History of the International Correspondence of Corkscrews Addicts
Mirth-Right Bull
In the early 1970s, a physician named Watney was avidly scrounging for corkscrews in the markets of London. On a good day he would find some interesting pieces for a few shillings. Meanwhile, an engineer named DeSanctis was buying a few corkscrews in Milan for a few Lira in competition with Professor Panbianco. Brother Timothy was getting some in the Napa Valley of California for a few cents, while Frank MacDonald was finding his in Southern California. At the same time, Homer Babbidge and Leon Stark got theirs on the East Coast while a couple of collectors named Strickland and Schafer found theirs in the Midwest. A few øre would add corkscrews to Jan Ekman’s collection in Sweden. Richard Dennis, Tony Bingham, J. Philips, and Archie Ling were competing for corkscrews in England with Watney. In time, they all found each other and began to correspond.
In 1974, Dr. Watney invited the thirteen collectors named above to a meeting at the Toucan Inn of the Guinness Brewery, London. On October 1st at 2:15PM, the gavel fell and the first meeting of the International Correspondence of Corkscrew Addicts (ICCA) was underway. Nine of the founders were able to attend while five sent their apologies for absence. In the first meeting, Homer Babbidge proposed the title of “Right” for the head of the organization and Brother Timothy was elected to the position. Brother Timothy also assumed the position of Chaplain to pray for the Addicts. Bernard Watney was elected Chief Correspondent. The established duties of the Correspondents included sending a photograph of their best six corkscrews annually and keeping an active interest in corkscrews. It was agreed at the first meeting to hold meetings annually.
The 1975 meeting was held in the same location with fifteen Addicts in attendance. By this time there were 29 members including one from Australia and one from Japan. The colorful Evan Perry from the Horsham Museum had been brought into the fold as had current Addicts Shaub and Squair. Several additions were made after the meeting including the first Addict from France and current Addict Sharp. The maximum number of members was to be fixed at thirty-five.
Brother Timothy invited the ICCA to the Napa Valley in 1976 and fourteen members attending plus “4 members’ ladies.” Watney became Right, Babbidge was Chief Correspondent, and Brother Timothy retired with the title of Just Right. It was guestimated at this meeting that there might well be over 1000 corkscrew collectors anxious to join the ICCA and it was agreed to increase membership to 50 and “greater selectivity was required and a possible thinning out of dead wood from the Society.” Periodically questions arise at annual meetings concerning increasing membership and, in end, it is generally agreed that the membership fixed at fifty is more manageable for annual meetings and affords the small group the opportunity to visit meeting hosts’ homes and collections.
The ICCA returned to the Guinness Brewery in 1977 and 26 members attended. Watney and Babbidge were re-elected. Current Addicts Bandy, Bradshaw (Honorary), Erickson, Hark, Miles (Honorary), and Morway were selected as members in 1977. Several Addicts were dropped from membership due to their waning addiction to corkscrews.
The Fifth annual meeting was held at the Lauderdale Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1978 with twenty-one members attending. There was a decrease in Addicts from the prior year but an increase in go-withs present. Could it be that the “family” interest was growing? The office of Publican was created with the duty of “calling time” at the conclusion of evening gatherings. Current officers were re-elected for a third term. Current Addict Becker became a member in 1978.
In 1979 the meeting again returned to the Guinness Brewery. The usual discussions about “Six Bests” and membership number took place. Addict Babbidge was elected Right, Rowe became Chief Correspondent, and Right Watney retired with the title Start Right. Addict Minzenmayer became a member in 1979.
Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.A. was the venue for the 1980 meeting hosted by Dr. Babbidge. At this meeting it was suggested that the term Spirophil is appropriate for a corkscrew Addict. The suggestion was greeted enthusiastically but no vote was requested. Babbidge and Rowe were re-elected and membership dues were set at £10 or US$25. Addict Doornkaat became a member in 1980.
Start Right Watney and Evan Perry hosted the 1981 meeting at the Horsham Town Hall, West Sussex, England and twenty-seven members attended. Important revelations made at this meeting were: go-withs right to bid in auctions; welcome of the first Honorary Member (Herb Allen, inventor of the Screwpull); each Addict would donate 50p for a tip for the coach driver; and Evan Perry, in all his wisdom, commented that when Founder Members die they pass through the “Great Screw Hole in the Sky.” The existing officers were re-elected for a third term.
