Homer Laughlin China Company

In 1871 the Laughlin Pottery founded in East Liverpool, Ohio by brothers Homer Laughlin and Shakespeare Laughlin. By 1876, the pottery had won the “highest award” at Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Shakespeare Laughlin leaves the company in 1879 and in 1889 William Edwin Wells joins Homer Laughlin.

The firm is incorporated in 1896 and shortly after, Laughlin sells his interests to Wells and a Pittsburgh group headed by Marcus Aaron. Aaron becomes president, Wells manager. In 1923 the “continuous tunnel kiln” is built, allowing for more efficient mass manufacture of wares. By 1929 the Ohio factories close, and whole company moves to Newell, West Virginia.

1930: W.E. Wells retires, his son Joseph Mahan Wells succeeds him, Aaron becomes chairman of board, and his son, M.L. Aaron becomes president. Under them, colorful "Fiesta" dinnerware becomes a success.