Crocks varied by size and shape, depending upon their intended purpose. This standard four gallon crock was a very useful item in every 19th century home. Collection of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, Johnstown, PA. Visit them at www.jaha.org. Three gallon crock. Collection of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, Johnstown, PA. Visit them at www.jaha.org. Crock size was often marked on the vessel. Earlier crocks, like this 3 gallon one, had painted marks. Look for a 3 in the upper left corner. Collection of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, Johnstown, PA. Visit them at www.jaha.org. As pottery production became more mechanized, stamped size indicators replaced hand painted ones, as on this 3 gallon crock by Swank. The 3 is visible below the small handle indentation. Collection of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, Johnstown, PA. Visit them at www.jaha.org. The stamped ½ indicates this small crock’s size—a half gallon container by Swank. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. Two handles are attached to this hand-painted Swank crock. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. J. SWANK & CO JOHNSTOWN PA is stamped on this crock. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. The hand painted flower—a tulip, perhaps?—provides a decorative element to this stoneware crock by Swank. Collection of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, Johnstown, PA. Visit them at www.jaha.org. Shaped crocks like this jar by J. Swank & Co. are popular with collectors. They were sometimes produced with lids. The number 1, indicating it is a one gallon container, is clearly stamped below the company’s name. Collection of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, Johnstown, PA. Visit them at www.jaha.org. This beautifully decorated pitcher was made by Hamilton and Pershing, another Johnstown pottery manufacturer. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. Two small handles are visible on this large Swank jug. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. Simple and utilitarian, this jug is still admired for its graceful shape. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. This uncommonly shaped 1 ½ gallon Swank container is thought to be a cake crock. Private collection. Photo credit: Rick Povich. This decorated oval crock by J. Swank & Co is dated 1889, and might have been used as a milk pan. Collection of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, Johnstown, PA. Visit them at www.jaha.org. Not all containers were decorated, as this shapely 1 gallon bowl or crock by Swank demonstrates. Collection of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, Johnstown, PA. Visit them at www.jaha.org. Early stoneware pieces were individually handmade. Later, ribbed ware such as these small flower pots was produced using molds. Collection of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, Johnstown, PA. Visit them at www.jaha.org. Not every stoneware item had a utilitarian function. This very rare stoneware presentation bank, incised “Rev. L. M. Boyer” and “Johnstown Pottery,” is dated 1877. It has Swank-style tulip decoration and a carved horizontal slot for coins. Private collection. Photo credit: Crocker Farms, Inc. Visit them at www.crockerfarms.com. Over time, as food preservation techniques improved, the demand for crocks declined. Swank and other pottery manufacturers branched out beyond household items, making practical but seldom seen items such as sewer pipes, shown here, and bricks to line furnaces for the iron and steel industry. Collection of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, Johnstown, PA. Visit them at www.jaha.org.
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