Buffalo Memoirs

Buffalo, New York is known for cold winter snows and hot spicy wings. And in early September, 2009, it was the city where more M.I. Hummel enthusiasts could be found than anyplace else in the world.

As the nearby Niagara River flowed by to connect Lake Erie and Lake Ontario,
M.I. Hummel Club members connected for an exciting and meaningful weekend. A convention is about learning, sharing and giving. But above all, a Convention is about people. Our members have been described as warm, generous and joyous, and all these traits were on full display in Buffalo.

The Adams Mark Hotel bustled with early arrivals and happy reunions. Some members took off on trips to Niagara Falls and other points of interest with our travel partner, TallyHo. Those who stayed behind had plenty to keep them busy. The Local Chapter Beehive was buzzing as Chapter members from coast to coast showed off their needlework, charitable work and other accomplishments. A Bean Bag Toss and Prize Drawing were fun ways to support the Club's favorite charity, the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The doors of the M.I. Hummel Convention Store opened wide, and members could treat themselves to keepsakes ranging from $2 publications to the magnificent Limited Edition masterpiece, Sister's Children, honoring the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel.

The Club celebrated that special milestone throughout 2009, and Convention weekend was a chance to applaud Sister Hummel's work and life. Highlights included a fascinating seminar by Linda Bullington of the Portland Chapter sharing her research on Robert Olszewski M.I. Hummel Miniatures and a stirring seminar by Brenda and Randy McKenrick of the Blue Ridge Mountain Chapter who shared their recent meeting with Sister's only living sibling, Centa Hummel, in her artwork-filled apartment. We also welcomed Alfred Hummel, Sister's nephew who gave us a peek inside the Hummel family residence that he converted into the renowned Das Berta Hummel Museum im Hummelhaus.

Sister Claudia Maria, head of the Artistic Board of the Convent of Siessen, honored us with her attendance and prayers. And we enjoyed a much-awaited address by Jörg Köster, new owner of the M.I. Hummel brand. Jörg Köster described his vision for the new company, Manufaktur Rödental. He spoke about carrying on the artistry of M.I. Hummel in the original German factory where it all began, and of his commitment to originality and excellence.

The sweetest part of the weekend was a lively demonstration of Apfelstrudel baking by Ulrich Tendera, master artist and "master chef", including a tasty slice of strudel for all. Other highlights: Bill Nelson, Club Manager, treated us to a virtual tour of the Rödental facility, and Club Founder and Ambassador, Joan Ostroff offered a touching tribute to the life and influence of Sister Hummel. Ulrich Tendera switched from celebrity chef to game show host as he presided over Hummel Click, an exciting game which tested our powers of observation. Our charity auction featured exciting bidding for a range of rarities including Coca-Cola® figurines, military pieces, and our giant papier mache model of Land in Sight.

The convention culminated in an evening gala featuring great food, entertainment, and the presentation of a check for $32,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation ®. This remarkable gift to seriously-ill children was raised solely by kind-hearted members during our weekend activities. Surely, Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel is smiling down on us with pride!