It all began with an idea about coffee. In 1899, Frank Vernon Skiff, an employee of the India Tea Company in Chicago, Ill., was looking for a new way to get the coffee, tea, and spices to customers. Instead of beans, leaves, and grains languishing in the warehouse for months before making it to the grocers' shelves, he decided he would bring the fresh, aromatic fare right to the door of the company’s best customers, housewives. So with nothing but a horse and wagon, he set out to make history.
It wasn't long before word spread about this phenomenon--fresh roasted coffee delivered right to the consumer’s door. In fact, Skiff became so popular that customers began asking if he could procure other merchandise for them as well. Business grew rapidly, and Skiff and his team of door-to-door salesmen, now known as the "Jewel Tea Men," began to expand their catalogs to include over 50 products, selling everything from laundry soap to toiletries.
In 1933, after many requests for more durable goods, the Jewel Tea Company joined forces with the Hall China Company. To encourage sales, Hall China designed the Autumn Leaf pattern exclusively for Jewel Tea to use as a sales incentive. Now homemakers could look forward to getting a dinner plate or sugar dish with their purchases, and soon enough they had collected the whole set. Although they retired the business in 1981, many consumers still remember the days of the Jewel Tea Man bringing china to their door.
This month, to celebrate autumn, the Grist Mill Antiques Center in Pemberton, N.J., has created a beautiful table display set with the Autumn Leaf pattern made famous by the Jewel Tea Man. They encourage shoppers to come in and take a look at the lovely place settings and serving pieces available for autumn celebrations.
Another special event going on this month at the Grist Mill will be held on Sunday, Oct. 18, when the store will hold its semiannual Flea Market from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dealers from both the Grist Mill and Haddon Heights Antiques Centers will be displaying treasures at unbelievable prices. Shoppers will want to come out early for the best selection, as it promises to be a great day for amazing finds.
For dealers interested in setting up as a vendor, there are still a few spaces available. For information, call Barbara Lind at 609-726-1588 or email theplace@gristmillantiques.com.
The monthly Scavenger Hunt will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 28. A prize will be awarded to the person who finds the most items. Lists will be given out at 5 p.m., and light refreshments will be served. All customers are welcome to participate.
This multi-dealer shop is located at 127 Hanover St. (Route 616) in Pemberton, N.J., and is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. each Wednesday.
To learn more, visit www.gristmillantiques.com.