White House China

www.WoodmereMilitaryCollection.com

2010-12-08T18:34:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out Woodmere's new website for military dinnerware and giftware - www.WoodmereMilitaryCollection.com

Dinnerware and giftware for all branches of the military! Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard.....dinnerware and giftware galore!

NEW WOODMERE ONLINE MAGAZINE - www.AnAmericanSource.com

2010-12-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

Please click on the link below to be taken to our new online magazine - An American Source:

www.AnAmericanSource.com

President James Garfield - Our Newest Additon to Woodmere's White House Collection

2010-10-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce our newest presidential addition - President James Garfield - to Woodmere's White House Collection! Developed in collaboration with the Western Reserve Historical Society in Ohio - owners of the original china - this beautiful scroll pattern contains the Garfield family monogram. Since Garfield was actually only president for a few months, this family china is the only china associated with the Garfield administration.

The employees of Woodmere are pleased to bring you this newest addition to Woodmere's White House Collection to you and hope that you will consider adding it to your collection.

Happy Flag Day!

2010-06-14T08:42:00.001-07:00

Long May It Wave!

Department of State Collection

2010-05-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

I know it seems like all we ever talk about is Presidential china, but we do some pretty cool things for other high levels of our government, too. This is just one plate that we do for the Department of State. We actually have done a wide variety of items for the State Department over the years. Perhaps, we'll showcase more of them here from time to time.

After all....Thomas Jefferson was our very first Secretary of State.....right?

Smithsonian Catalog

2010-05-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

Speaking of catalogs, did you see the Smithsonian Catalog that has been out for the past month or so? The folks at The Smithsonian have been working hard and it shows. I don't remember a Smithsonian catalog being so well organized and beautiful, loaded with such great treasures! We really loved the section on art glass and the Gel Bracelets on the back cover are really terrific.

Then....there seems to be a few pieces of china from a certain President Lincoln fellow. VERY nice. And, the book shown just to the right of our Lincoln china is the Barry Landau book "The President's Table" which we have talked about in this column before. It's a great (and fun) read and if you haven't seen this book....why not go to http://www.smithsoniancatalog.com/ and order one now.

Might be a good time to pick up a Lincoln dessert plate - or twelve, as well!

New Woodmere Catalog on It's Way

2010-05-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a 'work-in-progress' version of the new catalog we are working on. This will be our first catalog that will have all our collections in one place. We have wanted to do one of these for some time now, but, it is simply a huge undertaking. However, work is underway and - ideally - you will see this before too long or at least sometime during the summer.

We also are working on a few new products which you will hear about soon. Lots to do to keep us busy these days.

White House Table Service from old book

2010-05-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo from an item offered on eBay. It's a page from an old book called "Brown Book of Boston" and this single page (with music printed on the reverse) is being sold online. Truly amazing.

I love that there is this type of interest in a subject so near and dear to us. It's really hard to think of any other type of historical memorabilia that has such a high level of interest. And, let's face it....if you took the presidential component away, many of these patterns would not gain any interest at all. They'd just be old dishes.

Touched By The Hands of The Famous

2010-04-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

Heritage Auctions will be auctioning off a special piece in their upcoming May 3rd auction. This beautiful and unusual shaped piece from the china of President James Madison has a handpainted inscription indicating the piece's provenance. From Marie Antoinette to James Monroe to the Madison's....this piece was touched by more than a few famous hands. I have published a copy of the auction house's listing text below.

Bidding is to open at $20,000.

Here's a link to the listing in case you'd like to bid:

http://historical.ha.com/common/view_item.php?SaleNo=6035&LotIdNo=46001&txtSearch=monroe&hdnSearch=true

Originally owned by Marie Antoinette.

James Madison: Perhaps the Most Provenanced Piece of White House China Ever Offered on the Auction Market. This beautiful Paris porcelain pattern is a familiar one to students of White House China. The service was purchased for Madison by James Monroe while he served in Paris as the American Ambassador. Several sources confirm that the original owner was the deposed French Queen Marie Antoinette. The china was originally used by Madison at his Virginia home, Montpelier. But it was brought to Washington in the last years of his presidency, when the White House was being refurbished after being burned by the British in 1814. Nothing seems to have been documented as to the history of this china following Madison's White House years. However, the 1853-dated inscription on the present example states that it was purchased by the wife of yet another American president, John Quincy Adams, upon the death of Dolley Madison. Mrs. Adams subsequently presented it to Mrs. Samuel Wetmore, a prominent New England matron. So here we have a serving dish owned in turn by the famous French queen and three of America's first six presidents!
The inscription appears to be slightly inaccurate, although this is understandable: when it was applied in 1853, both Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Wetmore were deceased, so the story undoubtedly had morphed a little in the telling. Mrs. Adams could not have purchased this piece after Dolly Madison's death, since Mrs. Wetmore predeceased Dolley by several months in 1849. It seems much more likely that the china was sold by the Madisons earlier, as financial difficulties had necessitated the sale of many household furnishings and valuable personal effects. Quite aside from its presidential associations, a fine Paris porcelain set of this quality would have been a valuable asset, probably too much so for Dolley to have been able to retain it till the end. It is more likely that Mrs. Adams obtained this piece directly or from a third party earlier.
We cannot resist the temptation to speculate that Mrs. Adams may have felt a certain smug satisfaction in the acquisition. She might well have first been exposed to the china at White House state dinners between 1815 and 1817, when her husband served as the American Ambassador to Great Britain. John Quincy Adams went on to serve a single term as president from 1825 to 1829, but was defeated for reelection by Andrew Jackson in a bitter campaign. Jackson was, of course, the candidate of Madison's Democrat Party, in whose affairs Madison continued to play an active role at that time. It may have given Mrs. Adams a sense of justice served when Dolley Madison's prized china ultimately came to her.
The present example, an unusual 12" diamond shaped serving dish, has been in the family of the consignor for generations, although there is no record of a connection to the Wetmore family. The consignor's elderly mother remembers it being housed in the same display case which presently accompanies it when she was a little girl, and it was then in the possession of her grandfather (please see this lot listing on our website for additional images). Fears founded in its fragile nature have motivated the family to seek an appropriate new custodian for this historic heirloom.
It is in beautiful condition. A similar, but less provenance, example was sold by Heritage in the March 1, 2008 auction of the Edward C. Gillette Collection, where it fetched nearly $18,000. Because of its unique character we will not set an estimate on this specimen, but will merely open the bidding at $20,000. This lot requires 3rd party shipping.

We're always impressed....

2010-04-14T04:25:00.000-07:00

....when others find history - particularly pertaining to Presidential china - interesting and write about it. Someone forwarded a great blog which describes a visit to McCullugh Hall in Morris County, NJ. Some very fascinating pictures and even this beautiful corner cabinet with some Presidential china pieces inside! You can see them just above the drawer.

Here's a link to this very interesting pictorial on the visit to what appears to be a truly beautiful home:

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/2010/04/visit-to-macculloch-hall.html

Lincoln China from his Second Term

2010-04-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in owning actual Lincoln China, this may be your chance. A click on the link below takes you to a site someone forwarded to us:

http://www.horsesoldier.com/catalog/lchina.html

This is the china that Mary Todd Lincoln purchased from the Philadelphia firm of James Kerr just prior to President Lincoln being assassinated at Ford's Theater. Rather simple in it's design, Mrs. Lincoln may have been looking for something a little less controversial than her celebrated "Solferino" china that is more widely known as the Lincoln china.

The above listing has some very interesting notes on the provenance of these pieces, as well.

However.....if you are interested in spending a little less, then maybe you might take a look at our reproductions of this china. For a link to these, click here:

http://woodmerechina.com/amtreasures_items.cfm?item=43

New American Maxims - President Kennedy

2010-03-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

We are thinking about adding these two pieces to our American Maxims collection. What do you think?

President Lincoln's Cottage Blog

2010-03-25T03:20:00.000-07:00

Someone emailed us a link to this terrific blog on President Lincoln's Cottage. We always love to find new sources of great information on our presidents and this blog seems especially helpful. Can't wait to go back through some of the earlier posts. And, of course, we always enjoy it when they are speaking about Presidential china!

Great post on Mrs. Lincoln and her penchant for fine dinnerware.

Here's a link to post on Lincoln china and we have added a link to their blog to our list at the right of this page:

http://lincolncottage.wordpress.com/2010/03/24/abraham-lincoln-presidential-china/

Great Seal of The United States of America

2010-03-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

I am always impressed when reminded that one of our most popular items is our plate from our

Great Seal of The United States of America collection.

Here's a link to the entire range on our website:

http://www.woodmerechina.com/heritage_items.cfm?item=25

Woodmere Custom China for USS Barry

2010-03-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

While not exactly White House china, we did custom china for the U.S. Navy vessel USS Barry recently. This is one more example of government china that our custom decoration department is so terrific at. Woodmere has been doing custom china since its earliest days over 30 years ago.

