the bottle muse the bottle muse

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The Bottle Muse The Bottle Muse The Bottle Muse The Bottle Muse The Bottle Muse 76 Milton Avenue Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Winter 2011- 2012 & Annual Report The Bottle Muse The Bottle Muse The Bottle Muse The Bottle Muse The Bottle Muse “PRESERVING THE HISTORY OF OUR NATION’S FIRST MAJOR INDUSTRY” R Also inside Also inside Also inside Also inside Also inside this edition this edition this edition this edition this edition To enjoy newsletter in full color, please visit www.nationalbottlemuseum.org Dedication of the Jan Rutland Artists’ Space at the NBM ............................. 2 & 3 Dedication of the Jan Rutland Artists’ Space at the NBM ............................. 2 & 3 Dedication of the Jan Rutland Artists’ Space at the NBM ............................. 2 & 3 Dedication of the Jan Rutland Artists’ Space at the NBM ............................. 2 & 3 Dedication of the Jan Rutland Artists’ Space at the NBM ............................. 2 & 3 Why 12-year-old Nicholas Wrobleski digs bottle collecting .......................... 4 & 5 Why 12-year-old Nicholas Wrobleski digs bottle collecting .......................... 4 & 5 Why 12-year-old Nicholas Wrobleski digs bottle collecting .......................... 4 & 5 Why 12-year-old Nicholas Wrobleski digs bottle collecting .......................... 4 & 5 Why 12-year-old Nicholas Wrobleski digs bottle collecting .......................... 4 & 5 Gary Moeller celebrates 15 years at National Bottle Museum .................... 6, 7 & 8 Gary Moeller celebrates 15 years at National Bottle Museum .................... 6, 7 & 8 Gary Moeller celebrates 15 years at National Bottle Museum .................... 6, 7 & 8 Gary Moeller celebrates 15 years at National Bottle Museum .................... 6, 7 & 8 Gary Moeller celebrates 15 years at National Bottle Museum .................... 6, 7 & 8 Dr. Carl Waldron’s “Music in a Bottle” notes & Roy Topka’s dig ...................9 & 10 Dr. Carl Waldron’s “Music in a Bottle” notes & Roy Topka’s dig ...................9 & 10 Dr. Carl Waldron’s “Music in a Bottle” notes & Roy Topka’s dig ...................9 & 10 Dr. Carl Waldron’s “Music in a Bottle” notes & Roy Topka’s dig ...................9 & 10 Dr. Carl Waldron’s “Music in a Bottle” notes & Roy Topka’s dig ...................9 & 10 Children’s book illustrator Jody Wheeler draws young readers & budding artists to bottle museum Children’s book illustrator Jody Wheeler poses with members of the Crouth family on December 4. Another photo by Rodney Wheeler can be found on the back cover of this edition with additional images and a video scheduled to be posted in the near future on www.nationalbottlemuseum.org. Co-sponsored by the Anastos Media Group, The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association, The Ballston Spa Lion’s Club, Legacies Unlimited US, Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation and Stewart’s, the uplifting program also offered complimentary refreshments, coupons for free ice cream cones and door prizes designed to inspire budding artists and authors. The event doubled as the Opening Reception for the captivating exhibit which will remain on display until February 3. It is hoped that students, parents, educators and others residing within commuting distance of the museum will take advantage of this golden opportunity to view creations by one of the nation’s most popular children’s book illustrators. “The invitation to exhibit samples of my illustrations in my hometown means so much to me,” says Ms. Wheeler, who often draws upon memories of her upstate New York childhood when painting images to accompany stories for young readers. At last count Ms. Wheeler had some 75 titles in her portfolio, ranging from fiction titles for young readers to nonfiction titles for middle readers as well as keepsake memory books, activity books, calendars, greeting cards and many other products. Included are illustrations that introduced such characters as E.T., The Extraterrestrial and collaborations that have breathed new life into characters in remakes of such titles as Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeline, Don Freeman’s Corduroy the Bear and those in some of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books – specifically the Farmer Boy books about the early days of Laura’s husband Almanzo Wilder in Malone, NY. Ms. Wheeler has most recently completed illustrations for An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott and The First Noel (both from Ideals Publishing) as well as a book based on characters created by the late Ezra Jack Keats titled Roberto Walks Home. To learn more, kindly visit www.wheelerillustration.com or www.zazzle.com/wheelart or call 518.885.7589. Youngsters and their families were recently treated to an unforgettable afternoon with children’s book illustrator Jody Wheeler in the Jan Rutland Artists’ Space at the National Bottle Museum. A highlight of the free December 4 enrichment program was the reading by Ms. Wheeler of a copy of The Night Before Christmas that she had illustrated for Ideals Publishing.

