18th and 19th Century Red Earthenware Production in (North) Orange, Massachusetts

I am currently working on my tenth and eleventh books, due out later this year and next year, titled, An Early Industry of Household Wares: The Red Earthenware of Salem Village, South Danvers, Peabody and Salem, Massachusetts, as well as, A Monumental History: Stories of Red Earthenware Production in Western Massachusetts, the Berkshires and Vermont: https://earlyamericanceramics.shop/.

Aside from what was already covered in my eighth book, titled, An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businesses, there will be some central Massachusetts red earthenware production from the eighteenth and nineteenth century included in the Western Massachusetts book: https://historicbeverly.net/product/an-influential-family-of-early-potters-the-clarks-of-new-hampshire-and-related-businesses/.

One area that I find rather intriguing, although I do not think there is much accurate information known about this location today is red earthenware manufactured in (North) Orange, Franklin County, Massachusetts in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. The names associated with production in Orange include Abijah Marble (1770-1857), the Goodell family and multiple generations of the Goddard family, which began with John Goddard (1768-1823), where the Goddard family’s production in Orange can be also be traced to some production in southwestern New Hampshire. 

The name Southwick is also involved with production in Orange, where that name is related to eighteenth and nineteenth century production in South Danvers (Peabody), Massachusetts; the Southwicks are also descendants of Lawrence (1600-1660) and Cassandra Southwick (1601-1660), who were persecuted for their Quaker faith in Salem, Massachusetts in the seventeenth century.

But there does not appear to be any known archaeology associated with production in Orange today, although an article was written about local production by Emma Fits Bradford for the November 1936 issue of The Chronicle Of The Early American Industries, titled, A Search For Local Pottery. 

That article shows eight pieces of pottery, which include a deep pan, jugs, pots, a covered jar and a slip decorated salt, all of which are owned today by the Orange Historical Society. It is unclear if all of these objects were actually made in Orange, although they were found locally in early contexts of family ownership. 

Each of these pieces will be illustrated in color in the forthcoming Western Massachusetts book. However, I am not aware of any other objects (nor is the Gardner Historical Society) that can be accurately associated with production from this area today. But I would like to learn otherwise if anyone reading this post can share more information. 

Note: There was also an unrelated pottery business located in Orange, New Hampshire, which is discussed in the book, An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businesses: https://historicbeverly.net/product/an-influential-family-of-early-potters-the-clarks-of-new-hampshire-and-related-businesses/.

Red Earthenware Production in (North) Orange, Massachusetts

The Location of Orange, Franklin County, Massachusetts

See Article for More Information

Article Written About Orange, Mass. Red Earthenware 

Published in the November 1936 issue of The Chronicle Of The Early American Industries

See Article for More Information

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

Some More Information About the Crafts Pottery in Whately, Massachusetts and How One Family Member Traveled West as Part of California's Gold Rush

Included as part of Volume 2 of my recently published two-volume, 1,400 page, ninth book, titled, America’s Great Awakening and Migration The Red Earthenware of Western New York, I noted that a member of the Drake family of potters from Bethany, New York traveled west as part of California's Gold Rush in the late 1840s and 1850s. Prior to learning this information, I had always wondered if there were any potters who took part in the early years of the gold rush, no matter where they were located in America.

Nonetheless, while conducting some archival research yesterday about Thomas Crafts (1781-1861) in Whately, Massachusetts, I found that his son, Thomas Spencer Crafts (b. 1825) also migrated west for California's Gold Rush. The younger Crafts is listed as a potter alongside his father (no occupation listed) in the 1850 United States Federal Census in Whately. However, he is listed as living in Calavaras, California in the 1852 California State Census, where he is then listed as a registered voter in Amador, California on July 1, 1878. 

