Biography in the Classroom

Henry Schmulbach was born on November 12, 1844 in Hessedarmstadt, Germany. In 1852 the Schmulbach family immigrated to the United States and settled in the town of Wheeling, Virginia. Immigration from Germany during this time period was widespread and Wheeling was known for its large German population. From ages ten to sixteen Schmulbach worked as a cabin boy with his uncle, George Fuller. Around the age of seventeen Schmulbach became involved in the grocery business with Fuller. Fuller would retire in 1870 leaving the business to Henry. Soon after this Schmulbach added the wholesale liquor business to his list of entrepreneurial efforts.
During the early years of his life Schmulbach became well known in Wheeling and was regarded as hard working, shrewd businessman. But, what happened on the night of August 14, 1878 at approximately 10 o’clock p.m. would cause a brief time of anxiety in Schmulbach’s life. “Tragedy on the Pike” was how the Daily Intelligencer described the event between Henry Schmulbach and Hamilton R. Foraythe. It seems that Foraythe was racing a team of horses past Stamn’s Four Mile House, a prominent tavern along the National Road. According to the testimony provided by John Fendt, Fednt stopped Foraythe for fear he would cause a wreck on the pike, but Foraythe responded, “I can drive this team.” and proceeded towards Elm Grove. Fendt and another man, Ed Mendel realized the danger of Foraythe’s actions and quickly both men got in a buggy to make an attempt to take the team away from Foraythe. In the opinion of both Fendt and Mendel, Foraythe was intoxicated and driving the team of horses too rapidly. Fendt and Mendel successfuly gained control of Foraythe’s team and returned back to the Four Mile House, when they arrived, Henry Schmulbach was there.
What happened next is what makes this story a tragedy. Schmulbach approached Foraythe and said, “I want this team.” Foraythe replied, “You can have them.” Foraythe jumped out of the carriage, and as he did, Schmulbach grabbed him, they fell and Schmulbach got on top of Foraythe and struck him in the head several times with his fist. According to Mendel Schmulbach was very drunk at the time. Next, Schmulbach reportedly left the scene with his team of horses that Foraythe had apparently stolen. Foraythe was conscious for about twenty minuets after the altercation but when the owner of the Four Mile House, Mr. Stamn took his pulse, there was none. Stamn then immediately drove a wagon with Foraythe’s corpse in it to the court house in Wheeling where he was pronounced dead and testimonies were taken. After the body was examined Dr. L.D. Wilson concluded that Foraythe died of a concussion. This question remained for the jury, was it from Foraythe jumping off the carriage, or was it from Schmulbach striking him? The jury would acquit Schmulbach of any wrong doing because of Foraythe’s fraudulent actions. Schmulbach’s prominent status in Wheeling likely contributed to the verdict.
Schmulbach continued to build up his wealth and in 1881 he acquired a large share of stock in the Nail City Brewing company, one year later he took over the company and transformed it into the Schmulbach Brewing Company. Schmulbach left the grocery and wholesale liquor business to become president of his own company. Located at the east end of Thirty-third street The old Nail City Brewing Company was capable of producing 6,000 to 8,000 barrels of beer per year. Schmulbach saw major room for improvement with his new company and after his acquisition added new buildings and improved equipment. By the spring of 1890 Schmulbach was brewing 50,000 barrels a year and eventually that would be increased to 200,000 barrels a year. Schmulbach’s bottles of brewed beer could be found in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

During its heyday, Schmulbach Brewing was the largest brewery in West Virginia and its facilities were the best around. On the brewery site one could find buildings for keg washing, fermenting, a ice factory, warehouse, boiler room, copper shop, garage, and bar.

Besides brewing, Schmulbach was well known in Wheeling for other business ventures. Schmulbach was co-owner of the James Hotel located on Water Street from 1870’s to 1888. He served as director and president of the German Bank of Wheeling. Schmulbach was involved in numerous iron and steel companies throughout the tri-state area such as Top Mill, Mingo Iron Company (later Carnegie Steel Company), Junction Iron and Nail Company, Aetna Iron and Nail Company, Wheeling Bridge Company, the Fairmont and Clarksburg Railroad, and the Hobbes Glassworks. Schmulbach was responsible for building the first skyscraper in West Virginia which was completed in 1907.

