Convention Shakers
By Pat Yedlin
Each year a commemorative shaker set is created to celebrate the Novelty Salt & Pepper Shakers Club's annual convention. The shaker’s subject matter is typically determined by the convention theme. The design is always a guarded secret until it is unveiled at convention. A limited number of sets are produced each year.
Usually, two unique sets are made each year — a special gold-trimmed “number one” set and a special silver-trimmed “number two” set. These sets are either auctioned or raffled at the convention. Occassionally, a prototype of the convention set is also auctioned.
The following convention set information is from Club Newsletter articles and members' memories. If you have additional information to share please contact Pat Yedlin at yedlin1@msn.com with your information.
QuickLinks to the Convention Sets:
| 1986 | 1991 | 1996 | 2001 | 2006 |
| 1987 | 1992 | 1997 | 2002 | 2007 |
| 1988 | 1993 | 1998 | 2003 | 2008 |
| 1989 | 1994 | 1999 | 2004 | 2009 |
| 1990 | 1995 | 2000 | 2005 | 2010 |
2010 - 25th Convention
Description: The set has 7 pieces - a lobster salt, a chef pepper, a stove, frying pan, candle (plus one spare), and a tray.
Shaker Manufacturer: StoryBook Ceramics, Wagener, SC
Number Manufactured: 300
Convention Theme: Rhode Island Shake and Bake
Convention Location: Warwick, RI
Hosts: Yankee Chapter
Original Price: $52
25th Anniversary Convention Shaker
Description: The year 2010 marked the 25th Anniversary Convention of the Novelty Salt and Pepper Shakers Club. To commemorate the Club's Silver Anniversary Convention, the Executive Committee had this 3-piece shaker set made for each Primary Member registered as of July 17, 2010. This silver-trimmed set with a "2" and a "5" on a tray is meant to be displayed beside other convention sets to show the world what a special event it was in our Club's history.
Shaker Manufacturer: Unknown company in China
Number Manufactured: 550
Original Price: Gift to all Primary Members as of July 17, 2010
2009 - 24th Convention
Description: The set is a three-piece condiment set on a tray.
- The tray is shaped like Tennessee and displays the state’s nickname, “The Volunteer State,” across the front. The Tennessee River and the Great Smoky Mountains are on the right. Knoxville is identified with a dot.
- The shakers are black bears. The volunteer bear, wearing bib overalls and an Army cap, has a gun slung across his back. The other bear, dressed in a red shirt with a blue T and a coonskin cap (for Tennessee native Davy Crockett), has a moonshine jug in his hand and a white-strapped banjo on his back.
- The mustard is a wood-fired still. It has a traditional real copper coil imbedded in the lid and a spoon spout for the moonshine to flow into the jug held by the bear.
Shaker Manufacturer: Red Peppa Studio, Ruthie Denney
Number Manufactured: 300
Convention Theme: Shake Down in K-Town
Convention Location: Knoxville, TN
Hosts: Southeastern Chapter
Original Price: $55
Additional, Interesting Information
2008 - 23rd Convention
Description: The 2008 convention set is a nodder, condiment set.
- The shaker base is a postcard.
- The front has a picture of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge with the words “Greetings from San Francisco."
- The back has the words “Dear Salty, Having a great time at the 23rd annual convention of the Novelty Salt & Pepper Shakers Club. Wish you were here! Love Peppy.” The postmark shows the convention location “San Francisco, California” and the convention dates of July 18-19, 2008. The stamp is a play on the California state flag. The postcard is addressed to Shakers by the Bay, San Francisco, CA with a zip of 2008.
- The salt shaker is a pagoda, representing San Francisco’s Chinatown. An “S” for salt is integrated on the back of the shaker as part of the building.
- The pepper shaker represents the lovely “painted ladies” of San Francisco. It’s painted blue and yellow, California’s colors. A “P” is incorporated in the back of the house.
- The mustard pot represents the older forms of public transportation that still exist in the City – cable cars, street cars, trolley cars. The spoon is a gold-luster cable car bell.
Shaker Manufacturer: Lavender Cottage – Andy Titcomb
Number Manufactured: 300
Convention Theme: Shakers by the Bay
Convention Location: Burlingame, CA (San Francisco Bay Area)
Hosts: Shakers Anonymous
Original Price: $54
Additional, Interesting Information
2007 - 22nd Convention
Description: The set is a napkin holder with turnabout shakers sitting on the base.
- The napkin holder base is a Florida billboard beach scene.
- The turnabout shakers are named Work and Play.
- Work is frowning and is dressed in winter clothing and looks cold as if from the North.
- Play is dressed in beach attire, is smiling and looks pleasantly pleased to be at the beach as if on vacation.