Soon after the Gold Rush began in California, Calavaras County became a destination in 1851 when gold was found along the banks of the Mokelumne, Calaveras, and Stanislaus Rivers. Murphys, Angels Camp, Mokelumne Hill, and many other mining camps quickly popped up surrounding gold strikes. Thomas Spencer Crafts was living in Whately in 1850, although by 1852 he was in Calavaras, perhaps as early as 1851. 

Early Photograph of Calvaras County, California

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Collection

However, at some point he relocated to Amador, which was first recognized as part of the Gold Rush in the late 1840s when Jose Marie Amador (1794-1883), a wealthy California rancher, mined along what at the time was nameless creek in 1848-1849. Gold outcroppings were discovered on both sides of the creek. The Original or Little Amador Mine and the Spring Hill Mine were probably the country's first gold mines. Soon, the creek, the town and a new county carried Amador’s name. The Keystone Mine, organized in 1853, was the city’s most famous gold mine and a major reason why the town grew.

Interestingly, the older Thomas Crafts is listed with an occupation of farmer in the 1855 Massachusetts State Census, the 1860 United State Federal Census, as well as his record or death in 1861. There is no record that indicates he had any involvement with pottery production after 1850, although members of his family were still involved with pottery production in New England.

Furthermore, I also came across the elder Crafts' probate record (or will but it was described as a probate in the the archive records) from May 24, 1852 (same year his son first appears in California), where this is one of the more extensive probates or wills known from any eighteenth or nineteenth century potter in New England. He explains in detail where his money, house, land, household furniture, etc. is left. He also mentions any debts that he may leave behind when he dies. 

Note: For more information about the Crafts Pottery in Whately - see a story I posted to this website last week, titled, Some Information About 19th Century Black Glazed Red Earthenware Teapots Made in Whately, Massachusetts and Long Island, New York: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2025/06/some-information-about-19th-century.html.

Some More Information About the Crafts Pottery in Whately, Mass.

Thomas Crafts Probate Record or Will from May 24, 1852

This is Page 1

See Article for More Information

Thomas Crafts Probate Record or Will from May 24, 1852

This is Page 2

See Article for More Information

Thomas Crafts Probate Record or Will from May 24, 1852

This is Page 3

See Article for More Information

Thomas Crafts Probate Record or Will from May 24, 1852

This is Page 4

See Article for More Information

Thomas Spencer Crafts Listed in Calvaras, California in 1852

This is from the California State Census

See Article for More Information

Thomas Spencer Crafts Registered as a Voter in Amador, California

This is Dated July 1, 1878

See Article for More Information

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

Some Information About 19th Century Black Glazed Red Earthenware Teapots Made in Whately, Massachusetts and Long Island, New York

Shown below is likely a circa 1820s or early 1830s black glazed red earthenware teapot made at the Thomas Crafts (1771-1861) Pottery in Whately, Massachusetts. It closely matches archaeology collected at the Crafts Pottery site (handle, lid, spout, base, rim, etc.), kept today at the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. 

Thousands of these types of teapots were made annually in Whately during the circa 1822-1833 period with a number of examples shipped to the New York City and Philadelphia markets. But because of their use the survival rate is rather low today when compared to how many were made.

However, similar teapots were also manufactured in the upper Hudson River Region in New York, as well as on Long Island, circa 1820-1840: https://chipstone.org/article.php/430/Ceramics-in-America-2008/Long-Island-Teapots?.

As I just mentioned, the Whately teapots did travel, where they were shipped to places like New York City and Philadelphia. Although, I have handled archaeological artifacts that I suspect originated in Whately from the following areas: North Yarmouth, Maine, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Salem, Massachusetts, Boston, the Connecticut River Region, Western New York, Manhattan and Philadelphia, etc.

The most recent material published on the subject of the migration of Whately teapots was an article written by Anthony Butera Jr. for the 2011 issue of Ceramics in America, titled, Whately Teapots in the Western Catskills: https://chipstone.org/article.php/487/Ceramics-in-America-2011/Whately-Teapots-in-the-Western-Catskills.

