Upcoming Feature Story in Maine Antique Digest: 17th-19th Century Domestic Red Earthenware in New York City

I would like to notify those who wish to know that my next published feature story will be available later this month in the October 2018 issue of Maine Antique Digest. The story will cover the seventeenth to nineteenth century red earthenware production in New York City, as well as the eighteenth and nineteenth century domestic wares that were shipped to the city.

The article will include about 25 pictures, most of which have never been published before, and there are also a few museum pieces that will be illustrated, as well. But all of the archaeology should be new material, and it was recovered from various contexts in the city and stored today at the New York State Museum in Albany, New York, Chrysalis Archaeology in Brooklyn, New York and the New York City Archaeological Repository.

A variety of wonderful imported domestic slip-script and slip-decorated objects are also included, which were recovered from various sites in New York City by Maribelle Costes and Scott Jordan. I don't want to spoil this information since some of these pieces are special, and represent wares made in New Jersey, Long Island and Connecticut. 

I should also mention that the feature story takes a look at marbled red earthenware plates recovered in various contexts on Long Island, a subject more commonly attributed to Pennsylvania and Connecticut today. Interestingly, similar sherds have also been found in New York City.

With that said, these are two nineteenth century slip-script red earthenware plates that were just recovered from a nineteenth century privy by Maribelle Costes and Scott Jordan in New York City. This is the type of material that is included for the imported domestic red earthenware found in the city, but these objects are not a part of the article since they were just discovered. The style of script seems to imply that these objects are from New Jersey, and possibly produced by George Wolfkiel in River Edge, New Jersey during the circa 1830-1867 period.

Slip-Script Red Earthenware Recovered in New York City

 19th Century Slip Script Red Earthenware Plate Likely from New Jersey
The Style of the Script Closely Resembles Production from River Edge, NJ

Inscribed "Maria"

Recovered from a Privy in New York City

Photo Courtesy: Maribelle Costes and Scott Jordan

 19th Century Slip Script Red Earthenware Plate Likely from New Jersey
The Style of the Script Closely Resembles Production from River Edge, NJ

Inscribed "Martha"

Recovered from a Privy in New York City

Photo Courtesy: Maribelle Costes and Scott Jordan

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

The Story of the Phineas Chase Pottery as Published in Newspapers from Newburyport, Massachusetts

As I noted in a post, also from today, Phineas Chase (1820-1911) established his own pottery in Merrimacport, Massachusetts around the time his father, James Chase (1779-1849) died in 1849. I have also found that there are some inaccuracies previously published about Phineas and his pottery, such as earlier publications that state he died in 1860, which is completely false. He actually died in 1911 and operated a successful pottery for decades after 1860. Much like the James Chase Pottery, Phineas' business is largely unnoticed today even though there are plenty of surviving objects in existence.

The Phinease Chase Pottery is also a business that I have written about this summer since I have been invited by the current property owners to collect as much material as possible before some construction happens next year. The recovered artifacts so far include hundreds of red earthenware sherds, kiln furniture and even some kiln bricks. It should also be noted that this property has been previously disturbed, as it was converted into an iron foundry sometime after Phineas' death in the early-twentieth century.

But much like the stories that I have just posted about William Pecker's Pottery (ca. 1790-1820) and James Chase's Pottery (ca. 1820-1849), I have also found that the local newspapers tell a story about Phineas' business that has not been published since - for instance, a story about the history of industry in Merrimacport was printed in the Newburyport Daily News on April 15, 1908. This story includes the local pottery and brick industry; whereas, I have recovered a number of objects in recent years in Merrimacport, which appear like brick wasters: "...There was a brickyard near Turkey Hill and one near the Kendrick House on the landing road. The pottery, which was owned and carried on by Deacon Phineas Chase until recently, was started by William Pecker, a great uncle of Deacon Chase, the works being situated where the Methodist church now stands. Deacon Chase's father learned the trade there, acquired the business, and moved it to an old house where the Sargent Co., coal office now stands, the building was afterwards sold and moved on two gondolas down the river to where it now stands near the hat factory (in Amesbury).

In 1865 Deacon Chase build the building near his residence where he continued the business until a few years ago when it ceased alltogether..."

