Can’t believe it is almost the end of June. It was a busy spring. I just returned from a trip to Phoenix to visit with my parents. I am not a flyer, so I packed the car and the dog and set off on a 1947 miles journey west. I have made this trip many times, but usually hit St. Louis at night so I have never stopped at the Gateway Arch. This time it was noon and as there wasn’t any one in the car to cast a dissenting vote – Dobby (my 5-year old dachshund/beagle) was up for a walk so there were no complaints from her. We really enjoyed our time in the Gateway Arch Park.Parking was easily accessible and reasonable. There were several groups of kids doing the history “thing” and all were friendly and courteous. Of course, Dobby is quite the kid
magnet and she enjoys the attention. She can be a super deterrent as well, when I am not feeling in a safe place. Dogs are good! The day was beautiful, bright blue sky and warm weather. The Mississippi was slightly over it banks and Levee Street was covered in water. Two young men were crossing the water-covered street and joking that they were “Crossing the Mississippi”. I stuck my toe in the water, but Dobby wasn’t having any of it. I decided trust her judgment, as the water was very dirty. Many antique and collectibles stores lines the cobblestones streets around the Gateway Arch that will have to wait for another time.Once we turned southwest, we started running along historic Route 66 and I had planned the trip so was able to stop in Sapulpa, Oklahoma and the New Frankoma Pottery. They are completing their first year under new ownership. The newly refurbished show room was a treat filled with newly made classic Frankoma designs along with some new designs. They also have a free museum of thousands of pieces of Frankoma pottery on lone from a collector. Frankoma is made from terra cotta clay mined from the local Sugar Loaf Hill, one of the few potteries to be made entirely in the USA.
Dobby and I arrived about 9:00 right when then opened and I was able to purchase many pieces for resale. One of my favorites was this Rearing Clydesdale Bookend, an original Frankoma ware/mold #431, designed by Joseph Taylor released in 1942.
They also have beautiful dinnerware and bakeware that will grace any table.
Fantastic colors like butter cake yellow, corn flower blue, rasberry tart, bone, red, forest green, and basic black. New patterns of dinnerware such Green Creek and Ranch, in multiple colors.Wishing all the best to the new owners and continue success. I am thrill about working with them and look forward to new and exciting designs.
And, the show room was dog friendly.. can't ask for more...