DID YOU KNOW: That the U.S. Navy runs the White House 'mess hall' dining room?

The Nation's House: A Day in The Life

2010-02-21T03:55:00.000-08:00

Here's link to an interesting article from The Washington Post detailing the comings and goings at The White House in a single day last fall. Making things run smoothly and on time has to be one of the toughest parts to it all.

Take a read:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/20/AR2010022003719.html

White House China Collector Extraordinare: Set Momjian

2010-02-18T01:41:00.000-08:00

A great shot of the world's foremost collector of White House china, Mr. Set Momjian. This photo is courtesy of the Deseret News newspaper in Salt Lake City.

Here's a link to the article that has a number of outstanding photos. Check it out:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700009771/Presidential-china-display-in-Salt-Lake-City-offers-an-intimate-view-of-the-White-House.html?linkTrack=rss-32

Utah Honors with Presidential China Exhibit

2010-02-16T02:48:00.000-08:00

Old our friend Set Momjian has again taken his terrific display on the road. This time it is an exhibition in Salt Lake City retailer O.C. Tanner that is 'must see'. Momjian's collection is truly a gem and if you ever get the chance, be sure to see it. We've seen no other collection that is as complete and as thorough as the Presidential china collection of Joan and Set Momjian.

Here is a link to the article in the Salt Lake City newspaper:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700009771/Presidential-china-display-in-Salt-Lake-City-offers-an-intimate-view-of-the-White-House.html?linkTrack=rss-30

A Perfect Breakfast

2010-02-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

Someone forwarded this picture from the blog of a bed-and-breakfast in Richmond, MAURY PLACE at MONUMENT. What a great idea and I am sure their guests were very impressed! What a memorable way to differentiate this bed-and-breakfast.

They've got some great photos and posts on their blog. Be sure to take a look.

When I am overnighting in Richmond, I know where I am going to stay....I suggest you do the same.

Here's the link to their blog:
http://blog.mauryplace.com/

Happy 110th Birthday, Mr. Lincoln

2010-02-13T12:15:00.000-08:00

What a festive night it must have been last night at Delmonico's as the Republican Club of New York celebrated Mr. Lincoln's 110 birthday. Here's link to Taste With The Eyes and see for yourself! Warning, these great photographs are likely to make you hungry!

http://www.tastewiththeeyes.com/2010/02/lincoln-dinner-at-delmonicos-february-12-1900/

President Monroe's "Other" China

2009-12-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

This townhouse at 2017 I Street, NW in Washington, DC had some truly impressive occupants. Secretary of State James Monroe and his wife were residents here before the British invasion in 1814. They furnished the house with furniture and other items acquired when Monroe served as America's minister to France. With their entertaining style heavily influenced by what had experienced in France, all of Washington was impressed with their taste and hospitality.

When Monroe was inaugurated as President in the Spring of 1817, The Executive Mansion had not yet been fully restored form the damage inflicted by the British during the War of 1812. He and First Lady Elizabeth Monroe continued to live at 2017 I St. until the Fall of 1817.

Among the furnishings used in their townhouse home were two sets of china. The amaranth (red) bordered Monroe china is well known. However, there was also a Monroe monogrammed china (shown below) that was also used. These china sets, along with their other beautiful furnishings were moved to The Executive Mansion on Pennsylvania Avenue in September when the President and Mrs. Monroe took up residency.

These are photos of our reproductions, but these are identical to the ones owned by the Monroes. I love the eagle in the center of the large plate above. It is only on the large 12 inch plate and the 9 inch rim soup/individual pasta bowl.

The Monroe Monogram design is one of my favorites that remains "undiscovered" by most.
Here's a link to our entire collection:
http://www.woodmerechina.com/amtreasures_items.cfm?item=33

Your comments/emails

2009-12-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have emailed me, thank you for your notes. I'm glad that you are interested in some of the other related areas that we do work on. So, while we will continue to focus our postings on White House China, I will include some of the other, closely related projects that we always seem to have going on.

For instance, I will try to post later today or over the weekend a story on the 'other' James Monroe china. This monogrammed, French-made china was brought over and used in the rental townhouse that President and Mrs. Monroe had in Washington.

Thanks again for your emails.

Note from Woodmere

2009-12-09T06:58:00.000-08:00

Since we are trying to serve you - our readers - I am interested in learing what you might like to see contained in our blog. So, as we are preparing to get ready for 2010, I thought I would take the time and ask for your input. After all, we want try to make this as interactive as we can.

So, if you would....take a couple of moments and let us know what you think:

who you are
why you stop by and read our blog
what kinds of things you would like to see written and posted here
any other way that we might be able to help out

You can either post here....or send me and email at dturner@woodmerechina.com. I'll answer....promise. And thanks for reading.

Dave Turner

Monroe China

2009-12-07T20:07:00.000-08:00

The Monroe 'amaranth' border china is pretty special. We have worked very hard over the past few years to make the vignettes as historically accurate as possible. We appreciate the good comments on the results of our efforts.

White House Chef Roland Mesnier Creates Mount Vernon in Gingerbread

2009-12-04T07:55:00.000-08:00

Chef Roland and his team are in the second week(!) of creating this unbelievable gingerbread reproduction of George and Martha Washington's home. There is so much attention to detail, down to the lawn having snow on it!

While he has done many gingerbread mansions (including ones of a little house on Pennsylvania Avenue), each one is different and takes careful planning and very specific execution of the plan. Still, things always have to be adjusted and adapted.

Here's a close up of some of the detail in the farm animals on the Potomac River side of the mansion.

As it nears completion, it is hard to understand all the hard work over two weeks to create such a masterpiece. Amazing! Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier is truly a meastro. I can only hope that you will be able to visit Mount Vernon this holiday season and Chef Mesnier's handiwork.

Make sure you check out Roland's books....he makes desserts seem easy!

White House Chef Roland Mesnier: Mount Vernon Gingerbread

2009-12-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

Look tomorrow for posting showing some great shots of former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier's gingerbread replica of the mansion at Mount Vernon. In addition to making the gingerbread mansion, he was also signing a number of his gorgeous books! If you haven't checked them out.....the photos of his scrumptious creations will make your mouth water!

See you on Friday!

Another from Last Night's State Dinner at The White House

2009-11-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

This photo from last night's State Dinner shows, indeed, the Eisenhower chargers made by Castleton. With such a large gathering, china from the Esienhower, Clinton, and G.W. Bush adminsitrations had to be used. Whatever place setting you may have had, it was sure to be stylish! (NY Times photo)

The Table is Set for Tonight's State Dinner

2009-11-24T17:10:00.000-08:00

Clinton china chargers ...looking a lot like the Eisenhower chargers....set for tonight's State Dinner at The White House. (AP photo)

Can't make it to Philadelphia this weekend?

2009-11-21T01:46:00.000-08:00

If you can't make it to the Main Line Antique Show this weekend....

....maybe you will be able to check out the exhibit at Chicago's Museum of Science an Industry. The Museum of Science and Industry's new temporary exhibit, "The White House: A Look Inside," offers a photographic timeline including authentic artifacts from administrations throughout history, ranging from White House china to holiday cards. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a detailed replica of the White House. Opening with "Christmas Around the World" and "Holidays of Light" on Friday, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive. Call 773-684-1414 or visit msichicago.org.

More Main Line White House China

2009-11-20T06:39:00.000-08:00

Calling it the 'major draw' the White House China exhibit 'Dinner Is Served" portion of this weekend's Main Line Antique Show continues to draw plenty of attention.

Check out this article from today's Philadelphia Inquirer:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/20091120_Antiques__Presidents__china_is_prime_attraction_at_Main_Line_show.html

Dinner is Served: On White House China

2009-11-18T06:10:00.000-08:00

Here's link to the local newspaper article for the upcoming Main Line Antique Show, to be held this weekend. See the post below. No doubt it's going to be a terrific event.

Lucky are the ones who are able to attend.

http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2009/11/18/entertainment/doc4b03312810c46875008577.txt

Lincoln China....recreated

2009-11-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

I know we've posted things on our production before....but I never cease to be amazed at the beautiful recreations that our talented employees produce. We are frequently asked about our production process and we are very proud of the work our associates do.....and we think that having them produced here in America makes a nice difference, too.

Below are the components to a Lincoln plate and above you see our friend Katie applying the decals. From there, the decorated plate is moved to a rack in the kilns and fired, permently fusing the design to the plate itself.

Great Chance to View Presidential China

2009-11-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

One of our good friends, Set Momjian and his lovely wife Joan, will be displaying some of their White House China collection at the upcoming Main Line Antiques Show, being held Nov 21-22nd in Wayne, PA.

Certainly the finest private collection of White House China in the country today, this is sure to be a fantastic exhibition.

Here's a link to the show website:
http://www.mlas.org/

Good Deal....