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Page 1: The Bottle Muse The Bottle Muse

The Bottle MuseThe Bottle MuseThe Bottle MuseThe Bottle MuseThe Bottle Muse76 Milton AvenueBallston Spa, NY 12020

Winter 2011- 2012& Annual ReportThe Bottle MuseThe Bottle MuseThe Bottle MuseThe Bottle MuseThe Bottle Muse

“PRESERVING THE HISTORY OF OUR NATION’S FIRST MAJOR INDUSTRY”

R

Also insideAlso insideAlso insideAlso insideAlso inside

this editionthis editionthis editionthis editionthis edition

To enjoy newsletter in full color, please visit www.nationalbottlemuseum.org

Dedication of the Jan Rutland Artists’ Space at the NBM ............................. 2 & 3Dedication of the Jan Rutland Artists’ Space at the NBM ............................. 2 & 3Dedication of the Jan Rutland Artists’ Space at the NBM ............................. 2 & 3Dedication of the Jan Rutland Artists’ Space at the NBM ............................. 2 & 3Dedication of the Jan Rutland Artists’ Space at the NBM ............................. 2 & 3Why 12-year-old Nicholas Wrobleski digs bottle collecting .......................... 4 & 5Why 12-year-old Nicholas Wrobleski digs bottle collecting .......................... 4 & 5Why 12-year-old Nicholas Wrobleski digs bottle collecting .......................... 4 & 5Why 12-year-old Nicholas Wrobleski digs bottle collecting .......................... 4 & 5Why 12-year-old Nicholas Wrobleski digs bottle collecting .......................... 4 & 5Gary Moeller celebrates 15 years at National Bottle Museum .................... 6, 7 & 8Gary Moeller celebrates 15 years at National Bottle Museum .................... 6, 7 & 8Gary Moeller celebrates 15 years at National Bottle Museum .................... 6, 7 & 8Gary Moeller celebrates 15 years at National Bottle Museum .................... 6, 7 & 8Gary Moeller celebrates 15 years at National Bottle Museum .................... 6, 7 & 8Dr. Carl Waldron’s “Music in a Bottle” notes & Roy Topka’s dig ...................9 & 10Dr. Carl Waldron’s “Music in a Bottle” notes & Roy Topka’s dig ...................9 & 10Dr. Carl Waldron’s “Music in a Bottle” notes & Roy Topka’s dig ...................9 & 10Dr. Carl Waldron’s “Music in a Bottle” notes & Roy Topka’s dig ...................9 & 10Dr. Carl Waldron’s “Music in a Bottle” notes & Roy Topka’s dig ...................9 & 10

Children’s bookillustrator JodyWheeler drawsyoung readers

& budding artiststo bottle museum

Children’s book illustrator Jody Wheeler poses with members of the Crouth family on December 4.Another photo by Rodney Wheeler can be found on the back cover of this edition with additionalimages and a video scheduled to be posted in the near future on www.nationalbottlemuseum.org.

Co-sponsored by the Anastos Media Group, The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association, The BallstonSpa Lion’s Club, Legacies Unlimited US, Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation and Stewart’s, the uplifting program also offeredcomplimentary refreshments, coupons for free ice cream cones and door prizes designed to inspire budding artists and authors.The event doubled as the Opening Reception for the captivating exhibit which will remain on display until February 3.

It is hoped that students, parents, educators and others residing within commuting distance of the museum will takeadvantage of this golden opportunity to view creations by one of the nation’s most popular children’s book illustrators.

“The invitation to exhibit samples of my illustrations in my hometown means so much to me,” says Ms. Wheeler, whooften draws upon memories of her upstate New York childhood when painting images to accompany stories for young readers.

At last count Ms. Wheeler had some 75 titles in her portfolio, ranging from fiction titles for young readers to nonfictiontitles for middle readers as well as keepsake memory books, activity books, calendars, greeting cards and many other products.

Included are illustrations that introduced such characters as E.T., The Extraterrestrial and collaborations that havebreathed new life into characters in remakes of such titles as Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeline, Don Freeman’s Corduroy the Bearand those in some of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books – specifically the Farmer Boy books about the early days ofLaura’s husband Almanzo Wilder in Malone, NY. Ms. Wheeler has most recently completed illustrations for An Old-FashionedThanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott and The First Noel (both from Ideals Publishing) as well as a book based on characterscreated by the late Ezra Jack Keats titled Roberto Walks Home.

To learn more, kindly visit www.wheelerillustration.com or www.zazzle.com/wheelart or call 518.885.7589.

Youngsters and their familieswere recently treated to an unforgettableafternoon with children’s bookillustrator Jody Wheeler in the JanRutland Artists’ Space at the NationalBottle Museum. A highlight of the freeDecember 4 enrichment program wasthe reading by Ms. Wheeler of a copyof The Night Before Christmas that shehad illustrated for Ideals Publishing.

