Have you ever heard of the Seagrove Owens? They’re world-famous potters – and my cousins! My mama is a great-great-granddaughter of Big John Chrisco and a great-granddaughter of Lockey Owen. Through direct descent or marriage, we’re related to just about every potter family of Seagrove.
Even more surprising? I didn’t know anything about these relations until after I was grown. My Grandpa Owens passed away long before I thought to ask him about his past. His family left Seagrove in the 1930s, settling in Wilmington before 1942. With this disconnect from the rest of the family, I never knew his daddy or his daddy’s daddy threw pottery – or that I had aunts, uncles, and cousins famous for their folk art. I never even knew to ask him if he had thrown pottery himself.
Since learning about my Owens family history, I’ve made a couple of trips up to Seagrove. Naturally, my favorite shop is the Original Owens Pottery. Opened in 1895, it is the oldest, continuously-operating pottery in North Carolina. They’re famous for their difficult-to-produce, fire-red glazed decorative pottery, though my favorite is the blue. Owner, Boyd Owens, is the most inviting guy you could ever meet. He makes me feel like I’m right at home every time I walk through the door.
Thanks to my Uncle Calvin, who purchased my first piece – and Boyd drawing me back in, I’ve become a pottery fanatic over the years. You can find Owens-made pottery throughout my home. I’m not lucky enough to own a Locky Owens piece, but I keep an eye out. Maybe one day, I’ll get to add some of his pottery to my collection. Fingers crossed.
Have you been to the Original Owens Pottery? If not, you’ve got to put it on your to-do list! From what I hear, the red glaze will eventually run out. You’re going to want to make that trip before it’s too late. 😉
Over the years, Mr. Owens of the Original Owens Pottery has helped us fill out a set of dinnerware for 12 with all the available pieces in the beautiful teal blue color. We need a butter dish (uncovered) and a teapot. Any chance those pieces might be available for shipment to us in Sykesville, Maryland? We also had the wonderful fluted pie plate, which I should replace since the last person to whom I brought a pie never returned the pie plate. (Guess she loved it, too!). Thanks for any help you can give us. We have been told we shouldn’t drive as far as Seagrove at our ages!
Mr. Owens is such a sweetheart! I love stopping by to visit with him and do a little shopping. The Original Owens Pottery doesn’t have a website – but they are on Facebook. I would try to reach out to them there. Or you could just give them a call at 910 464 3553. I’m sure they’d be willing to help you out! 🙂
We bought a red face jug signed “Owens/S.K./2006.” Is S.K. from your family? More information, please.
Pete
How cool is that?? I wish I could help but I know very little about today’s Owens family potters. My family left Seagrove in the 1930s and settled in Wilmington.
The North Carolina Pottery Center might be able to point you in the right direction, though! You can reach them at 336 873 8430.
I hope this helps! And please let me know if you solve your mystery!