A Mug Made in Keene, New Hampshire with Ties to Shelter Island in New York

Situated between Long Island’s North and South Forks, Shelter Island is a particularly distinct kind of island getaway. About three hours from Manhattan and reachable via a short car ferry from either Greenport or North Haven, the 8,000-acre isle is bordered by Shelter Island Sound to the west and Gardiners Bay to the east, and has been a destination for tourists for many years.

Shelter Island was originally the traditional home of the Manhanset people; it was appropriated by King James I of England and was part of his original grant to the Plymouth Colony in 1620. Although, once colonized, the land passed through several more hands, acquiring the name Shelter Island around 1652. By the early 1900s, several millionaires had built houses there; more summer homes and cottages cropped up after World War II.

Interestingly, while out and about a few days ago, I came across this late nineteenth or early twentieth century semi-porcelain stoneware mug that is impressed on the base, "J.S.T. & Company / Keene, N.H." Furthermore, the New Hampshire Historical Society indicates that this mark was used during the circa 1883-1917 period.

But what also caught my attention about this object is that written on the front in gold paint, it reads, "Shelter Island, N.Y." This suggests to me that it was a tourist object purchased by some sort of retailer located on Shelter Island; they probably placed some type of wholesale order through the Keene business. Additionally, I have not been able to find another example like it.

This mug will be included in a chapter in my forthcoming 465-page, 8th book, titled, An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businesses. The book should be available soon through bookstores in America, Canada and England.

A Mug Made in Keene, N.H. with Ties to Shelter Island in N.Y.

Circa 1883-1917 Semi-Porcelain Stoneware Mug

The Base is Impressed "J.S.T. & Company / Keene, N.H."

Stands 5 1/2" Tall

Recently Found in New Hampshire

Written in Gold Paint on the Front, It Reads, "Shelter Island, N.Y."

See Article for More Information

A View of the Base

The Base is Impressed "J.S.T. & Company / Keene, N.H."

It is Difficult to See the Mark in this Photo

See Article for More Information

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