What Is Frankoma Pottery?

Frankoma Pottery is a distinctive line of pottery originating in Oklahoma in 1936 by John Frank. A professor at the University of Oklahoma, Mr. Frank taught Art and Pottery using clay deposits from Oklahoma. With only a small kiln and a butter churn, a pottery studio was born. The studio moved from Norman, OK to Sapulpa, OK in 1938. And, just a few months after opening, a fire destroyed the factory. Undaunted, Mr. Frank rebuilt. And, in 1942 Frankoma introduced its immensely popular Wagon Wheel line of dinnerware with its bold bias-relief never before presented. Political mugs and Christmas plates followed--also with tremendous popularity.Artist daughter Joniece Frank assumed responsibility for the gepany when Mr. Frank died in 1971. Tragedy struck again when another fire burned the factory to the ground in 1983. Once again, Frankoma Pottery was rebuilt. And, in 1991, the factory was sold. Under the new owner, the business faltered and closed in December of 2004. Today, the tradition continues. Det and Crystal Merryman purchased the factory on July 1st, 2005. The clay is mined from Sugar Loaf Hill--about a mile from the plant. The raw terra cotta is sorted and sifted to remove leaves and twigs, poured or pressed into individual molds, air dried, washed, sanded, smoothed. and glazed twice. It often takes up to eight artisans to create and finish a single piece.Frankoma is truly an American institution, and highly collectible art. If ever in Sapulpa, OK, the Merrymans will welgee you to the plant, located at 9549 Frankoma Road.