|
The Antique Bottle Collectors of North Florida |
||
|
In the late 1960's a young Jacksonville patrolman was sent to investigate a report that a stranger in the area was either digging up or burying a dead body. Actually, the stranger was searching for turn of the century bottles. Instead of arresting the man, the officer's curiosity was aroused and at the first opportunity, went digging with him. Soon the two met others with similar interests. One very notable person was an Episcopalian priest who lived near the earliest fort and settlement in North Florida and was taking young people on field trips to old dumps and Indian mounds, and wading along the St. Johns River where some of the bottles found dated back to the 1700's. In April 1967, these individuals, the parents of the children involved, and a few others got together and formed the first bottle club in Florida. At about the same time, construction of interstate highways across the country was resulting in the demolition of old neighborhoods and the uncovering of remnants of former lives. Since the most durable and plentiful items in the dumps were colorful hand blown bottles with interesting lettering right on their surface, the bottle collecting craze as we know it today was born. The Jacksonville bottle club chose as its first president Father Frank Dearing who inspired education and a spirit of camaraderie in its members. There were many digs, bottle shows, and club meetings, always with the emphasis on learning more about the bottles and their history and educating others. Father Frank became a local authority on bottles and was revered by his collector friends as much as by his parishioners. Through the years, there was some dissension and reorganization, but under his gentle leadership, and because of the enthusiasm of other members, the club flourished. During the early 1990's, thanks to frequent club digs, the club was one of the largest in the US, boasting close to 200 family members. Although Father Dearing died in 1989, many still think of the ABCNF as his club and a plaque commending education on bottles is awarded each year in his honor. At this time, his widow, Lady Claire Dearing, the patrolman who has since retired, and his wife, and a Fernandina Beach couple are the only charter members left of the original pioneers. Since the first show in 1967, the club has held at least one show each year. The shows are known for free dinners for the dealers, and Southern Hospitality. The club meets at least 5 times a year, and boasts a large club library. Regrettably, problems involved with arranging for dig sites large enough to accommodate all club members have discouraged digs. In 1997, ABCNF hosted the Annual National Meeting of the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors when dealers and collectors from all over the US, Canada, UK, and Australia gathered in Jacksonville's Prime Osborn Convention Center to buy, sell, trade, or just talk bottles. Since then, ABCNF annual shows have been at the Fraternal Order of Police Building on Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville during the month of September. Hope to see you there this year! |
|