New Hope, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area was the site of Addict Morway’s 1982 meeting. The group was housed in two quaint hotels in the valley and enjoyed visits to several superb restaurants in the area. The AGM itself was held at the lavish Seven Pines Estate. 28 Addicts attended including new members Bull, Hutchinson, and Luchsinger. Morway was elected Right and Right Babbidge retired as Al-Right. Chief Correspondent Rowe continued in his position and Brother Timothy is still serving as Chaplain.
A record twenty-nine Addicts attend the 1983 AGM at the Royal Yacht Squadron on the Isle of Wight hosted by Addict Hutchinson. The “Master of the Punch” tradition was introduced with Addict Dennis serving up the first punch. Dennis presented it in a new ceramic punch bowl decorated with corkscrews and a punch recipe book. Dennis’ huge and highly praised bowl is traditionally passed to each successor “Master of the Punch” to be filled in the following year with a concoction of the Master’s choice. Bob Nugent was elected Right, Addict Hutchinson, Chief Correspondent, and Right Morway retired as Mor-Right. Addict Rowe proposed a mixture of London and a tour of the French wine country for the 1984 tenth anniversary meeting. A suggestion that Go-withs be known as Right-withs was quickly hushed when Addict Watney said “Come-with” might be more appropriate. Current Addicts Danziger and Seleger became members in 1983.
In 1984 Addicts assembled in London for the beginning of the first “International” meeting. After a reception and overnight in London, a train trip to Southampton, a ferry crossing of the English Channel, and a bus trip to Bordeaux awaited the Addicts. The bumpy ferry crossing will long be remembered by those who stayed up far too late emptying bottles on deck and by those who shared quarters with deep sleeping snorers. And the bus trip will long be remembered for the beautiful countryside, the interesting stops, and the chicken served at most meals. This trip started the “tradition” of weeklong trips during which Addicts have the opportunity to share more time with addicted friends. The current slate was re-elected and Addict Bull was appointed editor of the Bottlescrue Times. Addict Mattson was “Master of the Punch.” Current Addicts Goldscheider and Roe became members in 1984.
The ICCA made its first trip to Germany at the invitation of host Heinz ten Doornkaat in 1985. The trip started in Bremen and ended in Cologne after visits to the Monopol corkscrew factory in Marburg and a cruise on the Rhine. The first Homer D. Babbidge award for excellence in corkscrew research was presented to Start-Right Watney for his The History of Stoppers and Corkscrews. Perry Howland was elected Right, Evan Perry was elected Chief Correspondent, and Right Nugent retired as Nu-Right. Current Addict Ron MacLean became a member in 1985.
Brother Timothy and Jack Preiss organized another Napa Valley meeting in 1986 opening with a reception in San Francisco followed by visits to the Christian Brothers Winery and other wineries in Napa. The highlight of the meeting was the viewing of Brother Timothy’s collection. Francis Hutchinson concocted a stinger of a punch, which was remembered by Addicts throughout the night, and most of the next day. Don Minzenmayer was applauded for his research on corkscrew handles, Warm Wood, Cold Steel, and presented with the Babbidge Award. Officers were re-elected for another term.
1987 was the year of the first meeting in Italy arranged by Paolo DeSanctis. Addicts gathered in London for the Right’s reception before departure to Pisa. The highlights of the trip were viewing the DeSanctis collection and an afternoon Grappa encounter at Montagliari E. Castellinuzza. Bob Nugent received the Babbidge award for his work Knives with Corkscrews. Right Howland retired as How-Right and nominated Richard Dennis for the position stating “it was time we had a little ‘class’ in the Society!” David Bradshaw was elected Chief Correspondent. Addict Sharp was “Maser of the Punch.” Current Addicts Fantoni and Paradi were invited to join the ICCA in 1987.
A first ICCA visit to Canada was in store for the Addicts in 1988 hosted by Claude “That’s for Sure” Hardy. The trip began in Montreal with a viewing of the Hardy collection and early one morning, the Addicts departed by bus for a stay in beautiful Quebec City. Boxed breakfasts were passed out while boarding the bus and inside each box was a breakfast bottle of Zinfandel! Addict Paradi received the Babbidge award for his French Corkscrew Patents. Officers were re-elected. Herb and Camille Danziger prepared a memorable punch. The current Treasurer Luterman became a member in 1988.
