The Edelweiss German Restaurant in Fort Worth was the setting for the Lone Star Chapter meeting on June 13, 2009. The festively decorated restaurant, delicious German food, and friendliness of owners, Berndt and Rhonda Schnerzinger, and their staff made this a memorable gathering.

The meeting was called to order by our President David Vandergriff who recognized the Schnerzingers for their efforts in hosting our meeting in such an enjoyable manner. Dave Cantwell reported that our treasury is healthy at $2,325.00. Joy Ehly read the report of our last meeting with a reminder that these reports continue to be posted on the SCI Website with photos provided by Bruce Ehly.

Our own member, Jim Hansen, was the guest speaker with a discussion of “Kinds of Eagles on Steins” and “Kinds of Steins that have Eagles”. He will make a power point presentation on this subject at the October SCI convention in Las Vegas. Jim had many examples of steins with eagle motifs on which he elaborated and passed around for our viewing. Also providing steins for our perusal were Dave Cantwell, Lawrence Beckendorff, and Bruce Ehly. Members viewed steins made of pewter, pottery, and porcelain including Mettlach #3135 and #1526. Jim also had an American pewter stein by Reed and Barton, circa 1900, with an elaborate eagle on its lid. There was an additional discussion of popular motifs on steins featuring drinking, soldiers, and eagles.

Our meeting concluded with discussion of the Las Vegas convention as several members plan to attend. There were many steins for sale with several finding new homes that afternoon. Joe and Irene Haralson will be hosting the next meeting on September 12 at their home in the Austin area.  

Respectfully submitted,
Joy Ehly, Secretary