19th Century Images and a Sketch from the Jacob H. Ahrens Pottery in Paris, Ontario

According to information published in a book written by archaeologist and museum specialist Donald Webster in 1971, titled 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)." 

Furthermore, it was written in Charles Pelham Mulvany's (1835-1885) book, The History of the County of Brant Ontario, which was published in 1883: "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."

The book Art and Architecture in Canada by Lerner and Williamson briefly describes the types of wares that Ahrens made: "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."

Nevertheless, I recently came across two photos and a sketch of Jacob H. Ahrens' business from about 1880, which are owned today by The Paris Museum and Historical Society.

Images of the Jacob H. Ahrens Pottery in Paris, Ontario

 Exterior of the Jacob H. Ahrens Pottery in Paris, Ontario

Circa 1880

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Photo Courtesy: The Paris Museum and Historical Society

 Interior of the Jacob H. Ahrens Pottery in Paris, Ontario

Circa 1880

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Photo Courtesy: The Paris Museum and Historical Society

Sketch of the Jacob H. Ahrens Pottery in Paris, Ontario

Circa 1880

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Photo Courtesy: The Paris Museum and Historical Society

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