Year of Award

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Name

Anthropology

Department or School/College

Department of Anthropology

Committee Chair

Gregory Campbell

Commitee Members

Kelly Dixon, Richmond Clow

Keywords

brick, brickyard, migration, porcelain, redware, stoneware, underdevelopment theory, whiteware, yellowware

Abstract

This thesis answers the question: What type of utilitarian and industrial ceramics were being produced or brought into Montana in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries? This question came from correspondences with the Montana Historical Society where the main research took place. This research was conducted in the Montana Historical Society archives which consisted of files and other sources to find evidence of ceramic production within the state. Further research was done to get an understanding of clays and ceramic production for this period of time. This thesis presents the information by first addressing clays, and then moving into an overview of what types of ceramics were being produced during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth, and how they were produced. The results show that there was minimal utilitarian ceramic production, but prolific industrial production throughout Montana. The research also addresses the various amounts of ceramics being imported into the region. The conclusions of the project show: 1) that Montana had a need for ceramic products of both a utilitarian and industrial type; 2) that people coming to Montana knew opportunities for business when they saw them; 3) Montanans understood the need for sturdy fireproof building materials; 4) finally, that Montanans were willing to take on hard-work to procure items as needed whether it be for personal safety or for profit.

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© Copyright 2011 Matthew Gregory Sadorf