Nevertheless, I also included the remains of a Whately style teapot in a chapter about the Mormon leader and Western New York potter Heber Kimball (1801-1868) in Volume 1 of my recently published two-volume, 1,400 page book, titled, America's Great Awakening and Migration: The Red Earthenware of Western New York. That teapot was recovered on property originally owned by the Mormon leader Brigham Young (1801-1877) in Mendon: https://historicbeverly.net/product/103125/.

Teapots Made in Whately, Massachusetts and Long Island, New York

Circa 1820s or Early 1830s Black Glazed Red Earthenware Teapot

Likely Made at the Thomas Crafts Pottery in Whately, Massachusetts

Closely Matches Archaeology Recovered at the Site of the Crafts Pottery

See Article for More Information

19th Century Black Glazed Red Earthenware Teapot Likely Made on Long Island

There are Differences in the Teapots Made in Whately and Long Island

Circa 1820-1840

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Anthony Butera, Jr.

Red Earthenware Teapot Sherd Recovered on Long Island

These Types of Teapots are Found All Over Long Island

A Number Have Also Been Found Around (Near) the Site of the Huntington Pottery

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Anthony Butera, Jr.

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

Forthcoming Book Titles in the Pottery Book Series

For anyone interested in what is next in my pottery book series - these are previews of the tenth and eleventh installments that I am currently working on now, which will be published later this year and next year. For more information - see the page that lists my published writing on this website: https://earlyamericanceramics.shop/.

Forthcoming Book Titles in the Pottery Book Series

Forthcoming Book Title in the Pottery Book Series

This Book Will Run 700-900 Pages

This is the Tenth Installment

See Above for More Information

Forthcoming Book Title in the Pottery Book Series

This Book Will Run 200-300 Pages

This is the Eleventh Installment

See Above for More Information

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

Early 20th Century Italian Sculptural Terracotta Found in a Thrift Store Near Boston

Over the last few days, my niece Alexis and myself made two separate discoveries of early twentieth century classic style sculptural Italian terracotta at the Salvation Army in Saugus, Massachusetts. There is no way this is a coincidence, seeing that both of these objects are likely from the same manufacturer, representing this company's two types of design, whereas I suspect a house was cleaned out to some extent somewhere in the north of Boston area.

We found the first object last weekend and it is a Renaissance style terracotta medallion surrounded by copper. I knew it was something at the time, but I was not sure where it was made beyond being from a European manufacturer. However, we found a really good early twentieth century ancient style terracotta urn or planter last night, which is adorned on the base with the mark of the Dini E Cellai Company in Italy, and stamped, “DINI E CELLAI SIGNA” on the bottom. It is also stamped with the number “53.”

This company was established in Lastra a Signa, a town located about seven miles to the west of Florence, Italy in 1895. In Helen Zimmern’s 1906 book, The Italy of the Italians, she noted, “An interesting new industry is that of the so-called Signa ware, a species of terracotta, in which reproductions of old and modern sculpture are made with industry wonderful success. In this medium by some process kept secret, this fragile substance is rendered harder than stone and toned to an agreeable yellowish tint; it is also possible to reproduce the very aspect and character of bronze. 

These Signa terra cottas, sold at a relatively low price, permit of the possession in house and grounds of some of the masterpieces of plastic art. The centre of the industry is Florence."

According to the Digital Archive of the Arts of Lastra a Signa: "The history of the Dini & Cellai Company is that of one of the most important factories that arose in the wake of the Signa Manufactory in the early twentieth century. The partnership began in 1902 with the establishment of a company between Gino di Ernesto Dini, who was born and a resident in Ponte a Signa, along with Giuseppe by Raffaello Cellai, who was born in Vienna, Austria and a resident in Florence, both of whom were sculptors.

