The Whereabouts of a Stoneware Water Cooler Made in Norwich, Connecticut, Inscribed "The Norwich Pottery Works"

Illustrated more than 100 years ago in an article written by Henry R. Armstrong that was published in The Magazine Antiques in 1923, titled, The Norwich Pottery Works, was this stoneware water cooler that was owned at the time of the story by the author; it was described in the article: "I am the fortunate possessor of a handsome stoneware water cooler manufactured in probably the early days of the concern. It is light gray in color, one and one-half feet in height, thirteen inches in diameter at the top and ten inches across the bottom, with the words, "The Norwich Pottery Works," printed across the face, in blue. The American eagle which decorates the front, and the leaves adorning the handles are raised about a quarter of an inch from the surface."

However, the whereabouts of this stoneware cooler does not seem to be known today, but I suspect that Henry Armstrong may have been a descendant of Peleg Armstrong (1785-1859), who along with Erastus Wentworth founded the Armstrong and Wentworth Pottery of Norwich, Connecticut; the partners purchased the Norwich pottery business off William Cleaveland in 1814. This business operated during the circa 1814-1834 period. Their factory complex was eventually located on both sides of the Yantic River. They continued to make attractive salt-glazed stoneware jars and jugs until the company closed in 1834, although there was stoneware production in Norwich that occurred before and after the existence of this company.

With all of this said - does anyone reading this post know the location of this stoneware cooler today? It is certainly a significant example of pottery from Connecticut that could be displayed at any major art museum in America. The cooler may still reside in the ownership of Henry Armstrong's family, but that is merely speculation of my behalf.

Note: For more information about pottery production in Norwich - see my sixth book, titled, A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area: https://historicbeverly.net/product/a-city-on-the-river-the-early-red-earthenware-of-the-hartford-connecticut-area/.

Stoneware Water Cooler Made in Norwich, Connecticut

Stoneware Water Cooler Made in Norwich, CT

The Cooler is Adorned with the Words "The Norwich Pottery Works"

Published in The Magazine Antiques in 1923

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Additional Views of the Cooler

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