Catawba Valley Pottery

 

In the 1800s many potters were using the clay that was found in Catawba and Lincoln counties to produce stoneware pottery. Stoneware pottery is clay that is fired to high temperatures. Many potters today are still making hand-made pottery in the Catawba Valley area.

 

 

What is this?
This is a meat storage jar.

Who made it?
Daniel Seagle made this jar around 1830.

Fun fact!
Jars like this stored the original "potted meat." Beef or pork would be stored in jars with spices like salt or sugar used to preserve it. Meat could be preserved for months without refrigeration.

 

  

 

 

What is this?
This is a jug with a metal handle.

Who made it?
David Hartsoe made this jug around 1850. If you look hard, you can see the potter's name on the side of the jug.

Fun fact!
 Look at the metal handle. Think about how easy that handle would make it to carry this jug.

 
     

 

What is this?
This is a rundlet.

Who made it?
Sylvanus Hartsoe made this jug around 1898.

Fun fact!
A rundlet is a small keg that could sit on the table. It is used to store "spirits," cider, fresh water or other liquids. This could be very handy in a house without running water or a refrigerator.