The company name Dini & Cellai Terrecotte di Signa, which contains an explicit reference to the headquarters of the precious manufacture, had as its object the production and sale of ceramic and terracotta artifacts, reproductions of ancient and Renaissance works that were fashionable at that time. The manufacturing site was located in the municipality of Lastra and precisely in the hamlet of Ponte a Signa in via di San Martino, while the registered office and also the sales office were strategically located in Florence.

In the first period of activity in the twentieth century, Dini & Cellai obtained important awards, such as the gold medal at the 1904 Saint Louis World's Fair, otherwise known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. However, due to the meager funds allocated by the government, the Italian artistic manufacturers that were able to participate in the Exhibition were unfortunately few. But Dini & Cellai was a great success and the terracottas made in the manner of the Signa Manufactory began to spread in the United States, as well.

Another important goal was reached thanks to the participation in the Milan Exhibition of 1906 in which Dini & Cellai obtained the Grand Diploma of Honor; this was reported in the chronicles of the time, where it was stated that the artifacts produced by the company were so well executed that "every art enthusiast, who has the feeling of aesthetics, of good taste feels the need to have at least one of these valuable reproductions in their apartments.

However, on December 19, 1919, the company was put into liquidation and in its place a few days later a joint stock company was formed, which took the name of Società Anonima Dini & Cellai. 

In the early 1920s, the factory continued to produce ceramics for furnishings, statues and ornamental panels, as can be seen from a photograph posted below that shows the workers and young apprentices at the factory surrounded by various terracotta objects, shapes and models. The subsequent financial statements of May 31, 1922 closed with a large loss and the company was therefore put into liquidation and definitively closed in 1923."

It is unclear how either of these objects migrated to America, although they are really cool finds, nonetheless! These pieces may have migrated from Italy to the Boston area in the early to mid twentieth century. Here is a link to a related object that is owned by the National Museum of Warsaw in Poland: https://mnki.pl/pl/o_muzeum/zbiory_online/9,rzemioslo_artystyczne/pokaz/2764,cachepot_z_procesja_putt,1.

Note: These types of ancient style terracotta urns or planters were also made in America - for an example from Philadelphia - see a feature story I wrote for the February 3, 2023 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, The Galloway Terra-Cotta Company of Philadelphia: A Brief Examination: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2023/01/new-published-story-galloway-terra.html.

Early 20th Century Italian Sculptural Terracotta

Urns Similar to the One Found in Saugus, Mass. are Shown in this Picture

Workers at the Dini & Cellai Factory in Italy

Circa 1920s

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Digital Archive of the Arts of Lastra a Signa

A Closer View of one the Ancient Style Terracotta Urns

Made at the at the Dini & Cellai Factory in Italy

Circa 1902-1923

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Digital Archive of the Arts of Lastra a Signa

The Dini E. Cellai Signa Mark

This Mark was Used Circa 1902-1923

These Wares are also Often Impressed with a Number

Photo Courtesy: Digital Archive of the Arts of Lastra a Signa

Poster for the World's Fair in St. Louis in 1904

Dini E. Cellai Won a Gold Medal for the Company's Terracotta

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Library of St. Louis

Poster for the Milan Exposition in 1906

Dini E. Cellai Won a Grand Diploma of Honor for the Company's Terracotta

See Article for More Information

My Niece Alexis Holding the Early 20th C. Ancient Style Terracotta Urn of Planter

Found in a Thrift Store in Saugus, Mass.

Circa 1902-1923

Stands 6 1/2" Tall and 8" Across

Impressed on the Base, “DINI E CELLAI SIGNA,” with the Number "53"

See Article for More Information

A Closer View of the Heavily Decorated Ancient Style Urn or Planter

See Article for More Information

A View of the Base

See Article for More Information

Impressed on the Base “DINI E CELLAI SIGNA” with the Number "53"

See Article for More Information

My Niece Alexis Holding the Early 20th C. Renaissance Style Terracotta Medallion

Found in a Thrift Store in Saugus, Mass.

