Lawrence and Pam Beckendorff hosted the meeting of the Lone Star Chapter at their home in Katy on Saturday, March 27, 2010. The 24 members in attendance were treated to a delicious barbecue lunch followed by a business meeting conducted by Chapter President, David Vandergriff. There was an in-depth discussion regarding retaining and promoting new membership. Treasurer, Dave Cantwell, reported our funds at $2225.00. Secretary, Joy Ehly, read the report of the last meeting held in September, 2009. Chapter Representative at the Las Vegas SCI Convention, 

Bruce Ehly, reported on the three meetings he attended: SCI board, general membership, and chapter development. He presented an overview of the convention plus mention of the 2010 convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and the 2011 convention in Providence, Rhode Island. Bruce presented David Vandergriff with a certificate honoring the Chapter Newsletter Editors which had been awarded at the SCI Convention. The Chapter welcomed new members, John and Toni Johnson, to their first meeting. We were also pleased to see former Chapter President, Ken Griffin, at the meeting.

Bill Hamer, President of the Uppersteiners of New York State, was our guest speaker. He gave a Power Point presentation on “Faience Steins” discussing the manufacturers during the 1700s. He presented the identifying characteristics and production of the factories in North and South Germany, with examples of steins having Northern full-pewter bases and Southern pewter foot rings. Differences in handle design, pewter features, and decoration features were shown and discussed. Members viewed fine examples of faience steins from the collections of Dave Cantwell, David Fuller, and David Vandergriff. Comparisons were made to early 20th century faience steins for members’ edification.

Many thanks to the Beckendorffs for their warm hospitality and willingness to frequently host our meetings. Special acknowledgement to Dave Cantwell for his time and effort in escorting our out-of-state guest speakers. Places and dates for the Summer and Fall meetings have yet to be announced.

Respectfully submitted,
Joy Ehly, Secretary