Since 1969
Clarkesville, GA 30523
(706) 947-3440
Open 7 days a week!
10-6 pm
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Since 1969 |
9982 Hwy 197 North Clarkesville, GA 30523 (706) 947-3440 Open 7 days a week! 10-6 pm |
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| Our Store | Potters | Getting Here | Image Gallery |
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We are a working pottery in the northeast Georgia mountains that has been in operation for over 42 years!
Specializing in hand-crafted stoneware pottery for the table and home, each piece is signed or marked by its maker: one of our four potters or one of the 20-30 artists we represent from the southeast. We are open everyday but Christmas, with our regular hours from 10 am to 6pm (except Jan-March when we close at 5pm). Demonstrations of pottery making are available on Saturdays and Sundays, but our knowledgeable staff are always around to help with questions, tell a good tale or ready for a good laugh. Bus tours are welcome provided we are given notice. Sometimes a potter is available for groups over 10 persons. Ya'll come on by!
A brief history...
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Located on the edge of the protected Soque River (So-kwee), our pottery is housed inside an old grist (corn) mill built in the 1930s. A few mills have been on this site over the years (starting around 1821 by the Hill family. By 1928, Allen "Grandpa" Watts and his son Robert opened a grist mill and dry goods store (across the street where our potters' glaze studio is now). Grain spilled into the shoals attracting local fish to feed. Robert's wife, Letie, began the tradition of feeding the fish, where they have congregated ever since, spawning new generations. Sorry, fishing is not allowed on most of the river. You must travel two miles south of us to Jackson Bridge for public fishing. You may only ogle our fish and dream! |
| In the 1930s, the Watts built a new mill, using the foundations of the old Hill mill for a new generator house. The new mill quickly became a favorite spot for travelers from Atlanta to stop on their way up to the lakes, as well as a place for local farmers to grind corn into meal or feed. Local history also notes that the mill sprouted corn upstairs for the making of mash for corn liquor. Moonshiners raced up and down Hwy 197 delivering 'shine and ingredients to and from Clarkesville during the Prohibition years and after. |
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In the mid-1960s, a flood actually crested the banks of the Soque, ruining the workings and closing the mill. A visionary couple, named Glen and John LaRowe, had driven by the mill for years. After discussing their desire to open up a pottery studio, Letie Watts sold the abandoned building and land. On November 1st, 1968, Letie handed the keys to John and Glen, and Mark of the Potter was born. In the Spring of 1969, Mark of the Potter first opened its doors as a working pottery, with the LaRowes residing in the upstairs, now converted into their residence. In 1985, John and Glen decided to retire, and they sold Mark of the Potter to Jay Bucek, one of their potters, to continue the tradition and maintain the "sameness" of the pottery. Jay continued living upstairs for many years to watch over the fish and care for the shop. Jay passed away in early 2010 but his wife Janis is keeping the dream alive by keeping the shop running as it always has with the next generation of potters and staff . John LaRowe lives in Big Canoe and still visits us. Glen passed away November 2009; she and Jay will be dearly missed but fondly remembered. |