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History of Haeger Pottery

Haeger potteries opened in 1871, at first manufacturing only bricks. Brick making was an important industry at the turn of the 19th century because most buildings were constructed from wood or masonry. It was common for art pottery companies to begin operating as utilitarian clay manufacturers and continue in that venue while expanding to decorative wares. As decorative pottery became fashionable and more affordable for the middle classes, Haeger expanded its designs in 1912 to include glazed artware.

Founding
- David H. Haeger, a German immigrant to Illinois, opened a brick company to provide a need for building materials to reconstruct Chicago after the great fire of 1871. His company had a steady market from architect Daniel Burnham.
Family Affair
- Son Edmund H. Haeger joined his father and then led the company in 1900. Son-in-law Joseph F. Estes took over management of the firm in 1938. Joseph's daughter, Alexandra Haeger Estes, began at the company in 1979, rose to the position of president of Haeger Industries in 1984 and continues to direct the company today.
Designers
- J. Martin Stangl, who would later open his own pottery company, joined Haeger in 1914. Stangl's floral designs were well received in the commercial industry. Royal Hickman partnered with the company in 1938. Designer Eric Olsen joined Haeger in 1947.
Royal Haeger
- This line of designs included animals, statuary, home artware and (for a brief time) dinnerware. Many of the designs continue to be produced today.
World Record
- Haeger created the world's largest vase in 1976. The 8-foot-tall piece is currently on display at the company's headquarters in Dundee, Illinois.
Collecting
- Floralware designed for commercial use is now highly sought after, garnering 20 times (or more) the original sales price.

Antiques