Palmer Huek - Squat Purple Vase - North Dakota School of Mines CA2445

Measures 3" x 5 1/2" x 5 1/2". History The University of North Dakota School of Mines was formed in 1890.  In 1889 Earle Babcock was hired as a Chemistry instructor.  Babcock was the first to understand the potential of North Dakota clay for making art pottery.   Babcock sent North Dakota clay to various art pottery makers, asking them to make art pottery using his clay and to mark the pieces in some way to distinguish the source of the clay.  Babcock placed orders with several companies, including Roseville Pottery and Owens Pottery for vases made with his North Dakota clay.  In 1909, Earle Babcock added ceramic courses to the UND academic offerings.  Mr. Babcock and Ms. Bisbee taught the classes within the Chemistry department of the University.  The National Corn Exposition in Omaha, Nebraska, provided Babcock another opportunity to display North Dakota produced art pottery.  This time Babcock ordered North Dakota clay produced art pottery made by the Handicraft Guild from Minneapol