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Dedication of the Jan RutlandArtists’ Spaceat the NationalBottle Museum~~~~~~~~~~~October 26, 2011~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dedication Ceremony& 80th birthday party

Photos by Ann Hauprich

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After weeks of preparation, the doors of the National Bottle Museum opened on the evening of Wednesday,October 26, 2011 to welcome those wishing to be present for the dedication of The Jan Rutland Artists’Space at the National Bottle Museum. Among those greeted by President Evelyn Kramer were BallstonSpa Mayor John Romano (seen at far left of facing page with Artists’ Space Director Fred Neudoerffer)and beloved children’s book illustrator Jody Wheeler (in red plaid jacket). Highlights of the special event-- which took place on the one-year anniversary of the passing of longtime Executive Director Jan Rutland-- included inspiring and insightful speeches about Jan’s life and legacy by Mayor Romano and NBMCollection Manager Gary Moeller -- seen at far left flanked NBM Second Vice-President Michael L.Noonan and his wife Maeve. Others who shared fond memories of Jan with fellow guests includedcomposer-pianist Cole Broderick and Delores Taisey of the Medbery Inn & Spa (above). Not wanting the80th birthday of NBM Acting Director Larry Rutland to pass without recognition, Bottle Muse EditorAnn Hauprich and internationally-acclaimed glassblower Sally Prasch communicated long distance tocreate gifts with a common theme for Larry. With guidance from the now late professional cake decoratorPatty Rutland (in pink sweater opposite), Ann co-created a birthday cake shaped like a wine bottle withan edible a label inscribed with the words: “L.R. Vintage 1931.” Thanks to photographs of the making ofthe 80th birthday cake that were donated by Patty, Ann was able to email images to Sally so that shecould craft a one-of-a-kind glass keepsake shaped like a wine bottle that boasted a matching message.The icing on the cake was the presentation to Larry of a card signed by all in attendance at his SMILEstone.Photos on the opposite page include pastels of a young Jan and Larry Rutland that were painted by Larryand a photograph that Ann Hauprich took a decade ago of Jan holding an antique uranium glass bottle.

A night to remember & to celebrate

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He may only be 12, but Nicholas Wrobleski isalready an experienced bottle collector who owns about350 antique glass pieces — including a rare Civil Warera USA Hospital Department bottle that he recentlyreceived as an extra special Christmas gift.

Nick, who resides in a ca. 1840-1860 farmhousein Killingly, Connecticut, credits his late father — whowas “an avid dump and privy digger” as well as “acollector of New England beer bottles, beer cans andbreweriana” with inspiring him to take up the hobbyduring his early elementary school years.

Now a Grade 7 student at Killingly IntermediateSchool, Nick ranks history as his favorite subject“because I find it interesting to learn how people livedin the past.”

His ability to retain facts paid off earlier this year whenNick was awarded a membership in The Museum of ConnecticutGlass in Coventry, CT, after he won a contest that requiredparticipants to answer questions about glass and bottles. The personwith the best score won a free membership. Acing the quiz waseasy for Nick who regards antique bottles as “an important part ofhistory” and describes bottle collecting as “a fun, enjoyable, andinteresting hobby.”

Not surprisingly, Nick chose The Pairpoint Glassworkson Cape Cod as the setting for his 12th birthday party during theDecember 2011 school break. Founded in 1837, Pairpoint isAmerica’s oldest glassworks, making the recent excursion there anunforgettable one for Nick and his friends. While he was there hewas able to see an original mold of a bottle from the CoventryConnecticut Glass Works which is currently on loan from TheMuseum of Connecticut Glass. He also was able to actually blow aglass bubble with the help of their staff.

Accompanying Nick’s mom and the youths on theiradventure were Nick’s paternal grandparents, Dot and MiltWrobleski. It was also the Wrobleskis who searched high and lowto locate the Civil War bottle their grandson unwrapped on Christmasmorning, and who traveled with Nick to the National Bottle Museumin Ballston Spa over the 2011 Labor Day weekend.

“When I visited the museum, I thought it was great thatthe people were willing to answer all of our questions,” recalledNick. “They were very helpful and the experience helped me tolearn more about bottles.”

Why 12-year-oldNicholas Wrobleskidigs bottle hunting

and collectingStory by Bottle Muse Editor Ann Hauprich

This demijohn -- which came with an equally impressive case -- is afavorite piece in Nick Wrobleski’s collection. Others include Dutch Onionbottles and apothecary jars (opposite). PHOTOS BY MILT WROBLESKI.

Nick said that he found the old drug store section of thenot-for-profit educational institution on Milton Avenue in BallstonSpa to be the most interesting. He added “It would be great if themuseum added a section on Quack medicines to show the visitorsthe strange claims of early patent medicine manufacturers.”

Nick’s bottle digging dates back to 2007 when he dugbehind a stone wall next to a field just off of Route 195 in Mansfield,CT. “The first bottle I found was a non-embossed medicine bottle.I did not do the research on that one, but my Dad told me it was amedicine bottle. When I was cleaning it, it slipped out of my handsand broke.”

