Speeler, Taylor & Bloor Porcelain Works

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HOW TO USE THE DATABASE

The Database is organized by location, but you can find a pottery initially by searching for its name, which is at the top of the of the page with dates of operation below. Alternate names and the names of other potteries on the same site are noted at the top of the right-hand column, just above the pottery’s location.

The types of wares made appear below the pottery name in the left-hand column, followed by the references that informed these classifications.

Sample images of maker’s marks may be enlarged by clicking on the image.

Notes include a variety of information compiled from many standard sources and are presented as miscellaneous tidbits.

In the Gallery and Map Gallery in the right-hand column you will see historic images and insurance maps of the pottery’s facilities if available as well as historic advertisements and images of the wares made.

You can download more detailed information in all of these categories by choosing a PDF of the pottery’s full listing, which also includes the documentary sources. The PDF is text only and does not contain any images.  Data from the 1860, 1870 and 1880 industrial censuses area also included in the PDF if they exist for a given pottery. This data gives you a picture of the size of the pottery operation and the age and gender makeup of its work force.

You can help expand the database by contributing pictures and information. Contact POTS by the email address at the bottom of the page.

In operation    1852-1865

Wares

PorcelainQueenswareRockinghamTableware

Porcelain, Queensware, Rockingham and cane-colored fire proof ware (1854/55 advertisement)

All kinds of porcelain, Queensware, Rockingham, cane colored fire proof ware (Harney 1929)

Notes

“The new pottery commenced operations in 1852 under the name of ‘Taylor and Speeler.’ The equal partnership was modified two years later. In September 1855, Taylor conveyed his interest to Speeler who three months later reconveyed two-thirds of his interest in equal shares to Taylor and their East Liverpool, Ohio associate, William Bloor. Thereafter the pottery conducted business under the name of Speeler, Taylor and Bloor … Based on name changes, it is possible to date pieces marked or inscribed ‘Taylor & Speeler’ to the period from May 1853 through 1855; pieces marked Speeler, Taylor & Bloor date from 1856 to early 1860… In 1860, Henry Speeler sold his interest to John F. Houdayer. Taylor and Houdayer incorporated the pottery in February 1865 as the Trenton Pottery …” (Goldberg 1998:17-18).

–Goldberg, David J. 1998.  Preliminary Notes on the Pioneer Potters and Potteries of Trenton, N.J.: The First Thirty Years – 1852 – 1882 (And Beyond).  Privately published, Trenton, New Jersey.

Selected References

Woodward, E.M. and John F. Hageman. 1883. History of Burlington and Mercer Counties. Everts and Peck, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Harney, W.J. 1929. “Trenton’s First Potteries.” Sunday Times Advertiser, July 7, 14, 21 and 28, 1929.

Trenton Historical Society. 1929. A History of Trenton 1679-1929: Two Hundred and Fifty Years of a Notable Town with Links in Four Centuries. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey.

Lehner, Lois. 1980. Complete Book of American Kitchen and Dinner Wares. Wallace-Homestead Book Company, Des Moines, Iowa.

Leibowitz, Joan. 1985. Yellow Ware: The Transitional Ceramic. Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Goldberg, David J. 1998.  Preliminary Notes on the Pioneer Potters and Potteries of Trenton, N.J.: The First Thirty Years – 1852 – 1882 (And Beyond).  Privately published, Trenton, New Jersey.

Other firms at this site:

Other Names

Taylor & Speeler; Speeler & Taylor; Speeler, Taylor & Bloor; Taylor & Houdayer

Block and Lot:
52B; 52C; NJ RT 26

Historic Street Address:
Greenwood Avenue corner of Jackson Street; Railroad between Jackson & Mercer; Taylor near Mercer; Mercer corner of Taylor; Taylor near Broad

Municipality:
City of Trenton

Image Gallery

Speeler Taylor and Bloor image from 1859 Lamborn map.
Speeler Pottery,1929 Trenton Historical Society (based on 1859 Lamborn inset)
Speeler Taylor and Bloor advertisement.
Speeler Taylor and Bloor advertisement.
Table Pitcher, press-molded yellowware with spotted brown and green glaze, made by Taylor & Speeler Pottery, 1852-1856, 10 in H. The body was modeled to resemble a tree trunk with vines suggesting a cool, refreshing beverage. The multi-colored glaze is often called flint enamel because of its high gloss. Collection of the New Jersey State Museum, CH1968.161

1860 Census

Name in censusSpeeler & Taylor
Capital Invested25000
Raw materials 1Clay
Quantity materials 11000 tons
Value materials 15000
Raw materials 2Spar
Quantity materials 2500 tons
Value materials 21250
Raw materials 3Flint
Quantity materials 3500 tons
Value materials 31250
Power type 1Hands & Mill Power
Male hands employed60
Female hands employed3
Male wages1580
Female wages20
Kind of productAll Kinds Porcelain & Earthen Ware
Value of product50000