Likely Made by Dini & Cellai in Italy

Circa 1902-1923

See Article for More Information

A Closer View of the Renaissance Style Figure

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Renaissance Style Figure

See Article for More Information

A View of the Copper Border

See Article for More Information

A View of the Back

See Article for More Information

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

Two 19th Century New England Red Earthenware Jugs Found in Barns in Freedom, New Hampshire Once Owned by Governor Frank Black (1858-1913)

A very interesting estate sale happened last weekend in Freedom, New Hampshire, where the contents were removed from 2 1/2 barns located on the property. This was the late nineteenth and early twentieth century summer home of Governor Frank Black (1858-1913), who was born in Limington Maine, located about twenty-one miles east of Freedom. Black was a graduate of Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, an American newspaper editor, lawyer and politician, where he was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1895 to 1897, and served as the 32nd governor of New York from 1897 to 1898.

According to the February 1914 issue of Dartmouth College's Alumni Magazine, "...Black bought a farm at Freedom, N.H., near the Maine line, fixed it up to suit his taste, and here he frequently sought refuge from care, and anticipated great enjoyment, after his retirement from his business in this quiet, beautiful home...": https://archive.dartmouthalumnimagazine.com/article/1914/2/1/frank-s-black.

Black's dependents lived in this summer estate for several generations after his death in 1913; however, the present family took ownership of the property four generations ago and still resides on the property today: https://estatesales.org/estate-sales/nh/freedom/03836/libby-estate-sale-freedom-nh-2385068.

Nonetheless, among the contents found in the barns were two nice examples of nineteenth century New England red earthenware, probably made before 1850; both jugs were likely manufactured in northern New England, one of which will also be included in my forthcoming tenth book, titled, An Early Industry of Household Wares: The Red Earthenware of Salem Village, South Danvers, Peabody and Salem Massachusetts. These may have also been objects that were originally acquired by Governor Black.

Note: For more information about the jug shown to the right below - see my seventh book, titled, From One Town Came Many: The Red Earthenware Industry of Ancient North Yarmouth, Maine: https://historicbeverly.net/product/94597/.

Two 19th C. New England Jugs Found in Barns in Freedom, N.H.

Portrait of New York Governor Frank Black (1858-1913)

Black Served as the 32nd Governor of New York from 1897-98

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: National Governors Association

(Left) Very Nice 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug from New England

Possibly Made in New Hampshire

Will Be Included in Forthcoming Tenth Book

(Right) 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Likely Made in Southern Maine

Perhaps Made in the Buxton and Limington, Maine area

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Libby Estate Sale

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

Good 19th Century Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Pitcher from Western New York Sells in the Midwest

A good example of slip decorated red earthenware made at the circa 1818-1831 Nathaniel Rochester (1752-1831) Pottery in West Bloomfield, New York appeared at a weekly auction in the Midwest a few weeks ago. The price is not disclosed, although this is a good pitcher, and one of less than fifteen known in this shape today. The mottling on this particular pitcher is excellent, whereas some of the greens can be darker in color, which really helps accent the three colors of slip decoration. The green slip does not always show well on these types of pitchers, although it does on this particular example. Some jars and pitchers with this type of glaze are also dark, as opposed the more exciting examples that are colorful.

I have written extensively about the Rochester Pottery in the past year or so - for more information - see a feature story I wrote that was published on pages 42-43 in the June 7, 2024 issue of Antiques And The Arts Weekly, titled, Nathaniel Rochester's Red Earthenware Pottery: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2024/05/new-published-feature-story-in-antiques.html.

Also see a chapter about Rochester in Volume I of my recently published 1,400 page, two volume, ninth book, titled, America’s Great Awakening and Migration The Red Earthenware of Western New York: https://historicbeverly.net/product/103125/.

