We Are Community 331
Plymouth pulled out all the stops for Halloween. There was a free movie and refreshments at the PCCC on Friday evening. Saturday the Village and the Old Settlers Committee sponsored many events. There was Trunk or Treat on the Square with hot dogs as well as the normal candy. Music filled the park from the stage. A pumpkin carving contest was held. There was a scavenger hunt and more. The 19th Hole was also set up on the Square. And I missed it all because the Annual Collectors of Illinois Pottery and Stoneware convention was in East Peoria at the same time.
Let me tell you a bit more about the stoneware convention. If you are not addicted, it may be difficult to understand the fascination with stoneware. Illinois has great clay for stoneware and though originally much of it was made in the East, eventually many of the potters moved west and many settled in Illinois. In our area Ripley, Macomb and Monmouth were centers of production. There were also potteries in many other Illinois towns and communities. This makes Illinois a collector’s paradise. Personally, I collect Tennessee and Colchester pottery because I went to school there. I also collect stoneware dogs, cats, birdhouses, sewer tile animals and Majolica. Now that may sound like a lot, but my collections are tiny compared to real collectors.
Each year we hold a convention. When my husband was president of the Club, we moved the convention around the state but in recent years we have settled in East Peoria at the Stoney Creek Inn. Convention begins on Thursday evening with lots of stoneware being displayed in the rooms of individuals. Lots of stoneware changes hands. There are also meetings, a slide show, seminars, food, an auction and just visiting with friends that one has not seen since the last convention. I have to carry around a little book and pay attention as I have been secretary of the Club pretty much since Jesus was born. Anyway, it is an interesting three days. I try to buy a lot of things for the store while at convention. This year I brought home many Sleepy Eye commemoratives, several bowls, a couple of crocks and more. Come in and see them in a few days when I have time to unpack.
The weather has been fantastic. Farmers have wasted none of this fine weather and have been harvesting day and night. While headed to Augusta one night this week, I found a trailer truck litterly parked on the highway being loaded with grain. One needs to really look out for farm equipment and trucks during harvest.
The trees are just beautiful. Noticed that my walnut tree lost all its leaves while I was gone, but the maples are now turning. East Peoria is lovely this time of year because one has great tree color overlooking the river.
Halloween is the night before All Saints Day. Somehow All Saints Day got lost in my world this year. If you missed it too, lets take some time this week to remember those who have gone on before us. Scatter Kindness and Love to all as it has been a rough time for many.