The Continued Study About the Late-Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Red Earthenware Potteries in Vermont

It would seem that Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins acknowledged on page 140 in 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares' that the research about red earthenware production in Vermont was limited when her book was published in 1950. "Redware was no doubt made in a number of the stoneware factories in Vermont. Many unrecorded redware kilns, also, must have existed throughout the state, but, if so, their history has been lost in the greater note of Vermont's stoneware industry."

Watkins' research is exceptional and so much gratitude is owed to her in thanks for her landmark book, which without it, there would be so many questions left unanswered today. The body of work is incredible. I can only begin to imagine how many miles, years and hours went into it. But it would seem that she left the door open for researchers to expand upon what she published about Vermont's late-eighteenth and nineteenth century red earthenware industry. It is also the shortest chapter in the book since many of the other chapters about red earthenware cover certain potters, industries or regions; whereas, the Vermont chapter is only five pages long and briefly examines the entire state. I would like to think Watkins would agree today that five pages is far from covering all the red earthenware production that happened in Vermont.

Needless to say, I feel there is a lot that is unknown about red earthenware production in Vermont today - and, since the research of the unknown or lesser known potteries has not completely progressed since 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares' was published, then some objects may be dismissed because they do not conform with what is currently known.

For example, Watkins recognized red earthenware production took place in at least Bennington, Berlin, Brownington, Cavendish, Chester, Corinth, Hardwick, Middlebury, New Haven and St. Jonnsbury. She also wrote that many of these locations produced red earthenware for at least a decade, if not longer. However, the production at most of these locations does not have much of an identity, especially considering the skill that some of these potters possessed, where they eventually transformed themselves into the stoneware potters that are recognized today. But what about the red earthenware that was produced - I feel it was equally as important since in many ways it was manufactured before stoneware took hold of Vermont's utilitarian pottery production in the 1800s.

Note: I have previously written about the Moses Bradley (1765-1826) Pottery in Chimney Point/West Woodstock Vermont and the Woodman family pottery Poultney, Vermont. Both of these businesses emphasized the production of black-glazed wares; in fact, Samuel Woodman (1753-1828) is documented as traveling to Salem, Massachusetts in search of manganese for this type of production in June 1814.

Nevertheless, both of the following nineteenth century red earthenware ovoid jars were discovered in homes in Vermont within the last five-years. They may have also been made in Vermont; whereas, the shapes are similar to a known Vermont form. But they are also glazed black, which is a type of decoration that is not largely recognized from the state's red earthenware industry today. The cup was also discovered in Vermont, and I believe that is also where it was made, circa 1790-1830.

Red Earthenware Found in Vermont

(Back Left) 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Found in Vermont

Possibly Made in Vermont

Stands 8 3/4" Tall
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(Back Right) 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Found in Vermont

Possibly Made in Vermont

Stands 9 1/8" Tall
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(Front Middle) 19th Century Red Earthenware Cup Found in Vermont

Likely Made in Vermont

Stands 3 /38" Tall
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Another View of the Objects

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