By Alyssa Howard
The tale of Lew Reese and the Scio Pottery Company stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of a community during times of hardship. Born in New Matamoras, Ohio in February 1893, Lewis Reese’s journey began humbly, finding himself working in various pottery companies after leaving school due to family circumstances. It wasn’t until his tenure at the Cronin China Company that Reese began to innovate, developing a revolutionary circular kiln for continuous operation, significantly reducing production time.
In 1932, Reese’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to take over an abandoned pottery in Scio, Ohio. With determination and the support of the townspeople, he revitalized the pottery, founding the Scio-Ohio Pottery Company. Production began in February 1933, marking the start of a thriving enterprise that would sustain the town for decades.
Reese’s commitment to efficiency and fair treatment of employees set Scio Pottery apart. His methods streamlined production, allowing for the creation of high-quality whiteware cups at a competitive price. Despite the challenges of the Great Depression, Scio Pottery flourished under Reese’s leadership, providing not only employment but also a sense of community pride. Reese’s innovative approach to pottery production transformed the industry, setting a new standard for efficiency and quality. His circular kiln design revolutionized the manufacturing process, significantly reducing production time and costs while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship. Reese’s commitment to excellence earned Scio Pottery a reputation for producing top-quality products, allowing it to compete effectively against cheaper imports from overseas.
One of Reese’s most notable gestures was his annual Christmas bonuses to employees, a tradition that grew in generosity over the years. The impact of Reese’s generosity extended far beyond the walls of the pottery. His contributions to the town of Scio went beyond providing jobs; he invested in the well-being of his employees and the community as a whole. Reese’s dedication to his workers was evident not only in his annual Christmas bonuses but also in the various amenities he provided, such as a restaurant offering affordable, nutritious meals, and recreational facilities for employees to enjoy during their downtime.
However, tragedy struck in 1947 when a devastating fire destroyed the pottery just before the holidays. Undeterred, Reese vowed to rebuild, rallying the community to join him in the effort. The resilience of Scio residents was on full display as they worked tirelessly to reconstruct the pottery. With donations pouring in from neighboring towns and assistance from steel companies and the railroad, the new Scio Pottery rose from the ashes. Despite the loss of the Christmas bonuses that year, Reese’s determination ensured that production resumed on schedule in February 1948.
The impact of Reese’s legacy extended beyond Scio, reaching national recognition through media coverage and television dramatizations. His story inspired audiences across the country, highlighting the resilience of small-town America and the importance of community support in times of adversity. As Scio Pottery thrived under Reese’s leadership, so did the town of Scio itself. The influx of jobs and economic activity brought new life to the community, helping to reverse the decline in population and revitalizing local businesses. Reese’s vision and determination transformed Scio from a struggling town into a vibrant community, leaving an indelible mark on its history and the lives of its residents.
While Reese passed away in 1952, his legacy endured through the pottery, which continued operations until the 1980s. Today, the site serves as the home of the Scio Packaging Co., a reminder of the community’s enduring spirit and the lasting impact of Lew Reese’s vision. Many pieces of pottery made in the factory can be viewed at The Scio Museum, along with more interesting history of the time. The story of Lew Reese and Scio Pottery remains a cherished chapter in the history of Harrison County, Ohio – a testament to the power of perseverance and community solidarity in the face of adversity.