One of Schmulbach’s more unique business ventures came in 1893 with the Mozart Park Incline. Mozart Park was located on top of a hill that overlooked South Wheeling. Schmulbach had already erected several buildings on top of the hill, but access to the park was a problem. Some of the facilities offered at the park were: a casino, bowling alley, restaurant, outdoor stage, and bicycle track. Schmulbach also made sure there was an abundance of alcohol served. There were no available street car lines at this time to access the hill and the only way to get to the park was to walk. Schmulbach consulted a company from Pittsburgh to build an incline that could carry passengers up the hill in a car through a machine called an incline railway that would incline two hundred and five yards Mozart Park. This was a small version of the incline that Pittsburgh has today.
When the project was completed it cost Schmulbach $100,000 and was ready for use in October of 1893. The incline turned out to be very profitable for Schmulbach. Cars ran up and down the hill every two minuets and the fee was 15 cents per person which included admission to the park. It was estimated that incline carried 1,200 persons every hour. The Mozart park became a unique part of Wheeling’s social life. For example, the dancing pavilion could hold up to 5,000 people and was the largest in the state. There were plans to build a zoo, but nothing more ever materialized. The Mozart Incline would remain successful until the Mozart Street Car Line opened and became accessible to the hill. Gradually Schmulbach sold off portions of the park and the park itself closed in 1917. All that remains of Mozart Park is a small playground. Although the parks incline was short lived, it represents the ingenuity of a Wheeling businessman.

One aspect that displeased a lot of people was the alcohol that was served at Mozart Park. Many citizens in Wheeling despised Schmulbach and his promotion of alcohol. The reform group, Committee of One Hundred (there was not 100 members) was formed to stop the debauchery of alcoholic beverages among other activities such as prostitution, gambling, and drug use. Many referred to Schmulbach’s brewery and Mozart Park as “Schmulbachism”. Most people believed that as long as Schmulbachism was present in Wheeling, its reputation as a gaming center would remain. Early spurts of prohibition hurt Schmulbach’s business and by June of 1914 prohibition became a reality in West Virginia. Schmulbach brewing was forced to close its doors and soon after that Henry Schmulbach became ill.

According to Schmulbach’s obituary in the Wheeling Register he had become ill, and seven weeks before his death he had taken to bed, only to remove himself twice during that time period. Schmulbach died on Thursday August 12, 1915 at his estate at Roneys Point Road. Schmulbach’s funeral occurred two days later at his estate. Schmulbach was a member of the Bates Lodge No. 33 and the Knights Templar; these two groups were present at the funeral to pay respects to their deceased member. Friends and family wishing to pay their last respects to Schmulbach could take a special car from the West Virginia Traction & Eclectic company which departed Wheeling at 1:15 p.m. to take mourners to Roneys Point.

The next day the Wheeling News Register reported the funeral as the largest ever in the rural district of Ohio County. The paper estimated that a thousand people were present at the Shcmulbach estate and at least a hundred automobiles were parked in the fields surrounding the estate (take a moment to imagine this). People from all walks of life were described as being present to pay their last respects to one of Wheeling’s prominent financial leaders.
Schmulbach was laid to rest on Monday at the famous Greenwood cemetery. To honor Schmulbach’s life the German Bank of Wheeling closed on Monday out of respect for their deceased president. Schmulbach’s funeral procession would be very different than others held in Wheeling. No horse drawn carriages would be used during the procession, only automobiles, making it the first funeral in the tri-state area to only use automobiles. The Masons were in charge of the funeral at Greenwood cemetery and they conducted their funeral ritual at the grave. Schmulbach had been an active member of the Masons since 1867.
Henry Schmulbach is a prime example of a poor immigrant moving to the United States and rising over time to become one of the community’s great financial leaders. One must consider the help and guidance that Schmulbach received from his uncle George Fuller. Also, Schmulbach’s actions at the Four Mile House, and the philosophy of Schmulbachism were an important feature to Wheeling and its illegal activity. Although Schmulbach did not avidly promote Schmulbachism, some of his business ventures represented the gaming life Wheeling was known for. In closing Schmulbach will ultimately be remembered for his contributions to Wheeling business community

