The annual Red Wing Collectors Society Convention celebrated 30 years in 2007, a great achievement for the organization. Louise returned from convention with a number of treasures. Probably the highlight of this year's convention was Louise's purchase of two plates designed by Charles Murphy, one of Red Wing's most prolific designers. The two plates were prototypes for what eventually became a snack set manufactured for the Hamm's Brewery. Although these designs were not the ones put into production, they are one-of-a-kind items of great historical significance.

At left is the first plate, which portrays the "Land of Sky Blue Water" with a Native American carrying a canoe on his back. The second plate, located further down the page, shows wildlife and nature, again representing Hamm's memorable theme of the "Land of Sky Blue Water". One of Louise’s primary objectives in maintaining the Schleich Red Wing Pottery Museum is to acquire rare and unique pieces that represent important aspects of the Red Wing legacy.

This stunning, cobalt blue sand jar was purchased at the Red Wing Collector's Society auction held on Thursday evening. A gorgeous piece, the sand jar is an unusual take on the sand jars employing the same motif of deer and nature, which were usually produced in the colors of green and tan. This piece is also unusual in that is not brush ware, using a glaze instead. An example of the green and tan sand jar appears on the Interview with Louise Schleich page.

The final item is the beautiful, elephant-ear transitional birch leaf ice water cooler at right. The sharpness of the black ink gives vivid contrast to an already gorgeous crock. Some of Louise's favorite Red Wing pieces are the elephant-ear crocks and this cooler with its distinctive "Ice Water" lettering provides an outstanding example. This year's convention proved to be exceptional in offering the opportunity to obtain rare items that add to the distinction of the Schleich Red Wing Pottery Museum collection.

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