History
Abingdon Pottery is a small town pottery in Abingdon, Illinois, that has been producing high-quality pottery pieces for over 100 years. Established in 1908, this pottery has become an essential part of the town’s history and culture, attracting visitors from all over the country.
The founders of Abingdon Pottery were two businessmen, Mr. A.J. Schramm, and Mr. Charles Martin. They saw the potential of the rich clay deposits in the area and decided to start a pottery business. The first products they made were simple utilitarian pieces such as bowls, jars, and flowerpots.
Over the years, Abingdon Pottery expanded its product line and began to produce more decorative pieces such as vases, figurines, and lamps. They also started experimenting with different glazes and techniques to create unique pieces that would stand out in the market.
One of the most significant periods for Abingdon Pottery was the 1930s when the Art Deco movement was at its peak. The pottery started to produce pieces with Art Deco designs, which became very popular and highly sought after. These pieces are now highly collectible and can fetch a high price in antique markets.
During World War II, Abingdon Pottery was commissioned by the U.S. Army to produce ceramic items for the military, including fuses, rocket launchers, and bomb sights. This helped the pottery stay afloat during the difficult war years.
After the war, Abingdon Pottery continued to produce pottery, but the demand for handmade pottery was declining. In 1950, the pottery was sold to a new owner who tried to modernize the production process by introducing mechanization. However, this led to a decline in quality, and the pottery struggled to stay afloat.
In 1951, the pottery was sold again to a former employee, George R. Foltz. Foltz decided to focus on producing higher-quality pieces, and he introduced new designs and techniques to keep the pottery relevant. His efforts paid off, and Abingdon Pottery became popular once again.
Today, Abingdon Pottery continues to produce high-quality pieces, including vases, bowls, and figurines. The pottery is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who want to see the historic pottery and purchase unique pieces for their collections.
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