Since that time, Nick has embarked upon two additionaldigs and perfected the art of cleaning and exhibiting his finds.“Thegreatest distance I’ve traveled bottle hunting was to Eastford, CT,and the most unusual bottle I ever dug up was an urn-shaped bottlewhich I believe was actually used as a canning jar. My friend Alecand I dug it out from a ca. 1890-1925 dump behind a farm in acampground. I believe my friend now has it at his house.”

Although Nick has been bottle digging in a couple ofdumps, he mostly purchases the bottles that comprise his collection.“One of my teachers has a metal detector and he said he has founddumps with bottles using the device. My mom gave me a great onefor Christmas, and I hope it helps me to find more dumps and

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Have Bottle Collector Will Travel . . .

privies,” said Nick. “I’ve also gotten some helpful tips on bottlecollecting from dealers at the Mansfield Flea Market.” (The dealersin question reportedly dig the bottles they sell.)

Nick would next like to try digging in his own backyardbecause he believes there may well have once been a dump on thepremises. “I’m going to visit the local historical society to find a19th century map of the area that shows where outhouses were onthe different properties – including the one where I now live,”explained Nick.

Among the favorite bottles in Nick’s personal collectionis a pontiled, labeled, 12-sided apothecary bottle from the Amos C.Spear Apothecary in Burlington, VT. “I did some research on it anddiscovered that the bottle is ca. 1830-1845. The label was probablyprinted in Burlington. I also found out that the bottle was probablymade at one of the early 1800s Vermont glasshouses,” said Nick.

Other favorites in Nick’s collection include two free-blownapothecary jars with stoppers. (One still contains the originalcontents.) “These two bottles are unique because they have paintedon labels with gold leaf designs under glass held together with redwax,” observed Nick.

He is also the proud owner of a ca. 1850 thin, rectangular,labeled drug store bottle with an open pontil and a roll over lip. Thebottle is embossed with the words “Genuine Essence” while thelabel reads: “Essence Cinnamon. Sold by J.B. Brown, Hannibal,MO.”

Yet another favorite is a ca. 1720 Dutch Onion bottle witha kick up and an open pontil. And, of course, there’s that newlyacquired Civil War era USA Hospital Department bottle. It is acrude aqua, three-piece mold bottle that has “U.S.A HOSP. DEPT”embossed on the front.

Nick thinks the greatest misconception young people haveabout bottle collecting is that it’s “boring.” He hopes to find waysto demonstrate that bottle collecting is a fascinating hobby thatalso teaches important history lessons along the way.

Among the bottle-related destinations visited by Nicholas Wrobleski during 2011 were the Pairpoint Glassworks on Cape Cod and the NationalBottle Museum in Ballston Spa, NY. Dot Wrobleski captured the exciting moment when her grandson began taking a glassblowing lesson atPairpoint in December while Gary Moeller snapped the picture of Nick inside of the National Bottle Museum during the Labor Day weekend.

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BONUS FEATURE

Bottle Muse editor Ann Hauprich recently cornered busy National Bottle Museum CollectionManager Gary Moeller (seen above with a FOX TV crew and museum President Evelyn Kramer) topose some questions about his life before – and since – commencing work at the not-for-profiteducational institution. Moeller, who holds a BA in American History, recently celebrated his 54thbirthday and his Silver Wedding Anniversary with nurse practitioner wife Bernice. The couple sharestheir Greenfield Center, NY home with daughter Aurora.

On theothersideof theglasswithGaryMoeller

AH: Would you be so kind as toelaborate on the circumstances that ledyou to seek employment at the NationalBottle Museum in Ballston Spa, NY.

GM: I did not actually seek employmenthere; I kind of fell into it. One of the lastcollege courses I took to earn my degreeat what was then called the StateUniversity of New York at Albany wasessentially an internship — a coursesending the students out into the worldto work in the history field. Each studentwas required to meet with Professor IvanSteen to set it up. When I met withProfessor Steen, he asked me what mytransportation was like and said that hecould get me something near the bus lineif need be. I was living in Wilton, NY, atthe time and told him I commuted fromthe Saratoga area every day. He told mea former graduate student of his, Todd

Kreamer, was the director at theBrookside Museum in Ballston Spa andthat he would call Todd to see ifBrookside could use the help. I guessTodd reacted enthusiastically. I spentthree days a week at Brookside for thesemester. One of the people I metthrough Todd was Jan Rutland, then theExecutive Director of the National BottleMuseum. At the time, Todd was amember of the Board of Trustees atNBM. After receiving my degree, I stayedon as a volunteer at Brookside. Toddwanted to do a special exhibit in honorof the 50th Anniversary of the end ofWorld War II. We found many things inBrookside’s archives, including uniformsfor most of the branches of the ArmedForces. We borrowed some things,including vintage prints from the AlbanyInstitute of History & Art, which includedposters for recruitment and scrap drives.

