The Dish Patch, Laughlin Brothers, Newsletter

The Dish Patch Newsletter on The Laughlin Brothers written by Jo Cunningham and Darlene Nossaman.

Published by Robbins Nest

THE LAUGHLIN BROTHERS - In 1873 when the East Liverpool, Ohio town officials approached the brothers with an offer to build a pottery to produce white ware, one has to wonder what went through the brothers´ minds.  Were they successful in their china import business in New York, or were they willing to go back home? Shakespeare had a wife and children by this time, so in all probability he wanted to go home.  They knew it would be a challenge, but with Homer´s business expertise and Shake´s artistic ability and knowledge of potting, it must have seemed the wise thing to do.  Maybe the lure of a $5000. start up bonus also entered into their decision.  Whatever the reasons, the brothers proved to the hometown folks they were worthy of their confidence.

When the first production was out of the kiln in 1874, the pottery consisted of the main building 260 feet long, 30 feet wide and two stories high with an iron roof.  Other buildings were the placing house 112 feet x 12 feet, clay shop 32 feet x 40 feet, sagger and kiln shed 140 feet x 40 feet.  In 1874, the pottery employed 125 workers.

Click any small photo for larger view.

Homer and Shakespeare taken about the time they started the pottery

Homer realized the importance of running a "tight ship", and continued to patent his own ideas, as well as those who worked for him.  Shakespeare also held several patents, one of which was for the spring top for a molasses jar, similar to the one shown.  The jar was described as self opening, with a metallic top, and when the handle is grasped, the lid opens.

Photo of Crockery and Glass Journal Ad.   The pottery was known as Ohio Valley Pottery, Laughlin Brothers.

Photo of 1876 Letterhead

At the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, the Laughlin Brothers exhibit won the highest award.  The brothers were on their way.  But it would be only one year later the brothers would, by mutual consent dissolve their partnership.  Shakespeare´s fellow coworkers stated, "We shall miss him, for there is no one better known or more appreciated." On June 21, 1877 Homer Laughlin became the sole owner of the pottery.

Research had not found the reason why Shakespeare withdrew, but on all probability he had a better offer.  Mr.  Jay Gould, financier, put up the money to back a new pottery in Philadelphia and Shakespeare would be in charge of all operations.  It is reported that $250,000. was invested in the enterprise, and the name of the pottery was to be Philadelphia China Works.  This would also give Shakespeare the opportunity to use his artistic modeling talents.

At the 1876 Centennial he had received praise from other exhibitors for his ability to organize, model, and be helpful in many areas, so it is any wonder all this captured the attention of Mr.  Gould and other men of money.  However, before the pottery could be completed, Shakespeare died of typhoid pneumonia on April 9, 1881, and all the plans for the pottery were abandoned.  He is buried in the Riverview Cemetery, East Liverpool, Ohio beside other family members.