After a long absence, the ICCA returned to London in 1989. The meeting was hosted by the English members and included viewing of the collections of Addicts Dennis, Miles, Hutchinson, Giachin, and Burton with visits to Bath, Somerset, Brighton, and the landmarks of London. The visit to Brighton was highlighted by the auction of Evan Perry’s collection at Palmeira Auction Rooms. David Bradshaw was elected Right, Don Minzenmayer – Chief Correspondent, and Richard Dennis retired with the title Spend Right. Ron Maclean received the Babbidge award for Common Corkscrews – II. Maurizio Fantoni served “The Tove’s Tail” Punch. Current Addicts Ekman, Johnson, Roque, and Taylor (G.) became members in 1989.
The 1990 meeting began in Zurich, Switzerland with a corkscrew exhibition organized by Hans and Irene Seleger at the Wohnmuseum Barngasse. The exhibition included corkscrews from the collections of Addicts Bradshaw and Händel. The next stop was Milan and then on to Brescia for visit to the Giacomini “Museum” and a 24 course lunch at the Due Cigni Ristorante. The last stop was Venice where Addict Dennis’ gifts to everyone showed that all had a “nose” for wine. The Babbidge Award was present to Nu-Right Nugent for his history of the Murphy corkscrew. Officers were re-elected. Mike Sharp suggested that addicts without heirs think about the future disposition of their collections while all addicts silently thought of enriching their own. Joe Paradi was “Master of the Punch.” Current Addicts Albert, Giacomini, Händel were brought into the fold in 1990.
The ICCA returned to North America in 1991 to a meeting in the Hudson Valley of New York, hosted by Don and Bonnie Bull. Addicts visited the Bull’s home to view the collection. Several wineries and other points of interests were on the itinerary. During the AGM at the Beekman Arms Inn, a lengthy discussion took place concerning a new ICCA necktie. The Babbidge award was given to Addict Bull for his videotape on corkscrew postcards and Best 6 photographs. Don Minzenmayer was elected Right, Don Bull - Chief Correspondent, and Right Bradshaw retired with the title Try-Right. Jack Preiss was "Master of the Punch."
The first Scandinavian meeting was hosted by Per Ekman and Bjorn Bendigtsen in 1992. Addicts assembled in Copenhagen, Denmark with a fun evening at Tivoli Garden. A short boat trip to Sweden and a viewing of founder member Jan Ekman’s collection was followed by a tour of Sweden and Norway. During the trip, Addict MacLean frequently asked in his best Swedish “Are we there yet?” A Schnapps / Crab party caused the aspirin producers in Sweden to work overtime. There were no Babbidge award entries but Addict Giachin was chosen for the first Frank MacDonald Award for the Best Best Six. Tie-coon Luterman reported that he had sold 58 neckties. The existing officers were re-elected. Don Squair was "Master of the Punch." Current Addicts Garcia-Ruano, Giulian, and Solheim joined the ICCA in 1992.
Ron MacLean and Joe Paradi hosted the second Canadian meeting in Toronto, Ontario in 1993. In addition to seeing Niagara Falls and other points of interest, Addicts were treated to the collections of the Seagram Museum, Luchsinger, MacLean, and Paradi. Addict Minzenmayer earned his second Babbidge award for his dissertation on the Screwpull and Addict Giulian was the MacDonald award winner. Addict Bull was elected Right, Ron MacLean - Chief Correspondent, and Right Minzenmayer retired with the title Hous-Right. Right Minzenmayer and Right To Be Bull were "Masters of the Double Right Punch." Current Addicts who joined in 1993 are Berntson, Masson, and Peters.
Yet another country was added to the ICCA AGM list when Adolfo Roque invited the group to Portugal for the 1994 meeting at the Hotel Altis, Lisbon, Portugal. The trip included visits to Oporto, the Douro Valley, Sintra and Lisbon with plenty of opportunities to taste the fine wines of Portugal. Addicts were treated to a lunch at the Roque home with a viewing of corkscrews. The Babbidge award went to Addict Peters for his “French Patents by Perille” and the MacDonald award was won by Nu-Right Nugent. The existing officers were re-elected. Bjorn Bendigsten was "Master of the Punch." In 1994 current Addicts Arnbjerg and Rouard were invited to join the ICCA.