It was a great exhibit (if I do say somyself) and drew visitors from all overthe county. At least a few times, vanswould pull up, and WWII veterans wouldclimb out. After that exhibit had beenopen for a while, Todd asked me to comeinto his office. We had become prettygood friends since I’d been there. Hewanted to tell me he was leavingBrookside to teach in Virginia before hemade a general announcement about it.That evening, my phone rang at home.It was Jan. Todd had to tell her he wasleaving because he sat on the NBMBoard. She said to me “Todd’s leaving!Doesn’t that suck?” I had to agree. Thenshe said, “You want to come do somework for me?” I agreed to come to NBMas a volunteer, and a few months later, itturned into a job. That would have beensome time in spring of 1996. I’ve beenhere ever since. CONTINUED ...

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AH: How much did you know aboutbottles and bottle collecting at that timevs. today?

GM: Zero, zip, nada, bubkus. (Howmany other ways can I express that?)

AH: What was your original job titleand what were your key respon-sibilities?

GM: I was called the Collection Clerk,and did pretty much what I do now asCollection Manager, except I have takenon some of the director’s duties sinceJan’s sudden passing in October of 2010,such as the processing of membershipsand donations.

AH: What did find most rewardingabout that position?

GM: I enjoyed learning about the historyof bottle manufacturing and the bottlesthemselves. I love the stories behindmany of the products, particularly thePatent Medicines.

AH: When were you named themuseum’s Collection Manager?

GM: Can’t actually recall when my jobtitle was officially changed. I believe itwas about two or three years ago.

AH: What exactly does that positionentail? What is the most challengingpart?

GM: I process all donations to themuseum’s collection, make out the properpaperwork, assigning accession numbers,choosing where they should be stored,keeping a database, etc.

AH: In addition to those duties, youalso serve as a docent, etc. Any chanceyou might summarize what a typicalday is like for you at the museum? (Oris there no such thing?)

GM: First, turn the lights on. Check theFAX machine and the e-mail. Respondto any e-mail possible. Process the mail,separating out any bills, membershipsand donations. Log all donations andmemberships in the logbook and send

back appropriate paperwork, such asreceipts, membership cards,acknowledgements, etc. For severalyears, I have been working on a databaseof the archives. I try to work on that whenthere’s time. I always interrupt whateverI’m doing for visitors. Visitors come first.I offer to explain the exhibits, after givingthem a quick overview of the museum.If they wish to look on their own, I leavethem alone for a while, then check to seeif they have any questions. If they wishan explanation (Jan said to never call it atour) I take them around and explain eachexhibit. Some visitors are very interestedand stay for more than an hour, someseveral hours. Some are not so interestedand are gone in 20 minutes.

AH: What do you MOST enjoy aboutworking at the NBM?

GM: I enjoy teaching people about theindustry and the history behind it. I alsoenjoy the enthusiasm of some of thecollectors, particularly the younger ones.

AH: What do you think is the greatestmisconception people have about theNBM — before they visit?

GM: That it’s a little hole-in-the-wallmuseum that is really someone’s personalcollection. NBM has members in mostof the US, Canada, & Great Britain. Itholds a 501(c)(3) Non-profit status fromthe IRS, and an Absolute Charter fromthe NYS Education Departmentt.

Technically, the museum’s collection isnot the museum’s. It is held in trust forthe people of the State of New York.

AH: What is the most commonly askedquestion at the National BottleMuseum? What’s the most humorousquestion you’ve ever been asked -- andwhat response did you give?

GM: Many people ask about how certaincolors were made. I don’t recall beingaskedany particularly humorousquestions, though I do recall a couple ofhumorous answers. One day, a womancame in with her two sons, ages aboutnine and 10. In the front case at the timethere was an exhibit of siphon bottles.We got to that case and I said to thoseboys: “I bet you don’t even know whatthese are.” They looked at them withgreat concentration. Then, one of themlit up and said: “Clown bottles!” The onlypeople they had ever seen using sodasiphons were circus clowns squirtingeach other. All I could do was laugh.Another humorous answer was actuallygiven by Jan a few years ago. Anyonewho has been to the museum probablyremembers there is a privy dig exhibit.There’s even a picture of that display inthe 6th Edition of Michael Polak’s bookAntique Trader Bottle Identification andPrice Guide. Jan was explaining it to avisitor when he asked: “Why didn’t thebottles break?” and with a straight faceJan replied” “Well, they had somethingsoft to land in.”

Explaining exhibits to visitors is just a small part of what Gary Moeller does atthe National Bottle Museum where no two days have been exactly alike in the15 years since the Poughkeepsie native began working there. Moeller lovesteaching people about the glass-making industry and the history behind it.

CONTINUED ...

