The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-31
Pottery Once Made In Skowhegan

Captain Joseph Phllbrick came
from Exeter, N. II. about 1920. He
Immediately went to work with an
elder brother. Samuel Philbrick, in
a pottery located near the bank of the
Kennebec River at the foot of Neil
Hill. 1t occupied the spot where
now stands the brick house known as
the Tilton place. After a few years
the pottery was moved to the south
side of the river where Joseph
Philbrick had bought the land
now bounded ON the south by East
Front Street and on the west by
Mechanic Street, and bordering on the
Samuel Coburn farm, and lots
of various residents on Main Street.
Currier Brook ran through this land
and his pottery building was built
over the brook fronting on East Front
Street. A dam was built and power
developed to turn the pottery wheels.
The clay may have been ground in
part by this power. The main de-
pendence, however, was upon
horse driven round and round in a
circle drawing after him sweep
which transmitted the power to re-
volying knives, working upon the clay
in large tub. This clay was moist
ened and kneaded like bread. Balls
of it were formed from which earth
ernware was made. After drying
1t was glazed on the inside and some
times outside as we'll.
Adjoining the pottery was large
building with kiln built of brick
with arches underneath for the fires.
The pottery would be carefully pack
ed into this kiln the doors sealed up
with brick and mortar and the fires
started. Two days and two nights
were required for the burning.
The two Philbricks had apprentices,
James Stanward and Arthur Moses.
Orders were received from stores In
surrounding towns and delivered in
large loads. Farmers would come
in with their products to exchange for
this ware. Some of the older resi-
dents will remember watching the
operation. The ball of clay would
be put on a wheel which reyolved
horizontically and as 1t turned one OF
the Philbricks with very dexterous
hands would form it into jar or a
jug.
Samuel Philbrick retired from the
no terry business about 1925. This
was the date of the establishment OF
the Skowhegan Bank, which later be-
came the First National Bank, the
first financial Institution of its kind
in the county, and Mr.. Philbrick be-
came its cashier. The business,
after Mr.. Philbricks retirement, was
continued until about 1870 when the
pottery was rented to the Marbleized
Slate Co.
This marbleised slate was of itself
an interesting industry, although of
not very long duration. The slate
was brought here from the quarries
in Mayfleld and put through process
that made it look like marble. This
did not bring 1t out white but left 1t
with a peculiar, although rather at
tractiye, notified dark and light
appearance. There are some NANTES
and perhaps some table tops still ex-
listing of this material. Mrs. Pauline
p. Hill, daughter of Joseph Philbrick
above mentioned, has some pottery
made by her father and doubtless
there are other pieces scattered about
the Kennebec Valley, which were the
product of this once fourishing in
dustry.
Samuel Philbrick was born in
Exeter. n H., June IL, 1885, and
married Betsy White, June 20, 1910.
His brother Joseph was born Jan
nary 8, 1891 and came to Skowhegan
about 1920 After about five years
in the pottery business he became