited-edition of HLCCA 1940 Juice Pitchers remain, exclusively for sale to HLCCA members. Remember, Uncle Sam wants you...to get yours today!

The 2008 pitcher, celebrating the year 1940, features Uncle Sam representing the unity of our Nation during the difficult years after the Depression. The limited edition of 400 is produced in ivory, and is fired with metallic glazes. Single Memberships are eligible for up to 2 pitchers. Couple Memberships are eligible for up to 4 pitchers. Each pitcher is $65.00 (shipping is included)

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Happy Presidents' Day

The First Commander-in-Chief
Honors the 43 who Succeeded Him

Foreground: New York World's Fair American Potter
George Washington Toby Mug
(1940 version with impressed mark on bottom)
Background: HLCCA Conference 2009 10th Anniversary Disk Pitcher

(Photo credit: Kit Fox)

Friday, February 13, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day

HLCCA wishes you (and your special someone)
a Happy Valentine's Day!

(Photo credit: Sandra Bond & David Schaefer)

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Peter B. Schiffer, 1948-2008

We have just learned of the sudden passing of Peter Berwind Schiffer at the age of 60 on December 19, 2008. Schiffer was the founder of Schiffer Publishing Ltd. of Atglen, PA, which is located on the Schiffer Book Farm, approximately 30 minutes east of Lancaster, PA.

Schiffer Publishing specialized in a wide variety of book subjects, ranging from antiques and collectibles to lifestyle, aviation and military history. The HLCCA's Fiesta, Harlequin and Kitchen Kraft Dinnerwares was published by Schiffer Publishing. Some HLCCA Boardmembers had spoken with Peter in the last year or so about a possible update to the HLCCA book.

Schiffer is survived by his wife of 35 years, Nancy Nutt Schiffer; his mother, Margaret Berwind Schiffer; a sister, Susan Berwind Schiffer; and two sons, Herbert and Peter.

(Thank you to the ACC/NAC website for the source material for this post)

You can read a more detailed obituary on the Philadelphia Inquirer's website by clicking here. (Thanks, Saarin)

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Relive HLCCA Conference 2008


It's less than 6 months until our 11th annual HLCCA conference. In the meantime, experience our grand 10th anniversary celebration in Minneapolis, MN all over again on the HLCCA website. Check out a slide show and summary of all the exciting events by clicking here.

Also, check back to this blog soon for details about the upcoming 2009 conference in Pittsburgh, PA from July 9-12.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Up Close & Personal with Square Fiesta


At the Officers' Meeting in January, we got an "up close" look at the new Square Fiesta. David Schaefer brought along the pieces that were featured in the photograph on page 3 of the Winter 2008 issue of The Dish.

This blogger was very impressed with the pieces, especially the cereal bowl and mug, which transition from square bases to round tops. Square Fiesta is expected to be available in major department stores and on-line next month.

(Photo credit: David Schaefer)