In the near future I will most likely be creating some lesson plans on West Virginia history. A great way to learn about that history is to incorporate the lives of those who make the history. Schmulbach became an interest of mine last fall when I learned about him in the History of Wheeling. I was already rummaging through microfilm for another class, so I thought I’d look up some information on old Henry while I was at it. Most of my information was obtained from the Daily Intelligencer and Wheeling Register.
The photos are not mine. Here’s where they came from:
1) Schmulbach - http://www.rootsweb.com/~wvwags/bioschmupic.jpg
2) Schmulbach Brewry - http://www.huntingtonbeercans.com/schmulbach%20brewery2.JPG
3) Schmulbach Bottle (I’m on a frantic search for one) - www.huntingtonbeercans.com/schmulbach01.jpg
4) Mozart Incline - http://www.rootsweb.com/~wvmarsha/incline.htm
5) Schmulbach’s elaborate grave which is located in the famous Greenwood cemetery - http://wheeling.weirton.lib.wv.us/history/landmark/Cemeteries/Schmulbach.htm

Fox on the Run

The title refers to a Tom T. Hall song, and if your under the age of 55, you probably have no idea what I’m taking about. Anyway, throughout the past few weeks I’ve been trying to enjoy what’s left of my summer vacation, and I’ve been doing so with my new neighbors. It seems that a small family of fox’s have made our back yard (our one time pasture field) their new home. My guess is that many woodland critters are on a eastward migration away from the strip mall that popped up a few miles from my home. Ironically, the main attraction at this strip mall is a Cabelas hunting store. If I was a wild animal I sure wouldn’t want to live next to a place that’s planning my ultimate demise. Besides, you might end up on their “wild game” menu. I’m not totally against guns (at least hunting guns) and hunting; in this area it’s needed. But a store that promotes the outdoors has done an excellent job of destroying it, while the state of West Virginia has ruined farm land and taken property through eminent domain to provide access to this hunting super store. But wait… as the West Virginia state sign says “We’re Open For Business.” Wal-Mart, Target, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Applebee’s, Crackerbarrel, and many others have made the site home. The latest excavation has leveled a few gently rolling hills for a car dealership. I admit, it’s rather handy to have easy access to these stores, but it irks me to see how our city officials praise the site; as if these low paying jobs will act as a savior to the community’s lousy economy.
Today as I sat on my front porch (with the hum of Interstate 70 in the background) I finished reading the book Looking Backward 2000-1887 by Edward Bellamy. Published in 1888, Bellamy writes about the problems of the late 19th century through a man who falls asleep, only to wake up 113 years later in the 20th century. Yes, I know, it’s far fetched, and for a novel, it’s not what I would call entertaining. But Bellamy envisions a 20th century where everyone is equal and people contribute to improve society as a whole, not for their own (and many times selfish) individual growth. Does that sound crazier than sleeping for 113 years? It shouldn’t. Many called Bellamy’s view of the 20th century a “socialist utopia.” I know that many view the word socialist as a dirty one, while I’m uncertain about socialism, I’m more concerned about improving the current capitalistic society. For example, why did Cabelas locate in this area? Could it be because there was a large pool of idle workers who are willing to work cheap? When these stores signed contracts to build they boasted hundreds of high paying jobs. Yes, hundreds of jobs. Part-time jobs, and I suspect many lack health insurance. Shame on the city commissioners and city officials else where who exploit people for their own benefit. Recently city officials brainwashed residents into allowing table gaming … “it will bring jobs!” … get this … the tacky gambling joint that wanted it paid to have the election. Who counted these votes!? And now, guess what, they’re having trouble filling these “desirable jobs.” Well, enough of this rambling on. My main point is to pick up the book Looking Backward and consider a world where people care about the self improvement of others. It may seem like theres not much that can be done to stop the wild expansion of strip malls and the raping of our country’s sublime landscapes. But I would suggest that we forget about how hard change can be and discuss the idea with others, start a group, join a group, and most of all vote accordingly.
Currently I’m thankful that I had to walk to get those snap shots of the interstate and the view of a future car dealership. I could not imagine living directly in front of the highway, as some do. As for my furry new neighbors, I hope they stay. It’s quite funny, I imagine them as being like the Bearnstien Bears … a wonderful series of books!

