Antique Spokane Stoneware Water Cooler — John W. Graham Co. #8 (Early 1900s)

Details

Description

Wonderful early 1900s salt-glazed stoneware water cooler or dispenser, marked:
“JOHN W. GRAHAM CO. / SPOKANE – #8.”

This substantial … Read more Wonderful early 1900s salt-glazed stoneware water cooler or dispenser, marked:
“JOHN W. GRAHAM CO. / SPOKANE – #8.”

This substantial crock stands approx. 18.25 in H × 13.5 in W with a 10-inch opening. Built thick and heavy, it reflects the utilitarian craftsmanship of early American potteries.

Condition:

One chip on inner lip (see photos)

Missing lid and spigot (a cork currently seals the opening)

No cracks or repairs

Firing marks, glaze skips, and finger impressions from the potter’s handling—authentic signs of age and handwork.

Historical Note:

Founded in 1888 by John W. Graham, the Spokane company became a beloved institution for books, stationery, art, and gifts. Graham famously opened his first store in a tent on the ashes of the Great Fire of 1889, and his business thrived for nearly a century with the motto:

“If it’s made of paper, we have it.”

While the firm specialized in paper goods, this cooler may have served as a store fixture or employee water vessel, making it a rare surviving artifact of early Spokane commerce.

Style Tags:

Primitive, Americana, Rustic, Historical, Industrial, Country See less