Phineas' obituary published in the Newburyport Daily News on March 22, 1911, also tells the story of Phineas' life like it has not been published since:

"Death of Phineas Chase

After an illness which had confined him to his bed for six days, the death occurred early yesterday morning of Phineas Chase, a prominent resident of Merrimacport, at his home there. Mr. Chase had not been in good health for some time because of trouble due to old age, but death was directly due to heart failure. The funeral will be held from his late home, Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock and relatives and friends are invited.

Phineas Chase was born in South Amesbury, now Merrimacport, and had been a lifelong and honored resident of that section. He attended school there and early in his life he learned the pottery trade. He was a young man when he engaged in that business and conducted a successful trade until about 30 years ago at which time he retired. He was a man of quiet tastes and habits and his chief solace in his home life, although he was during his active life much interested in the affairs of the community. He was for three years in the 80s a member of the board of selectmen of the town and in other ways manifested an interest in the town. He was a successful business man, and by thrift and careful compensation for his life's labors.

Mr. Chase was the son of James and Olive Chase. Early in life he was married to Ann Marie Sargant, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Sargent, whose death occurred about three years ago. Mr. Chase was a lifelong member and until infirmities made attendance impossible, a regular attendant at the Pilgrim church in the work of which he always showed great interest. For many years he was a deacon of the church.

Mr. Chase was aged 90 years, 11 months and 16 days. He was a man of sterling honesty and marked integrity and had the respect and confidence of the community. Although he leaves no near relatives, there survives a nephew, Arthur W. Chase of Flint, Mich., a grand nephew, E. Sherman Chase of Reading, Pa., a nephew James C. Tuckwell of Merrimacport and Charles H. Tuckwell of Merrimacport, and William S. Tuckwell, also of Merrimacport."

Note: Check the right column on this website for archaeology from the Phineas Chase Pottery, under the column "Merrimacport, MA Archaeology."

 Examples of Red Earthenware from the Chase Family

19th Century Red Earthenware Pan Found in Merrimacport, Mass.

Likely Related to the Chase Family Pottery

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Collection 

 Another View of the Pan

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Collection 

19th Century Red Earthenware Bottle or Vase Found Years Ago in Haverhill, Mass.

Likely Related to the Chase Family Pottery

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Collection 

19th Century Red Earthenware Bottle or Vase

Attributed to the Chase Family Pottery in Merrimacport, Mass.

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Town of Merrimac, Mass.

 19th Century Red Earthenware Bottle or Vase

Attributed to the Chase Family Pottery in Merrimacport, Mass.

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Town of Merrimac, Mass.

19th Century Red Earthenware Bottle or Vase

Attributed to the Chase Family Pottery in Merrimacport, Mass.

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Town of Merrimac, Mass.

Phineas Chase Pottery Billhead from the 1880s

Photo Copy of an 1880s Billhead from Phineas Chase's Pottery in Merrimacport, Mass.

See Article for More Information

1884 Essex County, Mass. Directory

Phineas Chase Listed in the 1884 Essex County, MA Directory

See Article for More Information

Newburyport Daily News - April 8, 1902

82 Years of Age

Phineas Chase, a much respected citizen of Merrimacport Saturday observed the 82nd anniversary of his birth at his home in that section of the town. Mr. Chase still retains remarkable possession of his faculties at his age.

He received many visits of congratulations from his friends and was also well remembered by testimonials from them.

Phineas Chase's 82nd Birthday

Published in the Newburyport Daily News on April 8, 1902

See Article for More Information

Newburyport Daily News - April 15, 1908

...There was a brickyard near Turkey Hill and one near the Kendrick House on the landing road The pottery, which was owned and carried on by Deacon Phineas Chase until recently, was started by William Pecker, a great uncle of Deacon Chase, the works being situated where the Methodist church now stands. Deacon Chase's father learned the trade there, acquired the business, and moved it to an old house where the Sargent Co., coal office now stands, the building was afterwards sold and move on two gongolas down the river to where it now stands near the hat factory.

In 1865 Deacon Chase build the building near his residence where he continued the business until a few years ago when it ceased alltogether...

Remembering Merrimacport

The History of the Area's Potteries was Published in the Newburyport Daily News

Published on April 15, 1908

See Article for More Information

Newburyport Daily News - April 7, 1909

89 Years Old

One of the town's oldest and most highly respected citizens, Phineas Chase, quietly observed the 89th anniversary of his birth at his residence on High Street Monday. Mr. Chase enjoys good health and is exceptionally active for one of his advanced age, going about smartly and walking to the center and return, a distance of two miles several times a week. He received congratulations from a host of friends in this and distant towns.

