In 1948, a new street named Madison Place was constructed in Ann Arbor. Before the first two homes (615 & 621 Madison Place) could be built, developer W. O. Edwards had to demolish the remains of a large, conical, concrete pottery kiln on the property. This kiln, which hadn't been fired since before 1911, was the last physical trace of Ann Arbor's internationally renowned Markham Pottery complex. The business had once flourished behind Herman Markham's house, until a spectacular fire completely leveled the pottery works, save for a few free-standing kilns.

The Markham Family

Herman Cornelius Markham was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1850 to a farm family from Connecticut. His parents were Augustine & Electa (Henion) Markham. His grandfather, Isaac Markham, was a revolutionary war soldier who had reportedly fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill. In his adult life, Herman proudly displayed his grandfather's flintlock musket in his Ann Arbor home. Herman married Ione Sprague in October of 1876. In November 1877 their only child, Kenneth Sprague Markham, was born.

Herman, like several of his siblings, was well-educated and had a wide range of skills and interests. He attended the University of Michigan where he focused on Chemistry, Anthropology, and Archaeology. Around Ann Arbor he was known primarily as a farmer and an apiarist, serving as the Superintendent of Bees & Honey in the Washtenaw County Agricultural Society. According to many newspaper reports, he was an employee of the University of Michigan's Department of Archaeology for several years. He was also a skilled wood engraver, watercolorist, occasional traveling salesman, and very briefly worked as a clerk at The Crescent Works, Ann Arbor's corset factory.

Ann Arbor Clay

If you follow Madison Street west through Ann Arbor, it ends at Seventh Street where the the Old Walnut Heights condominiums now look down from a hill. In the late 1800s, when this section of Seventh was still known as Jewett Avenue, the Markham family home crowned this high ground. A large bed of roses sat alongside the house, which complemented Herman's bees, and a tributary of Allen's Creek ran through the backyard.

All accounts of Markham Pottery's beginnings point to the roses as the inspiration. As the story goes, Herman Markham loved to display his roses and never had enough vases for all his fine flowers. He was also frustrated by water in vases quickly turning warm and causing the roses to wilt. In the manner of someone who is generally handy, with interests in chemistry and archaeology, he decided to craft a vase out of clay dug out of his yard and fired it in his home's fireplace. His first attempts at pottery making were untrained and undecorated, but achieved his goal of creating simple, natural forms that would keep water cool. He even crafted a potters wheel for his experiments, made from an old sewing machine and a jig saw.

The clay found on his Ann Arbor property would continue to be his creative material of choice as his foray into the world of pottery expanded. After the clay was dug, it would be washed, screened, and repeatedly graded. When a creamy, fine medium was achieved, it would be thrown on the makeshift wheel. Molds were constructed from successful pieces, and then could be duplicated. As Markham Pottery grew from a hobby project into a marketable business, Herman Markham constructed a simple wood building on the open land behind his home to use as a workshop.

1904 - 1910, Ann Arbor

Art historians point to 1904 as when Herman committed to his pottery business as his main source of income. Herman Markham referred to his first pieces as "Utile" and incised the bottoms with a special cipher (see image). The name came from his desire to craft utilitarian vases that would not overshadow the beauty of the roses they would hold. As his work developed more distinct characteristics, and as dealers and friends urged him to personalize his pottery, he changed the name to Markham and incised the bottoms with his signature and an individual piece number (see image). In 1905 the Ann Arbor City Directory lists Herman Markham's occupation as "pottery" for the first time. The same was listed for Kenneth, Herman's son, who worked as an assistant in the family business.

In January 1906, the Ann Arbor Argus-Democrat published the article "New Local Industry Steadily Developing" about the growth and success of Markham Pottery. "The beautiful work of which is growing another plume in Ann Arbor's illustrious bonnet," declared the newspaper. The shape of Markham pots and vessels were all based on classical forms. Their surface appeal was the unique earth tones and textures, which look like delicate etchings, appearing as if they might have been recently unearthed by archaeologists. Matte in finish, with no two pieces the same, the glaze was a secret formula that Herman Markham developed with, in his words, "varied combinations of chemical, physical and mechanical forces." Throughout his career, he carefully guarded his glazing process, only revealing that the designs formed naturally like frost on a window pane. He was often interviewed about his work, and would let visitors watch his entire system of creating pottery, except for when the glaze was applied. Markham Pottery was crafted in two styles of surface known as reseau (finely textured) and arabesque (coarsely textured).

Markham Pottery never advertised their business, but demand grew steadily. Pieces were featured in exhibitions and galleries across the United States and Europe, and were sought after by collectors. In 1907, the Ann Arbor News-Argus ran a story on Markham Pottery, "A Story Of One Man's Genius", featuring photos of work crafted for the upcoming Brussels International Exposition of 1910. Markham Pottery even contracted with large businesses like Chicago's Marshall Fields, all while remaining a small business run by only two men.