The S Bridge

The tragedy in Minneapolis, Minnesota left me thinking about bridge construction and the developments that have been made in regards to building bridges. The nation’s first major highway, The National Road, or Cumberland Road (present day Route 40) happens to be routed through my hometown of Wheeling, West Virginia. To complete the road to Wheeling, numerous bridges where needed to cross the regions many meandering creeks and streams. Last year I found myself writing a paper for my History of Tourism class on the history of the National Road. In my paper I specifically talked about traveling the National Road and the importance of taverns. I’ll probably save that for another post, but today I would just like to talk about the most common type of bridge that you would have found along the National Road. It’s called the “S Bridge.” As you can see the name is derived from the bridges shape (Excuse my poor photography, last fall I didn’t I’d be sharing these). By 1818 the National Road had reached Wheeling and served as a major link to the east coast. The S Bridges are unique because most where not built by sophisticated engineers, they where built by the farmers who lived near the bridge. Of course there would have been one engineer in charge, but in most cases they where more like amateur engineers, always experimenting with new ideas, but good ones they were! The S Bridge was used because it was cheap to build. If you’ve ever traveled this area, there’s no such thing as a level spot, so the more advanced “hump bridge” was too expensive and too complicated to construct. These bridges where made of stone that would have been found from the near by rock quarries. Some of the S Bridges have been torn down, but many are preserved. One particular S Bridge that once stood near the edge of Triadelphia, West Virginia was in use until about 6-8 years ago when it was torn down. I remember it well because my school bus passed over it everyday and I could not bear to see it demolished! The pictured S Bridge has been preserved and is located just across the Pennsylvania border near the little hamlet of Taylorstown. Just think of the goods, the people, and the animals that crossed that bridge! The preservation of these bridges is wonderful because they serve as monuments to the Old National Road.
Getting back to one of the purposes of this blog, lesson planning, when a disaster such as the Minneapolis’s bridge collapse occurs, I think it should be talked about in class. I don’t care if it’s gym class. It’s about connecting students with current events, and it’s also about creating a classroom that cares about others. We usually don’t think about the problems of others until we have our own. That’s human nature I suppose, but my goal is to have a class where students care about each other, and others around the world who have fallen on hard times. So in my class room I would aside time to talk about the bridge, maybe mix in a little bridge history (the history of bridge construction is a class with in itself), and ask students what they think of the situation. And who knows, maybe that small lesson will motivate a student to pursue engineering.

3 post in 3 days! Dear readers, you’re being spoiled!
I have also added a link (in the link section too) that will take you to a map of West Virginia. This will help make sense of where Wheeling and Morgantown are located. The National Road is located near Interstate 70.
Map of West Virginia

Popular Culture in the Classroom?

I will open this blog by paying tribute to one of my more interesting professors. He’s the man who taught me more about the Sex Pistols than I ever wished to know. More importantly he showed me how music can play an important role in the classroom. I learned all about the Sex Pistol’s in his class 20th Century Europe, but it was his class, “The History of Tourism” (his specialty) that really showed me how to incorporate music into the lesson plan. Last year as I walked to Main Hall I wondered what song he would pick to celebrate the first day of class. Not to my surprise he chose “On Holiday” by Madonna, which also happened to be the name of our text book. After we (all 5 of us) jeered him … So how many Madonna CD’s do you own? … I saw how a song relaxed the class, it showed my professors silly sense of humor, and set a friendly environment. This musical theme continued throughout the rest of the semester. Now, for example, if your teaching about the 1920’s, play the Charleston!! … do you see where I’m going with this? Possibilities are endless!

