Location:
1570 Story Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky, in The Historic Butchertown Neighborhood.
Built in 1848, the factory is one of the oldest in the city, and
possibly the first factory to be wired for electricity when it became available.
Before it was turned into a pottery in 1939, it was a candle factory, a wool mill, and a
cordage company that made nautical ropes.
Beargrass Creek runs along one side of the property, making the field behind the building a small haven for wildlife.
(click on images to enlarge)
(Below: Video of the production process, shown on each floor throughout the building.)
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| Clay reserve behind the building. |
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| Clay chute (to basement) in front sidewalk. |
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| Slip Molds - 3rd Floor |
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| Slip Mixer (Blunger) - 3rd Floor |
| The west side of the building is constructed of large, cut stones, and is presumably the original structure. The east side, facing Frankfort Avenue, has thick walls made of brick.
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The large kilns are located on the brick side of the building, and their exterior walls can become extremely hot after hours of firing. One of the kilns, no longer used, got hot enough to cause nearby trees to smolder. The local fire department saved the day, and had everything under control within a few minutes.
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| Hadley Pottery Fire - View From Frankfort Avenue |
