Owen China

In 1902, Edward J. Owen founded the Owen China Company, along with G.F. Brandt, the superintendent of the company. The building was located at 217 Roosevelt St. The company produced quality china usually going to hotels and restaurants. The different kinds of fine china they made varied from calendar plates, pottery vases, pitchers, tankards, and mugs. Owens operated eleven kilns in 1923, and had planned to open another eleven more to double its capacity. They did not expand due to shutting down before they could complete the kilns. The company closed in 1932, operating for 30 years before ceasing all production due to the Great Depression. In 1934, two years after closing, the company was purchased and rebranded as the Cronin China Company, which closed in 1956.

 

 The Owen China company won a gold medal for best domestic semi-porcelain at the St. Louis 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has been known to feature some of their pieces. Antique Owen China prices today can range from $8 to around $50, while full sets can price up to $112. Today, Imperial Aluminum does business where the Owen China Company was located.