Louisville Stoneware

In the earlier days, the artists were likely to experiment with different designs, and one can occasionally find unusual examples in antique and consignment shops.

The stoneware sometimes features different patterns and individual hand painted designs, such as Bachelor Button, Country Flowers, Hummingbirds, 12 Days of Christmas, and Noah's Ark, as well as some decorative pieces including castles, birdhouses, pet dishes, etc.

M. A. Hadley pottery became collectible and highly sought after for their varied and creative hand painted patterns.

Christy Lee Brown purchased the company in 1997,[4] and from 1997 to 2007, Louisville Stoneware sales averaged $3 million a year.

In 2007, over 90% of their business was centered around Louisville and Kentucky, but internet and national advertising was hoped to expand distribution, and there were plans to open stores in Chicago, Illinois, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana.

In July 2007, Louisville Stoneware was sold to Stephen A. Smith (Two Stone Inc.), when Brown wished to retire.

[12] The New York Times described Louisville Stoneware as a business especially affected by the United Parcel Service strike of 1997.