The Pioneer Potter of Lake Union

On the bank of Lake Union, near the corner of Albert and Almy streets, there stands an old house with a 'shake' roof—in pioneer days a dwelling. The only thing about the building to attract attention, aside from its moss-covered roof, is the sign 'Pottery' over the roughly-made door. On entering, three or four men may be seen working away noiselessly with hand lathes, turning flower pots, hanging baskets, urns, etc. All around may be seen numberless samples of these articles—some burned and some being prepared for the kiln, while on a shelf in a dark corner are several samples of ornamental work that were made for the Spokane exposition. J. H. Hammer is the proprietor. He came originally from New York state and has spent his life, since boyhood, in the business. He is simply experimenting, in the hope of striking upon a clay suitable for the finer grades of stone and earthenware, but so far, he says, his hope has not been realized, though the clay he is using, taken from the bank near his unpretentious little factory, furnishes very good material for the cheaper grades, such as he is making.