Number Manufactured: 325*
Convention Theme: Shakers in Paradise
Convention Location: Orlando, FL
Hosts: Florida Chapter
Original Price: $48
* The original factory run was not acceptable to either the Florida Chapter or to the producer, Jerry Berta. An unknown number of these unacceptable shakers were distributed at convention. The producer agreed to completely remake the shakers; unfortunately the original factory went out of business forcing them to find another manufacturer willing to take on the project. There was a limited second run.
2006 - 21st Convention
Description: The 2006 Convention set is a nodder. A veggie couple sit in a rolling chair in Atlantic City.
- It is a wicker type rolling chair made famous in Atlantic City carrying a male anthropomorphic eggplant and a female anthropomorphic corn.
- The corn and eggplant heads nod.
Shaker Manufacturer: Union Standard Company
Number Manufactured: 300
Convention Theme: Shake, Shake, Shake in the Garden State
Convention Location: Newark, NJ
Hosts: Garden State Chapter:
Original Price: $45
2005 - 20th Convention
Description: It’s a nodder set with the base shaped like the state of Wisconsin.
- On top of the base a badger (Wisconsin’s state animal) sits on a log holding a fishing pole over a lake that has a musky (Wisconsin’s state fish) jumping out of the water.
- The badger and the musky are the shakers.
Shaker Manufacturer: Rose Saxby
Number Manufactured: 325
Convention Theme: Splish Splash 20th Shaker Bash
Convention Location: Green Bay, WI
Hosts: Wisconsin Chapter
Original Price: $48
2004 - 19th Convention
Description: The plan for this three-piece set was to incorporate the idea of Michigan as a year-round recreation state – the Water Winter Wonderland.
- The kissing skaters evoke the lyrics of the song “Winter Wonderland” in which two lovers fantasize a snowman as the Parson Brown. In this case, the parson is decked out for a day of fun in the sun with his sunglasses, tennis racket and inner tube.
- The yellow and blue colors on the boy skater and the green and white dress of the girl represent the Big 10 Football rivalry between the University of Michigan and Michigan State.
- The snowman is securely attached to the tray as he serves as a handle for moving the set safely. The tray he rests on has two levels, upper and lower, to represent the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan.
Shaker Manufacturer: G & H Design (Michael D. Hall, Pat Glascock) and Jerry Berta
Number Manufactured: 375
Convention Theme: Shaker Wonderland
Convention Location: Novi, MI
Hosts: Michigan Shakers
Original Price: $48
Additional, Interesting Information
2003 - 18th Convention
Description: The 2003 set, a condiment set, celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first flight of an airplane by the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk, South Carolina.
- The salt and pepper pilots were made from old German molds.
- The airplane was modeled after an old sourvenir airplane. It has a decal that states "Carolina Shaker Flight 2003."
- The set was produced in a quality factory in China with guidance provided by Susan Bickert.
Shaker Manufacturer: German Doll Company (Susan Bickert)
Number Manufactured: 400
Convention Theme: Carolina Shaker Flight
Convention Location: Greensboro, NC
Hosts: Southeastern Chapter
Original Price: $39
Additional, Interesting Information
2002 - 17th Convention
Description: Ohio being the roller coaster capitol of the world was the inspiration for the 2002 nodder convention set.
- The base is "The Shake Up" roller coaster.
- The nodding shakers are colorful, roller coaster cars.
- Each set was hand-signed by Jerry Berta.
Shaker Manufacturer: Jerry Berta
Number Manufactured: 500
Convention Theme: Ohio Shaker Fair
Convention Location: Columbus, OH
Hosts: Ohio Chapter
Original Price: $45
Additional, Interesting Information
2001 - 16th Convention
Description: This two-piece set is Captain Pepper and his Salty Ship.
- The set is 2 1/4 inches high and 4 inches wide.
- The space ship's holes are in the "00" of 2001.
- The astronaut has one hole.
Shaker Manufacturer: Bob Zoeller (Artist and Manufacturer)
Number Manufactured: 500
Convention Theme: 2001 Space Odyssey
Convention Location: Portland, OR
Hosts: Northwest and Have Shaker Will Travel Chapters
Original Price: $43
2000 - 15th Convention
Description: This three-piece set truly represents the state of Minnesota.
- The shakers are a nodding, walleye fisherman sitting in his canoe and a timberwolfe howling on the beach.
- The back of the base is the shape of the state of Minnesota. It features many items that Minnesota is famous for - Paul Bunyon, snow, 10,000 lakes, a moccasin flower (the state flower), and the twin cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Shaker Manufacturer: Jay Haufeman of Katie's Korner Ceramics
Number Manufactured: 600
Convention Theme: Minnesota Shakes in 2000
Convention Location: Bloomington, MN
Hosts: Minnesota Chapter
Original Price: $32
1999 - 14th Convention
Description: Entitled “Pecos Bill” this condiment set features some of Pecos Bill’s exploits.
