The first Red Wing Stoneware Company was organized February 1, 1877 to manufacture stoneware. In August of 1877, construction began for the new factory. By January of 1878, the new buildings housing the kilns and clay were ready for use. Production began with two large up-draft kilns fired with wood and coal. There were four potters’ wheels and several drying frames. Power for the plant came from a 24 horsepower steam engine. By August of 1878, the company was gaining notice as a producer of “useful and beautiful” wares.
Around midnight on February 16, 1884, a fire from the kiln shed spread throughout the shops and warehouse. The factory was then rebuilt on a larger scale. The new company merged with another local business becoming the Red Wing Stoneware and Sewer Pipe Company. Throughout those early years, Red Wing, Minnesota hosted several stoneware companies: Minnesota Stoneware Company, North Star Stoneware Company and Red Wing Stoneware and Sewer Pipe Company.
In March of 1906, these potteries merged into one company, forming a common marketing unit--the "Red Wing Union Stoneware Company." This new company identified itself with the familiar Red Wing Union Stoneware Company oval stamped on the sides of products.
http://www.redwingstoneware.com/collectibles.php
In 1915 they obtained a patent for their handles. Most crocks are stamped with the 1915 date.
Red Wing Stoneware began in earnest with pottery manufactured during the period of 1895-1900 as the pottery transitioned from salt glaze to white glaze and the company implemented the modern method of machine-turned pottery and the use of molds versus hand-turned pottery. With one of the most recognizable trademarks - the red wing - the pottery has been referred to as the "Cadillac of Pottery".
After the turn of the century the white glazed Red Wing Pottery encompassed hundreds of pieces - crocks, jugs, butter churns, chicken feeders, water coolers - all made for the home and farm. Red Wing manufactured stoneware until 1947, when widespread refrigeration rendered the pottery obsolete.
