William Henry Vodrey III

William Henry Vodrey’s dream for a museum in East Liverpool, one that would document the history of the pottery industry, resulted in the creation of the Museum of Ceramics. Vodrey’s tireless efforts were an inspiration to the Ohio Historical Society (OHS, now the Ohio History Connection) and the East Liverpool Historical Society, and soon a partnership was born. In 1970, the state purchased the former post office building and work began. The museum opened to the public in 1980 with the two entrance galleries dedicated to Mr. Vodrey in honor of his contributions. Although William did not live to see the opening of the museum, he was present in 1979 for the ceremonial dedication of the galleries. William’s family continue his work in many ways. His son, Jackman Vodrey, serves as president of the Museum of Ceramics Foundation. granddaughter Sarah W. Vodrey served as director of the museum for 12 years, and granddaughter Catherine S. Vodrey is also a member of the foundation’s board.

William was born September 23, 1903, and married Evelyn Stroud in 1929. He was the great grandson of Staffordshire immigrant potters, Jabez and Sarah Vodrey, who settled in East Liverpool in 1847. Jabez had worked in potteries in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky before his arrival in East Liverpool where he got his pottery start by making clay pipes. After a series of partnerships and ventures, Jabez Vodrey and family finally had their own factory. The Vodrey Pottery Company operated until 1928. William never worked in the Vodrey factory; it is something that family members say made him wistful in later years. Even so, his knowledge of pottery production, history, and collecting were second to none.

Vodrey was a civic minded philanthropist who was devoted to his hometown of East Liverpool. He served on numerous boards, including the East Liverpool Historical Society, and served as President of the OHS Board. An attorney and business man by profession, history was his passion and he authored the book “The Sandy and Beaver Canal” with Max Gard (available for purchase at MoC). Because his paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Jackman Vodrey, was from the tiny unincorporated village of Fredericktown, it became a special focus of his energies as well, resulting in thousands of acres of land being preserved.

Vodrey’s birth announcement in the Evening Review in 1903 offered wishes for a “useful and prosperous future.” Without a doubt, that is a wish that came true!

Thanks for Sarah W. Vodrey for providing additional information and photos.