Water Cooler 1839 - 1852

This stoneware water cooler, created by Martin Crafts Pottery in the mid-19th century, is more than just a utilitarian object; it's a cultural artifact reflecting the values and tensions of its time. Crafts, working in a pre-industrial context, likely saw his craft as deeply entwined with community identity. The cooler’s decoration—an eagle clutching a flag—projects a bold statement of national pride. This imagery, however, exists in a complex relationship with the realities of a nation grappling with slavery and regional divides. The promise of "pure cold water" inscribed on the cooler evokes a sense of refreshment and purity, which sharply contrasts with the impure realities of a society steeped in inequality. The cooler invites us to consider the intersection of everyday life and national identity. It prompts us to think about how symbols of patriotism are used, and sometimes misused, in a society marked by contradictions. This object serves as a poignant reminder of how ideals are often at odds with lived experiences, shaping both personal and collective identities.