Fred Andrew, Michael Sharp and Jack Bandy hosted the 1995 in California. The trip included visits to The Huntington Library, Jet Propulsion Laboratories and the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena plus farmland and oilfields in Bakersfield. Attendees viewed the collections of Andrew, Bandy and Sharp as well as the largest display of barscrews and Syroco corkscrews ever assembled. Addict Giulian won the Babbidge award for Corkscrews of the Eighteenth Century while Addict Erickson won the MacDonald award. The existing officers were re-elected for a third term. Bert Giulian was "Master of the Punch." Current Addicts Herrmann and O’Leary became members in 1995.
The 1996 meeting was hosted by Xavier Garcia-Ruano in Barcelona, Spain. The trip included visits to Montserat, the Olympic Village, the Dali Museum, the Picasso Museum, Costa Brava and tours of the city with the Mayor's wife. Attendees were treated to their own assemblage of three favorite corkscrews each on display in the hotel lobby for the entire week. Addict O’Leary won the Babbidge award for his book Corkscrews and Ron MacLean won the MacDonald award. Ron MacLean was elected Right. Joseph C. Paradi was elected Chief Correspondent, and Right Bull retired with the title Mirth-Right. Per Ekman was "Master of the Punch." Current Addicts Ellis, Greenfield, and Pumpenmeier joined the fold in 1996.
During the 1996 meeting, Addicts were reminded of the traditions of the ICCA: Titles of Right and Chief Correspondent; Right’s Reception and welcoming; Right opening 1st bottle of wine with a corkscrew he brings; Prayers of Chaplain Brother Timothy; the Bottlescrue Times; Six Bests; the Auction; the AGM; Remembrances of deceased members; Apologies for absence; the Babbidge, MacDonald, and Nugent Awards; Approval of the Punch by past rights; Mor-Right’s personal traditions; Retiring Rights titles; and the Farewell Dinner.
The 1997 meeting was hosted by Yves Rousset-Rouard in Provence, France. The trip included visits to Yves' extraordinary Museum of Corkscrews and Winery in Menerbes, the Palais des Papes, Les Bories, Abbaye de Senanque, Roussillon and the flea market at L'Isle sur la Sorgue. Mirth-Right Bull earned his second Babbidge award for his Internet web site, the MacDonald award went to Addict Solheim, and the first Nugent award was presented to Addict Goldscheider. It was revealed in the AGM that Virginia Squair is a distant relative of corkscrew maker Clough. Right MacLean and Chief Correspondent Paradi were re-elected. Alf Erickson was "Master of the Punch." Current addicts Kincaid, Morris, and Taylor (B.) became members in 1997.
For the 25th Annual Meeting, the ICCA returned to London, England. Hosts Frank Ellis, Bernard Masson, and Gregory Taylor organized events including visits to various London sites and the antique markets at Bermondsey and Portobello Road. All Addicts had the opportunity to view corkscrews from the Giachin collection held by the Victoria and Albert Museum. There were no submissions for the Babbidge award, Addict Peters was the winner of the MacDonald award, and Addict Pumpenmeier was presented with the Nugent. Addict Paradi was elected Right, Addict Solheim – Chief Correspondent, and Right MacLean retired with the title Can(e)-Right. Bert Miles was "Master of the Punch." Current Addicts Hunt and White joined the ICCA in 1998.
The 1999 meeting was hosted by Bert Giulian and Howard Luterman in Pennsylvania, USA. The trip included visits to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Hershey World, and the Mercer Museum. The highlights of the week were the viewing of the collections of Addicts Giulian, Luterman, and Morway. No awards were suggested. The existing officers were re-elected. Wolfgang Händel was "Master of the Punch." Current Addict Biermann became a member in 1999 and Addict Becker was re-instated.
The Millennium meeting was held in Germany and hosted by Wolfgang Händel. The first night's stay and Right's reception (in the Le Tire Bouchon bar!) were held at the Ritz-Carlton in Berlin. From there the group traveled by buss to the historic Hotel Wartburg Eisenach. There was an abundance of corkscrews with a marvelous display put on by the German collector's club. Helgir Solheim was elected Right and Wolfgang Händel was elected Chief Correspondent. Addict Luterman continued as treasurer. John Morris was "Master of the Punch." Right Paradi retired with the title Pro-Right.
