H97.101.5

The cups and saucers in this collection come from Della's Tea Cup Cafe, 7309 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland, which was established in February, 1967. The cafe is noted for, and decorated with, a very large collection of tea cups. Some of the cups were purchased by the owner, others were presented to her as gifts, while still others were made for her. Cork cup holder and "saucer" all in one, centered with a clear glass vessel, that appears to be stationary. Handle on one side of sisal or hemp. This cup is supposed to float. It reminded the donor of going fishing. "Believe me I always like to fish. ... I used to fish everyday....fish and grits...Lafayette Resevoir, my husband [liked to fish there]. I would drop him off...and I'd be anxious for the time to come so I could close this cafe and go....He'd stay there all day...and at the end of the day you could always catch more....late in the day, that's when I'd fish....I really enjoyed that."

Used: Della's Tea Cup Cafe | Della Hardmon Guess | African American | Lynn Neighborhood