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John & Lucile Britt
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"In the old days, they did some kind of study which said that men liked carnival glass more than women," explained John. "I guess it's because we are the natural hunters." Lucile smiles at this comment, and says "I like carnival glass just fine." It becomes very apparent that these two are a team. In fact, they have been since June 22, 1938. "We celebrate our 60th anniversary next year," says Lucile. When asked what kind of plans they have for that special day, they just smile and nod knowingly. "We'll probably do something," says Lucile.
One of the items which will be offered in the upcoming Britt auction is this outstanding red Dragon & Lotus Ice Cream bowl. They don't come better than this. |
In their 28 carnival years, they have traveled all over the United States hunting for carnival glass. With their fruit and vegetable company sold to their son, they had more freedom to look for glass. Many times, they would head out on the road for as long as six weeks, and then return home with a treasure trove of carnival glass. In one trip alone, they found five different versions of the Millersburg Courthouse bowl, all of which they bought. "I give Emma & Dick Tilton credit for that," says John. "In fact, they have probably done more to help us through the years than anyone."
After collecting non-stop since 1969, it was time to sell some of their finds in 1975. "I really didn't like the idea of selling it off at first," says John. "I hate to see them go, but I've realized that the thrill of finding the piece is the biggest part of carnival glass. Besides, our collection had gotten so large, we needed the room."
So, in 1975, the first of many John & Lucile Britt Collection auctions occurred. The highest price brought in that auction was $2,900 for an amethyst Christmas Compote. Also, an Aqua-Opal Peacock at the Fountain large fruit bowl brought $2,700. "We bought it for $375," admits John. "I really would like to have kept it." Also to sell at that auction was the Little Flowers piece, their first, to Don Kime and Roland Kuhn. "All they wanted at that auction was our first piece," explains John.
John & Lucile have gotten many souvenirs in honor of their carnival glass efforts, but this one is their favorite, made by the Fenton Art Glass Company. |
John & Lucile have many fond memories of Don & Roland. "We sold a bunch of glass to them, and did a lot of traveling with them," recalls John. "We sure miss Roland." Roland passed on earlier this year. "I spoke with him on Monday, and he was gone on Wednesday," says John. "It reminds me how valuable our lives are."
In fact, John & Lucile believe that the lack of respect for life in juvenile society is the problem with many of the youth of today. "Some kids don't treasure life very much if they kill another for a dollar or some shoes, or something stupid," explains John. "We raised our children to respect and care about others."
Of their three children, only Eileen has caught the carnival glass fever. "Ken (Oppenlander, her husband) and Eileen go to all of the auctions and conventions," says John. "They are getting quite a collection of their own."
Now that John & Lucile are moving up in years (John turns 80 in December, and well, one never asks a lady her age), they don't travel as frequently or as far as in the past. Scheduled to appear at this past ICGA convention in Dayton, Ohio as educational speakers, they had to call off the trip at the last minute while Lucile visited the hospital. "We're doing all better now," she says confidently. "We will continue to travel," says John, "just not as much." The Texas convention in Houston is one of their next planned trips, as well as Kansas City in 1998 to see their latest collection sold at auction as part of the 1998 International Carnival Glass Association Convention.
Every great collection has a Farmyard bowl, and next year, you can own this one! |
"We have probably bought and sold probably more carnival glass than anyone in the country," guesses John. Does that make them dealers? "What's a dealer?" asks John humorously. In 1998, they will say goodbye to 400 more pieces, some of which they have owned 2 or 3 times. Why sell a piece to buy it back later at a higher price? "Sometimes I will sell a piece that I really like, I 'find' it again, buy it, and sell it. If they are good, I like to own them more than once," explains John.
Some carnival watchers have speculated that this next auction of the Britt's collection will mark their retirement from carnival glass. "Some may think that, but we're not getting out of it," says John emphatically. "We will always be active in carnival glass. Always." I can't imagine a carnival glass world without the Britts.
So, what is it they want now, this couple who have bought and sold over $1 million worth of glass? "We really want to see the year 2000," says John. "I will be here as long as God lets me, but I really want us to make it to the year 2000." Knowing John & Lucile Britt, they will.
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