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The two-story home of E.C. Henrichsen (left) and his business, Provo Pottery (right), found between 600 and 700 West, on 300 South.
Although not the first pottery business to start in Provo, Provo Pottery was the most successful, becoming the "largest pottery plant in the state." 1 Founded by brothers Erick Christian (E.C.) and August Henrichsen in 1872 as Henrichsen Brothers, the business was renamed Provo Pottery in 1874 when August left the enterprise. The business shared clay digs on 600 North and 500 West with its competitor Roberts Pottery, although the actual making and firing of the pottery happened on E.C. Henrichsen’s property between 600 and 700 West on 300 South.
Since it was difficult to get goods from the east, enterprises such as Provo Pottery, which allowed the settlers to be self-sufficient, were highly encouraged. Most of the goods produced were utilitarian household products such as storage jars, crockery, and flowerpots. The business closed in 1927, and the pottery was replaced by other housing, although Henrichsen’s two-story home still stands.2
1 Andrew Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 4 vols. (Salt Lake City, 1091-36), 2:9.
2 Henrichsen, Kirk, "Pioneer Pottery of Utah and E.C. Henrichsen’s Provo Pottery Company," Utah Historical Quarterly, Vol. LVI no. 4 (1988) pages 360-395.
Painting by Lynn Henrichsen.
