Friday, May 20, 2016

Flashback Friday: HLCCA Conference 2008

It’s Flashback Friday and as we countdown to this year’s HLCCA Conference, we’re looking back to the 10th Anniversary Conference in Minneapolis. What a milestone!  It also means that this year’s Conference is just eight weeks away!
Conference 2008:
HLCCA’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesoa (Doubletree Park Place) 
Dates: July 17–20, 2008
Activities: 
• Welcoming mixer: “10 Years of Memories / Minnesota, America’s Vacation Spot”
• Come Over to My House: The Live Version 
• 3 seminars
• Friday night consignment auction
• Show and Sale
• 4 judged exhibits, 2 non-judged
• Floral arrangement competition
• Awards banquet 
• Post-banquet auction
• Annual meeting 

Judged Exhibits: 
HLC Children’s Dishes—exhibited by Margaret Denlinger
An extensive display of children’s dishes made by HLC, ranging from the early 1900s to the late 1900s. 

The Big Payoff—exhibited by Jennifer Flory
A look back at cultural touchstones of the 1950s, highlighted by “The Big Payoff” dinnerware.
Riviera Dinnerware: It’s Hip to Be Square!  — exhibited by Dennis Stasiak
Examples of standard Riviera pieces and some hard-to-find pieces and ephemera. 
3 + 7 = 10—exhibited by Fred Mutchler
Ten important pieces in Homer Laughlin China history and key items that set the stage for America’s most significant production pottery company. 
Non-Judged Exhibits: 
China Premiums Produced by HLC — exhibited by Jerry Lefever
Pottery items that HLC made for use in their customers’ premium offers. 
Serene Serenade — exhibited by Jerry Lefever
A table setting using HLC’s pastel-glazed Serenade.
Seminars: 
“China Premiums Produced by HLC” — Jerry Lefever
“Come On Over to My Place: Collectors’ Show and Tell” — Daphne Durham
“Conversation with HLC” — Dave Conley 

Awards: 
Grand Award: Dennis Stasiak
Gold Award: Jennifer Flory, Fred Mutchler, and Dennis Stasiak 
Silver Award: Margaret Denlinger
People’s Choice Award:  Dennis Stasiak
Floral Arrangement People’s Choice Award: Mike Ellsler
Best Dish Article: Merrill Miller, “Can’t Stop With Just One: Decals and Decorations for Every Occasion”
Homer and Shakespeare Award: Rick Benning
President’s Award: Linda Hedlund
Best Costume: Elvie Davis
Raspberry Award: Saarin Schwartz

Conference exclusive pieces and gifts: 
White disk pitchers with the 10th anniversary in gold and red and blue striping
Centerpieces: White presentation bowls with 10th anniversary in gold and red and blue striping
Ornaments: First Fire Ivory (courtesy HLC)
 and HLCCA 10th anniversary logo on cobalt
Highlights: 
Attendees at the opening mixer were asked to wear attire representing their state. Costumes included the Statue of Liberty, the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz, a Mississippi belle, Kentucky Derby hats, a Cheesehead, and a clove of garlic! The mixer also featured a reprise of several popular mixer activities from the past, such as Bobbing for Shakers, Pirate Scavenger Hunt Bingo, and Madame LaVerte, the green medium. 

This was the first (and only) time the group has ever toured a member’s home as part of the activities. School buses took attendees from the hotel to the home of Fred Mutchler (also known as 3M: Mutchler’s Minnesota Museum!). Fred’s amazing collection of HLC wares was on display throughout the house—what a great field trip! 
The HLCCA’s 1940 commemorative juice pitcher was unveiled: Uncle Sam on ivory.

- submitted by Kathy Holley and David Schaefer

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