[Newspaper]
Publication: Tri-Weekly Constitutionalist
Augusta, GA, United States
vol. 22, no. 98, p. 3, col. 1
The Southern Porcelain Works.
On Wednesday we had the pleasure of a stroll through the Southern Porcelain Works at "Ksolin," on the South Carolina road, six miles from the city. These works were commenced some years since, but were destroyed by fire during the war.
Early last spring a number of the stockholders concluded to "begin again," and push an enterprise, which, properly conducted, seems to promise much in favor of true Southern independence. Accordingly, the President, Col. Bullock, gave the agent and manager. Dr. Schaub, carte blanche to proceed to the re-establishment of the works. During our brief visit we had an opportunity to observe the satisfactory manner in which the Doctor has discharged his duties.
The clay from which the porcelain ware is manufactured in found in inexhaustible quantity beneath the soil to the extent of hundreds of acres in the vicinity of the works. This clay is of extraordinary purity, entirely free from sand or grit, thus saving to the manufacturers engaged in the business a very tedious and costly operation, which would otherwise become necessary. From the hill-side near the works this clay is excavated, hauled to a shed and allowed to dry before it is ready for use. When ready, the clay is ground, then mixed with Feldspar, flint, & c., in different tubs or vats. This mixing operation is effected by machinery similar in construction to patent churns that we have seen, and kept in motion by a powerful steam engine, located in an adjoining room. From these vats the composition, now of the consistency of a thin paste or batter, is passed through sieves [sic] seives into the "slip kiln" an oblong basin, built of fire-brick — manufactured at these works — where it is prepared for the workmen’s hands.
Thus prepared, it is transferred to the "Pottery Shop," where it is moulded into the many different shpes of bowl and pitcher, cups and saucers — in fact, into all the numerous vessels which the ware is so wont to assume while "clay in the hands of the potter." For circular ware a machine is used to give it shape, called a "gigger," which la operated like hand-lathe.
In this shop are employed none hut the most experienced workmen — artisans who have "served their time’’ and learned their trades in potteries, either in the "old country" or the United States. Mr. H. R. Lawton, the chief potter, is an English man, and has had many years experience in the business in his native land.
We were much pleased with the neat and tidy appearance of the operatives in this, as well as the other departments, of the manufactory. — Two or three young lads and a number of girls were engaged upon the lighter and plainer articles.
The ware in now taken into the "green room,” where it remails until such time may be ready for burning the first time, when it is carefully placed in "asggers [sic] saggers" — oval-shaped earthen-ware ovens, or bake dishes, house-keepers would call them — these "saggers” and contents are placed in the kiln, one above the other, and subjected to an intense heat for thirty-six or forty hours.
One more process and the ware is ready for market. This is the “glazing" process. After the ware in is taken from the furnace or kiln, it is dipped in the "glaze" the composition of which is one of the secrets of the — and again placed in it kiln where it undergoes another baking process for forty-eight hours.
This enterprise gives daily employment to about eighty operatives, the majority of them being white men who are earning wages sufficient to support themselves and families, and which also enable them to lay by something for a rainy day.
As we remarked in the outset the deposit of clay is inexhaustible. Hence immense quantities are being shipped to other manufactories of porcelain, as well as to paper factories. Indeed the admirers of paper collars, fancy soaps, fine imported candies and many other things, so nice, because they are made a thousand miles hence, have never realized that they might be wearing, using or eating the Kaolin clay which abounds in such proximity to us.
The quality of the ware now manufactured by the Southern Porcelain Company is equal to any "Queen’s Ware" now made. The orders from the North and West are flattering testimonials in its favor, and we have no doubt that in less than another twelve-month the manufactory will be doubled in size.
To any of our readers at a loss to know what to do with themselves these dull days, we recommend a trip to the Porcelain works. Messrs. Mosher, Thomas and Schaub, of our city, and agents for the sale of this ware, will take pleasure in furnishing parties with tickets of admission into the works.