19th C. Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Pitcher from Western New York

19th Century Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Pitcher from Western New York

Attributed to the Nathaniel Rochester Pottery in West Bloomfield, New York

Circa 1818-1831

Recently Appeared at an Auction in the Midwest

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Collection

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

A Circa 1805 Masonic Stoneware Jug from New York Owned by the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum

There is an outstanding nineteenth century Masonic stoneware water cooler that is somewhat well known today, which is in the collection of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum in Lexington, Massachusetts. The cooler was made at Moses Tyler's (1794-1846) business in Albany, New York, circa 1825-26; however, another significant Masonic object in the museum's collection is an early nineteenth century stoneware harvest jug, also from New York.

The harvest jug is incised,  "J. Romer / 1805," with Masonic symbols (all-seeing eye, sun, moon, columns, square and compasses, etc), fish, fish hook(s) and stylized flowers. The jug may have been made in New York City, otherwise perhaps a Hudson River region potter. 

According to the museum, "The potter who shaped and decorated this jug cut the owner’s name, J. Romer, and a date, 1805, under the spout. On the side of the vessel, he incised a whimsical picture of a Masonic apron into the clay, suggesting that the owner was a Freemason. John Romer (1764-1855), a member of Hiram Lodge No. 72 in Mount Pleasant, New York, may have called this jug his own."

A Circa 1805 Masonic Stoneware Jug from New York

Early 19th Century Masonic Stoneware Jug Made in New York

Incised with Various Images, as well as, "J. Romer / 1805"

Circa 1805

Stands 7" and 8" Across

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Scottish Rite Masonic Museum

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

A Good Example of Red Earthenware from Chicago that Sold Last Night in Maine

It's not a big number, although an auction record seems to have set been set last night at Farrin's Country Auction in Randolph, Maine for a potter's work from Chicago that was just recently identified in 2021 by Brandt Zipp of Crocker Farm in Maryland. This migrant potter's name is Emanuel Duschek (1852-1921); he came to America in the 1880s and produced various types of red earthenware in Chicago during the circa 1890-1910 period. 

There was a lot happening in Illinois in the second-half of the nineteenth century in terms of hand-thrown pottery production. The production included red earthenware made in Jo Daviess County, along with the famed stoneware made by the Kirkpatrick brothers in Anna, Illinois, as well as other types of production. But the wares made by Duschek were just as much a part of the history this state's pottery production. Nonetheless, the pitcher sold for $400 plus the buyer's premium, which I think is encouraging to see this potter's work beginning to receive some recognition.

According to Crocker Farm, "The initials "E.D." stand for for Emanuel Duschek, an important Chicago potter for whom no work has been previously identified. Born in or about 1852 in Bohemia (Austrian Czechoslovakia), Duschek immigrated to the United States in 1883; the passenger list of his ship into New York lists him as a "potter." 

He arrived in Chicago by 1888, when he married his wife, Mary (1853-1916), who herself had come from a family of potters and is described in period accounts as heavily involved in the development of the pottery and in the production process. Duschek's pottery appears for the first time in the following year's Chicago city directory. By the earliest years of the 20th century, Duschek would take on almost folk hero status in the city, his name appearing in numerous newspaper items and advertisements of the time. Perhaps the most interesting of these is a 1903 story in the local Inter Ocean headlined "King of Chicago Potters." In it, Duschek is pictured in his shop with numerous recently-thrown vases upon a board; extoling the potter's skill and the operation he ran alongside his wife, the author accentuated Duschek's Austrian accent as he quoted him multiple times: "I can make mit my hands anyt'ing I see, and I t'ink prettier than I ever saw."

By this time Duschek was supplying large quantities of pottery to local department stores, who advertised them regularly with ads like this January 1903 one: "New and artistic pieces from the pottery of Emanuel Duschek will be given a wide representation during the remainder of the month. Each piece, being modeled and turned by hand, possesses a peculiar uniqueness and individuality. The varied shapes embody many pleasing and original ideas of rare artistic merit. Rich shades of green predominate." 