Phineas Chase's 89th Birthday

Published in the Newburyport Daily News on April 7, 1909

See Article for More Information

Newburyport Daily News - March 22, 1911


Death of Phineas Chase

After an illness which had confined him to his bed for six days, the death occurred early yesterday morning of Phineas Chase, a prominent resident of Merrimacport, at his home there. Mr. Chase had not been in good health for some time because of trouble due to old age, but death was directly due to heart failure. The funeral will be held from his late home, Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock and relatives and friends are invited.

Phineas Chase was born in South Amesbury, now Merrimacport, and had been a lifelong and honored resident of that section. He attended school there and early in his life he learned the pottery trade. He was a young man when he engaged in that business and conducted a successful trade until about 30 years ago at which time he retired. He was a man of quiet tastes and habits and his chief solace in his home life, although he was during his active life much interested in the affairs of the community. He was for three years in the 80s a member of the board of selectmen of the town and in other ways manifested an interest in the town. He was a successful business man, and by thrift and careful compensation for his life's labors.

Mr. Chase was the son of James and Olive Chase. Early in life he was married to Ann Marie Sargant, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Sargent, whose death occurred about three years ago. Mr. Chase was a lifelong member and until infirmities made attendance impossible, a regular attendant at the Pilgrim church in the work of which he always showed great interest. For many years he was a deacon of the church.

Mr. Chase was aged 90 years, 11 months and 16 days. He was a man of sterling honesty and marked integrity and had the respect and confidence of the community. Although he leaves no near relatives, there survives a nephew, Arthur W. Chase of Flint, Mich., a grand nephew, E. Sherman Chase of Reading, Pa., a nephew James C. Tuckwell of Merrimacport and Charles H. Tuckwell of Merrimacport, and William S. Tuckwell, also of Merrimacport.

Phineas Chase's Obituary

Published in the Newburyport Daily News on March 22, 1911

See Article for More Information

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

The Story of the James Chase Pottery as Published in Newspapers from Newburyport, Massachusetts

For some strange reason, the nineteenth century Chase family potteries have been largely overlooked in Merrimacport (formerly West Amesbury), Massachusetts; although, the wares produced by the Chase family were extremely skilled and clearly a major provider for decades in parts of Essex County, Massachusetts. I would compare this family business as similar to the John Corliss Pottery in Days Ferry, Woolwich, Maine, the Safford family pottery in Monmouth, Maine and the Clark family potteries in central New Hampshire, among other family businesses located elsewhere in New England.

I have also found that some of the wares made by the Chase family resemble the skill and forms found with wares made by William Pecker (1758-1820) in Merrimacport during the circa 1790-1820 period - but this revelation should also not be a major surprise seeing that James Chase was Pecker's nephew, and also employed by Pecker for many years.

The Chase family pottery actually materialized under unfortunate circumstances in the early-1820s after Pecker died from a kiln collapse. After the family mourned, James Chase (1779-1849) eventually resumed production and established his own pottery, which seems to have operated until the late-1840s. Afterwards, James' son, Phineas Chase (1820-1911) who had worked with his father, established his own pottery in Merrimacport. I have also found that there are some inaccuracies previously published about Phineas and his pottery, such as earlier publications that state he died in 1860, which is completely false. He actually died in 1911 and operated a successful pottery for decades after 1860. Much like the James Chase Pottery, Phineas' business is largely unnoticed today even though there are plenty of surviving objects in existence.

Nevertheless, the following two examples of nineteenth century red earthenware are attributed to the Chase family and discovered by Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins (Early New England Potters and Their Wares) in Merrimacport, Massachusetts before 1950. These objects are now owned by the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. These pieces were also published in a feature story I wrote about the Chase family for the October 2014 edition of the New England Antiques Journal, entitled, Utilitarian Redware in Massachusetts: The Chase Family Pottery.

Interestingly, while recently studying a number of Essex County potteries in various eighteenth and nineteenth century newspapers, I found a brilliant advertisement declaring the James Chase Pottery for sale in the Newburyport Herald from Tuesday December 27th, 1853 (see below). I don't believe this information has been published in any type of scholarship since. The ad even describes a "pottery stand" utilized by the Chase family that was centrally located in Essex County, which reportedly gave the family a competitive advantage in selling their wares. This stand may have even been used by William Pecker.

