In 1873, two brothers with a vision and a modest investment from their local city council set out to reshape the American tableware industry. Homer and Shakespeare Laughlin launched their pottery business in East Liverpool, Ohio, with a bold goal—to produce high-quality white dinnerware that could rival the fine imports from Europe. Though Shakespeare eventually left the venture, the company, renamed Homer Laughlin China Works, would go on to become a cornerstone of American ceramics. Against all odds, the company thrived for over a century, adapting to seismic shifts like world wars, the rise of cheap overseas imports in the 1950s, and the migration of U.S. manufacturing abroad. Their story is not just one of business success, but of resilience, innovation, and enduring craftsmanship. Homer Laughlin History
When we first began searching for dinnerware for our new business back in 2013, one name kept appearing on the backs of the vintage plates we found—Homer Laughlin. Intrigued, we dug a little deeper and quickly confirmed that these pieces were indeed vintage treasures. What truly captured our attention, though, were the patterns—delightfully varied and full of charm, with soft florals and timeless details that felt both nostalgic and elegant. It didn’t take long for us to appreciate the legacy behind the name and the lasting appeal of his beautifully crafted tableware.
As we continued building our collection, we discovered even more of Homer Laughlin’s incredible range of styles—classic blue and white designs, understated white and cream pieces, bold rims adorned with florals, soft light blues, and the iconic Golden Wheat pattern that evokes pure Americana. Today, we proudly feature many of Homer’s patterns in our inventory, but even with our growing collection, we’ve only just scratched the surface of the vast array of pottery patterns produced by the company over the decades. Their legacy is not only in their craftsmanship, but in the sheer depth and diversity of their designs.
With the exception of a few white pieces, the ever-so-popular line of Fiesta® ware is notably absent from our inventory. Introduced in 1936 and proudly made in the USA ever since, Fiesta has cultivated a passionate following with its bold, colorful designs and collectible appeal. From dedicated online forums to annual conventions, Fiesta lovers celebrate every hue and history-rich detail. Each year, the brand unveils a new color, adding to its vibrant legacy. Curious about this year’s newest shade? You can find the announcement at Fiesta’s official site.
Research sources:
Fiesta Factory Direct
Replacements LTD