2009-11-11T05:40:00.000-08:00

In honor of Veteran's Day, the Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, CA is admission free (normally $10) today. They have special events planned, along with an awards presentation and concerts. The exhibits at the Nixon Library are always first rate and they always display plenty of White House China in their gift shop. And, for the record....the Nixons did not have their own china pattern.

Smithsonian: Museum of American History

2009-11-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

With an opportunity to pay a quick visit to the Smithsonian Institution's American History Museum, it was gratifying to see that one of the most popular (at least today) exhibits there was "The American Presidency".
The entire exhibit on our Presidency was jammed with visitors, young and old, which was also great to see.

Lincoln's stovepipe hat, Washington's chair, and many, many other Presidential artifacts are on display with well-written informational laques accompanying each vignette. Some of my favorite items are the items from our Presidents' role as commander-in-chief: President Andrew Jackson's sword from his Louisiana campaign in the War of 1812....President Dwight Eisenhower's miltary uniform....and, even the furniture from the meeting room of the Civil War surrender of the South at Appomattox, with President U.S. Grant. Each amazing in their own right....all together in a fantastic exhibit.

There was even a small section devoted to the china collections of various presidents. Of course, we would always prefer to see larger displays of china (ok, we are partial for a reason), the current showing seems appropriate given all the other terrific items on diplay. From left to right: LBJ dinner plate (with the flower of the 'state' of Dist of Columbia flower inthe center); Reagan China charger plate with presidential seal at 12 o'clock; Hayes dinner plate; Monroe dinner plate;
On the shelve below: Pierce tall compote; John Adams sauce boat;

And, finally...our favorite part of the museum - the gift shop with the display of Woodmere's White House Collection. The store was busy - nice to see - and the pretty young clerk was excited to tell me that she had just sold a Great Seal bowl a few minutes before. Very nice.

Add the Smithsonian's Museum of American History to your list of stops on your next visit to our Nation's capitol.

Dining at Monticello: Thomas Jefferson Shows Us How He Entertained

2009-11-05T01:21:00.000-08:00

In this coming season where you will most assuredly be welcoming guests to your table, why not combine food and history by getting a copy of "Dining at Monticello: In Good Taste and Abundance". You will initially be captured by the great photography and then, by the wonderful recipes - some written in Jefferson's own hand. Showcasing the many culinary tastes of Thomas Jefferson, this is a terrific book for the food lover in your life. Edited by Damon Lee Fowler, Dining at Monticello came out a couple of years ago that's true. But, these classic recipes will always be in style. You will especially appreciate all the attention to detail in the accompanying historical notes.

And then....to round out the complete Monticello meal ....why not use Woodmere's Jefferson dinner plates? Here's a link to our entire collection:
http://www.woodmerechina.com/whitehouse_items.cfm?item=3
You will see our attention to authentic detail by some of the beautiful photographs in the book! You can find it at Amazon.com, and other fine book outlets everywhere.

Lincoln Wedding Day

2009-11-04T06:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary!

Today is the 167th wedding anniversary for President and Mrs. Lincoln. Anybody know what the right gift is for that anniversary?

I don't believe the picture is of Mrs. Lincoln in her wedding dress, but it looks pretty fancy all the same.

Holiday "Insider" Promotion

2009-11-02T08:45:00.000-08:00

"A penny saved is a penny earned" according to our old friend Ben Franklin.

Well, it's great to see so many of our website friends saving as they continue to round out their Woodmere collections with our current Holiday "Insider" Promotion. We've always known that our customers were quick to spot a great deal!

Happy Birthday to John Adams - 1st White House Resident

2009-10-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

Today, in 1735, John Adams was born in Massachusetts. The first president to live in the building that would become The White House, Adams and his wife, Abigail, brought with them two sets of china. The blue cornflower design depicted here was likely the first china used for formal dinners at the Exectuive Mansion. Although we have to admit, there could have only been a handful of formal dinners in the short few months the Adams occupied the house before giving way to our third president, Thomas Jefferson.

Why the James Madison china is so rare

2009-10-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

You may not have ever given it much thought, but the of all the Presidential chinas, one of the rarest is that of President James Madison. On August 24th of 1814, the British burned much of Washington, including The Executive Mansion with nearly all of its furnishings. The engraving below is from the Library of Congress and depicts the Capitol City in flames.

With all this pillaging and burning, most of the Madison china was lost. So, while all Presidential china is rare and valuable....perhaps one of the most rare is that of our 4th President, James Madison.
Another interesting fact is that when the British were done with their carnage on Washington, they headed to do similar destruction in the city of Baltimore.
However, the folks at Fort McHenry would have none of that and from that great defense of the Baltimore harbor came our national anthem, written by Frederick, Maryland lawyer Francis Scott Key as he stood on the decks of a British ship near what is now the the Francis Scott Key bridge. If you ever pass through that area, look for the signs highlighting the Battle of North Point which was one of the land defenses for Baltimore.

2009-10-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a great 'insider' look at the Vice President's residence at The Naval Observatory with pictures through the years, from http://www.whitehousemuseum.org/

Occasionally, a Vice Presidential adminstration will have special china created and here is the design Woodmere created for Vice President Quayle. Look s a lot like the Jackson china, don't you think?

Where....?

2009-10-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

We were asked again today...."Where do you make your products?" People seem surprised that our production is located in western Pennsylvania. I always tell people "we have real people....making real products" because it always is such a surprise to everyone.

Made here in America. In Pennsylvania. In New Castle.
(now, isn't that a nice change)

Holiday party planning....

2009-10-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

It is such a pretty October day today in Washington, we're wondering what holiday parties are being planned? And, ...which china will get used for each event?

Any favorites you would like to see used?

White House Everyday China

2009-10-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

A shadow is cast across a place setting in President Barack Obama's private dining room on Oct. 13, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza; from Fickr.com)

The Heritage of America.....

2009-10-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

....Preserved in Porcelain.

That's a line we use a lot, because we are proud of what we do here at Woodmere. The products we produce here in our small studio facility in western Pennsylvania really represent the best of America. They are really representatives of our heritage as our country took shape from the late 1700's through the age of Lincoln and on into the 20th century. Whether it is our White House Collection of presidential china reproductions, our American Treasures Collection, or our Great Seal of America items....all these pieces represent the fabric of our nation's strength throughout the years. Each design....each piece tells a story of American pride and craftsmanship.

And while I am amazed at the many ways that people tell us they use our products, I am always humbled and proud of the fact that people from all parts of our country choose our items for their homes and as gifts for the special people in their lives. Our employees take great pride in the production of our various collections and we certainly appreciate the strong support we receive from you, our customers. Despite the current tough times, with your continued support,we hope to be bringing you our American-made products for many years into the future.

So, again, I thank you and, as always, appreciate your thoughts and comments.

David Turner
President

China from the Clinton Administration

2009-10-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

Clinton china......

....whether you like the President or not - the china from his administration is impressive! Wow!

White House Chef Roland Mesnier Returns to Mount Vernon

2009-10-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Former White House Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier returns to Mount Vernon this November to re-create his famous gingerbread edition of the famed home of George Washington. If you have never seen this or met Chef Roland.....you have missed a rare treat!

Be sure to check the Mount Vernon we site for exact dates, but this will be a highlight of the holiday season to be sure and is a 'must see'. Here's a picture of Roland's work from last year.

Dishwasher Safe?

2009-10-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

We were asked again recently whether our products are dishwasher safe. I appreciate when people ask this as it gives us a chance to set the record straight.

While - to be totally safe - we recommend hand washing especially for our designs and decorations that have precious metals such as gold or platinum in them, an occasional run through a low temp household dishwasher shouldn't be too much of a problem. It is not something we recommend with any frequency. With today's dishwashers, it is mostly the heat from the drying cycle and the harsh chemicals in the detergents that cause problems.

So, if you or someone you know accidently runs your new George Washington dinner plates through the dishwasher once....don't panic. It should be ok. But, next time, get them to wash them by hand if you can.

New President....

2009-10-13T06:37:00.000-07:00

We're in the beginnings of working on reproducing another Presidential design and deciding whcih one to do and how it is best researched is always a problem. We had hoped to have it ready for this Fall, but obviously, that won't happen. These projects ALWAYS take more than you anticipate.

But, hopefully, we'll be back with more news very soon. Meanwhile, you may look at some of our new American Maxims trays. We've recently added six new Here's the link to our website:

http://www.woodmerechina.com/specials_items.cfm?item=40

In 1869, Ulysses S. Grant Annouces....

2009-10-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

One hundred and forty years ago today, President Ulysses S. Grant announced to America that former President Franklin Pierce had died. Both the Grant china (above,on the left) and the Pierce china (teapot on the right) are among our favorites. As a matter of fact, I think the Pierce china design would be popular today.

It may one of the few presidential china designs that could be successful without having the White House pedigree.

