From humble beginnings producing utilitarian crocks and jugs in Paducah to creating vibrant, trend-setting dinnerware in Los Angeles, the tale of J. A. Bauer Pottery is a quintessential American success story – one of innovation, adaptation, and enduring craftsmanship.
In 1878, a young German American, Andreas (known as J. Andy) Bauer, went to work in his brother’s pottery shop in Louisville. There at Preston Street Pottery, Bauer learned the skills needed to become an expert potter. Wanting to strike out independently, he explored options throughout the Ohio River valley and eventually elected to purchase Paducah Pottery.
From 1903 to 1908, Paducah Pottery grew from four kilns with sixty employees to six kilns with close to 100 employees. Like many other wealthy families in the Ohio Valley, the Bauers sought to escape the long Kentucky winter by visiting southern California. It wasn’t long until Bauer selected a new site—much like many other prosperous pottery companies—and moved his entire Paducah operation in 1909. Many of his key employees made the move along with his family. The J. A. Bauer Pottery Company at 415-421 West Avenue in Los Angeles opened in 1910. Bauer brought his molds from Paducah and produced many of the same products for his new customers and those loyal ones back in the Ohio Valley.
The company eventually closed in 1962, but reopened with a new “revival” line of pottery in 2000. The company is still active today and products can be purchased at bauerpottery.com, ensuring that a little piece of Paducah is still on tabletops worldwide.
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