"Valuable Real Estate for Sale.

The real estate belonging to the heirs of the late Deacon JAMES CHASE, potter, deceased, is now offered for sale on favorable terms, it consists of four different lots with the dwellings and other buildings thereon, being about one half an acre to each lot.

One of the lots is the old Homestead, and out-buildings in good repair and now renting for two families.

Another is the long noted POTTERY STAND, where much business has been done, and is now being done, it being centrally located with the surrounding towns of Haverhill, Bradford, Georgetown, the City of Newburyport and other Villages, having without competition a large and good run of custom.

The buildings are all in good order and well adapted to the business. A large two story shop with a cellar, a large barn and ware house, being used for a ware room, a stable and a carriage house. A Kiln house and a wood house in connexion, making a full and good set of buildings, and undoubtedly the best if not the only chance to purchase a valuable Pottery Stand in the state.

There are on each of the above lots, five or six ever bearing apple and pear trees, together with other trees and shrubs, having borne the present season about $100 worth of good frut.

In connexion with the above are two good 2 story dwelling houses nearly new and well finished, low renting for $90 each. The land belonging is well adapted to the raising of fruit there being a number of fast growing trees now on the land.

The above property is pleasantly located on the main road in the River Village of West Amesbury, in the immediate vicinity of steam and water power - the daily Express to Boston - the Post Office - and good church and school facilities.

The property can be purchased connectedly or separately, as desired.

For further information in regard to the property onquire of WILLIAM CHASE, near the premises."

Examples of Chase Family Pottery in Merrimacport,  Mass.

19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher

Attributed to the Chase Family in Merrimacport, Mass.

Possibly Made by James Chase

Photo Courtesy: The National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher

Attributed to the Chase Family in Merrimacport, Mass.

Possibly Made by James Chase

Photo Courtesy: The National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

Daily Herald - February 6th, 1850

NOTICE is hereby given that the subscriber has been duly appointed administrator of the estate of JAMES CHASE, late of Amesbury, in the county of Essex, Potter, deceased, and has taken upon himself that trust by giving bonds, as the law directs: All persons having demands upon the estate of said deceased are required to exhibit the same; and all persons indebted to said estate are called upon to make payment to W.M. CHASE, Adm'r. Amesbury, Feb. 5th,. 1850.

Also Published On:
February 20, 1850

Advertisement for James Chase Published on February 6, 1850

See Article for More Information

Newburyport Herald - Tuesday December 27th, 1853

Valuable Real Estate for Sale.

The real estate belonging to the heirs of the late Deacon JAMES CHASE, potter, deceased, is now offered for sale on favorable terms, it consists of four different lots with the dwellings and other buildings thereon, being about one half an acre to each lot.

One of the lots is the old Homestead, and out-buildings in good repair and now renting for two families.

Another is the long noted POTTERY STAND, where much business has been done, and is now being done, it being centrally located with the surrounding towns of Haverhill, Bradford, Georgetown, the City of Newburyport and other Villages, having without competition a large and good run of custom.

The buildings are all in good order and well adapted to the business. A large two story shop with a cellar, a large barn and ware house, being used for a ware room, a stable and a carriage house. A Kiln house and a wood house in connexion, making a full and good set of buildings, and undoubtedly the best if not the only chance to purchase a valuable Pottery Stand in the state.

There are on each of the above lots, five or six ever bearing apple and pear trees, together with other trees and shrubs, having borne the present season about $100 worth of good frut.

In connexion with the above are two good 2 story dwelling houses nearly new and well finished, low renting for $90 each. The land belonging is well adapted to the raising of fruit there being a number of fast growing trees now on the land.

The above property is pleasantly located on the main road in the River Village of West Amesbury, in the immediate vicinity of steam and water power - the daily Express to Boston - the Post Office - and good church and school facilities.

The property can be purchased connectedly or separately, as desired.

For further information in regard to the property onquire of WILLIAM CHASE, near the premises.

Also Published On:
February 3, 1854
February 21, 1854
March 17, 1854

Advertisement for James Chase Published on December 27, 1853

See Article for More Information

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

An Interesting Story of the William Pecker Pottery in Merrimacport, Mass. Told in the Newspapers in Newburyport, Mass.