1911 - 1912, Tragedy

On August 23, 1911, the front page of the Daily Times News featured two tragic art world headlines: "Famous Painting Stolen", which detailed the theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre, and "Markham Pottery Burns", which detailed the destruction of Markham's workshop. University of Michigan Professor Hugo Paul Thieme was an avid collector of Markham Pottery. When he built a new home in Ann Arbor, he commissioned the Markhams to craft fireplace tile for his hearth. These pieces were drying, in preparation for firing, on the day of the accident. According to the story, which ran in newspapers across the country, an oil stove used to dry the hearthstones overheated and set fire to the pottery workshop while Herman Markham was on a lunch break. The entire workshop, with seven years of tools, molds, and machinery, was completely destroyed. "It's hard to estimate our loss," said Markham when interviewed by a reporter. Over one thousand pieces of pottery were lost in the fire, and five hundred and fifty of them were intended for Professor Thieme's home. After the fire, a small committee was formed in Ann Arbor to financially assist Markham Pottery in rebuilding their business. Professor Thieme was one of the committee members. The Daily Times News ran an editorial urging local citizens to lend their support, for fear that they might lose Markham Pottery to another city.

1913 - 1921, National City, California

Although Markham Pottery had thrived in Ann Arbor, production had always halted during the cold winter months of Michigan. It's difficult to dig clay out of frozen ground. Faced with the task of rebuilding his business, Herman Markham decided it was time to relocate to a warmer climate where he could work year round. Much to the dismay of many individuals and other businesses in Ann Arbor, he traveled to California in search of a new home and work space. The most important factor in the move would be finding a steady source of clay comparable to the supply found on his Ann Arbor property. In National City, just south of San Diego, the Markhams received an invitation to visit the the California China Products Company, and found what they were looking for.

The California China Products Company (CCPCo) was founded in 1911 by mineralogist John H. McKnight & Walter and Charles B. Nordhoff. (Charles B. Nordhoff was best known as the co-author of Mutiny On The Bounty, but that is another story for another time.) Mining the extensive clay deposits around San Diego County, they manufactured high-quality porcelain, earthenware, and ceramic tile. The Nordhoffs and the Markhams formed a symbiotic relationship. The Markhams moved into a portion of the CCPCo space, using their equipment, kilns, and clay supply, to get their business back on its feet. The Nordhoffs benefitted financially having Markham Pottery as a tenant. November 29, 1913's edition of The San Diego Sun announced "The new Markham pottery at National City started manufacturing operations this week."

It didn't take long for Markham Pottery to rebuild their business. For example, in 1914 they signed a $35,000 contract to furnish 100,000 souvenir ice cream steins for San Diego's upcoming Panama–California Exposition (1915 - 1917). In today's money, that contract is worth more than a million dollars. Within two years, they left their temporary space at CCPCo, and moved to their own studio and kiln. Kenneth Markham got married in National City on December 13, 1917. He and his father continued to work as a team, only halting production temporarily when Ione Sprague Markham died in late January 1919. During the last few years of Markham Pottery, Herman often did speaking engagements around the San Diego area. He still had the very first vase he had crudely constructed back in Ann Arbor, and shared it with his audiences to show how far his idea had progressed. He never shared the secret of his glazing technique. Markham Pottery stayed in business until 1921, when Herman was ready to retire.

1922 - Present Day

Herman Markham died on November 18, 1922 in San Diego County. Over 100 years later, Markham Pottery is still featured in the authoritative Kovels' American Art Pottery: The Collector's Guide to Makers, Marks, and Factory Histories. Pieces may be found in museums, private collections, and art auctions around the country. Connoisseurs of the work claim that Markham pieces numbered less than 6000 were crafted in Ann Arbor, and pieces above 6000 are attributed to National City.  The University of Michigan's Museum of Art collection includes some Markham Pottery, many pieces of which were gifted from the family of Professor Hugo Paul Thieme. If you happen to see Markham Pottery in person, know that you may be viewing an authentic piece of old Ann Arbor clay, dug from the ground near the intersection of South Seventh & Madison Streets.

In the last 200 years, Asian Americans have thrived in this magnificent and diverse city in academic, art, engineering, and scientific advances and in city landmarks. This list covers only a small sample of their contributions. 

1. Samuel C. C. Ting, born in 1936 in Ann Arbor, received his Ph.D. in physics in 1962 at the University of Michigan. He received the Nobel Prize in 1976, which he shared with Burton Richter, for the discovery of the J/ψ meson nuclear particle.