Pat Nixon: Friend to White House China Room

2009-10-08T07:05:00.000-07:00

While there was no Nixon White House china design, First Lady Pat Nixon was certainly a friend of chinas of the past - and future - White House occupants. Her little-heralded update of the White House China Room in 1975 with much assistance from curator Clement Conger is profiled in this article linked below:
http://thenewnixon.org/2009/10/05/pat-nixon-and-the-golden-age-of-the-white-house/

President Carter Fishing Lodge China

2009-10-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

With the re-opening of the Carter Museum in Atlanta, I am reminded of a project Woodmere did espressly for President Carter, with his monogram "JEC" in the center. While not exactly White House China, here's a photo of the china we created for President Carter's fishing lodge with fishing flies around the rim and,in the center, his monogram "JEC". What a great design and perfect for the former President and First Lady.

It's great when a design fits so well with both the place and the people!

President's "Other" China" Washington and Lincoln

2009-10-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

Speaking of hot presidents..........
When most people think of china associated with Presidents Washington or Lincoln, they typically think of the two famous china designs shown in the heading of this issue of our newsletter. While each of the two designs shown above are well-known and have intriguing histories, there are also other china patterns which were used by our two most famous presidents.

In the case of Washington, one of the most important chinas was the Sevres china he used for state dinners and for entertaining foreign dignitaries. This simple, gold banded china was purchased in February of 1790 from Comte de Mustier, along with other household furnishings. Washington's diary entry for Feb 3rd of that year stated he "fixed on some furniture of the Ministers," which included mirrors, sideboards, and chairs as well as a large service of white Sevres porcelain with gold dentate -dent-de-loup - borders. Washington later added pieces which his secretary, Tobias Lear, secured from other notable French factories "at a substantial discount" from what the Sevres factory wanted to charge. On some of these additional purchases, Washington added his monogram as shown in the picture.

In the case of Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln's penchant for spending was rather well-known and apparently she decided that she and the President needed new china for his recent election to a second term. Perhaps tired of the bad publicity she received with the purchase of the Selforino purple bordered china (commonly known as "the Lincoln china"), she decided on the second, buff-colored border pattern purchased from the Philadelphia firm of James K. Kerr, whose establishment was known as "China Hall". This service was made up of 511 pieces which arrived on February 13, 1865. An additional 46 pieces arrived several weeks later. Hardly had this china been put into use when President Lincoln was assassinated in April of that year. This service is believed to be of French manufacture, but the actual manufacturer is unknown as the original pieces are unmarked, except for common symbols and numerals that were used on various porcelains made during that time.

For more information on Woodmere's Washington State China, please click on this link:
http://www.woodmerechina.com/amtreasures_items.cfm?item=29

For more information on Woodmere's Lincoln Second Term China, please click on this link:
http://www.woodmerechina.com/amtreasures_items.cfm?item=43

Lincoln is HOT....

2009-10-03T05:34:00.000-07:00

At least according to the folks at Yale......

The other day in the Yale Daily news, there was an article talking about how the 200th anniversary of our Civil War president kicked off what appears to be - at least for now - an unquenchable thirst for all things Lincoln. Of course, a certain President Obama being from Illinois didn't hurt.

Anyway, we like Lincoln, too. Here's a link to the Yale article:
http://www.yaledailynews.com/scene/living/2009/10/02/lincoln-so-hot-right-now/

Speaking of Presidential Libraries in the news....

2009-10-02T04:52:00.000-07:00

The Richard Nixon Library in California seems to be upsetting folks. As the federal museum with the most statutes of communists leaders, it has drawn the attention of anti-communists. Open since 1990, the musuem was initially privately funded and now is being operated by the National Archives.

Seems as though some people don't think we should show statues of some of the world leaders at the time that President Nixon was president and exchanged views with. While we can understand the views of those who strongly reject the political thinking and actions of these communist leaders, its hard to understand we should ignore that they existed during Nixon's presidency, especially when you consider President Nixon's diplomatic handling of those relationships. Here's a link to an Los Angeles Times article describing the situation:http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-nixon-mao-protest1-2009oct01,0,6352524.story

Over the years, the Nixon Library has done a great job at exhibiting White House China and normally has a number of pieces on hand, along with many of the various diplomatic gifts that the President and Mrs. Nixon received. We love working with all the Presidential libraries and, certainly the Nixon Library is one of our favorites!

President Jimmy Carter Museum Re-Opens Today

2009-10-01T04:39:00.000-07:00

THE CARTER PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM WILL RE-OPEN WITH A GALA CELEBRATION ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1st at 10:30am. - The ceremony will be on the front lawn of the Carter Presidential Library and is free and open to the public. Following the 45 minute ceremony and ribbon-cutting the all new Carter Presidential Museum, will be open to the public at no charge (on October 1st in honor of President Carter's 85th Birthday). Public Parking is off of North Avenue, Just South of City Hall East. There will be continuous free shuttle service to and from the Carter Presidential Library (just a few minutes away). The parking is free and there will be security there throughout the day.

Don't miss this opportunity to see and hear President and Mrs. Carter, Vice President Walter Mondale, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, the Reverend Joseph Lowery, Museum Director Jay Hakes, Acting U.S. Archivist Adrienne Thomas, and others as we celebrate the All New Carter Presidential Museum. If unavailable to attend, please watch the gala reopening via live webcast.

G-20 Presidential China

2009-09-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

Ok....we've seen the photos and read the story. First Lady Michelle Obama's gift of a custom tea service is not a bad idea....but, personally, I would have liked the design to be a bit more upbeat and warmer. I know, I know...Steel City....Rose on the bottom...referencing Lincoln and all that. But we would have designed something a bit more inviting and something that looked a little less industrial.

Having said that, we are glad the First Lady chose a gift from a category so near and dear to us. Perhaps next time, we could recommend an alternative?

Hmmm.....any thoughts on what could have been a more appropriate design?

Inpsiration and Information

2009-09-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

If you have ever wondered how we research and come up with details on Presidential china or decide which Presidents to reproduce....we tend to do it the old fashioned way and that is to continually search and look for bits and pieces of information that will help us bring out the best and most authentic reproductions possible.

For instance, a book we've been reviewing lately is a 2007 book by John Bowman, "The History of the American Presidency". It's a pretty quick read, filled with anecdotes, and stories. Most of what we read or learn about an individual president never gets actually used in our reproductions (or collateral materials). However, it does provide a 'texture' for us to better understand that particular president and to help us to convey that in our presentation of his china.

It's a process and a continual one.

Main Line Antiques Show

2009-09-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

With the Presidential China of Mr and Mrs. Set Momjian as its centerpiece, the popular Main Line Antiques Show returns for its fourth season.

Set aside the upcoming weekend of November 21-22 and travel to Wayne, Pennsylvania for a show that is not to be missed. Mr and Mrs. Momjian are the foremost collectors of Presidential and White House China and their collection has been seen around the world. Now, it comes back home to suburban Philadelphia!

Here's a link to the show's website:
http://www.mlas.org/

President James Buchanan

2009-06-17T01:02:00.000-07:00

One of our prettiest White House Collection designs is the the china of President James Buchanan. Here's a link to an interesting article in The Washington Post about Wheatland - Buchanan's Pennsylvania home - and his time as President.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/16/AR2009061602956.html

John Adams, from Abigail - "Remember The Ladies"

2009-03-31T05:42:00.000-07:00

It was today in 1776, that Abigail Adams wrote to her husband advising him to "remember the ladies" while drafting laws for our new country. Mrs. Adams was a prolific letter writer and held tremendous influence over her future president husband.

While on assignment as foreign minister in Europe, future President Adams acquired at least two sets of French fine porcelain. And, as the very first President to actually live in The White House (then called the "President's House), it is probable that the Adams' Sevres service with the blue cornflowers served as the state china during the administration of President John Adams.

For more information on Woodmere's reproduction of the Adams china, click on this link:
http://www.woodmerechina.com/whitehouse_items.cfm?item=45

Reagan China: Simple Beauty

2009-03-30T01:04:00.000-07:00

Today, 28 years ago in 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot by John Hinckley, Jr. outside the Washington Hilton hotel. It is hard to imagine that so much time has past since this crazy event.

Pictured at left is the beautiful Reagan china which, according to the White House Historical Association is "based on the design of the first American made White House china created for President and Mrs. Woodrow Wilson in 1918, the Reagan china has alternating gold and red bands. The gold Presidential Seal marks the center of the ivory plate. The entire china service serves 220 guests."

Possibly because of the color red or the simple classical design, we think this is one of the most beautiful of the Presidential White House China patterns.

The photo is by Bruce White and from the White House Historical Association.

Presidential Plates On Display at Concord Museum

2009-03-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

The Presidential China exhibit at the Concord Museum in Concord, Massachusetts is open.

Here's a link to a local Concord website with a news article on the exhibition from a local newspaper: http://www.wickedlocal.com/concord/fun/entertainment/arts/x1732142268/Presidential-plate-settings-on-display-at-Concord-Museum

Questions Answered: Are Woodmere's White House Collection Items EXACT Reproductions?

