The Study About the Relatively Forgotten Potter's Industry in North Yarmouth, Maine: Report Number 9

There is a collection of nineteenth century letters that survive today that were written by the Woolwich, Maine potter, John Corliss (1799-1892), which are currently privately owned by Dr. Brian Mills in Maine. Dr. Mills was recently reading through this collection of letters, when he realized that there was a letter written to John Corliss by an important potter, who worked in the North Yarmouth (today known as Yarmouth), Maine potter's industry.

John Corliss was born in New Hampshire, but he grew up in North Yarmouth, where he learned the potter's craft from his uncle, Ebenezer Corliss, who operated a local potter's business for nearly forty-five-years. However, the North Yarmouth potter's industry was mostly localized to a small area in North Yarmouth known as "North Yarmouth or Yamouth Corner." As a result, a young John Corliss likely knew all of the local potters and their families. I think it is also safe to say that he was probably influenced by the entire local potter's industry.

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Yarmouth, June 25, (18)66

Brother Corliss,

The fields are green, the trees are green, everything is green. Many month you promise to come here is green and fresh in my memory, which you made me when I saw you last, and I shall take no excuse for you can come if you choose to. Do take the time and make us a visit. One more visit to the scenes of your youthful days. We will all try to make your visit agreeable. Mother says she would be glad to have you home and see her. Give my love to all.

Good bye till we have you here in our midst.

Your's Truly, 
W.H. Foster

According to Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins (Early New England Potters and Their Wares), "A redware shop was built in North Yarmouth, Maine about 1840 by Nathaniel Foster - Foster is known to have been in the red earthenware business as early as 1831. He may have come from Exeter, New Hampshire (where he may have also trained), as he married Rebecca Swasey (Swasey Pottery) of that town. His sons, Benjamin and William Henry, were his assistants. After his death in 1854 they ran the pottery (until 1878)."

From notes obtained by (an early collector and writer) Miss Maragaret Jewell (in the early-20th century) from Benjamin Foster when he was an old man, we learn that the Fosters sold (some of) their wares by boat, taking a load "down east" every spring. Thus they disposed of North Yarmouth (today known as Yarmouth) pottery in Freeport, Brunswick, Windham, Gray and other places."

Note: The following jug is owned today by the Yarmouth, Maine Historical Society; whereas, it is also attributed to the Foster Pottery, circa 1840-1878. This is a fascinating jug that was made with an unusual handle and the base has also been intentionally glazed.

Foster Pottery, North Yarmouth, ME, Circa 1840-1878

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed to the Foster Pottery - North Yarmouth, ME

Circa 1840-1878

Stands Approximately 6" Tall

Photo Courtesy: Yarmouth, Maine Historical Society

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