2. James P. Wong, born in Buffalo, NY, and a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Architecture, designed Lamp Post Plaza on E Stadium Blvd (where Trader Joe’s is located) in 1962. It was Ann Arbor’s second unenclosed shopping mall, after Arborland Center. James P. Wong designed many of Ann Arbor’s landmark buildings, including the St. Francis of Assisi Church in 1969, Westminster Presbyterian Church in 1969, and the Glazier Way United Methodist Church (currently called the Green Wood United Methodist Church) in 1975.

3. In 1969, Joseph T. A. Lee, Canadian Chinese American professor of architecture at the University of Michigan, joined attorney Arthur Carpenter and ten other Ann Arborites to form Arbor-A to revitalize the area around the Farmers Market. Professor Lee was the chief architect and planner, responsible for designing the Farmers Market and turning the vacant warehouse buildings of the Washtenaw Farm Bureau into a well-known Ann Arbor landmark, the Kerrytown Market and Shops.

4. In 1978, Cynthia Yao, who hailed from Kingston, Jamaica, initiated the idea of a hands-on museum and became the first Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum in 1982. She was one of the Inductees of the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 2005.

5. In 1990, Lucy Alexis Liu, graduated from the University of Michigan, and is now an award winning film and television actress, director, as well as an artist.

6. In 1992, S. M. Wu Manufacturing Research Center at the University of Michigan was named in honor of Professor Shien-Ming Wu, Anderson Professor of Manufacturing Technology. The Center works with dozens of automotive and industrial manufacturers.

7. In 1993, Michigan Chinese American News (密西根新聞), a Chinese language weekly newspaper in Michigan, began publication in Ann Arbor.

8. In 1993, Dr. Theresa Chang formed Citizens for Quality Care Co. headquartered in Ann for long term care and assisted living services. 

9. In 1993, Wei and Lisa Bee founded the first Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea coffeehouse in Ann Arbor. More than 30 years later, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea has around 40 locations across 12 states. 

10. In 1994, the Chinese American Society of Ann Arbor (CASAA) was founded.

11. In 1995, Jimmy Hsiao, a University of Michigan graduate in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering, founded Logic Solutions to provide a comprehensive range of technology solutions and services to businesses across the U.S. The company now has offices in Ann Arbor, Irvine, Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing and Taipei. 

12. In 2002, Michigan Taiwanese American Organization (MITAI) was founded to promote cultural exchange between residents of Michigan and those of Taiwan.

13. In 2006, Dr. Cheng-Yang Chang, a resident of Ann Arbor, donated $1 million in honor of his wife Shirley to be recognized in the naming of The Shirley Chang Gallery of Chinese Art in the new addition of UMMA (The University of Michigan Museum of Art). Dr. Chang also gifted more than 30 traditional Chinese paintings by his father, noted artist Ku-Nien Chang.

14. In 2010, the Nam Center for Korean Studies at U-M, the first named Korean studies center in the U.S., was established in honor of Elder Sang-Yong Nam and Mrs. Moon-Sook Nam. Elder Nam, a U-M graduate in 1966, was the founder and CEO of Nam Building Management Co. 

15. Since 2013, Grace Meng, a U-M graduate, has been the Congresswoman from New York, being the first Asian American elected to Congress from New York.

16. In 2022, the Ann Arbor District Library began receiving annual gifts of 16 award-winning art prints for the Lunar New Year from the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, through the introduction of MITAI. These gifts have helped diversify the art appreciation of library patrons.

17. In 2022, Dr. Santa Ono began his five-year term as the 15th president of the University of Michigan and its first Asian American president.

18. In 2022, Dr. Jiu-Hwa Lo Upshur, a retired Eastern Michigan University professor and resident of Ann Arbor, and her family members, Jiu-Fong Lo Chang and Kuei-sheng Chang, gifted the Lo Chia-Lun Calligraphy Collection of 72 important works of art from six centuries of Chinese history to UMMA. It was the single most valuable gift of art in the University of Michigan’s history.

19. In 2024, it was announced that the Song Foundation and Linh and Dug Song donated a total of $300,000 to renovate the only museum dedicated to Washtenaw County’s Black history. Dug Song is the co-founder and general manager of Duo Security, a cybersecurity provider. In 2018, Duo was acquired by Cisco for $2.35 billion, making it the largest exit ever for a Michigan-based software company. Linh Song is the second female Asian American City Council member of Ann Arbor.

20. Frances Kai-Hwa Wang is journalist, poet, and scholar based in Ann Arbor and Hawaii, focusing on issues of race, justice, culture, and Asian America. She was a 2019 Knight Arts Challenge winner receiving $25,000 for her project "Beyond Vincent Chin: Legacies in Action and Art," which addresses a key case in Asian American history and its impacts since his murder in 1982. She is a PBS NewsHour reporter on Michigan.