Slice of Americana

It can be said that drinking a cup of coffee is an expression of American freedom.

Back in 1773 when England imposed the heavy tea tax on the colonies, the English actually thought Americans would rather pay higher taxes than give up their tea. Boy were they wrong!

Not only did the tax result in the Boston Tea Party, but America switched its caffeine of choice to coffee.

What can be more American than a coffee mug?

Last month I started asking readers to send me photos of their favorite coffee mug and the reason it holds so many memories.

Here are a few more of the mug shots and stories coffee lovers sent:

"This interesting little mug was a gift from Dr. James P. McCabe, who was a friend and mentor during my early years teaching at the

University of St. Francis. It sat conspicuously on my desk and for several years following Jim's untimely passing in 1996, but has been retired to a cupboard more recently. He was a big man; you couldn't miss him, and every time I look at the mug it brings a smile and a myriad of memories of good times, good stories, good deeds, and good friendship. Jim touched the lives of many people, and this unusual little mug is like a snapshot of his sense of humor."

Dr. Les Cox

Shorewood

"This one's my favorite because Heartland doesn't have 5- or 10-gallon coffee mugs, or I'd have one of each. (There are 30-gallon donors out there, so a 2-gallon donor is just getting started...). I like it because it's a quiet suggestion of decency and thoughtful action. It's also a reminder of how fortunate I am to be healthy enough to be on the donor side of the equation."

Robert Barr

Joliet

"My husband, Dan, and I, both have a New Mexico mug. We purchased these when we visited our longtime friends, Nancy and Tom Rostkowski in Placitas, N.M., just outside Albuquerque. Nancy is a very special friend who we met at the phone company. We love our New Mexico mugs."

Shery Sullivan

Joliet

You too can join in my coffee klatch. Share a photo of your favorite mug and tell the story behind it by going to http://www2.suburbanchicagonews.com/forms/photos.html. Please include your full name and town, and brief description of why you love your mug. We will publish them in our online gallery.