Duschek's green glaze is referenced numerous times in primary documentary sources; one 1912 article claimed that the person responsible for glazing the ware was Mary Duschek, "whose artistic touch and experiments with coloring have won for her the sole right in the household to attend to the glazing," her "Secret Process." Indeed, a 1910 article in the Chicago Tribune written to highlight "Successful Business Women" profiled her and claimed, among other boasts about the couple's large output, that schools as far away as the west coast were routinely using the couple's pottery as models for art students. 

In 1912, Emanuel Duschek was selected to exhibit at the massive International Clay Products Exposition held at the Chicago Coliseum, which drew the chief American potteries of the day from the east and west coasts and in between, and was visited by President Taft. Emanuel Duschek died in 1921 and across the ensuing decades has fallen more or less completely out of the history of American ceramics, while Mary Duschek died in 1916."

Furthermore, according to the 1900 United States Federal Census, the couple's two oldest children, Rosie and Adolph were adopted; they also had two biological children, Frank and Johanna "Jennie" Duschek. Also according to local legend in the Chicago area, Emanuel and Mary ran a successful pottery business, which started when Mary dug up some clay from her back garden to make a flower pot; this happened about the time the couple was married.

Note: I have also posted an example of Duschek's production that was found about twenty years ago in Waterloo County, Ontario, Canada.

A Good Example of Red Earthenware from Chicago

19th/20th Century Green Glazed Red Earthenware Pitcher

Made by Emanuel Duschek in Chicago

The Base is Stamped "E.D."

Possibly Glazed by His Wife Mary Duschek

Circa 1890-1910

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Farrin's Country Auctions

Another View of the Pitcher

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Farrin's Country Auctions

A View of the Interior

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Farrin's Country Auctions

A View of the Base

The Base is Stamped "E.D."

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Farrin's Country Auctions

19th/20th Century Green Glazed Red Earthenware Pitcher Found in Ontario, Canada

Made by Emanuel Duschek in Chicago

The Base is Stamped "E.D."

Possibly Glazed by His Wife Mary Duschek

Circa 1890-1910

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: John Curtis

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

A Historically Important Example of Stoneware Made in Utica, New York Currently Available in Massachusetts

Included as part of a section in Volume II of my recently published 1,400 page Western New York book, titled, America’s Great Awakening and Migration The Red Earthenware of Western New York, is some information about the Cornell family pottery in DeRuyter and Utica, New York. The family produced both red earthenware and stoneware, although production in Utica seems to have been limited to just stoneware production. However, the family's biggest accomplishment may have happened when Ezra Cornell (1807-1874) co-founded Cornell University in Ithaca, New York on April 27, 1865.

The most historically significant piece of stoneware made in Utica is perhaps a circa 1828-1829 jar that is incised "J.Q. Adams / Wm. A. Gay," and stamped "GAY / UTICA." This jar may have been made to commemorate John Quincy Adams (1767-1848), who served as the sixth president of the United States from 1825-1829. But it may have also been made in support of Adams in 1828, who was seeking reelection of a second term as President of the United States.

Interestingly, I posted a story to this website earlier this year, titled, The Opening of the Ohio and Erie Canal in 1832 and Some 19th Century Stoneware Production in Ohio, where I included some stoneware that was produced by Daniel Fisk (1792-1868) in Utica during the circa 1827-1830 period, and then in Cleveland, Ohio in the late 1830s. That article showed two jars that were very similar in shape and cobalt decoration, although they were made at two different locations about a decade a part.

The shape of this late 1820s jar is similar to the examples made by Fisk in Utica and Cleveland, although it was produced with a scalloped rim, whereas the cobalt decoration on this jar is also similar to types manufactured by Fisk. However, there were a few different stoneware businesses operating in Utica during the late 1820s and early 1830s period. A similar style of cobalt decoration is also found on some objects produced circa 1828-1830, which are marked "A Gay / Utica": https://www.crockerfarm.com/stoneware-auction/2019-03-23/lot-68/Extremely-Rare-2-Gal-A-GAY-UTICA-Stoneware-Jug-w-Incised-Dog/.