I have not found many eighteenth or early-nineteenth century published advertisements from red earthenware potters in Essex County, Massachusetts, declaring the wares they had manufactured were now available to the public. It would seem that there was a constant demand for this type of production from this period based on some of the account books that I have reviewed.

Nevertheless, I have studied a group of advertisements published in various papers in Newburyport, Massachusetts from William Pecker (1758-1820) in Amesbury (now known as Merrimacport), Massachusetts. For instance, he published seven different ads in the summer of 1802 trying to sell what appears to be a large amount of land, a new two-story house, out-houses, a barn, and a potter's works. Presumably, this must have been the business that he established about 1790; interestingly, it also seems that he owned a large section of the waterfront property and surrounding area that is known today as Merrimacport, Massachusetts.

Examples of William Pecker's Red Earthenware Production

Circa 1790-1820

Red Earthenware from Connecticut is Also Regularly Misattributed to the Pecker Today

Pecker also Manufactured Stoneware

See Article for More Information

Pecker also briefly tried to sell the potter's business again in April 1817, publishing at least four different ads. But it doesn't seem that he was successful since he died only a few years later from a kiln collapsing on top of him. Pecker may have had financial issues, but his red earthenware and stoneware business was also well known, catering to the surround area, including a major market in Newburyport.

There was also an ongoing court battle with William Pecker's estate after he died in 1820. These issues began as early as December 1820 and lasted until 1829. I have posted all of these advertisements and announcements below, which seem to indicate another side of the William Pecker Pottery. Pecker's sister Hannah Chase handled much of the estate.

Newburyport Herald and Country Gazette - Friday June 22, 1802

A convenient new two-story House, Barn, Out-Houses, and Potter's works, with about one acre of Land; Laying on the banks of the Merrimack, in Amesbury, commodious for a country seat, or convenient for a mechanical stand.

30 acres of excellent Land, within a mile of the above premises. For particulars  apply to WILLIAM PECKER on said Premises - Amesbury, June 22.

N.B. A pew and on half in the meeting-house, in said parish will be sold also.

Also Published On:
- June 29, 1802
- July 2, 1802
- July 9, 1802
- July 13, 1802
- July 16, 1802
- July 20, 1802

Advertisement from William Pecker on June 22, 1802

See Article for More Information

Newburyport Herald and Commercial Gazette - Friday April 11, 1817

To be Sold, or Let,

The Buildings occupied by the Subscriber, for the Potter's business convenient for three workmen, advantageously situated in Amesbury, West Parish Any person disposed to purchase or hire the same, may know the terms, which are liberal, by applying to WILLIAM PECKER, Amesbury, April 11, 1817.

Also Published On:

- April 15, 1817

- April 25, 1817

- April 29, 1817

Advertisement from William Pecker on April 11, 1817

See Article for More Information

Newburyport Herald - Friday December 28, 1820

Notice is hereby given, 

That the subscriber has been duly appointed administratis of the estate of WILLIAM PECKER, late of Amesbury, in the county of Essex, yeoman, deceased, and has taken upon herself that trust by giving bonds as the law directs. All persons having demands upon the estate of said deceased, are required to exhibit the same; and all persons indebted said estate are called upon to make payment to HANNAH PECKER, Adm's. Amesbury, Dec. 28.

Also Published On:

- January 5th, 1821

- January 16, 1821

- January 19, 1821

- January 26, 1821

Advertisement for William Pecker's Estate on December 18, 1821

See Article for More Information

Newburyport Herald - March 30, 1821

Essex, SS. At a Court of Probate holden at Newburyport, in and for said county, on the last Tuesday in March, A.D. 1820. On the petition of Hannah Pecker, administratis of the estate of WILLIAM PECKER, late of Amesbury in said county. yeoman, deceased intestrate, shewing, that the debates against the estate of said deceased amount to six hundred eighty nine dollars, thirty seven cents more than all his personal estate; and praying, that she may be duly empowered and licensed to sell so much of the real estate of said deceased as shall be necessary for the payment of said debts, with incidental charges.

Ordered, that the third Tuesday in April next, eleven of the clock before noon, be assigned as the time for considering said petition, at a Court of probate then to be holden at Haverhill in said country; and that said administratis give notice to all persons interested, by causing an attested copy of this order to be published three weeks successively before said time in the Newburyport Herald, that they may be present, and show cause, if any they have, why the prayer of said petition should not be granted. 

