Another year has almost come to an end and it is a time to reflect on the events of the last year. We had some great times traveling, fishing, visiting friends, searching for Medalta and even finding a few pieces to add to our collection. Life is about making memories and we have certainly done of that n 2018.
I grew up in a family that owned a small business and at this time of year my parents always had something to give to their customers that would have been carefully thought out and purchased several months ago. There were merchants that ordered pottery from the companies in Medicine Hat to give to their customers at Christmas time.
Copied with permission of the writer:
Most of the pottery plants in the Medicine Hat area produced advertising pieces for businesses that
gave the item away at Christmas time as a thank you for the patronage of their customers over the course of the year. Medalta made a few like the ship style pitcher for C.H. Nash which said XMAS 1934 on the side opposite the sailboat decoration, but the mention of Christmas was the exception not the rule. When you look at the Medalta sales records, you find that the majority of orders for named wares came in the months from September to December.
All of the Toshach pieces for example were gifts given to their customers just before Christmas. When I interviewed some of the Toshach family members some 15 years ago, they vividly recalled having to help their parents deliver those pitchers and mixing bowls throughout the rural Drumheller area.
Medicine Hat Potteries produced a few with Season's Greetings such as the S.E. Gust store pitcher and the High River Furniture Store candy bowl, the candy bowl being available in both
3-inch and 5-inch sizes. Hycroft was more prolific when it comes to Christmas wishes.From our house to yours.......Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the Best for the New Year!
And the Search Continues.....
