{HISTORY}

A favorite style of bowl from a one of America's most favorite potteries, this small graduated striped bowl wass made in the 1940s by Scio Ohio Pottery Co in Scio, OH.

Officially known as the R-5, this beloved shape and size was often used for morning oatmeal at the breakfast table. Slightly smaller than a traditional cereal bowl, it's also a great size bowl for soup, snacks, and food prep, as well as for use as a small mixing bowl. 

Containing a swag of pink and blue florals with a gold edge around the rim, this little charmer may be petite in size, but it contains lots of personality. The same can be said for the Scio Ohio Pottery Co, one of our most favorite maunfacturing stories here In The Vintage Kitchen. 

From the very beginning, Lew Reese had economy on his mind when he first bought the abandoned plant at a sheriff’s sale for $8,000. Thrifty and dedicated from day one, Lew was totally invested in making this dream a success. While repairs were being done at the plant, he lived there in order to make sure the pottery was up and running as quickly and professionally as possible. 

Money was always tight, so in addition to managing the operation Lew became the salesman too, introducing Scio dishes to buyers in major market cities. But selling dishware during the Great Depression was a tricky business. Even with Lew focusing on affordable pieces and prices, his finances were always precariously balanced. Like all companies trying to survive during tough economic conditions, Lew was constantly thinking up creative ways to keep his pottery afloat day-to-day. But even with all of his clever thinking, Lew would have never forecasted that aid might come from the very people who populated the town of Scio, Ohio.  

When word got out that Lew was struggling to meet operating costs, the townspeople of Scio stepped up, in $100 increments, and helped Lew pay all his bills so that the pottery would have a chance to succeed. In what must have felt like a real George Bailey moment, the graciousness and generosity of local residents helped the pottery grow and then thrive for the next 50 years.

The pottery workers were equally loyal and supportive too. When a fire burned down the plant in 1947, employees donated their paychecks and residents lent physical support to help rebuild the entire plant. One year later, the pottery was back in operation and on the road to success once again.

If there ever was a real-life George Bailey or a real-life Bedford Falls, it would be Lew Reese and it would be the town of Scio, OH. Cheers to stories of people helping people. And in this case, potteries too.

This style of bowl was made in the early 1940s and was quite popular among dishware afficinados. Even Lucille Ball was a fan. She outfitted her kitchen with this style bowl in a stars and stripes pattern. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Hard to find piece and pattern
• Unmarked on bottom

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition, this bowl contains no chips or cracks. The gold rim has worn away in many areas. Delicate crazing lines add a lovely, authentically aged apperence. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Measures 5" inches (diameter) x 3" inches (height) and weighs 11 oz.

{FOR THE SCIO COLLECTOR}

Find more vintage Scio Ohio dishware in the shop here.