- Bill sits on a mountain lion while holding a rattle snake which he used as a lariat to rope a tornado. The top half of Bill is one shaker.
- A tornado hitting the barn is the other shaker. The tornado is a nodder that has several items caught up in it - a steer head, a cactus, a boot, and an animal.
- The roof lifts off the barn which is a mustard container.
- The weather vane on the roof is a spoon.
- “Lone Star Shaker Roundup” is written on the grassy base. An outline of Texas rises up from it with “1999 Fort Worth S&P Shaker Club 14th Annual Convention” written on it. The yellow star represents the location of Fort Worth.
- A printed insert accompanied each set with details about the legend of Pecos Bill.
Shaker Manufacturer: New Rose Collection
Number Manufactured: 600
Convention Theme: Lone Star Shaker Roundup
Convention Location: Fort Worth, TX
Hosts: Lone Star Shakers
Original Price: $45
Additional, Interesting Information
1998 - 13th Convention
Description: The lucky 13th convention shaker is a condiment set that truly represents the convention location of Las Vegas.
- The shakers are playing cards. The salt is the king of spades and the pepper is the queen of hearts.
- The mustard pot is a slot machine with a winning pull of 777. The spoon is the slot machine's handle.
- The tray is three poker chips with "Las Vegas 98 Shaker Jackpot" printed on them.
Shaker Manufacturer: Zoom – Andy Titcomb
Number Manufactured: 600
Convention Theme: Shaker Jackpot
Convention Location: Las Vegas, NV
Hosts: Novelty Salt & Pepper Shakers Club
Original Price: $45
1997 - 12th Convention
Description: The 12th Convention set is an anthropomorphic condiment set. It was designed by Ken Wittlief.
- The shakers are a male milk carton and a female hunk of cheese.
- The ice cream sundae is a mustard dish with spoon. Note, the bisque cover fits best with the pink scoop of ice cream facing forward with the spoon on the side.
- The base is the shape of Wisconsin with the words "Dairyland Shakerfest 1997" written on it.
Shaker Manufacturer: Zoom – Andy Titcomb
Number Manufactured: 600
Convention Theme: Dairyland Shakerfest
Convention Location: Milwaukee, WI
Hosts: Wisconsin Chapter
Original Price: $40
1996 - 11th Convention
Description: The set is a nodder, turnabout, condiment produced by Fitz & Floyd. The first licensed club set, it is inscribed “Home of the American Bandstand Show” and is licensed by Dick Clark’s company, Olive Enterprises, Inc.
- The front has two rock and roll dancers on either side of a jukebox.
- The back has Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross with Independence Hall.
Shaker Manufacturer: Fitz and Floyd
Number Manufactured: 1200
Convention Theme: A Revolutionary Shake Up
Convention Location: Trevose, PA
Hosts: Mid-Atlantic Chapter
Original Price: $38
1995 - 10th Convention
Description: The 1995 set is a three-piece set.
- The two shakers make up the state of California. They split to represent California's famous earthquakes.
- The Golden Gate Bridge and Lake Tahoe are shown in the northern portion of the state.
- A smiling orange wearing a hat and sunglasses represents southern California.
- The base is the Pacific Ocean coastline with a smiling anthropomorphic sun in the back.
Shaker Manufacturer: Laurie Gates of Los Angeles Pottery
Number Manufactured: 600
Convention Theme: The Big Shake
Convention Location: Buena Park, CA
Hosts: California Shaker Clubs
Original Price: $38
Additional, Interesting Information
1994 - 9th Convention
Description: The 1994 convention set is a condiment set in the shape of Michigan.
- The top is a one-piece shaker shaped like the upper peninsula.
- The mustard pot is shaped like the lower peninsula. It has a car in bas relief in the center.
- A spoon sits inside the mustard pot in a dedicated slot on the right side.
Shaker Manufacturer: Wolfe Studio
Number Manufactured: 500
Convention Theme: Great Shakes in the Great Lakes
Convention Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Hosts: Michigan Chapter
Original Price: $39
1993 - 8th Convention
Description: The space shuttle set is the first condiment convention set.
- The salt and pepper shakers are booster rockets that sit on a cloud base.
- The mustard pot is the red-colored main rocket with the space shuttle attached to it. The nose cone is the mustard lid.