2009-03-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

Q: Are Woodmere's White House Collection items EXACT reproductions?
A: The answer is yes.....and no. Let me explain.....

The presidential designs that Woodmere reproduces are the most exact reproductions you can get. We go through extensive research, including using the original pieces borrowed from private collectors, to insure that the designs are as authentic as possible. We have even initiated a 're-authentication' process to continually check to insure that our existing designs remain true to the origins. Additionally, we research the colors used in the orginals as well as the designs themselves. At Woodmere, our aim is to give our customers the most authentic products possible.

Having said all this....there are sometimes differences in the original designs versus our Woodmere pieces. The biggest challenge we have is to match the handpainted decoration that most of the originals used. While Woodmere handpaints certain parts of it's White House Collection, the majority is done through a hand-applied decal decoration method, with handpainting used to compliment. Another aspect where you may see differences is that there were 'scalloped shaped' pieces used sometimes in the original designs and Woodmere uses round plates on all it's pieces. This is the case in our popular Lincoln china.

And while there may other slight differences in the original chinas owned by our country's presidents, you can be assured that the folks at Woodmere are working very hard to insure that you continue to receive the most accurate historic reproductions possible. And, all the while they continue to made right here in America....in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Tour

2009-03-17T17:48:00.000-07:00

The Smithsonian Institution has a touring exhibit of an Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition celebrating Lincoln's 200th birthday.

And...here's a link to the blog for this tour.....pretty interesting read....on, perhaps, our most interesting president.
http://www.alplm.org/blog/

Andrew Jackson Was Born Today

2009-03-15T20:14:00.001-07:00

In 1767, President Andrew Jackson was born in the Waxhaw district, an area that was between what is South Carolina and North Carolina.

Here is a picture (courtesy of White House Historical Association) of Andrew Jackson's White House China. For more information on Woodmere's Andrew Jackson china, click here:
http://www.woodmerechina.com/whitehouse_items.cfm?item=5

Did you know.....

2009-03-09T19:49:00.001-07:00

...Presidents Polk (shown at right), Buchanan, Johnson, and others supplemented Congressional monies allocated for new furnishings with proceeds from the sale of old and worn out furniture, including china, from The White House.

So, what do you think? Should we start checking the classifieds for some Clinton china? Or maybe President Obama would like to see what he can get for the new President Bush china.

Mrs. Bush Shops for Her New Home

2009-03-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

from www.nbcdfw.com

BushWatch: Mrs. Bush Browses, Buys at Estate Sale
By BRENDAN HIGGINS
Updated 10:30 AM CST, Sat, Mar 7, 2009
AP
First lady Laura Bush shows off some of her White House China in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House in Washington. We doubt she bought it at an estate sale, but you never know...

The Former First Lady hit an Estate Sale at 4000 Gillon in Highland Park on Thursday.
Ronda Hooks of "Help Me Ronda" estate sales, says Mrs. Bush bought a few small items, including a three-tiered side table for her new home in Preston Hollow.
Hooks says she gave the former first lady a private preview a day ahead of the sale after her appearnce at another "Help Me Ronda" sale the week before caused quite a stir.
You can still hit the sale today from 10-6. Go to helpmeronda.net for details

To link to the article, click here: http://www.nbcdfw.com/around_town/shopping/BushWatch-Mrs-Bush-Browses-Buys-at-Estate-Sale.html

Obama "Charm Offensive" Showcases Clinton China

2009-03-06T04:52:00.000-08:00

From the site Obama Foodorama comes this story about Wednesday night's dinner at The White House with this great photo of what appears to be a Clinton china service plate. We are in hopes that these Wednesday night dinners will give frequent opportunities to showcase many of White House china patterns.

For more on this article, click here:
http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/2009/03/obamas-host-congressional-committee.html

Questions Answered: Washington "States" China

2009-03-05T03:55:00.000-08:00

There are often many questions surrounding the design of George and Martha Washington's "States" china. This article ran last spring and reaction was so strong we decided to include it again. People are always curious to know how this design came to be and what is the meaning behind the design's various elements.

Q: When did the Washington's purchase this china?

A: This china was a gift and it arrived in Philadelphia on April 24th, 1796 to be delivered to the Washingtons.Q: Why is there a snake around the edge of the pieces?A: The snake is designed in a complete circle representing perpetuity. Serpents were used frequently by 16th century European illustrators when creating emblems. Since the originals of the Washington china came from Canton, China the chinese artists were asked to create symbols that would be appealing to western tastes.

Q: Why the letters "M" and "W" rather than "G" and "W"?

A: The Dutch trader, Captain van Braam Houckgeest brought this china service back from his travels to Canton, China as a gift for Martha Washington, hence her initials rather than our country's first president are used.Q: How many pieces were made in the original order?A: It is believed that 45 total pieces comprised the order delivered to Mrs. Washington.

Q: What does "Decus Et Tutamen AB Illo" mean?

A: The latin words on the floating red ribbon mean "Honor and Defense come from it".

Q: How did they choose the states which are shown in the design?

A: The states in the design are the fifteen states of the new Union and are shown with a chain link representing strength.

Q: What pieces of the Washington china does Woodmere have in its line of historic reproductions?

A: Woodmere now has 14 different items available ranging from a small flat, round ornament to the new, large oval serving platter. You can see all the pieces available by clicking on the link below:For more information on Woodmere's White House Collection George Washington china, click on this link:http://www.woodmerechina.com/whitehouse_items.cfm?item=1

New Event: Concord Museum Hosts White House China

2009-03-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

“Setting the President’s Table: American Presidential China” from the McNeil Americana Collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art heads to the Concord Museum in Concord, MA from March 27 through Oct. 12.

We saw this exhibit at Mount Vernon and it is fantastic! If you even close to Concord, MA add this to your list of "must-sees"!

Did you know.....Washington State China

2009-03-03T16:57:00.001-08:00

.....President Washington paid approximately $340 for 309 pieces of the gold and white Sevres china he purchased from Comte de Mustier! It is believed that this service was originally manufactured for Comte de Mustier in 1788 by the Sevres factory.

Other French factories such as Angouleme, Nast, La Courtille, and the factory of Count d'Artois in Limoges also made some of the pieces in the gold lined Washington/Mustier porcelain.

For more information on Woodmere's reproduction of President Washington's State china, click here: http://www.woodmerechina.com/amtreasures_items.cfm?item=29

Book Review: The President's Table

2009-03-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

For those of us interested in White House china, a good, quick read is the book "The President's Table" by Barry H. Landau. With lots of stories about dining and diplomacy, along with pictures of menus, invitations, and yes, china, this book is a terrific way to spend a cold March afternoon.

This book came out last year and is probably still easily available from most major book retailers.

In Production: Lincoln Dinner Plate

2009-03-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

With Woodmere's White House Collection Lincoln china in the news lately, we thought this might be a good opportunity to show the components of a Lincoln dinner plate. At left, you see the three (3) decals that go onto the plate itself.

To see the finished Lincoln china product line, click here:

http://www.woodmerechina.com/whitehouse_items.cfm?item=2

By the way, that's the finished product on the right.

A Personal Inaugural Meal Story....

2009-03-01T13:22:00.001-08:00

We stumbled onto this fabulous website called "Taste With The Eyes" and they have this great story on creating a special Inaugural meal using Woodmere's Lincoln china purchased from our friends at the Reagan Library Gift Shop. The story is terrific, the photography incredible and just all around good fun!

We'll be checking back to the site frequently and hope you do as well. Warning....the photos on this site will definitely make you hungary!

Here's the link: http://tastewiththeeyes.blogspot.com/2009/01/duck-taco-and-presidential-china.html

Lincoln China: In Production.....

2009-02-25T04:09:00.000-08:00

Here are cups from our White House Collection Lincoln cups that are ready to be fired in our kilns, shown beside a finished cup. The yellow you see is part of the decoration that will 'disappear' in the firing. Notice how the gold actually looks brown before firing.

All our pieces are decorated, by hand, in our New Castle, Pennsylvania production studio. (Can you imagine trying to make sure ALL the decorations are perfectly straight!!)

For more information on the Lincoln china from Woodmere's White House Collection, click here: http://www.woodmerechina.com/whitehouse_items.cfm?item=2

John Adams Heads to England

2009-02-24T04:57:00.000-08:00

This is the day back in 1785 that John Adams was sent to England as our Ambassador. While the first war for America's independence had ended, England was not reciprocating, and therefore refused to send their own ambassador to our new country.

For more on Woodmere's John Adams china, click here:
http://www.woodmerechina.com/whitehouse_items.cfm?item=45

Tea Magazine Features White House China

2009-02-23T05:30:00.000-08:00

Our favorite periodical on tea is Tea Magazine at http://www.teamag.com/ Pearl Dexter and her staff are certainly experts on the world of tea.