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AH: Do you have any favorite bottlesat the museum? If so, which bottles –and what is it about them that intriguesyou?

GM: Probably my favorite bottle in thecollection is a mineral water bottle fromPhiladelphia that is embossed “STOLENFROM WM S CHEYNEY” I think whyis obvious.

AH: Are you a bottle collector? If so,kindly elaborate many bottles you haveand why you chose to collect them. Doyou enjoy going on bottle digs? If so,what was the most unusual bottle youever dug up? What became of it?

GM: I am not a bottle collector, althoughI do have a few. Something I havediscovered in my time at the museum isalmost everybody has at least a couplebottles. Most are probably nothing

and an Applied Color Label of what lookslike a riverboat gambler on the other. So,of course, I had to keep that one too. Ihave never done a bottle dig, although Ido know of an untouched privy pit in theAdirondacks. The property belongs to myin-laws.

AH: Anything else you’d care to add?

GM: On a regular basis the museum getsvisitors who wander in, not reallyknowing what it’s about. Some leavefairly quickly; others stay for hours.Some are fascinated by the history themuseum preserves. I love visitors likethat. A lot of those visitors think themuseum is a very cool place and go andtell their friends about it. Eventually,some of those friends come in. I have toagree with those people. \The NationalBottle Museum is a cool place, and Idon’t just say that because I work here.

special or rare, just bottles that strucksomeone’s fancy for whatever reason, sothey kept them. I am no exception to that.My favorites are not antique andprobably very common. There is a sodacompany called Sioux City which makesroot beer and sarsaparilla. They may alsomake a cream soda, but I’m not sure. Mywife and I were on a trip and we decidedto have lunch in the Delaware Water GapPark. We stopped at a deli outside thepark and gotsandwiches and drinks. Isaw a bottle of Sioux City soda. It wasamber with a crown cap. Embossed onthe bottle was a cowboy going throughthe swinging doors of a saloon. I thoughtit was a neat bottle, so I kept it. Onanother trip, I found a Sioux City bottleembossed with a cowboy riding abucking horse, and I kept that one. A fewyears after that, I found a Sioux CitySarsaparilla bottle that had the cowboyat the saloon doors embossed on one side,

Gary Moeller (back row) recently treated Saratoga County Executive Director Todd Shimkus, Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association representative Cliff Baum and NationalBottle Museum Acting Director Larry Rutland on a VIP Tour of the not-for-profit educational institution. PHOTOGRAPH BY BOTTLE MUSE EDITOR ANN HAUPRICH.

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I’ll never know ... by Roy TopkaAnyone who attended the Capital District Bottle Club meeting in mid-summer of 2010

probably already knows what the title of this story is about. I had been spending much time in one ofmy favorite cities chasing around permission after the Saratoga Show in June, and had dug somenon-descript privies into early July. Spending a late Saturday morning after a dig looking for peoplein houses I had targeted as good prospects, I hoped they might be outside doing yard work or something.The hope is to throw out the digging speech and hand out my informational leaflet.

A nice gentleman who owned several lots was fascinated by the idea. We worked out a compensation arrangement, and soonone of the lots was being probed. Ash was hit and a test hole dug. A quick probe showed the hole was over 10 feet deep and rock-sided.Unfortunately, perimeter probing also revealed disturbed dirt in several lines heading towards the probable privy, a good sign that my oldfriend Sew R. Pipe was running into or through the hole.

Returning the next morning at sunup, a huge area for tarps was laid out. The hole was about 6’ x 6’ square, and that is a lot ofdirt if you know you are going more than ten feet. Fortunately, the dig was going to take place in a shaded area and my hole could be leftopen so I could return to it. The idea was to get down at least 6 -7 feet by 9-10 a.m., depending on roots and rocks, so when thetemperature heated up outside the hole, I could be cooler inside the hole. I basically stayed within my goal as the top had only bricks androcks for the first three feet, and then pure ash. A few Hutch’s were found and some druggists in the 1890’s ash. Also uncovered weretwo large sewer pipes running into the pit through two different walls at about 5 feet deep. Despite the intrusion, the compromised wallsstill held.

Right around the eight-foot mark, there was a shallow plug of bricks, rocks, and dirt, and under that was a layer that dated to the1870s. This went pretty much across the entire hole, but did not produce many bottles. The only embossed keepers were two Venetianhair bottles, one an attractive frost blue; a stoneware McGovern; a small stoneware “LL;” and a crude looking Reeves Ambrosia hairbottle. The seed layer sat right on top of a tough foot plug of bricks, rocks, clay, and at the bottom, just into where the hole went towater, well preserved boards. I had already probed through the plug and knew the hole was going into the black privy muck that usuallysymbolizes a transition into late 1860s-early 1870s material. I also saw the hole was going to be 12 feet deep, so I was happy it could beleft open to finish the next day.

