Florence Ceramics Collectors Society

FloraGanza 2008

There was a bit of a nip in the late September air providing a perfect backdrop for the 2008 convention in the quaint little German inspired town of Frankenmuth, Michigan. For those of you who missed the 2008 convention, you missed a great time.

Several attendees arrived in Frankenmuth a couple of days early, so they were treated to a "Welcome to Michigan" kick off to the convention hosted by Carla and Larry Budd in their home. Those who attended had their stomachs filled with delicious food, and their appetites for Florence satisfied by the beautiful display of the Budd's wonderful collection. Attendee's had the opportunity to see several seldom found Florence Ceramics pieces while renewing old friendships.

On Sunday evening the convention was opened with a "Welcoming Pizza Party". As always it was great to see each other again. We had members in attendance that came from as far away as Oregon and California and as close by as about 75 miles from Frankenmuth. Other states that were represented were Texas, Colorado, Tennessee and Ohio.

To the delight of attendees once again a couple of members brought several pieces for sale, including a beautiful Gibson girl, a Musette lamp, and Dear Ruth lamp, and Denise, along with many other great pieces.

Pizza Party

In addition to our beloved Florence figurines, Jerry Kline gave a very informative talk about several different high-end American potteries and their artists. He had several examples of different glazes and shapes to share. A question and answer period followed.

Many members were familiar with these potteries and have collections of their own. It can be said; " If you are a collector, you are a collector," and it was evident that few collectors collect only one thing.

It was rise and shine early Monday morning to a hot breakfast. The room was a buzz with talk of what everyone was going to do for the day. Would it be visiting the wonderful little shops up and down Main St. or going to Bronners, the world's largest Christmas shop. You could spend the whole day checking that out. Or who would be adventurous and search out antique shops and malls in the surrounding towns?

At days end we met back in town at The Bavarian Inn in our own private dining room for dinner. The menu was filled with German favorites of all sorts, as well as the family style chicken dinner that Frankenmuth is known for.

With everyone stuffed we returned to the hotel and conference center for a short business meeting followed by the always popular "Florence Bingo." It seemed that there were more prizes, and a challenge to keep coming up with the name of Florence figures starting with B-I-N-G-O in order to call the numbers.

Florence Bingo

Tuesday morning brought thoughts of packing and heading home for most. During breakfast we had to say our farewells to those we knew ti would be some time before we would meet again. And for those who chose to stay in the general area, they moved their accomodations south, closer to the airport and the state line, so they could spend one last day in Michigan. Most certainly there were more antique malls to check out during the day, and another Michigan native couple opened their home for a late afternoon and evening get together. Jerry and Paula Lovett hosted a "Farewell to Michigan" open house for those staying the extra day. Once again club members were enchanted by the Florence Ceramics displays and a light meal.

Having the Budds and Lovetts within an hour of the convention site, who embraced the idea of opening their homes and sharing their own kinds of Michigan hospitality as well as their collections with the convention goers made this truly a convention to be remembered.