D.A. WHITE, Judge of Probate. A true copy of record. Attest, NATH'L LORD, Jr. Register. March 30.

Also Published On:

- April 5, 1821

- April 13, 1821

Advertisement for William Pecker's Estate on March 30, 1821

See Article for More Information

Newburyport Herald - Tuesday October 7, 1828

NOTICE

Is hereby given, that the Subscriber has been duly appointed administrator de bonis non of the estate of WILLIAM PECKER, late of Amesbury, in the county of Essex, yeomen, deceased, and has taken upon himself that trust, by giving bonds as the law directs. All persons having demands upon the estate of said deceased, are required to exhibit the same; and all persons indebted to said estate are called upon to make to STEPHEN SARGENT, jr. Adm'r. Amesbury, Oct. 7.

Also Published On:

- October 28, 1828

Advertisement for William Pecker's Estate on October 7, 1828

See Article for More Information

Newburyport Herald - Friday January 9, 1829

BY ORDER OF COURT

Will be sold at Public Auction, on Saturday, the 7th day of February next at 2 o'clock, afternoon,

So much of the Real Estate of WILLIAM PECKER, late of Amesbury, in the County of Essex, yeoman, deceased, a will raise the sum of four hundred dollars, for the payment of the just debts against said estate and for incidental charges. 

Said estate consists of one acre and thirty rods of Land, with about one half of a Dwelling-house standing thereon, situate in the aforesaid Amesbury: (it being what was set off as a dower to the widow of said deceased.)

The sale will be at the late Dwelling-house of said deceased, in said Amesbury, when and where the conditions of sale will be made known. 

STEPHEN SARGENT, Jr. Admr. Amesbury, Jan. 9, 1829.

Also Published On:

- January 16, 1829

Advertisement for William Pecker's Estate on January 29, 1829

See Article for More Information

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

A Possible Great Example of West Hartford, Connecticut Red Earthenware on Display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City

This post shows a red earthenware object that I was extremely impressed with while recently visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. I have not seen this object on display before, but it was apparently just acquired by the museum from the collection of Robert A. Ellison, Jr. Interestingly, the important pair of red earthenware marriage jars from Southeastern Massachusetts that I just wrote about are displayed right next to this jug, and they also came from Ellison's collection.

According to the MET, "In the 1970s, Robert A. Ellison Jr. began collecting the works of the most celebrated European artist-potters favoring large-scale works with stunning glazes. The Museum recently acquired 76 works from the Ellison Collection that represent some of the best examples of Art Pottery produced in Europe between 1880 and 1930.

Bob Ellison also made a spectacular promised gift of more than 300 American ceramics to the Museum in 2009 (which included the Southeastern Massachusetts marriage jars that finally made their way to the museum in 2015)."

The form of this jug is fascinating since it takes on an appearance of similar formed stoneware jugs from the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century, especially some of those manufactured in the Hartford, Connecticut area, which is where this jug is thought to have been made.

The jug is inscribed with a bold floral decoration, but the incising is also further embellished with slip-decoration. The MET says the jug may have been made at the Thomas Seymour (1763-1849) Pottery in West Hartford, Connecticut; although, it could have also been manufactured by a member of the Goodwin family pottery, as well, such as Thomas O'Hara Goodwin (1796-1880).

According to the West Hartford Historical Society, "Early on, grist saw, and carding mills along with blacksmith shops, tanneries and general stores emerged around the (West Hartford) community to support and help drive agriculture. One of the first major industries to arise centered on the pottery and brick works. Extending from Hartford to Berlin is a sizable deposit of fine clay. 

In 1770, Ebenezer Faxon came from Massachusetts and settled in what would become the Elmwood section of West Hartford. There he established a pottery on South Road (what is today New Britain Avenue) which took advantage of the local geographical landscape. Nathaniel Seymour later followed, but it was Seth Goodwin (1772-1828), however, who helped to establish a pottery dynasty. Goodwin started his pottery works around 1798. For over a hundred years, the Goodwin name would be associated with West Hartford Pottery - producing utilitarian items such as jugs for the gin manufactured in local distilleries, to terra cotta designs and fine china. The Goodwin Company employed up to 75 people in its heyday in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. The Goodwin Brothers Pottery Company (as it came to be known) burned for the third time in 1908 and never recovered."