Furthermore, this jar was manufactured in the early years of stoneware production in Utica, which commenced with the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825. In fact, the canal played a significant role in the establishment of stoneware factories in Utica, as it facilitated the transportation of resources like clay, but it also gave potters the opportunity to export their production. For instance, Justin Campbell opened a stoneware pottery in Utica in 1825. In 1827, other potteries were established, including one by George Brayton, Aaron Kellogg, and Sylvester Doolittle, and the Fayette Pottery.

According to William C. Ketchum Jr.'s book, Potters and Potteries of New York State, 1650-1900: Second Edition: "...A period of financial instability was affecting the country (in the late 1820s), and the Utica potteries were not immune. The first to go was Amos Gay. He had apparently purchased the Campbell Pottery sometime after May 30, 1828, the date of Campbell's last ad in the Sentinel, and may have installed a family member, William Gay, as manager. There is ware impressed "W.A. Gay / Utica, and William is listed in the 1829 City Directory as boarding with Amos. But Amos' name appears on most pieces of stoneware from this period. Gay's business ultimately failed, where on May 31, 1830, the sheriff announced that the property was to be sold to satisfy creditors' judgements."

Amos Gay's career in the pottery business prior to the late 1820s may have been a completely different occupation, seeing that his name is found in a book published in 1892, titled, Memorial History of Utica, N.Y. From Its Settlement to the Present Time: "Amos Gay, a rather restless man kept in turn, several hotels and put up for a theater the large brick building which also became a hotel, but gave way to city hall as its successor." Amos is also listed in the 1820 and 1830 United States Federal Census in Utica, although William Gay is not listed in either of these censuses.

This jar is historically important for two different reasons, the first being an early example of stoneware production from a short-lived business in Utica; however, John Quincy Adams' presidency was also significant for its ambitious agenda of national improvements and the political realignment it triggered. Adams' term in office focused on infrastructure development, but it also marked the end of the Democratic-Republican Party, as it split into the National Republic Party and the Democratic Party. The State of New York also favored Adams in the electoral vote as part of the 1824 presidential election, while Adams lost to Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) in the 1828 presidential race, with Jackson winning New York's popular vote by a small margin. The 1828 election between Adams and Jackson took place from October 31 to December 2 of that year.

Nevertheless, this great jar is currently for sale at Antiques Associates At West Townsend in Massachusetts; for more information - contact A.A.A.W.T.: https://www.aaawt.com/about/.

A Historically Important Example of Stoneware Made in Utica, N.Y.

19th Century Cobalt Decorated Stoneware Jar Made in Utica, New York

Made to Commemorate John Quincy Adams' Presidency, 1825-1829

May Have Been Made in Support of Adams Seeking a Second Term in 1828

Inscribed "J.Q. Adams / Wm. A. Gay"

Stamped "Gay / Utica"

Circa 1828-1829

Stands 9" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: A.A.A.W.T.

Another View of the Jar

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: A.A.A.W.T.

A View of the Stamp and the Inscription

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: A.A.A.W.T.

A View of the Stamp

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: A.A.A.W.T.

A View of the Back of the Jar

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: A.A.A.W.T.

Amos Gay Listed in the 1820 Census in Utica, New York

William Gay Does Not Appear to be Listed in this Census

See Article for More Information

Amos Gay Listed in the 1830 Census in Utica, New York

William Gay Does Not Appear to be Listed in this Census

See Article for More Information

19th Century Portrait of John Quincy Adams (1767-1848)

John Quincy Adams was the Sixth President of the U.S., 1825-1829

His Name is Inscribed on the Stoneware Jar Above

He was Defeated Seeking a Second Term in Office in 1828

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: The White House 

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