Alkaline to Salt-Glaze: Randolph County Exodus

Charles King Oliver (1825-1895) moved from Randolph County into the Tuscaloosa area by 1850. He brought the Randolph County tradition of alkaline glazed stoneware, like that used on this dated 1852 jar, with him. In Tuscaloosa County, Oliver was in competition with salt-glazed stoneware from the shop of Daniel Cribbs, and quickly adopted this technique to meet the local market preference. This salt-glazed churn by Oliver has distinctive double strap handles down one side, a common Alabama feature.

Jar

1852

Attributed to Charles King Oliver

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama

Stoneware with ash-based alkaline glaze

Collection of Ron Countryman and Joe Forbes