I worked feverishly on the plug, getting about half of it out of the hole. It was starting to get past 1 p.m., and I knew I soonwould have to go for the day. Before I left, I had to know if there would be any refuse in the hole, so I set up to start bailing water on theside of the hole closest to the house. I dug a decent-sized well and bailed water for probably half an hour, then winged black muck outof the hole with my long-handled shovel. One nice thing about a wide hole, you can shovel dirt by yourself when you are deep down. Iuse the shovel like a trebuchet. From 10’ to 11’, a layer of trash could be seen running toward the back of the hole, made up of yourtypical ceramics and early 1860’s style lips, but no whole bottles. This gave me the answer I wanted, so I packed up for the day, ready toreturn early in the morning.

I removed the rest of the plug first, put my 8-foot ladder in and lined the top of the hole with 5 gallon buckets to receive water.As usual, trash mounded higher to the back of the hole, so my well was dug carefully, with some early 1860’s Helmbold Extracts comingout as well as pontilled bases. As I was dipping my small bucket into the well, I realized a bottle must have cut loose from the muckbelow, and I was bobbing it up and down with my bucket. Pulling it up, the first thing I noticed was water coming out of one corner. Icould just make lout “Wahoo Bitters” through the slime, and being that it was damaged, I did not think much of it, climbing up the ladderand placing it on the side with the few other bottles I had found.

Now, I was throwing dirt from eleven feet down and it was getting difficult. I say dirt, but anyone who has done the black muckthing knows you end up in 150-year-old ****.

Anyway, to shorten an already too long story, with more bailing and digging, the back of the hole was taken down to 12 feet.The concentration of ceramics was tremendous, but bricks also showed up, destroying a lot of stuff. The center of the hole went abouta foot deeper, pure crap, but the bottles that landed in it survived, though it appeared everything was thrown was probably no older thanlate 1850’s to mid-1860’s. At this point, I was no longer throwing muck out of the hole, but back-filling behind myself. The take was notall that great. Several more Helmbolds, black glass beer, green smelling salt, two early smooth base Dr. W.R. Merwin & Co., a real nicestoneware Dr. Brown Lemon Beer JPW/ full cobalt shoulder and lip, three pontilled Barry’s, Pontilled green Blacking & Bachelors hair,plus some pontil slicks. The hole was not totally filled in and graded until the next day, and boy, was I sore.

I did not clean any bottles until the next day, just did a quick wrapping in rags and paper at the hole so I could hurry and gethome. When I pulled the Loveridge bitters out of its rag, I could tell something was funny with the color. I thought it was regular amber.Dipping it into water, and giving it a quick rub, I was left stunned. The color I saw was like nothing I had ever dug, and I still can’tdescribe it, maybe gasoline with a hint of puce?

I have been torturing myself with the thought that I may have damaged the bottle, going over scenarios of how I may have madeit hit the stone wall of the privy, or maybe when I slid the shovel against the wall to pry off a stubborn rotting board.

To this day, I will not examine the hole too closely, and I actually look at it very little. BUT, WHAT A COLOR! I do not knowif I damaged the bottle, and I do not want to know. I guess there are many more important issues in life. That’s enough for now. Gooddigging to all.

Page 11: The Bottle Muse The Bottle Muse

IN MEMORIAM

11

Door prizesDoor prizesDoor prizesDoor prizesDoor prizesWe are exceedingly grateful to STEWART'S for the generous donation

of 50 coupons good for FREE single-scooped ice-cream cones and to

Price Chopper's Golub Foundation for the holiday refreshments that

are being served today. We're also thankful to the Anastos Media Group

and the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association for the

incredible promotional assistance they have provided with this festive

educational event. Last, but far from least, we'd like to express our

appreciation to the Ballston Spa Lions Club and Legacies Unlimited US

for the donations of the following door prizes that we hope will encourage

young readers to put their imaginations to good use this holiday season.

GRAND PRIZE

A copy of Ballston Spa: Legacies Unlimited to be personally autographed for the winner

by children's book illustrator Jody Wheeler. The book -- which bears a cover price of $50 --

features Ms. Wheeler's picture on the cover and a chapter about her incredible life inside.

ADDITIONAL PRIZES

~~~ An 11 x 14" sketch pad filled with 100 sheets of 50-pound acid-free paper

~~~ A Teaching Tree brand "Story Starter" Kit that begins with the words "I wish . . . "

~~~ A Teaching Tree brand "Story Starter" Kit that begins with the words "What if . . . "

