More About Steve

I am 44 years old soon to be 45. I have 3 daughters. Danielle the oldest
attends Lawrence University studying music at the conservatory there.
Karissa in the middle who attends Appleton East High School and Madison the
youngest who is in 6th grade. I am from Appleton, Wisconsin and am currently
working in Solon Ohio.

I work for Nestle USA in the Frozen/Prepared Foods Division as a Senior
Industrial Engineer. Yes we make Lean Cuisine, French Bread Pizza and
Stouffers Red Box frozen entrees. I have traveled around quite a bit on
various work assignments over the years. This has exposed me to Stoneware
and Pottery from many different regions.  I have lived in Wisconsin,
Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Ohio. I also traveled to Europe and the Orient
on business but always found time for my disease (pottery and stoneware).

I was first exposed to stoneware at a very early age. I went to auctions
with my father and uncle. My first purchase was in 1966 at the age of 8 at
an auction near Amherst Junction, WI. I bought 6 Red Wing crocks for 50
cents!!  Needless to say both my father and uncle were upset. As I remember
they asked: Why the heck did you buy that old junk? It will never be worth
anything!! Well, were they ever wrong. I have been around crocks and
stoneware ever since.

My collection has come and gone over the years as my collecting interests
change. I have had as many as 500 pieces at one time. The collection now is
fairly small but I am partial to sponge decorated pieces, small fancy jugs
and Salt Glaze. I love looking for rare and unusual pieces and debating
about the origin of un-marked pieces. Having the advantage of moving around
has provided me with exposure to pottery and stoneware from many different
regions of the US. It has proven very valuable when trying to identify
origins of specific pieces.

I am currently working on a book on a neglected aspect of  Red Wing and
other stoneware when I find the spare time. It is going to have a little
different angle than those out there right now. I hope to have it in print
next spring. I think it will be a big help to novice and experienced
collectors as well.

I can be reached by email at slythjohan@yahoo.com.