Great 19th Century Water Coolers from Ohio

I have never visited so I can only begin to imagine the pottery treasures hidden behind of the walls of the Ohio State Museum, now known as the Ohio History Connection in Columbus, Ohio. While reading through some early-to-mid twentieth century books this week, I came across this great red earthenware water cooler attributed to Ohio, circa 1830-40.

Described in the caption as having been decorated in a light brown glaze, the cooler is also decorated with applied hearts below the rim and the handle bases, as well as a variety of incised decoration. The lid features a finial in the shape of a small jug.

Interestingly, the manufacture of the overall form (not the lid) and the bunghole are reminiscent to stoneware water coolers manufactured in Ohio about the same period. The applied heart decoration is also an applied style found on some known red earthenware manufactured in Ohio.

I have also posted a second picture showing a nineteenth century stoneware water cooler made by Harker, Taylor and Company in East Liverpool, Ohio, circa 1846-51, also in the collection of the Ohio History Connection. This company was largely known for its Rockingham glazed wares during this period.

19th Century Ohio Water Coolers

19th Century Red Earthenware Water Cooler Attributed to Ohio

From the Collection of the Ohio History Connection

Circa 1830-40

See Article for More Information

19th Century Stoneware Water Cooler

Made by Harker, Taylor and Company in East Liverpool, Ohio

Circa 1846-51

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Ohio History Connection

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