One of my other interest happens to be the rock band Guns N’ Roses. I have a hard time saying I “like” the band because I do not agree with anything they stood for. With that said, I think they’re fascinating. I don’t condone drug use, alcoholism, womanizing, rioting, excessive profanity, or the other various violent acts they promoted. But I do think it’s interesting to see how they influenced a generation of teenagers and young adults. The bands debut album, Appetite for Destruction, came out in July of 1987. Right from the start it was banned because of the albums cover art. The original cover depicts a “surrealist scene in which a dagger-toothed monster vengefully attacks a robot rapist.” My brother owned the t-shirt, much to my parents dismay. Along with an album cover change, Appetite for Destruction was slapped with a warning label because many of the songs were deemed explicit. To say the least, the band enjoyed this because they knew it meant they would sell more records, and they did.
To understand the band and their impact on the late 1980’s and early 1990’s we must first look at each of the band members. Axl Rose, the bands front man was, and still is one of the most controversial people in the music industry. During his early years he was known for his drug abuse (as all GNR members were) and foul language. Somehow he managed to keep the bands sanity on their rapid rise to stardom. Slash played lead guitar and was most noted for drinking Jack Daniels as if it where sweet iced tea, wearing top hats, smoking, crashing vans, and passing out in random places. All while getting off some of the best guitar rifts ever known to Rock N’ Roll. The other original 3 members where Izzy Stradlin (guitar), Duff McKagan (bass), and Steven Adler (drums). Izzy, Duff, and Adler were shy, they usually refrained from making outlandish comments, and strayed away from the media. That is not say they didn’t play a large part in the bands reckless behavior. For example, after a show the 5 members where to be interviewed, but within 2 minutes it was just Axl and a very drunk Slash sitting at the table. During the early years Axl said the band was just one big family… or where they? By 1990 GNR claimed their heroine addictions where behind them, but that was not the case for Adler. In July of 1990 Adler was fired because he could not play some of the bands newly written material, but everyone knew it was because of his cocaine and heroine addiction. According to Adler, it was not uncommon for him to use $300 worth of drugs in one night. In 1996 he suffered a stroke which today leaves him with a speech impediment. Drummers are easy to find, and Guns N’ Roses moved on.

Slash and Izzy tune their guitars while Adler (according to Rolling Stone) taps the beat to “Mr. Browntsone” on the back of Slash’s chair. Brownstone is slang for heroin.
Please notice Slash’s clothing style in the pictures and selected video’s at the bottom. If I could pull it off, I’d dress like that, it’s hysterical.

Adler, Izzy, Axl, Slash, and Duff. Folks, at one time this was the definition of “cool.”

Then came 1991. The band was busy promoting it’s new double CD, Use Your Illusion. During this tour Izzy quit the band because he was fed up with touring. Izzy, by far the quietest member of what many referred to as the “most dangerous band in the world” was easily replaced. While promoting the new CD at a concert in St Louis, Missouri the band made news headlines around the world. Axl, who was now becoming known for loosing his sanity, rather than keeping it was also becoming paranoid about copyrights and concert security. The band had just started to perform “Rocket Queen” when Axl noticed a man taping the show in the crowd. He then preceded to dive, literally, dive off the stage, grabbed the mans camera, slam his mic off the ground, and then said, “Well, thanks to the lame-ass security, I’m going home!” When he slammed his mic off the ground it sounded like a gunshot, so to possibly sooth the crowd Slash said, “He just slammed his mic on the floor. We’re outta here.” Guns N’ Roses left town and St. Louis rioted all night long. In the Use Your Illusion thank you section art work you can find a message GNR left to the city of St. Louis, it’s quite R-rated. Did this hurt the band? No, it only made them more popular. It’s 1991, you had the Persian Gulf War, Anita Hill, and Guns N’ Roses making news. The Use Your Illusion tour and CD turned out the be a major success. The result was some of the most expensive music videos ever made, while songs such as “Civil War” - “Live and Let Die” - “You Could Be Mine” - Bob Dyan’s “Knockin’ on Heavens Door” - and the famous ballad “November Rain” topped the charts. The success of the album also proved that these drunken buffoons where the real deal because they were going to last… or was their adventurous ride over?
The bands next project was The Spagetti Incident? The story behind the Spaghetti Incident is quite funny, but there are a few conflicting theories. Apparently ex drummer Adler loves spaghetti, and after a show someone ate his spaghetti which infuriated him. When he asked who ate it, no one really cared because my guess is they were all wasted and the story goes that everyone laughed at him. Poor Adler! Another rumor revolves around a childhood story about Adler smearing spaghetti all over his face. Of course Adler sued over this issue because he claimed they called the CD The Spaghetti Incident? to make fun of him because he was fired. I happen to like the first story the best. And Duff says spaghetti was their code name for heroin in case they got arrested.