Their current issue features many White House China patterns and is a great read. They have even come up with a digital version of the magazine which is easy to use and read. Definitely worth a look.

Presidential Blue Plate & Punch

2009-02-20T20:07:00.000-08:00

Presidential Blue Plate & Punch
from the blog -http://www.twirlandtaste.com/2009/02/presidential-blue-plate-punch.html

Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the United States, was the first of three elected from Tennessee. Orphan, battle hardened warrior, founder of the Democratic Party, and architect of the modern presidency, Jackson rose from nothing to the pinnacle of power.Elected in 1828, Jackson went to Washington, the grieving widower, having buried his beloved Rachel on Christmas Eve at The Hermitage near Nashville. Though a simple man, during his term he had a French chef at The White House. He kept a horseshoe-shaped table in the state dining room and the East Room was resplendent with the finest china, silver and crystal. As was the custom at the time, he commissioned the china service from France.

Jackson had a penchant for magnificent buffets – lamb with rosemary, crème anglaise floating islands and French wines when he entertained, but loved simple food such as corn pone, hickory nut cake, squirrel stew, and fried ham. Jackson liked to serve his White House guests Daniel Webster Punch which was a potent potion.

Daniel Webster Punch
2 dozen lemons, strained
2 pounds sugar
1/2 pint green tea
1 quart brandy
3 quarts claret
Bottle tightly and allow to stand overnight. Add two or three bottles of champagne. Add slices of fruit such as bananas, pineapples, oranges, or strawberries. Serve over ice.

Today previous patterns are stored in the "Presidential Collection Room" which was designated by Mrs. Woodrow Wilson in 1917 to display the growing collection of White House china. Up to that time, presidential china was regularly sold at auction to help fund the purchase of new china. Even so, almost every past president is represented in the China Room either by state or family china or glassware.

Posted by Libby Murphy

For more information on Woodmere's White House Collection Jackson china, click here:

http://www.woodmerechina.com/whitehouse.cfm and click on Andrew Jackson.

Mrs. Lincoln's Dishes Sell for Thousands

2009-02-19T20:14:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Lincoln's Dishes Sell For Thousands
from the website of the Hartford Courant www.Courant.com February 20, 2009

This plate is from the original White House set of dishes used by President Abraham Lincoln. It sold recent at Cowan's Auctions in Cincinnati for $14,100, even though it has a chip on the edge.

When Abraham Lincoln was president, his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, bought a new set of dishes for the White House. Mrs. Lincoln realized a state dinner would require more dishes than were in the set bought during President Pierce's administration. Many of that set's white dishes with gold-and-blue trim had been used and broken.Mrs. Lincoln went to New York City and ordered a set from E.V. Haughwout & Co., the same company that had furnished the Pierce set. The center of the dishes is decorated with an eagle holding a red, white and blue shield and a banner saying "E Pluribus Unum."The edge is gold-and-white twisted ropes surrounding a border of purplish-red called "Soliferno," a fashionable new shade at the time.The same pattern was ordered several times in later years as new dishes were needed. This explains why some of the dishes are unmarked, some are marked "Fabrique par Haviland & Co. pour J.W. Boteler & Bro., Washington" and some are marked "Theo Haviland, Limoges, France, J.W. Boteler & Son, Washington, D. C."

All of these dishes were used in the White House. But later, some souvenir plates were made with a border in a different shade of purple. These are marked "Administration Abraham Lincoln." The souvenir plates sell for about $300 each. The authentic White House plates usually bring $4,000 to $6,000. At a Cowan Historical Americana Auction in December, a chipped 9 1/2 -inch plate sold for $14,100.

For more information on Woodmere's Lincoln china, go to www.WoodmereChina.com

White House China Hits The Theater

2009-02-18T06:18:00.000-08:00

White House China Displayed at Play about White House Butler
by Marsha Dubrow, DC Art Travel Examiner

Using actual White House China pieces lent by noted collector Set Momjian, "Looking Over The President's Shoulder", a play based on the true story of the chief butler to four Presidents, is served up with White House china at the U.S. Navy Memorial's Heritage Center.

The event begins on February 18 with a wine and cheese reception (no, not served on White House china) 6:30 -7:30 p.m., anecdotes about Presidential china by Momjian at 7:00 p.m., then curtain's up at 7:30 p.m. at the Navy Memorial's Heritage Center/Burke Theater

For more information, click here: http://www.examiner.com/x-983-DC-Art-Travel-Examiner~y2009m2d17-White-House-china-displayed-at-play-about-White-House-Butler

Thomas Jefferson: Elected today in 1801

2009-02-17T02:41:00.000-08:00

Today, in 1801, Thomas Jefferson was elected our country's 3rd president. This was the first time that the peaceful transfer of power had happened between different politcal parties. Jefferson was inaugurated approximately 2 weeks later on March 4, 1801.

Pictured here is the Jefferson china.

For more information on Woodmere's White House Collection and the Jefferson pattern, click here:
http://www.woodmerechina.com/whitehouse_items.cfm?item=3

20 Things You Didn't Know About U.S. Presidents

2009-02-16T04:18:00.000-08:00

20 Things You Didn't Know About U.S. Presidents

from MSN's Encarta

With this being President's Day, we thought this article from MSN's Encarta might be appropriate. Not only were these men leaders of the United States, they were multitalented, unique, and sometimes even downright quirky. We've heard a lot about their contribution to United States history. But would you have guessed the following?

If you are interested, here's a link to the rest of the article:http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/departments/homework/?article=uspresidents

Lincoln’s library and museum is a dazzler

2009-02-15T06:54:00.000-08:00

from today's Philadelphia Inquirer:
In Springfield, Ill., 19th and 21st centuries merge in the nation's most popular presidential library and museum, a dazzler drawing millions.
By Julia M. Klein
For The Inquirer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - It's all Lincoln, all the time, in this state capital where our 16th president honed his political skills. Along wide boulevards and deco skyscrapers, abundant plaques, tours, and reconstructed 19th-century buildings pay homage to Abraham Lincoln's pre-presidential years.

For more, click here:
http://www.philly.com/philly/travel/20090215_In_Springfield__Ill___19th_and_21st_centuries_merge_in_the_nation_s_most_popular_presidential_library_and_museum__a_dazzler_drawing_millions_.html

American Presidential China: The Robert MacNeil Collection

2009-02-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for an interesting and informative book on presidential china, be sure to check this one out. Still in print, it should be available from all the 'normal' sources.

Great, quick, and interesting read.

Interesting website: A Plate A Day

2009-02-13T15:26:00.000-08:00

We stumbled onto this very interesting website. Different plates showcased everyday.

We especially liked the posting from January 18, 2009....here's a link to the posting for that day.
http://aplateaday.blogspot.com/search/label/Presidential%20china

Take a couple of minutes to check out some of the other posting subjects on this site. We think you'll enjoy them.

Our Favorite Movie: The American President

2009-02-12T20:13:00.000-08:00

The American President is a 1995 romantic comedy film directed by Rob Reiner and written by Aaron Sorkin. It stars Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Martin Sheen, Richard Dreyfuss and Michael J. Fox. In the film, President Andrew Shepherd (Douglas) is a widower who pursues a relationship with attractive lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Bening) — who has just moved to Washington, D.C. — while at the same time attempting to win passage of a crime control bill.

Composer Marc Shaiman was nominated for the Original Musical or Comedy Score Oscar for The American President. The film was nominated for Golden Globes for best director, best screenplay, best actor in a comedy/musical for Michael Douglas, best actress in a comedy/musical for Annette Bening, and best comedy/musical motion picture.

Besides, name me two actors who are sexier than Michael Douglas and Annette Benning.

Abraham Lincoln Turns 200 Today

2009-02-12T04:37:00.000-08:00

Happy 200th Birthday, Mr. Lincoln.

Change in a Teacup - Obama and the Lincoln White House China

2009-02-11T19:22:00.001-08:00

From and article by Ana Kincaid at examiner.com:

February 11
by Ana Kinkaid, Seattle American Food Examiner

Seattle has long loved its legendary Market Spice Tea. Founded in 1911, its teas and spices have been enjoyed from Pike Place Market to China (yes, Seattle sends tea to China).
And now, Terry Hill, new general manager of Market Spice, is forwarding Market Spice Tea samples to Sam Kass, the new personal chef of the Obama family, for his review. What made this exchange possible was a recent conversation about a little known piece of American culinary history.

During the recent Obama Inauguration, tea was served using a reproduction of the Lincoln White House china. Few senators at that luncheon probably knew the amazing history of those china teacups, which were also a favorite of Jackie Kennedy.

Each cup and sauce used was bordered by a broad band of “solferino” purple - the 19th century newest and most fashionable color. This new deep purple dye had been created early in the 1800’s by the porcelain craftsmen of Solferino, a town in Northern Italy.