Shaker Manufacturer: D & H Studios
Number Manufactured: 600
Convention Theme: Shakin’ in the Sunshine
Convention Location: West Palm Beach, FL
Hosts: Florida Chapter
Original Price: $38.50
Additional, Interesting Information
1992 - 7th Convention
Description: The set, two maple leaf people, is named "The Leaf People." It is the last known order produced by Regal China.
- The girl is the salt. Her blue sash on her back creatively contains an "S."
- The boy is the pepper. He has the letter "P" on his back pockets.
- The green base is in the shape of Vermont.
Shaker Manufacturer: Regal China
Number Manufactured: 400
Convention Theme: Shakers “R” Us
Convention Location: Burlington, VT
Hosts: Northeast Chapter
Original Price: $51
Additional, Interesting Information
1991 - 6th Convention
Description: "A Nod to Abe," a three-piece nodder set, was designed by sculptress Betty Harrington (1919-1990) the creator of many shakers and figurines for Ceramic Arts Studio.
- The base is a bust of Lincoln, complete with stove pipe hat, and the children's bodies attached at Lincoln's shoulders.
- The children's heads are nodder shakers.
- The little girl, dressed in pink with a yellow flower, has 2 holes.
- The little boy, in a blue shirt and blue coveralls, has 3 holes.
Shaker Manufacturer: Regal China
Number Manufactured: 400
Convention Theme: ShakerFest ‘91
Convention Location: Schaumburg, IL
Hosts: Midwest Shaker Chapter
Original Price: $37
Additional, Interesting Information
1990 - 5th Convention
Description: This three-piece set, "Afloat on the Mississippi," was designed and produced by sculpter Rick Wisecarver (1950-2002).
- The shakers are two rough and tumble boys, one white and one black, fishing from a raft.
- The raft is the tray and has indentations for the shakers.
- Each set is signed, dated, and numbered.
Shaker Manufacturer: Rick Wisecarver, designer and producer
Number Manufactured: 400
Convention Theme: Afloat the Mississippi
Convention Location: Memphis, TN
Hosts: Dot & J.C. Gammon and Linda McPherson
Original Price: $30
Additional, Interesting Information
1989 - 4th Convention
Description: "Come Travel to Beautiful Ohio" is a go-with set.
- The shakers are a brown mini-van and tan trailer. The trailer's license plate number is 1989.
- The green tray is in the shape of Ohio.
Shaker Manufacturer: Aura Pottery
Number Manufactured: 200
Convention Theme: Funtime Convention 1989
Convention Location: Richfield, Ohio
Hosts: Joyce & Bill Fisher
Original Price: $25
Additional, Interesting Information
1988 - 3rd Convention
Description: This nodder set, entitled the "Raisin Nodder," was designed by Clara & Hubert McHugh. While it's the third convention set it's also the first convention set after the creation of the Novelty Salt and Pepper Shakers Club.
- The base is a box of "Cereal City Raisin Bran" cereal because the convention was held in Battle Creek, MI (home of Kellogg's Cereal) at the Kellogg Center.
- The nodding, anthropomorphic raisins were made with fat cheeks and wrinkled cheeks to distinguish the salt from the pepper. Their eyes form the pour holes of the shakers.
- The back of the base states "Third Annual Salt and Pepper Collectors Convention Battle Creek Michigan July 1988."
- The first 100 sets were numbered.
Shaker Manufacturer: Aura Pottery
Number Manufactured: 175
Convention Theme: Unknown
Convention Location: Battle Creek, MI
Hosts: Irene & Jim Thornburg
Original Price: $27
Additional, Interesting Information
1987 - 2nd Convention
Description: This two-piece set, a hand holding the world, represented the convention theme of "Reach out to Other Collectors."
- The hand shaker came in two colors - white and brown. There were 215 white hands and 35 brown hands. The hand has 3 holes.
- The world shaker has 4 holes. The words "2nd Annual Salt & Pepper Convention 1987 Trish" appear on it.
- The sets were numbered.
Shaker Manufacturer: Trish Ceramics
Number Manufactured: 250
Convention Theme: Reach Out to Collectors
Convention Location: Pittsburg, PA
Hosts: Melva Davern & Betsy Zalewski
Original Price: $30
Additional, Interesting Information
1986 - 1st Convention
Description: The first convention set is a single, stoneware shaker. Note, the club's name at the time was Salt Shakers Collector's Club.
- The shaker was unusual because it was not made from a mold like most shakers, but was hand thrown on a potters wheel.
- The sets are numbered.
- Paperwork indicating the untitled shaker was a limited edition was included with the shaker.
Shaker Manufacturer: Hillbottom Pottery
Number Manufactured: 47
Convention Theme: None
Convention Location: Hornell, NY
Hosts: Marilyn & Chub Lockwood
Original Price: $16
Additional, Interesting Information