~~~ A Roselle Creative Kids brand of 9" x 12" construction paper & glue stick.

~~~ A "3-In-1" Activity Pad that includes tracing paper, scribble paper and

construction paper as well as colored pencils and crayons or markers.

Extra thanks to the Ballston Spa Lions Club for assistance with the cost of printing postcards and posters to present this

special event and to Rodney Wheeler and Craig Hodgson for all they did to help Jody Wheeler and Jan Rutland Artists'

Space Director Fred Neudoeffer prepare the exhibit of her illustrations that will remain on display until January 7.

National Bottle Museum President Evelyn Kramer, Collection Manager Gary Moeller and Gift Shop Manager Sharon

Blakemore Kingsbury are also deserving of a round of applause for going the extra mile to make today a success.

Door prizesDoor prizesDoor prizesDoor prizesDoor prizes

Reminders thatdues are due

& that we have anew email address

Heartfelt thanks to our sponsors!

As per the message in the enclosedAnnual Report, the National BottleMuseum depends heaviliy uponthe support of individual and cor-porate members to carry on its mis-sion as a not-for-profit educationinstitution. If you are not certainof your renewal amount, please call518.885.7589 or send a messageto our NEW email address:[email protected].

Kathleen GillKathleen Gill was a hiker who climbed the Adirondack 46 & the Catskill

35. She hiked the whole Northville to Lake Placid trail, and the AppalachianTrail. She had a strong love of outdoors and a keen appreciation for history. Shecombined the two interests in writing about historical happenings along the trailsshe hiked and in researching her family’s history.

A volunteer at Historic Cherry Hill in Albany, Kathleen also served onthe Board of Trustees of the National Bottle Museum for three terms. Kathleenalso helped on a number of work projects for Cherry Hill and the NBM.

In addition, she painted, helped with Christmas decorating, yard work,and setting up for events as well as donating her time and skills to do “Storytelling”sessions. Kathleen often had a unique vision of how to solve a problem. Boardmeetings when she attended were interesting and lively. She was a good andcaring friend.

2012 OFFICERS

PRESIDENTEvelyn Kramer

FIRST VICE-PRESIDENTLarry Rutland

SECOND VICE-PRESIDENTMichael L. Noonan

RECORDING SECRETARYAnn Hauprich

TREASURERLori Johnson

2012 TRUSTEES

CLASS OF 2011Roy Topka

CLASS OF 2012Miles CornthwaiteBarry Haynes

CLASS OF 2013Lewis BrownJohn GolleyDavid Schock

Page 12: The Bottle Muse The Bottle Muse

NATIONAL BOTTLE MUSEUM76 Milton AvenueBallston Spa, NY 12020518.885.7589www.nationalbottlemuseum.org

R

The Bottle MuseThe Bottle MuseThe Bottle MuseThe Bottle MuseThe Bottle Muse is the official newsletter of the is the official newsletter of the is the official newsletter of the is the official newsletter of the is the official newsletter of theNational Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa, New York. Articles may beNational Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa, New York. Articles may beNational Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa, New York. Articles may beNational Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa, New York. Articles may beNational Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa, New York. Articles may bereprinted if proper credit is given, unless the author indicates a copyright.reprinted if proper credit is given, unless the author indicates a copyright.reprinted if proper credit is given, unless the author indicates a copyright.reprinted if proper credit is given, unless the author indicates a copyright.reprinted if proper credit is given, unless the author indicates a copyright.

The Jan Rutland Artists’ Space at the National Bottle Museum was transformed into a magical setting for young readers when nationallyacclaimed children’s book illustrator Jody Wheeler presented a special holiday program there on Sunday, December 4. A highlight of theafternoon program was when Ms. Wheeler read to the gathering from a copy of The Night Before Christmas that she had illustrated forIdeals Publishing. Event sponsors were the Anastos Media Group, the Ballston Spa Lions Club, the Ballston Spa Business & ProfessionalAssociation, Legacies Unlimited US, Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation and Stewart’s Ice Cream. PHOTO BY RODNEY WHEELER.

Page 13: The Bottle Muse The Bottle Muse

EXTRA! EXTRA!Read all about

changes coming toThe Bottle Muse

Starting in 2012, The Bottle Muse will be published quarterly rather than monthly.This change in the frequency of the publication of the National Bottle Museum’snewsletter was prompted by a need to reduce the not-for-profit educational institution’sprinting and mailing costs.

As another cost-cutting measure, the museum is in the process of phasing in theaddition of an on-line version of the newsletter that may be enjoyed in full color byvisiting www.nationalbottlemuseum.org.

The National Bottle Museum is also looking into ways to make the newsletter arevenue-generating periodical by introducing paid classified and displayed adscommencing with with the Spring 2012 edition.

Details of this initiative will be posted on www.nationalbottlemuseum.org aroundthe first of February. Those wishing to receive the information via fax or US Mail areencouraged to call Gary Moeller at the museum at 518.885.7589 or by emailing him atthe museum’s new email address: [email protected].

Those who would like to begin receiving their full-color copies of The BottleMuse directly via email are asked to confirm this with Gary via the above email addresswhile those who prefer to continue receiving copies via Snail Mail may drop Gary aline at the National Bottle Museum, 76 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY, 12020.

Thank you!