Historical society’s acquisition of 45 pieces shown at Depot Museum
By Tom Ganser
Correspondent
On Jan. 17, more than 50 people got a first and up-close look at the Whitewater Historical Society’s acquisition of a 45-piece Whitewater pottery collection at the Whitewater Depot Museum.
The collection, including jugs, bottles, crocks, flower vases, hanging flowerpots, an unusually large bowl and a foot warmer was purchased through a “Memorial Fund” for the Whitewater Historical Society that was created and promoted by longtime curator Doris Kolmos.
Ellen Penwell, president of the society, said a portion of the collection will be on permanent display in a lighted display case that was purchased with support from The Coburn Company, Inc.
As part of the celebration, information on the history of Whitewater pottery was presented by Kori Oberle.
Oberle said her interest in Whitewater pottery began with the purchase of a Whitewater pottery crock at an auction. A year later, she selected the history of Whitewater pottery as the topic for an independent study project at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
The pottery industry in Whitewater spanned almost 40 years, from 1845 until 1882, Oberle said. Pottery production in Whitewater shifted in the mid-1860s from household containers or vessels used to store or prepare good to flowerpots, following the introduction of stoneware that was more durable than Whitewater pottery “earthenware” and transported inexpensively by rail from the east coast.
The clay used in the production of Whitewater pottery was pulverized limestone deposited along the Whitewater Creek by the glaciers. Whitewater pottery was typical in its plain style for early earthenware, she explained.
During the program, Oberle shared several historical documents, including a story published in the “Whitewater Register” of an 1857 city map to identify the location of the four main potteries as well as photographs of notable potters.
Oberle shared a price list (c. 1870 to c. 1882) for Whitewater pottery flowerpots showing that the price for 12-inch flowerpots – with saucers – was $42 at the time for a case of 100.
With a little laugh directed at fellow Whitewater pottery collectors in the audience, Oberle said, “For those of you in the room who collect Whitewater pottery now …don’t we wish.”
In contrast to stoneware or ceramic pottery, earthenware like Whitewater pottery generally was not stamped or marked, according to Oberle and so it can be difficult to identify.
“There’s no fool proof trademark, stamp or authentication. It’s based on educating yourself, looking at museum collections that have authenticated it as closely as they can,” Oberle said.
Anyone who collects Whitewater pottery or has additional information about the history of it is encouraged to contact Oberle via email at k.oberle@sbcglobal.net.
