When thick fog began to accumulate and Waze began to lose GPS navigation, I knew I was close to the holy grail of American pottery, but I had to cross the threshold first. Then she appeared. This is not a mirage, but the glorious Newell toll bridge, which proves that the ancient industry folklore is true. Built in 1905, spanning 1,500 feet and 86 feet above the Ohio River, it transported Ohio craftsmen to the pottery factory in Newell, West Virginia. Practical, gorgeous and timeless, just like the best tableware.
I happily handed over my U.S. dollar bill ($0.75 for a one-way trip, or $1.00 if you paid for the round trip in advance) and immediately started asking questions to the two older politicians, the czar at the Newell Bridge toll booth . Considering the one-way nature of this situation, we don't have much time to talk, but they are very accepting of my enthusiasm for their head-to-toe white costumes and self-portraits.
On the other side of the bridge is The Homer Laughlin China Company, a bucket list destination for people passionate about American pottery, and a true legend. I have been immersed in these stories since the beginning of my career. My mentor’s mentor asked the factory to provide one of his biggest customers, Charlie Brown’s restaurant with more "second" stories. This story fascinated me. Few things are more American than Charlie Brown. Maybe there are fewer people more American than Homer Laughlin.
Today’s operators may have never even heard of tableware seconds, but in the early decades, it was common to provide slightly flawed or irregular pottery production results as a cost-saving alternative for restaurant owners. practice. Standardized manufacturing, robotics, automation, and even new recycling processes make a few seconds a thing of the past. The vintage second hand has become a rare jewel, just as the archive pattern has become a symbol.
The quality and tradition of The Homer Laughlin China Company has always been very special. Steelite President and CEO John Miles strongly agrees. When the pandemic broke out, he bought the company. The purpose of our visit is to peruse the past collections, which will be re-released in the next few years, so that a new generation of diners will fall in love.
We also visited the newly established and booming Carnival Tableware Company factory. The factory only focuses on Fiestaware, perhaps the most recognizable American tableware, and business is booming to satisfy our country’s growing interest in reviving heirloom pottery. At last.
As we set off, the brilliant sun appeared on the Allegheny Plateau and reflected on the Ohio River. When the Rainbow Mountain of the carnival shimmered in the distance, I knew how I imagined the entrance to heaven.
Across the Buckeye State is another American tableware giant. I also worked at Libbey Glass in Toledo this year. When we usher in 2022, state-of-the-art glassware manufacturing has already used the new "BLT" machine to produce Master's Reserve glassware at the Libby factory. In order to meet the increasing demand for domestic high-end glassware production in the United States, the black label tableware project has been moved to the brand's headquarters.
It is great to see the development and development of the domestic tableware manufacturing industry. Some of the most historically significant names have become brand new, as if we rediscovered them. When you make your travel plans for 2022 and beyond, consider the destinations you previously overlooked and the discoveries you can make for yourself. I don't know what's in your backyard, but I'm glad I found mine.
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