I also want to show a similar shaped red earthenware jug that was discovered a few years ago by Mark Newton in southern New Hampshire. There was previously some speculation that this jug may have been made at the industry in Charlestown, Massachusetts, but I completely disagreed with that idea since there is nothing that even remotely relates to it in the Charlestown Archaeology Collection at the City of Boston Archaeology Department in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. However, the jug is more likely from Essex County, Massachusetts, New Hampshire or Connecticut.

But both of these objects are also proof that red earthenware potters produced some forms in competition to stoneware. Similar styles of production are also found with some of the wares made in Western New York and Ontario in the 1800s, among other locations in America.

Very Possibly West Hartford, CT Red Earthenware Jug

Large Incised and Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Jug

The Shape Seems to have Been Inspired from Similar Stoneware Jugs

Very Possibly Manufactured by One of the Red Earthenware Potteries in West Hartford, CT

Circa Late-18th or Early-19th Century

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Another View of the Jug

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Information on Display with the Jug

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Jug Found in New Hampshire

 Large Red Earthenware Jug

Found a Few Years Ago in Southern New Hampshire

Stands 15" Tall

Circa Late-18th or Early-19th Century

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Mark Newton

 Another View of the Jug

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Mark Newton

View of the Handle

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Mark Newton

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

Large 19th Century Red Earthenware Vase Recently Found at the Cowtown Market in Southern New Jersey

The Cowtown Market is a twice weekly (Tuesday and Saturday 8am - 4pm), indoor and outdoor year round farmers market and flea market in Southern New Jersey, which has been operating since 1926 in Pilesgrove, New Jersey. There have been many great objects discovered at this flea market since it was established

"The roots of the Cowtown Farmers Market are intertwined with the history of the Cowtown Rodeo. Since 1955 the Cowtown Rodeo has presented the thrills and excitement of a truly American cowboy tradition. Howard "Stoney" Harris first started a weekly auction in 1927. He held a weekly rodeo until 1938 as a feature of the Salem County, New Jersey, Fair.

In 1961 Stoney's son, also named Howard bought Cowtown Rodeo, the livestock auction, farmers market, 1,200 acres of land and a 2,500 seat arena from his father. A new 4,000 seat arena was built in 1967. The rodeo was televised for several years and has become very well known in the industry for its bucking stock and bulls. But the Cowtown complex is equally famous for its Farmers Market and Auction."

Nevertheless, earlier this week, I purchased this large painted American nineteenth century red earthenware vase from a New Jersey antiques dealer at the antiques shows in Brimfield, Massachusetts. I asked the dealer where he found it, and he told me that he purchased it a few months back at the Cowtown Flea Market in Southern New Jersey. He also said he wasn't sure of its history before the flea market, but he suspected that it may have been found in a local home.

I would also like to add that I really enjoy red earthenware, such as this vase that was very likely made with the intent that it would be painted soon after it was removed from the kiln. I believe this paint is period to when to this vase was produced.

Red Earthenware Vase Recently Found in Southern New Jersey

 Large 19th Century Painted Red Earthenware Vase

Recently Found in Southern New Jersey

Stands 14 1/8" Tall

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 Another View of the Vase

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 View of the Interior

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View of the Base

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

A Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Plate Found Today While Visiting the Antique Shows in Brimfield, Massachusetts

This is a mysterious slip-decorated red earthenware plate that I discovered while visiting the antique shows in Brimfield, Massachusetts today. The plate does reveal a good amount of wear and use, but the colors are also basically an exact match to the wonderful earthenware jug I purchased from the Janis Blouin Collection a few weeks ago that was sold by John McInnis in Exeter, New Hampshire.

The jug was found more than 40 years ago at Ginny's Flea Market in Rowley, Massachusetts, which is a short distance from where I believe it was made in Essex County, Massachusetts.

However the plate is a little more mysterious, especially considering the back has been inscribed "B-O-of-C." Interestingly, the "f" on the "of" appears like a cross. Nevertheless, it would be great to learn if anyone reading this knows how to interpret this inscription. Could it be a date or maybe even religious? I also wondered if the inscription could somehow be related to the Knights of Columbus.

For what it is worth, the dealer also told me that it was found locally in Massachusetts.

Red Earthenware Plate

 Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Plate Found Today in Central Mass.

The Colors are Basically a Match to the Jug Shown

Measures " in Diameter

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 View of the Back of the Plate

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The Back has Been Inscribed "B-O-of-C"

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