History of the Pottery Industry

The pottery industry grew out of the early farmer’s need for inexpensive containers and tableware. Early potteries were only part-time operations. Often owned by farmers, and worked between fall and spring, these potteries coined the name “Bluebird” because the production started when the bluebirds returned from the south and the clay would be mined. Bluebird potteries, such as Eal Run, Possum Hollow, Breadless, Poverty Hollow, and Henpeck, became so predominant that by 1850 there were about 41 different potteries operating three miles within the Ohio pottery museum in Crooksville.

Clay was mined nearby and prepared for use by horsepower. The average Bluebird pottery contained two kickwheels on a log building about 20 X 24 feet, having just two doors and two windows. The kilns were round, 9 – 10.5 feet in diameter and 6 – 8 feet high. They were made of either sandstone or firebrick and had two fireboxes, one door and moon-shaped flues for draft. Ware was placed on stoneware platters or constructed to be placed on each other. Kilns held an average of between 2,000 to 3,000 gallons.

The theories for why the companies began to branch into making a more decorated ware were varied. Some founding fathers were just driven by the need to have the “best, most finished product.” Others were motivated by the rising hobby of the genteel young ladies who were painting lovely pictures on china. Still another reason was the trend to move into the luxurious surroundings in the cities as more and more wealth was attained. Whatever the reasons, this area became well known for its art potteries. Hull is just one of the approximately 22 companies which existed and made ware specifically for the adornment of the home.

In 1994, the first Hull convention was organized by Joe and Betty Yonis and assisted by Kenny and Linda Williams, Al and Nancy Dennis, and Stella Frash. In 1996, the Hull association was formed with 90 members and presently it has 813 nationwide. Today, as well as the Crooksville Hull Convention, the association has expanded, and now has a Midwest regional convention annually in Western States.