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Discover Mid-America — November 2004

The Hull Pottery Company

Organized in July 1905, the A. E. Hull Pottery Co. quickly established a firm market and excellent reputation in the field of ceramics, centering on stoneware and stoneware specialties. In 1907, the Hull Co. purchased Acme Pottery, thus expanding production.

In the 1920s, a full line of quality stoneware, semi-porcelain, art pottery, gardenware and lusterware were being marketed. Hull was a large manufacturer of bathroom and kitchenware in the early years, reasonably priced and used by both homeowners and in hotels. Much of the material used in Hull’s manufacturing consisted of what was then known as “yellow clay” mined in Crooksville.

During the ‘20s, Hull imported art pottery from Czechoslovakia, England, Germany, Italy and France. The Stock Market Crash of 1929 ended the demand for imports and closed the doors of the company’s Jersey City warehouse. Hull then concentrated their efforts on domestic pottery of their own manufacture.

In 1927, Hull began making tile, tile accessories and other bathroom items such as towel bars and soap dishes. Ten years later, the company began production of pottery cosmetic containers including containers for Old Spice men’s products that were introduced in 1938.

From the late 1930s into the mid-‘40s, Hull vases in many variations appeared simplistic in style. Orchid, Tulip, Iris and Poppy were some of the lines created with their patterns also appearing on baskets, bowls and ewers. During this period, the company continued to produce utilitarian kitchenware items with updates in shapes and glazes.

By 1940, novelty items such as foot-long decorated piggy banks were produced. Hull also made elephant and pig figures, and a liquor bottle with a patented Leeds marking. Patented June 29, 1943, the Red Riding Hood cookie jar was produced in great quantities as it stole the hearts of many consumers. Lamps were also made by Hull and remain a premium for collectors.

On June 16, 1950, Hull’s plant was destroyed by fire and suffered water damage. On Jan. 1, 1952, they reopened with a name change to The Hull Pottery Co. and production started again in full swing.

During the 1950s, Hull produced novelty items, florist wares and a wide variety of kitchenware products along with the company’s art lines. In the 1960s, Hull began producing over-proof House and Garden serving ware.

Hull pottery remains a highly collectible market with a diversified collection to choose from.

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