Lets just think about this…
Duff: “Slash! The spaghetti is in my blue jean jacket!”
Slash: “WHAT!? &*%$! I want my sunglasses, it’s too bright! .. .. .. Hey man, where’d you get these sunglasses? Nice. YO Mom!!”
…Yeah it’d probably go something like that.

All the band members, with the exception of Axl, hated the CD and it ended up being the demise to a band that would have gotten there sooner or later. Ego’s were becoming too strong, and the public was starting to go away from what some called “hair metal.” The CD was released in Novemeber of 1993, but the band would never promote the CD. The name Guns N’ Roses lives on, and Axl still tours, but I feel the band officially ended when Slash left in approximately 1994 (theres no official date). There’s always talks of a reunion… Izzy, Duff, and Adler have exchanged words… but the two main members, Axl and Slash haven’t had a conversation in almost 13 years.

The above information is not meant to be a complete history of the band, it’s just my way of briefly introducing you to their style. Most of all I just wanted to talk a little about a band that was so violent, sensitive, funny, and influential to a generation. It’s what made them, and still makes them fascinating. Not that their behavior should be promoted, but should it be forgotten? Now the question that I’ve been pondering for quite some time is, how do I talk about popular culture in the classroom when it’s controversal? When talking about the 1980’s, hard rock, heavy metal, rock n’ roll, whatever you want to call it, it was a large part of the 1980’s cultural history. In the classroom I would plan on using the music as an example. I may play a music video or a song. I think that would be fun, and it would also be great for a laugh. Of course I would be careful about my selection because I believe in a certain amount of censorship, and this is only intended for the high school level. At the high school level I think the era of rock music could also bring up some interesting discussion questions.
1) As a society, have we learned anything from the 1980’s? Have we changed?
2) Compare today’s popular culture with that of the 1980’s. What’s changed? Has anything changed? And is there anything wrong with it? In what way does it influence our way of life?
How many teenagers started smoking because they saw Slash do it? I’d love to know that.
These are just a few ideas, and my goal would be to promote some critical thinking about right from wrong. I’m not trying to change people, I’m just posing the question. I could be wrong with this idea because maybe I should just stick to facts and dates. Keep cultural history out of history class? Censor cultural history, and to what extent? It’s an on going question.
It’s not just about Guns N’ Roses and music, it’s about trying to create a society that’s aware of it’s problems. Today the original members of GNR haven’t changed much, their just a lot fatter, and look about 10 years older than what they really are. Proof that it’s probably safer to be a teacher.

Music Video For “Patience” If you watch this, the expression on Adlers face around 2:55 is hilarious.

Music Video For November Rain.

Guns N Roses - LIVE! At the Ritz. The song is Rocket Queen… I love the last 2 1/2 minutes of this song, but Axl ruins the ending because he threw his mic. I repeat, they were drunken buffoons.

The pictures are borrowed from the internet, mostly Rolling Stone. Axl, if you read this, please don’t sue me.

