The Incomparable Clayton, Washington, Terra Cotta

Scattered through out Stevens and Spokane Country are many images created by a very exclusive group of artists who most likely never even realized they were talented. But they were and now we pay tribute and we don't even know most of their names. So we'll just let these wondrous artifacts speak for them.

On March 14, 1976, the above article written by Staff writer Larry Young ran in pages of the Spokesman Review. Clipped and saved by Mr. Eddie Olson, one of three remaining early Clayton natives dating back to the first quarter of the 20th century. Passed on to the next generation, Warren Nord, who put it gently in the hands of the Webmaster. Please read every word if you are indeed interested in the importance of a tiny town that played the part of a giant.

This photo extracted from the article to the left was authorized and permission received Laura Lee, Director of Rights and Permissions. Copyright 1976. Reprinted with permission of the Spokesman Review. Permission is granted in the interest of public disscussion and does not imply endorsement of any product, service or organization otherwise mentioned herein.

Perched on the crest of the Washington State Armory in Spokane, WA, stands the American Bald Eagle depicted by the above Spokesman Review article. This is a Vintage Postcard which can be viewed along with an untold number of others from every walk of life at www.cardcow.com It is an unbelievable collection.

Through an unimaginable array of circumstances we have the privilege of seeing this art work created in Clayton and still existing at the Spokane International Airport in conjunction with Geiger Field and Fairchild Air Force Base and under the auspices of the Washington State National Guard.

Rather a majestic scene

The Davenport Hotel, a haven of Clayton Terra Cotta in the early years. Planning and building the Louis Davenport Hotel began in 1906. Construction was complete in 1914 at a cost of $1.75 million.

There are several dozen RAMS heads surrounding the entire hotel as well as additional numerous decore. The Terra Cotta plant made an extra ram's head, and it decorates the entrance to the Clayton School shown below.

The Davenport's Hall of Doges

The hotel is elaborate beyond imagination. It was when completed by Louis Davenport in 1914 and is today when restored to the original elegance by Mr. & Mrs. Walt Worthy of today. Our Website has rarely mentioned the city of Spokane which is the second largest city in Washington State. Located 25 miles south of Deer Park, Spokane was light years ahead of Clayton and Deer Park and was instrumental in the success of both towns. Lumber from the mills of Deer Park and bricks, pipe and terra cotta decore from Clayton. When the Davenport Hotel was conceived Spokane had already burned to the ground and rebuilt. Clayton on the otherhand was two years from the fire that destroyed it. Both towns were absolutely primitive by comparison to Spokane, which had electicity, running water and refrigeration. They also had a number of brick plants. One out on East Sprague and one on 18th Ave. South where the Cannon Hill park with its pond that decorates the area being the former Clay pit. However, Clayton soon dispensed with their competitors other than the WB&L at Dishman/Mica just east of Spokane and being the parent company.

The Majestic Ram

Gargoyles galore at the main entrance of the Davenport Hotel.

This is most likely Clayton Terra Cotta at the Spokane Club in Spokane WA. We are hoping for confirmation..

There is no other Terra Cotta that comes close to the magnificence of this building. The Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington.

The Clayton Moose Lodge was dedicated in the year 1926. This photo of the Moose and accompaning glazed workmanship is a prime example of the talents of the artists.

With the authorization of the University of Washington it is possible to share what we believe to be the most perfect image depicting the craftmanship in our Clayton plant. Taken inside on the top floor with a skylight for best visibility you can see the precise detail after final inspection, prior to firing in special kilns to a temperature so high the figures glow a brilliant red. This is the single known photo taken from the interior of the the Washington Brick and Lime Terra Cotta plant in Clayton, Washington.

The lone remaining RAM'S head from the Davenport Hotel project in 1914 hangs proudly over the entrance to the totally restored Clayton School, Clayton School is on the Washington State and National Historic Registers of Historic Places.

Although there is ample Terra Cotta on the Spokane County Courthouse and from time to time you read articles with reference to Clayton Terra Cotta involved. History records that brick from WB&L in Spokane was extensive there is no mention to date of the source of the Terra Cotta. There is one fact for certain. It didn't involve Clayton. The Courthouse was designed in 1893 with completion in 1895. The Clayton Terra Cotta Plant was completed in 1907.

This 8' X 8' mural hangs in the stairway on the main floor of the Spokane County Courthouse. An ornate structure desined by an architect with no formal architectural training. W.A. Richie competed against a raft of competitors of which the second place finisher was none other than Spokane's most prominent architect. Mr. Kirkland Cutter. Construction was completed in November 1895.

And to think the Union Pacific Depot was destroyed with the Terra Cotta as well because of the upcoming 1974 Expo World Fair. Some treasures were lost but it was the turning point for Spokane is now a Metropolis.

We are therefore witness to a fact. Clayton was not in sole possession of artistic, talented personnel.

In the year 1874, Charles Gladding came to the city of Lincoln, California. His mark in life was to be a manufacturer of practically any product that could be made of clay. Brick, pottery, tile, and yes even Terra Cotta. His plant was set up and running a decade before the first brick plant at Cannon Hill in an area uninhabited way up to the south of Spokane town. To this very day, the Terra Cotta plant is churning out Gargoyles and magnificent artistry just like the good old days. Further more Gladding McBean had a hand in the operation of this Washington Brick and Lime facility that bears further study. In the meantime you just may be peering at a Gladding McBean artifact at this very moment.

This is not Clayton Terra Cotta. This lamp was purchased in 1978 from Doc. Boisvert, an Antique Collector. The origin being from the Lobby of the Old Desert Hotel dating to the very early days of Spokane, WA, and appraised on the Antique Road Show. It now rests in the bedroom of your Webmaster.

Although this Historic Desert Oasis Hotel rests no longer on 1st ave in Spokane WA. this vintage photo renews fond recollections. One of the many Chefs Mr. H. l .Byers prepared Gormet meals. Please bare with one memory. In 1939 while visiting from Rock Lake North Dakota my Grand Mother Mamie Pauline Madean Kendig took our entire family to dine in these goergous suroundings. Roast Turkey with all the trimings $60 cents each not including the Deserts specialty. A generous slice of five layer Chocolate cake. You can only imagine the thrill to a couple tow headed lads from the wide open plains of N.D. In addition this post card from Cardcow.com which has been sold was sent by A Deer Park WA. resident Jan. 2nd 1941 w/ message to the immeadiate left.

The Pantages as mentioned in the news article. This picture was taken in 1915 is compiments of Cardcow.com. We are working on the proper link. See the third photo for the proper link.

The Orpheum Theater in Seattle, WA, 1928. Thanks to the City of Seattle WA.

Bull Buffalo skulls, Clayton Terra Cotta on the Monroe Street Bridge, Spokane, WA.

The Masonic Temple in downtown Spokane. A solid mass of Terra Cotta.

Another ornate masterpiece in the midst of the all marble and terra cotta Catholic Chancellery is an amazing display of late 1800s and early 1900s within two city blocks.

The Spokane, WA, Masonic Temple, completly entombed with Terra Cotta. Card Cow. Com, once again.

Quality at its highest. The Spokane Club in downtown Spokane, WA.