HR1003 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1003 LRB094 19745 HSS 56367 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is the privilege of this Body to recognize milestone events in the history of businesses in our great State; and

WHEREAS, In the 1800s, there were ten family-owned potteries within miles of Monmouth, known as "Maple City" at the time; in 1906, these ten families were brought together to form the Western Stoneware Company and the maple leaf, which remains the company trademark today, identified the location; and

WHEREAS, The success of Western Stoneware Company is due, in large part, to the high quality clay available in Colchester; stoneware made from this unusual clay is oven-resistant, provides superior retention of heat or cold, and is lead-free, making it completely safe for use with all foods and drinks; the company owns and operates its own clay mines in Colchester; the clay mined there, one of Illinois' rich resources, is unique to the area and offers the best raw material available for high quality, natural stoneware; and

WHEREAS, Stoneware became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, because it was the best thing for serving the strong drinks and corrosively spiced food consumed in those days; when families immigrated from Colchester, England, to the Midwest in the 1800s, they found the ample supply of quality clay to be ripe for mining, and the labor market ready in Monmouth for processing, and thus began the Western Stoneware tradition; and

WHEREAS, The popularity of stoneware continues today, because it adds charm and warmth to any home; the bold, rough-hewn nature of stoneware combines with other natural materials and imparts a feeling of great strength; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Western Stoneware Company on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Western Stoneware Company as an expression of our esteem.