A Preview of a Forthcoming Published Article About the Life and Sewer Tiles Figures Made by "Roy Blind" in Ohio

Almost two years ago, I wrote an article about a sewer tile marriage vase that a young man made for his wife in Ohio in 1935 as a Christmas present, which was published on the cover of the February 5, 2021 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, Special Folk Art Ceramic Vase Made At The Maurice Knight Chemical Stoneware Plant in Akron, Ohio: Carl Funk's Sewer Tile Vase Is Dated 1935. Although, more recently, I have been researching "end-of-the-day" sewer tile figures from Ohio that many of the major Americana antique auction houses have sold across the country, which are inscribed on the base, "Roy Blind." In the midst of all of this, I accidentally came across a Smokey the Bear figure that was made by this person, probably dating from the late 1940s to the 1950s.

My research revealed a fascinating life story, which began with multiple families migrating from Europe to America in the mid-to-late 1800s. In fact, these families have ties to both of the World Wars, where Blind actually served during World War II and was a part of the Normandy Invasion.

Blind's story is the type that is expected with many American folk artists, which can be forgotten through time, only later to be rediscovered. But the variety of figures that Blind is known to have signed may be the most ambitious of any sewer tile factory worker known, but that is largely because they are signed.

The forms include a variety of cats, squirrels, dogs, etc. This complete story should be published sometime soon, but in the meantime, here are some pictures of the Smokey the Bear figure. And ironically, this figure may have more of a meaning to the state of Ohio than realized, which I explain in the story. Nonetheless, it is unclear why all of these figures were made, whether they were made for profit or given to family members, but many of the ones known from Blind did not travel far from where they were originally created. 

A Preview of a Forthcoming Published Article About the Life and Sewer Tiles Figures Made by "Roy Blind" in Ohio

My Dog "Jack" With the Smokey the Bear Sewer Tile Figure

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20th Century Sewer Tile Figure of Smokey the Bear with Slip Decoration

Made by Roy Blind in Ohio

Stands 12" Tall

Probably Circa Late 1940s-1950s

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A View of the Bear's Hat that Reads "SMOKEY"

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A View of the Signed Base Inscribed "Roy Blind"

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