Employee News

Manfred Menninger, Decorating Foreman Emeritus

Are you familiar with Pickard's Crescent pattern? If so, you need to remember this gentleman, and if not, you should meet Manfred Menninger - artist, craftsman and recently "semi-retired" foreman of the decorating department. What is the connection between Manfred and the all-time best selling contemporary pattern? Well, Manfred has personally decorated more than a half million pieces of Crescent in his nearly 40 years with Pickard! Manfred jokingly says he can paint Crescent with his eyes closed, and most of his associates believe it's true! Among his many other artistic talents, Manfred's ability as a designer has given Pickard the Marquis and Majesty dinnerware patterns in the 1970's and the Washington and Mirage patterns in the 1980's. We're all waiting for his next creation.

Manfred was born in the Bavarian Alps, served a five year apprenticeship beginning at age 15 in Germany's pottery center of Selb and emigrated to the U.S. and Pickard in 1961. He became foreman of the decorating department in 1973 and held that position until his "retirement" last year. Although Manfred continues working at Pickard on a part-time basis, he hopes to spend more time playing with his grandchildren and painting on canvas rather than on plates.

In Memory of George Ehlen
1925 - 2003

On October 10, 2000, George Ehlen celebrated his 45th anniversary with Pickard and his picture above found its way to our web site. For the many visitors who observed George firsthand, his casting skill and pride were obvious. So was his unquestioned loyalty to Pickard. "George loved what he did and this dedication always showed," commented Pickard President Eben Morgan. "He could fire the kilns, mix the clay and glaze, operate or repair any of the machines or equipment in the plant…but George's willingness to handle any emergency, whether on weekends or the middle of the night, made him unique."

George Ehlen died on January 23, 2003 at the age of 78. He was active, and active should be emphasized, until the last couple of months. Last fall, he and Eben were seen crawling over the massive amount of new equipment being installed to produce Pickard's white china body. They looked like a couple of kids with new toys, and for a brief time, the clock stood still for these two warhorses who were proud just to be called "potters." Two and a half years ago, the following was written about George Ehlen, and it is worth repeating in this tribute: "About 100 years ago, Mark Twain remarked that no greater honor can come to any man, than to be accepted by his own people." George's family of coworkers wants the world to know how very special this talented man has been to the success of Pickard. He will be missed terribly by everyone.

This page last updated: 11/30/2004