Stanton Salvage

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve taken on a part time job where I assist with the removal of estates. This job has really gotten me interested in antiques, because antiques are history, and what’s more interesting than our history? This is even better than just simply studying history, it allows you to interact with history. Sometimes these estates are practically worthless, maybe only a few notable antique pieces, and other times we sell some the most interesting bygones for hours. I know this, because it’s my job to hold whatever piece we are selling and then deliver that item to the lucky bidder, and then manage to make my way back to the front table to handle the next item. Sometimes we have the auction at the house, and other times this is not possible for various reasons. This is when I get my other workout. All of the furniture must be loaded on a truck, unsellable items must be thrown away, and when we’re done, the house must be completely empty. As my boss says, “If it’s not bolted down to the house, we’re selling it.” Once everything is packed and loaded, it’s taken to our building where everything is unloaded, unpacked, and organized. This job is the main reason I’ve never had to invest in a gym membership. Like I said in my first post, it’s as if I live the life of Lamont Sanford, that makes me happy, and it always gives me a good laugh.

Fred Sanford is sitting in a wealthy man’s apartment while Lamont is vigorously trying to move a piano. Fred reclines to a comfortable position on the couch, takes out a cigarette, and in a sarcastic tone ask Lamont (to mock the social elite): “Excuse me, how long have you been doing manual labor?” Season 1 - Episode 14

One Saturday fall morning we were having an auction in a quiet neighborhood in West Virginia. The first item that we sold was a piece of Van Briggle pottery. Many years ago I toured the Van Briggle factory in Colorado Springs, Colorado. My Mom happens to own a few pieces, and I’ve always liked their work and was interested in starting my own collection (yes, I’m weird). So anyway, the bidding started, and it dropped down to $5 or $10, so I immediately started bidding on it, I think I ended up buying it for around $30. Sadly, I don’t think what I bought is that attractive, and it happens to be one of their more common pieces. But I thought my collection had to start somewhere, and it looks quite nice on my bookcase. What I find funny is most people have no idea how famous Van Briggle pottery is. Founded in 1889 by Artus Van Briggle, the company has become one of the most highly acclaimed pottery’s in the art world. The shell that I bought was probably made in the mid 1960’s. Anything that was made before 1960 is highly collectible. Pre-1960 Van Briggle has a different mark on the bottom than post 1960 pieces, so it’s pretty easy to distinguish. Since my first Van Briggle purchase I’ve attempted to buy other pieces, but have been outbid by antique dealers every time. But, at least I made them pay a decent price for it. That always brings me amusement, for a antique dealer is the common collectors worst enemy. Then again, I must be careful, I wouldn’t want to anger these dealers, I usually help load their trucks, and this college student would not want to hurt his chances of receiving a tip!

Van Briggle

The second item I would like to share is truly one of my favorites. This picture was purchased from a house across the river in Ohio. I remember the house very well, for it was on a hill, and the only way to get the furniture out was by carrying it down the 60 some steps that lead to the street. The first time I saw the picture, it leaning up against a wall in a cluttered dining room, I immediately thought that I had to have it (I have that feeling a lot)! So a few months later when we had the sale at our building, my boss must have thought it was undesirable and put it with about 8-10 tacky paintings. I ended up paying $5 for the whole bundle, a steal! After a little Windex for the glass, and Murphy’s Oil soap for the frame, it was as good as new. I hung it on my wall the next day (it sits above the bookcase and Van Briggle). It measures 34×18 and other from some slight water damage to the right and some weird dust at the top, it’s in pretty good shape.
Now, if you look closely at the picture you see a few people sitting around the Colosseum, and there’s a cart being pulled by a donkey, but I have no idea when the picture was taken. I haven’t investigated, but I’m pretty sure it’s just a print. After watching a recent Antiques Roadshow, though, for all I know it could be the work of some famous photographer. I have my fingers crossed. I happen to love the Roman Colosseum and it’s history, I hope to one day visit Rome. So I just want to give a big thank you to Artus and Vespasian (Titus), for they played a part in bringing to life a few things that give me the utmost joy.