For instance, I have witnessed a group of painted decorative nineteenth century red earthenware objects that sold at auction over the last ten years accompanied with a generic American-made attribution. Although, many of these objects were manufactured at utilitarian potter's businesses during the circa 1875-1900 period. But this is also an aspect in the history of American pottery, which in some ways has been neglected in comparison to the earlier red earthenware and stoneware production, as well as the manufacture of art pottery, afterwards.
Some of the objects that I just referenced were sold by auction houses in New York, and at the time, I wondered if they could have been made in West Hartford. But I also knew that not a lot of information is documented about this later production today; whereas, it would probably be beneficial to research this brand of production if you happen to own one of these type of objects.
Nonetheless, I discovered this hand-thrown painted nineteenth century red earthenware vase that I posted below in a shop in Connecticut three-or-four years ago. At the time, I knew it was American-made, but I did not know where it was made.
However, I recently came across an old photograph (see below) that is owned today by the Connecticut Museum of History. This image demonstrates the type of decorative wares made at the Goodwin Brothers Pottery in West Hartford, circa 1877-1885. I immediately noticed a matching formed vase marked with the number 20 on the bottom left row. Some of the forms in this photograph also appear to be inspired after ancient production.
According to the West Hartford Historical Society, "Early on, grist saw, and carding mills along with blacksmith shops, tanneries and general stores emerged around the (West Hartford) community to support and help drive agriculture. One of the first major industries to arise centered on the pottery and brick works. Extending from Hartford to Berlin is a sizable deposit of fine clay. In 1770, Ebenezer Faxon came from Massachusetts and settled in what would become the Elmwood section of West Hartford. There he established a pottery on South Road (what is today New Britain Avenue) which took advantage of the local geographical landscape. It was Seth Goodwin, however, who helped to establish a pottery dynasty. Goodwin started his pottery works around 1798. For over a hundred years, the Goodwin name would be associated with West Hartford Pottery. Producing utilitarian items such as jugs for the gin manufactured in local distilleries, to terra cotta designs and fine china, the Goodwin Company employed up to 75 people in its heyday. The Goodwin Brothers Pottery Company (as it came to be known) burned for the third time in 1908 and never recovered."
Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins also wrote about the Goodwin Brothers Pottery when 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares' was published in 1950: "Seth Goodwin's nephew, Harvey Goodwin, born in 1802, (also) became a potter. His first venture was in (nearby) Torrington, Connecticut (possibly Goshen), where he lived for four years. Returning to West Hartford, he worked for his uncle until 1832 (producing red earthenware), then started an enterprise of his own. This pottery ran until 1870 under his management and was carried on in its later days by his sons Harvey Burdett Goodwin and Wilbur Elmore Goodwin as 'Goodwin Bros.' Their shop stood on the south side of New Britain Avenue just east of the railroad tracks (in West Hartford)."
Note: Here is a link to an excellent 38 minute presentation with plenty of visuals by Dave Corrigan, curator of the Connecticut Museum of History, where he explores the history of the Goodwin Brothers Pottery in West Hartford, Connecticut.
Examples of Goodwin Brothers Production in West Hartford, CT
Examples of Decorative Red Earthenware Made at the Goodwin Brothers Pottery in Hartford, CT
The Vase Posted Below Matches the Object Marked "20" on the Bottom Left Row
Circa 1877-1885
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Connecticut Museum of History
Red Earthenware Vase Discoverd in Connecticut
19th Century Red Earthenware Vase Attributed to the Goodwin Brothers Pottery in Hartford, CT
The Paint is Likely Not Original, But Definitely Old
Vase Matches Object Marked "20" on the Bottom Left Row Illustrated in the Photograph Above
Circa 1877-1885
Stands 10 5/8" Tall
See Article for More Information
View of the Base
See Article for More Information
Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
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