The Past
6
thePeorian.com
P
eoria Pottery started in
the 1860s and produced
thousands of crocks,
jugs, and bowls for the pioneer
kitchens of the growing nation
for over 40 years. Every piece was
stamped with the word “Peoria”
and they advertised the city
across the nation.
The Morton Potteries began
production in 1877. Their goods
were sent across the nation
for 99 years, twice as long as
Peoria Pottery. But it is hard for
collectors today to identify a
Morton piece because the Morton
name was rarely incised or
stamped into the stoneware. Also,
they used paper labels for many
years that would be torn or lost
with time.
Hundreds of thousands of
Morton-made items are in our
homes, offices and second-hand
stores, yet the majority of people
have no idea what they have.
Doris and Burdell Hall of
Morton are devoted collectors
and published two books on the
history and identification of the
Morton Potteries earthenware.
The Peoria area should be
grateful for their research as their
books have opened the doors to
the complex colorful world of
Morton Potteries. Readers are
urged to purchase their books for
the complete story.
The inset displays the
addresses, pottery company
names, and years of production.
As one can see, it is a complex
story. But it can be simplified into
three sections:
Before World War I (1877- 1919)
After World War I (1920 – 1940)
After World War II (1940 – 1976)
BEAUTY,
IMAGINATION
AND FUN
The Potteries
of Morton Illinois
1877 – 1976
by Dr. Peter Couri
