19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Recovered in Detroit But Possibly from Ontario

The remains of this nineteenth century red earthenware jug were recovered by archaeologists a few years ago within a circa 1830s archaeological context in Detroit, Michigan. The thought is that the jug may be of Ontario origin. But my reason for posting this artifact today is partially a result of the glaze, which I have written about many times saying that this type of spotted green glaze is too often attributed to New Hampshire today. This type of glaze was produced all over North America, and cannot really be used as a tool for attribution, especially with the rounded shape of this jug.

Interestingly, it was only a few years ago that Garth's Auctions in Columbus, Ohio sold a large collection of red earthenware, much of which had been collected for decades in Michigan. A lot of the pottery was sold in group lots. But I was fascinated with the fact that a lot of Ontario red earthenware was mixed in with the collection. I had never really considered it, but the wares made in Ontario must have regularly migrated to places like Detroit in the 1800s and 1900s seeing that Detroit and Ontario are only separated by the Detroit River.

It should also be taken into consideration that red earthenware made in Ontario may have been infrequently exported to Detroit in the nineteenth century, considering that to my knowledge Detroit did not have much for local production. Although I suspect that some of the city's utilitarian demand was also fulfilled by production from Ohio.

Nevertheless, the utilitarian wares had to have come from somewhere, especially with Detroit's population expanding by the thousands during the period. In 1820 the population was just under 1,500, but that grew drastically with over 21,000 people living in Detroit by 1850.

Remains of Red Earthenware Jug Recovered in Detroit

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Found in Detroit

Recovered by Archaeologists Within a Circa 1830s Context

Thought to Have Been Made in Ontario

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Photo Courtesy: Brenna Moloney

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