The History of Syracuse China
Syracuse China is an iconic American brand of ceramics that is known for its durability, high quality, and timeless design. It was founded in 1871 in Syracuse, New York, and quickly became one of the most successful and influential pottery companies in the United States. Its products have been used in fine dining establishments, hotels, homes, and even on board ships and trains. The company’s history spans more than a century and includes many notable achievements and innovations that have helped shape the ceramics industry.
Early Years: The Founding of Onondaga Pottery Company
Syracuse China’s origin story starts with the Onondaga Pottery Company, which was founded in 1871 by a group of local businessmen in Syracuse, New York. The company was established to take advantage of the rich clay deposits and abundant natural resources in the area, as well as the growing demand for high-quality ceramics products. The founders of Onondaga Pottery Company were experienced in the ceramics industry, having worked for other companies such as the Empire Pottery and the Geddes Pottery. They brought their expertise to the new company and set out to create a line of tableware that would be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The early products of Onondaga Pottery Company were simple and utilitarian, but they quickly gained popularity for their durability and affordability. The company’s first major success came in 1878, when it was awarded a contract to supply the U.S. Navy with ceramic tableware. This gave Onondaga Pottery Company national exposure and helped it establish a reputation for quality and reliability.
Expansion: The Onondaga Pottery Company Becomes Syracuse China
In 1897, Onondaga Pottery Company changed its name to Syracuse China, reflecting its growing reputation and expanding market reach. The company continued to focus on producing high-quality ceramics tableware, but it also began to experiment with new designs and materials. One of its most popular lines during this era was the Econo-Rim line, which featured a thin, unglazed edge that made the dishes easier to stack and handle. Another popular line was the Old Ivory line, which featured a creamy-colored glaze and intricate designs inspired by Chinese and Japanese pottery. These lines helped Syracuse China gain a foothold in the rapidly expanding hotel and restaurant industry, as well as in homes across the country. By the early 1900s, Syracuse China was one of the largest ceramics manufacturers in the United States, with a workforce of over 1,500 employees and a reputation for excellence.
The Popular Econo-Rim and Old Ivory Lines
The Econo-Rim and Old Ivory lines were two of Syracuse China’s most popular and enduring product lines. The Econo-Rim line, introduced in the 1920s, was designed to solve a common problem in the hospitality industry: how to stack and store dishes efficiently. The line featured a thin, unglazed rim that made it easy to stack multiple plates without damaging them. The Econo-Rim line was a hit with hotels, restaurants, and other food service establishments, and it remains a classic design to this day.
The Old Ivory line was another major success for Syracuse China. Introduced in the early 1900s, it featured a creamy-colored glaze and intricate designs that were inspired by the pottery of China and Japan. The Old Ivory line was a departure from Syracuse China’s traditional designs, which tended to be simpler and more utilitarian. The line was initially marketed to households and was a hit with middle-class consumers who wanted to add a touch of elegance to their dining rooms. The Old Ivory line was also featured in some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in the country, cementing Syracuse China’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of ceramics tableware.
The Great Depression and World War II Impact on Syracuse China
Like many companies of the time, Syracuse China was impacted by the Great Depression and World War II. The economic downturn of the 1930s led to a decline in demand for ceramics products, and Syracuse China was forced to lay off workers and cut back on production. However, the company was able to weather the storm by focusing on its core strengths: durability, quality, and value. Syracuse China continued to produce its popular Econo-Rim and Old Ivory lines, as well as other products such as hotel ware and institutional ware.
During World War II, Syracuse China played a vital role in the war effort. The company supplied ceramics tableware to the U.S. military, as well as to other countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom. Syracuse China’s products were used in mess halls, hospitals, and other facilities, helping to sustain the troops and boost morale. The company’s contribution to the war effort was recognized with several awards and commendations, including the Army-Navy "E" Award for excellence in production.
Design Innovation: The Brooke Era
In the 1940s and 1950s, Syracuse China entered a new era of design innovation under the leadership of designer Arthur Brooke. Brooke, who joined the company in 1942, was a graduate of the Pratt Institute and had worked for several other ceramics companies before coming to Syracuse. He brought a fresh perspective to the company and introduced a range of new designs and techniques. One of his most notable innovations was the use of decals, which allowed for intricate designs to be applied to ceramics products without the need for hand-painting. Brooke also experimented with new glazes and shapes, creating a range of modern and stylish products that were a departure from Syracuse China’s traditional designs.
The Transition to Fine China: The Triumph Line
In the 1960s, Syracuse China made a strategic shift towards fine china, a higher-end product that was associated with luxury and exclusivity. The company introduced the Triumph line, a range of fine china products that featured elegant designs and high-quality materials. The shift towards fine china was a response to changing consumer tastes, as well as to increased competition from overseas manufacturers. Syracuse China’s fine china products were a hit with high-end restaurants, hotels, and other establishments, and they helped solidify the company’s reputation as a leader in the ceramics industry.
New Ownership: Libbey Glass Acquires Syracuse China
In 1995, Syracuse China was acquired by Libbey Glass, a leading producer of glassware and tableware. The acquisition helped to expand Libbey’s product line and market reach, as well as to preserve the legacy of Syracuse China. Under Libbey’s ownership, Syracuse China continued to produce high-quality ceramics products, including fine china, hotel ware, and institutional ware.
Syracuse China’s Final Years in Production
Despite its long and illustrious history, Syracuse China was not immune to the changing dynamics of the ceramics industry. In 2009, Libbey Glass announced that it would be closing the Syracuse China plant and relocating production to its other facilities. The closure marked the end of an era for a company that had been a fixture of the ceramics industry for over a century.
Syracuse China Today: Collectors and Legacy
Although Syracuse China is no longer in production, its legacy lives on through collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its timeless designs and quality craftsmanship. Syracuse China products are highly sought after by collectors, who value their durability, rarity, and historical significance. There are online communities and forums dedicated to Syracuse China, as well as museums and archives that showcase its products and history. Syracuse China’s impact on the ceramics industry and American culture is indelible, and its legacy continues to inspire and influence designers and manufacturers around the world.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Syracuse China
Syracuse China’s enduring legacy is a testament to its commitment to quality, innovation, and design excellence. From its humble beginnings as a small pottery company in Syracuse, New York, to its status as a leading manufacturer of ceramics products, Syracuse China has left an indelible mark on the ceramics industry and American culture. Its products have been used in some of the most prestigious hotels, restaurants, and homes in the world, and its influence can be seen in the work of designers and manufacturers around the world. Although Syracuse China is no longer in production, its legacy lives on through the collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its timeless designs and quality craftsmanship.
References: Further Reading and Sources
- Syracuse China Company Records, 1871-2009 (https://library.syr.edu/digital/guides/s/syracuse_china.htm)
- Syracuse China: A Legacy in Porcelain (https://www.syracuse.com/vintage/2018/12/syracuse_china_a_legacy_in_porcelain.html)
- A Brief History of Syracuse China (https://www.replacements.com/sell-to-us/syracuse-china)
- Syracuse China: A Century of Craftsmanship (https://www.laurelleaffarm.com/item-pages/china-and-glassware/syracuse-china-a-century-of-craftsmanship.htm)