In 1859 a massive battle between the leading European powers of Austria and France engulfed tiny Solferino. The great nations involved decided to use their new mechanize weapons for the first time.

The resulting causalities were shocking. Over 40,000 men died in a single day. Another 40,000 died the next day because medical care was non-existent after the battle. Henri Dunant, a Swiss mechant, had come to Solferino on business, watched in horror the carnage of the battle and the needless aftermath of death. On returning home he wrote about what he had seen in a stirring book entitled, A Memory of Solferino. His book called on all the nations of the world to set up commissions to deal with war casualties. His story was read across Europe and slowly the concern for those injured by war or tragedy increased.

Probably unaware of the double legacy of the name solferino, Mary Todd Lincoln purchased her original plates, banded in solferino purple during the first years of her husband’s presidency.
Soon the War Between the States had split the nation and the same weapons of mass destruction were being used on American battlefields. And our nation wept as Europe had wept at the senseless loss of life.

But in October of 1863, while the American Civil War still raged and the Lincoln drank sad thoughtful tea from the beautiful solferino teacups, a committee of five concerned men met in Geneva, Switzerland to wonder if some sort of support organization to help the injured could be created. Henri Dunant, of course, was there. Their passionate courage to meet and create a better world laid the foundation for what would become the International Red Cross. For his work, Henri Dunant won the first Nobel Price for Peace.

Today this amazing organization works for the relief of the wounded and injured around the world. The American Red Cross is our branch of this great humanitarian organization.
One can only wonder how many of those who lunched with Obama in Washington this past January knew that their teacups contained such a heritage of caring - one that reaches far beyond a single day or any one presidency.

The staff at Market Spice, however, knows the story and hopes you will join them in not only enjoying a cup of their historic tea, but will also stand with them in supporting regional hospitals and disaster relief charities.

If you’d like to share this story with others, consider enjoy one of Seattle’s very best teas in a replica of the actual Lincoln solferino teacup, available from the gift shop at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa.

We live in what many call ‘troubled times’. But these are also times when we can change our national story for the better. All we need is a good cup of tea and some courage!

For more info: Market Spice Tea

85A Pike Street

Seattle WA 98101

206-622-6349

White House State Dinner: Here's what you might be missing

2009-02-10T05:33:00.000-08:00

Ever wondered what it might be like to go to a state dinner at The White House and what you might be eating? Here's a great article from Gherkins & Tomatoes: http://gherkinstomatoes.com/2009/01/06/all-the-presindets-tables-george-w-bushs-first-inaugural-luncheon-2001/

The place setting shown is one for French President Sarkozy at a state dinner in 2007 and was taken by White House photographer Shealah Craighead.

To learn more about the china that our first president used....you might want to check this out:

http://www.woodmerechina.com/amtreasures_items.cfm?item=29 Woodmere's American Treasures Collection has a beautiful reproduction of President George Washington's state china and it's history.

"Gherkins & Tomatoes" is a great website that revels in the lusciousness of food and culinary history. Cookbooks old and rare and new, recipes antique and modern, trends, morsels, tidbits … . History in the eating ... and the making. Check it out: http://www.gherkinstomatoes.com/

White House dishes on White House China

2009-02-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting article put out by The White House on Presidential china. One of the first designs they show is an image of the Monroe china. Personally, I like the Woodmere version much better than the one in the photograph in this article!

http://clinton4.nara.gov/WH/glimpse/tour/html/china-samples.html

For more information on Woodmere's Monroe china, click on this link:

http://www.woodmerechina.com/whitehouse_items.cfm?item=11

Woodmere's Lincoln Plates in The News Again (sort of)

2009-02-07T05:35:00.000-08:00

Here's another article....this time from today's Chicago Tribune which refers to Woodmere's White House Collection Lincoln plates that were used in the Inaugural luncheon at The Capitol on Inauguration Day:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-abe-bama,0,4416085.story

Now, if we could just get these writers to say that they are made by Woodmere.....

Party Politics: Entertaining at The White House

2009-02-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a link to wonderful article from The National First Ladies' Library website about White House China from their exhibit that ran last year "Party Politics: Entertaining at The White House".
http://www.firstladies.org/documents/PartyPoliticsbrochure-webcompress.pdf

Great article from a terrific organization....The National First Ladies' Library in Canton, Ohio. If you are ever in the Ohio area, make plans to stop and visit. It will be well worth your time.

Virginia Presidents' China

2009-02-05T18:53:00.000-08:00

The Virginia Historical Society has, on it's website, the china from the five presidents who called Virginia home. The china from the administrations of Washington, Jefferson, Monroe, Madison, and Taylor are all reproduced by Woodmere China in their facility in western Pennsylvania. For more information on The Virginia Historical Society, go to:
http://www.shop-vahistorical.org/presidentialchina.html

Woodmere, known for it's high quality reproductions, produces fifteen president overall and produces the complimentary series Flowers of The First Ladies Collection, as well. To see the entire Woodmere line of historic reproductions, go to: http://www.woodmerechina.com/

The White House China Room

2009-02-05T15:49:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia.com

The China Room is one of the rooms on the ground floor in the White House, the home of the president of the United States. The White House's collection of state china is displayed there. The collection covers administrations from George Washington's Chinese export china to Bill Clinton's ivory, yellow and burnished gold china commemorating the two-hundredth anniversary of the White House's occupancy by John Adams. The room is primarily used by the First Lady for teas, meetings, and smaller receptions.

McKim Refinishing
Until late 1902 when the room was refinished as a public entertainment space during renovations directed by Charles Follen McKim, this room, along with most of the ground floor of the residence, was used for household work and general storage. McKim rebuilt the room with details from the late Georgian period including robust cove moldings.

The China Collection Begins
In the 1889 Mrs. Benjamin Harrison was the first to start collecting china from previous administrations. Mrs. Harrison displayed the china she collected in Arts and Crafts movement style cabinets in the ground Floor Center Hall. Little value had ever been placed on presidential dinner settings, and damaged china was sold or given away as late as the McKinley administration.

In 1917 First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson became aware of the lack of properly curated White House artifacts through a series of articles in the Washington Post authored by Abby Gunn Baker (1860–1923). Baker had researched the history of the White House over a twenty year period and argued that the history of the house was slipping away, and that without official intervention would be lost. In response Mrs. Wilson surveyed the Ground Floor looking for a room in which to display the growing collection of White House china. Working with White House Chief Usher "Ike" Hoover Mrs. Wilson designated a large room located in the southeast of the Ground Floor as the new "Presidential Collection Room" to be outfitted with built-in cabinetry for the display of White House china[1]. Above the built-in wall cabinets a carved inscription reading CHINA USED BY THE PRESIDENTS was installed.

Truman and Kennedy Periods
Following the Truman renovation, 1949–1952, the walls were paneled in salvaged pine timbers from the house. Architect William Adams Delano detailed the room with bracket molding of mid-Georgian style. The paneling was left unpainted until it was painted ivory as part of redecoration by Stéphane Boudin during the Kennedy administration

Nixon Redecoration
The room was substantially redecorated in 1970 by White House Curator Clement Conger and interior decorator Edward Vason Jones during the administration of Richard Nixon. The Truman era bracketed molding was removed and replaced with a later Federal period cove molding. A red accent color, determined by the red gown in the portrait of First Lady Grace Coolidge, painted by Howard Chandler Christy in 1924 was retained. The vitrine shelves are lined with a similarly colored red velvet.

China Collection
The collection is arranged chronologically beginning to the right of the fireplace on the east wall. While not every administration created their own service, at least minimal amounts of all china services created for the White House are now in the collection. Sizable amounts of some services going back to the early nineteenth century exist and is sometimes used for small dinners in the President's Dining Room on the Second Floor. The Carters favored using pieces of the Lincoln's amaranth purple rimmed china for special occasions. The Reagans, though famous for their red and gold service also enjoyed using the Lincoln china. The Clintons did not take delivery of their state service until near the end of President Clinton's second term. They used the Reagan and Truman services extensively for state dinners, but for small family dinners, especially holidays, favored the Hayes china which depicts American flora and fauna.

Furnishings
The rug is an Indo-Ispahan carpet from the early twentieth century. A cut-glass Regency style chandelier hangs in the China Room. A pair of late eighteenth century tureens on the mantel are glazed in red and green slip, and are the source for the green and red striped silk taffeta draperies. Two high-backed lolling chairs, made early in the nineteenth century and upholstered in ivory and moss green are arranged in front of the portrait of Mrs. Coolidge. An English neoclassical mantel is located on the east wall, and Ferdinand Richardt's "View on the Mississippi Fifty-Seven Miles Below St. Anthony Falls, Minneapolis," completed in 1858 hangs above the mantel.

***shown in the John Adams pattern by Woodmere; for more information, go to:
http://www.woodmerechina.com/whitehouse_items.cfm?item=45

What's Presidential China Worth?

2009-02-04T04:05:00.000-08:00

From a recent issue of Country Living magazine comes this:

Presidential China: What Is It? What Is It Worth?

