The Homer Laughlin China Company
The Homer Laughlin China Company is a United States manufacturer that Americans can be proud of. This company started in Ohio in 1871 by two brothers, Homer and Shakespeare Laughlin, in response to the East Liverpool City Council's desire to produce white ware locally, as it was a preference over the yellow ware and it was mostly being imported from England.
The two brothers took the challenge and became well-known for producing high-quality white granite ware. Eventually, Shakespeare left the company and Homer continued to operate it until he retired and sold the company to Wells and Aaron. It has since been operated by five generations of these families.
The company has experienced lots of changes over the last century (plus), but it managed to survive through times when many American pottery companies went under.
Their focus on becoming leading distributors of restaurant dinnerware saved the company when other American pottery makers went out of business due to low-cost imports. They also responded to the country's focus on environmental concerns by manufacturing lead-free china.
Today, The Homer Laughlin China Company holds much of the market share in both the foodservice and retail sectors.
Fiesta Dinnerware
Fiesta dinnerware has been a popular dinnerware line since 1936.
It was originally designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead who was the design director for Homer Laughlin from 1927 through 1942.
The original colors introduced in 1936 included Red, Blue (Cobalt), Green (Light), Yellow, and Old Ivory. Many other colors have been introduced since then. Fiesta was not produced from 1973 to 1985 and it was reintroduced in 1986.
Today, you can buy Fiesta as open stock. Fiesta and other patterns by Homer Laughlin can also be found among vintage dinnerware. The products made by this company, especially the Fiesta line, have become very desirable for collectable dinnerware.
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