Special exhibits displayed at Ward-Thomas Museum

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Special to The Vindicator ALL SET: This complete set of fine china produced in Niles will be among the featured displays during an open house on March 1 at the Ward-Thomas Museum.

NILES — Commemorative plates and fine china tableware, made in Niles, will be among the featured exhibits at the Ward-Thomas Museum, 503 Brown St., during an open house that has been scheduled from 2 to 5 p.m. March 1.

Nearly all the commemorative dishes in the collection feature churches in Niles and were produced to celebrate 100 years of their service in the area. The Order of the Eastern Star and the Masonic lodges are also represented in the display, as well as the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and the Buffalo Expedition of 1893. A rose-colored dish in the exhibit marks the founding of Hiram College in 1850.

Included in the collection at the museum is a complete 110-piece set of china made at the Atlas China Company in Niles, one of four companies once producing china in the Niles area. In the 20th Century, Bradshaw Pottery was instrumental in the industrial development of Niles, shipping its wares to such places as Honolulu. Also producing fine china were Tritt China and the Globe China Company. All were located around the Hunter Street area. Operations phased out at the plants and the property was sold in 1930.

Also on view during the open house will be a fur display on the second floor.

The Ward-Thomas Museum is located one block east of the intersection of state Route 46 and Third Street. It is owned by the city of Niles and maintained by Niles Historical Society, whose members volunteer as docents. For more information, or to schedule a group tour, call (330) 544-2143.