The Jacob Henry Ahrens Pottery in Paris, Ontario in the Nineteenth-Century

Truthfully, the glaze seen on the following jar is a type of glaze that I have always associated with western New York (Alvin Wilcox Pottery in West Bloomfield, New York); however, admittedly, my vision on this idea has changed recently after studying a number of wares made in Ontario in the nineteenth-century.

This jar is decorated with a strong cream-colored glaze with some areas decorated with a thicker (or darker) colored cream glaze than others. The jar is also decorated with a pronounced raspberry-colored glaze with deep areas of crawling or separation in the glaze that also reveal a raspberry-colored glaze. This is a typical glaze that was applied in Paris, Ontario in the 1800's. Prominently, stamped on the front of this jar, it reads, 'J-H-AHRENS / PARIS-ON'T.'

According to a book written by Donald Webster in 1971, 'Early Canadian Pottery,' "Jacob H. Ahrens (1828-1905), a migrant from Germany, was making pottery in Paris, Ontario by 1860 (although, some reports suggest he began making pottery in 1859)." The idea that Ahrens came directly from Germany; rather, unlike other German potters, who migrated from Pennsylvania in the 1800's is intriguing seeing that this kind of glaze (and really form) is not a style that I have ever seen attributed to a German-based potter before. Instead, I would assume that Ahrens must have been influenced by a traditional local potter (with a possible American background) - or, an already established potter's business (or industry) in Ontario.

From what I have been able to determine through a genealogy search (The History of the County of Brant Ontario), "While in Germany, Mr. Ahrens learned the potter's trade as well as something of the art of war, for in 1849, he was drafted into the army, and served three years during the war with Denmark on the Schleswig-Holstein question. In 1852 he sailed for Canada, making Berlin, Waterloo County (Ontario), his destination, where he subsequently moved to Brant County (Paris, Ontario), and engaged in pottery production in 1859. By industry he made money (he ran the Paris Potteries), but in 1869, the unfortunate breaking away of the dam at Paris caused a loss to him of $2,558."

Ahrens married Mary Anne Hubbard, who was born in Wales, Ontario, in Paris (Ontario) on November 21, 1865 - and, together, the couple birthed five children. Unfortunately, my research has not determined, whether, any of their children entered the potter's trade.

The book, 'Art and Architecture in Canada' by Lerner and Williamson describes the types of wares that Ahrens made in Paris, "Jacob Henry Ahens manufactured pottery on the Nith River in Paris, Ontario from 1860-1892. The manufacturer, known either as the Ahrens Pottery or the Paris Pottery, produced a wide variety of (colorful) earthenware products and a number of prizewinner decorative items.

Honestly, I was really surprised when I saw this jar a few weeks ago - I had always assumed that this was a western New York-type of glaze, but I have since seen additional products, also with the J.H. Ahrens stamp, adorned in a related glaze. It is my understanding that Ahrens made the expected utilitarian wares of any country-style potter in the 1800's, which was similar to the production methods implemented by some red earthenware potters located in parts of western New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine during the period.

This really is a remarkable jar that will likely be included in a book that is currently being written. The reason that only part of the jar is shown is because I wanted to solely focus on the glaze and the stamp that is seen on this jar. I could even see an argument that could be given that defends a Maine attribution (but, I don't think a glaze like this was achieved in Maine in the 1800's); although, the stamp definitely proves otherwise.

Jacob Henry Ahrens Pottery - Paris, ON

The Jar is Stamped, 'J-H-AHRENS / PARIS-ON'T'

Circa 1859/60-1892

This Kind of Glaze is Often Attributed to the Potters Who Were Employed in W. New York Today

Photo Courtesy: Moe Johnson - Ontario

The following map shows the location of Paris, Ontario in relationship to Toronto, Ontario, the Niagara Peninsula  and the American border. It's certainly possible that the combination of all of these areas had an influence on the production standards that Jacob Henry Ahrens achieved in Paris between 1859/60 to 1892.

Map Showing Paris, Ontario

Notice the Location of Paris, ON in Relationship to Toronto, ON and the American Border

Photo Courtesy: Google Maps

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...