What is this presidential china worth?

Professional appraiser Helaine Fendelman evaluates and appraises your collectibles and antiques.

Courtesy of Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Written by Helaine Fendelman

Beginning with President George Washington (president, 1789-1797), presidential china reflected the personal and public taste of the time. In 1845, James K. Polk (president, 1845-1849) became the 11th president of the United States. In 1846, the Polk State Service was purchased for $979 through the New York dry goods merchant Alexander Stewart & Co. The Parisian firm Edouard Honoré produced the 400 rococo-style dinner and dessert pieces, which are considered to be among the most beautiful of all presidential china. Polk's china features a green border, molded and gilded scrolls, and assorted floral motifs. This rare Polk State Service dessert plate has an elegant sweet pea and violet floral motif.

President James K. Polk's china was the first to be designed with a shield of stars and stripes. Designs usually featured the Federal eagle motif.

VALUE = $25,000

What is it worth?
While most examples can be found today on display at museums and at the White House, presidential china periodically turns up at public auctions. Prices can start at $7,000 apiece.

White House China Room Website

2009-02-04T03:56:00.000-08:00

From www.WhiteHouseMuseum.org comes this:

The ground floor China Room is where the White House collection of china is kept. Even the earliest presidents received government funds to purchase state china. However, by a special clause in the appropriation bills, "decayed furnishings" could be sold and the proceeds used to buy replacements. Such "furnishings" included state china, and during the 19th century the cupboards were frequently swept clean and the contents carted off to auction. The money could then be used to order a new china service that better suited the president and his family.

Even into the 20th century, White House china was often given away if it was chipped or broken. Later, Congress passed a law that required that all presidential china be kept or destroyed. When new dessert plates for the Johnson administration turned out badly, the White House staff smashed it against a basement wall painted with caricatures of the president's assistants.

Today, nearly all presidents are represented in the china collection one way or another. And full services suitable for state dinners exist for the B Harrison, Wilson, FD Roosevelt, Truman, L Johnson, Reagan, and Clinton sets, although the older sets are much smaller than the newer ones and cannot be used for the largest events. Replacement pieces are occasionally ordered for these, as pieces become chipped or broken.

Interestingly, Woodmere China has reproduced many of the original Presidential designs shown in this article. For more information on Woodmere's White House Collection, click on this link:

http://www.woodmerechina.com/

Lincoln China: JFK Library Offers Four PIece Set

2009-02-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

With Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday just round the corner, the JFK Library has a great offer for a four piece set of Lincoln's famous 'Selforino" china. Here's a great chance to get some of the most popular items from Woodmere's White House Collection.

Click on this link for more information:

http://store.jfklibrary.org/jfk/product.asp?dept_id=&pf_id=PAAAIAFNIFEJKFDC&

An Usher Recalls Life in The White House

2009-02-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

from Pittsburgh Post Gazette:
BEDFORD, PA -- As President Barack Obama and his family settle into the White House this week, James William Floyd Allen can't help but think about the many unforgettable moments that unfold behind the scenes at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The former housekeeping director at Bedford Springs Resort, Mr. Allen, known as "Skip," spent more than 24 years at the White House, first leading tours there as a U.S. Secret Service agent and later serving as an usher. He always wore a black tie and tuxedo for state dinners.

He recalls the night when Miss America, an especially beautiful, thin woman, arrived late for one of those dinners. He greeted her as she emerged from the car. At that moment the back zipper broke on her strapless gown. While the nation's reigning beauty queen quite literally held herself together, Mr. Allen reached into his pants, unfastened the safety pin he always used to keep his tuxedo shirt in place and pinned Miss America together.

After that close encounter, Mr. Allen always carried four safety pins, as well as an extra napkin and set of silverware for dinner guests who dropped or misplaced those items. Allen served seven first families, starting with the last 20 days of President Jimmy Carter's administration and ending with President George W. Bush in 2004. His favorite was President Ronald Reagan, a jovial man who always said hello, had a story to tell and did not take himself too seriously.
Late in the evening of his Jan. 20, 1981, inaugural, Mr. Reagan's signature was needed on a document, so Mr. Allen hurried upstairs to see the new president. He stood and waited while the president, dripping from a shower, wiped off his hand and wrote his name. Less than an hour later, Mr. Allen had to obtain the president's signature again on another document. This time, Nancy Reagan answered the door and the president emerged from his dressing room wearing his underwear. "Oh, Ronnie, put on a robe," Mrs. Reagan said. The president demurred, saying, "That's all right. He's already seen me naked."

The four White House ushers report to the chief usher, whose job is like that of a general manager at a large hotel. "Our job is to keep the president's family happy," Mr. Allen, 66, said as he stretched out on a sofa in his beautifully decorated living room full of mementos in Bedford, where he has retired. "Whatever they want and can be done is done for them so they feel comfortable in the White House," Mr. Allen said. The White House employs roughly 100 people, including butlers, cooks, carpenters, engineers, florists, plumbers and housekeepers, but an usher's job can be unpredictable.

As he left town one weekend, the 41st president, George Herbert Walker Bush, told the chief usher that he'd love to have a horseshoe pitch on the mansion's south lawn.
"So, over the weekend, we put in a horseshoe pitch," Mr. Allen said, adding that when President Bush saw it, he remarked, "I'm glad I didn't ask for anything extensive." Mr. Bush's successor made a different request. "They installed a running track for President Clinton because he ran every day. It was recently taken out," Mr. Allen said, adding that the late Gerald Ford had a swimming pool installed, which First Lady Barbara Bush also used.

Doing a job well, quickly and unobtrusively is the ushers' credo, a tone set by the late Irwin Hood Hoover, known as "Ike," who supervised the wedding of Alice Roosevelt Longworth.
Planning receptions and state dinners is one thing but furniture design is quite another.
During the Clinton administration in 1997, Gary Walters, the chief usher, asked Mr. Allen if he could design a new table for the state dining room. After consulting with banquet planners, butlers and White House curators about dimensions and style, Mr. Allen designed the long table, which is still in use. "I think it's one of the few pieces of furniture in the White House that has a plaque on it," he said. The plaque is under the table, "but I know it's there."
Mr. Allen, whose Aunt Dess taught him how to sew, performed other feats at the White House, too. He fashioned a decorative Santa's sleigh out of a baby car seat, designed the elaborately folded tablecloths for a state dinner honoring the emperor of Japan and built a model of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home. He also assisted Hillary Rodham Clinton's decorator, Kaki Hockersmith, who redid one of the rooms on the third floor. Ms. Hockersmith wanted to install a 20-foot-long wooden drapery rod in a room that had a solid bank of windows. "It wouldn't fit in the elevator and it wouldn't go up the staircase," Mr. Allen said. So, they tied a rope around the rod, hoisted it onto the White House roof, angled it through a window and onto the bracket.

He said he'd instantly recognize the purple and gold china ordered by Mary Todd Lincoln. The Obamas dined on a reproduction of that pattern yesterday. First ordered in 1861, the French porcelain dinner plate features a royal purple border lined with gold dots and is edged with a gold cable design. At the center, a version of the arms of the United States, which features an eagle, is painted in enamel. "Before Lincoln, there was no state service. He was the first to have officially bought a service for the White House. Everybody else brought their own and used what they had," Mr. Allen said. The $300 bill for the royal purple porcelain, which had service for 24 place settings, brought public scorn upon Mrs. Lincoln. "A big dinner, back in those days, was 24 people. A big dinner today is 140," said the former usher.

At antique shops and flea markets, Mr. Allen has collected remnants of past White House administrations, including a crystal cordial glass from the Benjamin Harrison era, a ramekin used in the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and demitasses from the tenures of Harry Truman and Theodore Roosevelt. His favorite presidential china is the cobalt blue and gold pattern chosen during Woodrow Wilson's terms.

Marylynne Pitz can be reached at mpitz@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1648.
First published on January 20, 2009 at 10:47 pm

Woodmere China's Inaugural Plates

2009-02-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

We have had such an incredible response to our newest Presidential Inaugural Plate that we just had to show it here. Its been a while since we last wrote here, and frankly, we weren't sure people were reading. But, the many phone calls and emails tell us that you are definitely out there - noticing not only Woodmere's White House Collection dinnerware, but also Woodmere's Presidential Inaugural plates ....and Cup & Saucer Sets.
These newest Inaugural items commemorating President Obama and Vice President Biden's Inauguration are available through the Presidential Inaugural Committee on their website - http://www.pic2009.org/ - then click on the 'Inaugural Store" tab.

The plates are all individually numbered and gift boxed, as are the Cup & Saucer sets. A beautifully classic design of cobalt blue, trimmed in gold, each piece has the official Inaugural seal.

Woodmere, from New Castle, Pennsylvania, is the proud producer of Inaugural items since the Carter administration. For more information, give us a call at 1-800-345-0332.