Remarkably, eighteenth century thick rimmed red earthenware molasses jars have also been recovered in a few different archaeological contexts in Portsmouth, New Hampshire that include the Piscataqua River, which likely proves the route that some of these jars traveled when they arrived in the city before the American Revolution.
Nevertheless, similar whole jars have been discovered in early-contexts of ownership only a few miles to the north in York, Maine. A jar that was likely Caribbean-made was discovered a few years ago inside an eighteenth century home (see below) in Old York Village when York auctioneer, Hap Moore sold the contents of the home; although, the contents and the home had previously descended in the family since the nineteenth century. The jar is said to have been discovered in a closet inside the house, but I also assume that this jar may have originated in the York or Portsmouth-area in the eighteenth century. It is also important to note that this jar appears like it has been marked either by the maker or a previous owner or business.
Another jar that could arguably have been manufactured in New England (otherwise likely England, possibly Buckley, England) in the eighteenth century is listed in the Old York Historical Society's inventory, as early as circa 1900, where it is listed as part of the antique collection that was kept in the Old York Gaol.
According to the Old York Museums, "The Old York Gaol is one of the oldest standing colonial prisons in America dating to about 1719 or 1720, which was built over the original jail that was constructed in 1656. The jail was turned into a schoolhouse around 1879 before it was turned into a museum for colonial relics in 1900."
Reportedly, many of the relics obtained for the original museum in 1900 were either collected or acquired locally, and the York-area is also very-likely where this red earthenware syrup jar was originally discovered before it was owned by the museum.
Note: Here is a link to an image and a brief description on the Smithsonian's website that better demonstrates (and explains) how these jars and funnels were used for the production of sugar.
18th Century Jar Found in an Early House in Old York Village in Maine
18th Century Maple Syrup Jar Found in a Closet in this House in Old York Village in Maine
See Article fore More Information
Photo Courtesy: Old York Museums - York, ME
Large 18th Century Red Earthenware Molasses Jar Likely Manufactured in the Caribbean
A Funnel Used for Sugar Production Would Have Sat On Top of this Jar
Retains a Local History of Ownership in York, ME
The Jar was Found in a Closet in the House Shown Above
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Old York Museums - York, ME
This Jar Has Been Inscribed with a Mark that Graded the Molasses
Photo Courtesy: Old York Museums - York, ME
View of the Interior of the Jar
Photo Courtesy: Old York Museums - York, ME
View of the Base
Photo Courtesy: Old York Museums - York, ME
18th Century Jar Found in Old York Gaol Inventory in Maine, Circa 1900
Large 18th Century Red Earthenware Syrup Jar Likely Made in New England or England
A Funnel Used for Sugar Production Would Have Sat On Top of this Jar
Retains a Local History of Ownership in York, ME
Found in Inventory for Museum at Old York Gaol, Circa 1900
But Likely Found in the York, Maine-Area with an Earlier History of Ownership
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Old York Museums - York, ME
View of the Glazed Interior
Photo Courtesy: Old York Museums - York, ME
Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