The 2001 meeting was hosted by Ken Hark in Miami Beach, Florida where addicts kept a watchful eye for hurricane Michelle's approach to Florida. Addicts enjoyed visits to the homes of Ken Hark and Joe Paradi for excellent food and corkscrews. A trip to the Everglades to hunt alligator corkscrews resulted in sightings of a few alligators but none could tell if they had corkscrews attached to their undersides. The current slate of officers was re-elected. Nick Hunt was "Master of the Punch."
Ferd Peters hosted the 2002 meeting in Maastricht, Netherlands. Visits to historical sites in the city were enjoyed by all. The highlight of the meeting was a visit to the home of Ferd and Mariet Peters to view the fabulous corkscrew collection. Wolfgang Händel was elected Right and Bert Giulian became Chief Correspondent. Milt Becker was "Master of the Punch." Right Solheim retired with the title Sol-Right.
The 30th annual meeting of the ICCA was held in Roanoke, Virginia and hosted by Don & Bonnie Bull. The group stayed at the fabulous old Roanoke Hotel. Members saw corkscrew horns on animals at Safari Park starring "Omar", they tried to recreate a scene from an 1888 drawing by Snyder at Natural Bridge, and visited the homes of Bob Roger and Don Bull for food and corkscrews. The current officers were re-elected and Treasurer Howard Luterman was "Master of the Punch" serving a moonshine delight.
The 2004 meeting was hosted by Buster Berntson with Per and Christina Ekman in Stockholm, Sweden. A tour of the city was topped off by a visit to the Tekniska Museet where a special exhibit of corkscrew included Lindstrom's 1870 patent and the patents of Hornum, Stallknecht and Sonnergren. Highlights of the trip included an exhibit of 585 corkscrews by members of Helix Scandinavica and a huge knife display from the collection of Arne Marmér at the Industrial Museum. Anne-Lise Köhler and Martin Jessen served the traditional punch. Bert Giulian was elected Right and Ferd Peters was elected Chief Correspondent. Right Händel retired with title Hand-Right.
In 2005 the ICCA set sail for Alaska from Vancouver aboard the Coral Princess. The "ScrueCruise" was organized by Fred O'Leary and all corkscrew collectors were invited to join the ICCA for this adventure. Fred Kincaid enlisted the service of several addicts to make presentation during the voyage in the "Corkscrew University". All addicts passed the courses and were presented with a "Certificate of Completion." Klaus Bierman was the Punchmaster. The Right and Chief Correspondent were re-elected.
In 2006 Nick Hunt brought addicts "down under" for a fabulous meeting in Sydney, Australia highlighted by addicts climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge, a night at the opera and a visit to Nick's home to view his corkscrew collection. Bert Giulian was elected Right for a third term and Fred Kincaid was elected Chief Correspondent. Howard Luterman continues to handle the ICCA money as treasurer.
In 2007 the ICCA experienced a unique meeting. With the combination of two fine Cities. Vienna and Budepest. Hosted by Wolfgang Handel and Joe Paradi. Highlighted by Lippizan Dancing Horses, and also exquisite wine and food. The group travel to Budepest by rail on the ‘Majestic Emperor, the train used by Emperor Franz Joesef and Empress Elizabeth. Budespest with both sides of the River Danue were explored in fine fasion. Fred Kincaid was elected Right and Fred O’Leary Chief Correspondent. Howard Luterman was re-elected Treasurer. Bert Guilian retired as Right with the title Read-Right.
In addition to officers elected at meetings, several positions are appointed. Bottlescrue Times editors have been Don Bull (1986-1990), Joe Paradi (1991-1998), and Frank Ellis (1999-2000). Brother Timothy is the Chaplain of the ICCA. Francis Hutchinson and Howard Luterman served as treasurer.
Today the International Correspondence of Corkscrew Addicts is the most prestigious corkscrew collector organization in the world. The homes of members from three continents including architects, attorneys, doctors, engineers, and an investment banker, are filled with world class corkscrews collections. And Addicts continue to find and research fabulous old corkscrews. The corkscrews that Start Right Watney purchased for a few shillings now bring Piles of Pounds. Italians now pay Lotsa Lira for corkscrews; Germans pay Mega Marks, Scandinavians pay a King’s Ransom in Crowns, and Americans pay many dollars instead of a few cents.
Donald A. Bull
Mirth-Right
