North Dakota Pottery Collectors Society
An organization created to enhance collecting interest in the types
of pottery made in North Dakota
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Photos courtesy of Richard Berg
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NDPCS Member Spotlight
Linda Fiedler
Linda is a long-time NDPCS member and Membership Chair.
Linda currently lives in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Do you have connections to North Dakota ?
I was born in Fargo and grew up in Kindred, just 30 miles SW of Fargo. I moved to
Moorhead, MN, in 2012 after living in Joliet, MT, for 20 years.
What first interested you in pottery and collecting?
My husband Craig was the collector. All things Harmon Killebrew and Minnesota Twins! Cards, posters, advertising…you name it. One day he asked about a pair of moccasins I kept in a shadow box. I had found them tucked away in my mother’s kitchen cupboard. The item and the story piqued his interest, and he soon found a pair of Rosemeade pheasants at an auction outside of Kindred while home on vacation. This first purchase hooked him on collecting and ND pottery.
What brought you to NDPCS? How long have you been a NDPCS member?
We found out about the club from a neighbor in Montana who owned an antique store. We asked questions and then learned more on the internet. We joined in 1999. We later purchased a pair of Fargo Forum ducks from this neighbor and thought it was quite the find out in rural Montana!
What do you enjoy most about collecting North Dakota pottery?
It’s the typical answer, “the hunt!” On trips back and forth between Montana and Kindred (multiple each year), we would stop at antique and thrift shops. You never knew what you might stumble across!
What is a fun memory you have about a NDPCS convention?
The first year we attended convention, it was in Wahpeton. Craig won a far of Mavis Olson jelly and loved it. Another year, we showed up to the social and Russell Lynn, Brad Bird, and Craig were all wearing the same pheasant shirt. Oh, how we laughed about that! Many friendships were forged over the years – that’s what makes it fun!
What is your favorite piece in your collection?
Craig used to say his favorite piece was the ‘Fin and Feather’ ashtray. Mine has always been the Rosemeade chickens. Lately, I enjoy our collection of horses.
What do you wish people knew about you, your collection, and/or about NDPCS?
If they don’t know already, Craig was the true collector. I enjoyed going along on the adventure, but I have learned an awful lot over the years. It really is fun to search! Also, having my niece [Tess Erickson Cain] show an interest and join the club has been a bonus! She has been a wonderful support!
Do you have any words of advice or wisdom for new collectors?
- If there is something you have your eye on and it brings you joy…just get it! Life is too short to ponder some choices! Before you know it, it’s gone!
What type of pottery or specific piece are you curently seeking?
I’m not in search of anything in particular but still enjoy browsing for nothing and getting surprised by something!