I am a dues-paying member of a nationwide vintage cast iron cookware collector’s club, the Griswold & Cast Iron Cookware Association (“GCICA).” Last I checked, GCICA had 753 members across the United States and Canada. The group is made up of cast iron collectors and enthusiasts, including people just starting their adventure and people who have been collecting for years.
I appreciate the opportunity to connect, share, and learn from so many other cast iron enthusiasts and to see so much fabulous vintage cast iron cookware! The club has many decades-long collectors who have a wealth of information about vintage and antique cast iron—it is great to tap into that knowledge.
I particularly enjoyed the group’s chapter meets and annual conventions. Southern Cast Iron Magazine even came with us and published an article about the 25th Anniversary GCICA Convention held in Springfield, Missouri, in 2017. Take a look at “Iron Pride.” You can see photos of some of the fun in my little recaps of the 2018 GCICA convention in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the 2024 convention in Erie, Pennsylvania.
In addition to meeting others and sharing information and insight about vintage and antique cookware, the annual conventions offer the opportunity to learn through “table talks.” There, knowledgeable folks provide information about a particular aspect or type of cast iron. The convention also sponsors a giant auction where you can snag some excellent pieces. There are room sales of cast iron and a big swap meet. Seminars are held on topics of interest to the entire group.
Another benefit of membership is the “Griswold & Cast Iron Quarterly,” the group’s quarterly newsletter. The newsletter discusses items of interest to the group and cast iron collectors. Dues-paying members can also access past issues of the newsletter on the GCICA website.
The cost to join GCICA is $30/year for a single membership, and $40/year for a family membership. Student memberships are $10/year. You can find the information to become a member here.
If you are a vintage cast iron cookware enthusiast, check out the website and Facebook group and consider joining the club! It is well worth the small cost.
Note: The beautiful blue enameled skillets in the header of the Facebook page are from the collection of Larry and Marg O’Neil of Tacoma, Washington. The photo was taken by Sarah Lamb of SLamb Photography.
