EarlyAmericanCeramics.com: The Continued Study About William Pecker's Stoneware Production in Merrimacport, Massachusetts, Circa 1790-1820

Thursday, July 3, 2014

The Continued Study About William Pecker's Stoneware Production in Merrimacport, Massachusetts, Circa 1790-1820

I know I had written yesterday that I would discuss the red earthenware glazes and forms that are not regularly attributed to William Pecker today in Merrimacport, Massachusetts, circa 1790-1820; however, I would rather discuss the stoneware sherds and kiln furniture that I have recently discovered, which were made by Pecker. I feel this is an important subject to study today in respect to a stoneware potter, who until recently was only identified as a red earthenware potter.

Pecker appears to have been one of the earliest potters who was successfully manufacturing stoneware in Massachusetts. His wares appear to have been similar to the products that were made in Charlestown, Massachusetts, but they also may posses a New York City influence, as well. I have also found that he likely made quite a few different forms.

It is my belief that this was not an experiment either or a type of production that Pecker produced someplace else in New England or New York City, which has been previously suggested, but rather Pecker was actually a stoneware potter, as well in Merrimacport.

Pecker owned a good stretch of land along the Merrimac River in what was formerly West Amesbury, Massachusetts, where he may have operated multiple kilns suitable for both red earthenware and stoneware production. But much of this land was developed after Pecker's death in 1820 and homes were built for Pecker's relatives in the mid-nineteenth century.

It is also my belief that some of the kiln waste may have been disposed directly into the Merrimac River - and, that is why I am finding so much important information on the shore of the river today.

Note: I have included an image of an 1884 map of Merrimacport, Massachusetts that shows a red brick structure in the backyard of one of Pecker's family members, who helped operate the Chase Pottery, circa 1820-1880s. Here is also a link to an article that I wrote about the Chase Pottery, which was published in the October 2014 edition of the New England Antiques Journal.

Merrimac River in Merrimacport, Mass.

The Merrimac River in Merrimacport, Mass.
This is Where William Pecker Produced Stoneware, Circa 1790-1820
See Article for More Information

1884 Map of Merrimacport, Mass.

1884 Map of Merrimacport, MA

A Kiln is Seen in the Backyard of the Potter, William Chase - a Relative of William Pecker
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: HistoricMapWorks.com

Stoneware Artifacts Recently Discovered in Merrimacport, Mass.