Justin Thomas

South Amesbury's Red Earthenware & Stoneware Justin Thomas

Red earthenware production in South Amesbury (Merrimacport), Massachusetts dates to the eighteenth century, supplying households in the small corner of northeastern Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire and probably other spots in New England, with everyday utilitarian wares. This multi-generational family business lasted for more than 100 years, making it one of the longest standing potteries in New England. The most famous of those employed in South Amesbury was William Pecker, who operated a pottery during the circa 1791-1820 period. Although, it is not widely known that Pecker was one of New England earliest potters to produce red earthenware and stoneware, perhaps only the second business to accomplish this feat in New England behind the Parker Pottery in Charlestown, Mass. in the 1740s. This book is the first of its kind to explore South Amesbury's pottery production, the aesthetic appeal of these wares, archaeology and closely examine the stoneware manufactured by William Pecker.
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