Sterling China Demolition Progresses

Tuesday – February 22: As many of you know the old Sterling China buildings are being demolished mainly for the scrap metal. It was the last pottery facility remaining in Wellsville, a village with a history rich in pottery manufacturing. In the course of Wellsville history the pottery industry was one of three main reasons that at one time made this a thriving community. The other two were the river and the railroad industry. Since it's founding Wellsville had many pottery manufacturing facilities scattered all over town. It's sad to say that the very last one will soon be nothing more than a memory and a collection of pictures & stories.

The demolition of Sterling began in January. Morning Journal reporter Jo Ann Bobby-Gilbert first reported on it January 11 and it was well under way by then. They began at the rear of the building in the middle and worked toward Commerce St. The plant had been sitting idle and vacant for many years. Just last summer Village officials were concerned with the weeds and high grass being unsightly. Now all that remains of the main part of the plant are the two side walls and offices.

This week they started on the northern wall, the one closest to 11th St. We watched some of the work yesterday that is pictured above. There was some question about the silos but Mayor Joe Surace informs us that they are coming down too. That part will probably be contracted out according to the Mayor. They're even getting the rails from the spur that were used to bring train cars to the plant.

We started documenting the place with pictures last summer when the story of the high weeds came up. Now we occasionally stop by to get updated ones as the demolition progresses. Those “big boy” toys they are using are amazing to watch. It was also amazing to learn of all the racks & racks of pottery ware and molds that were left behind. The owner of the property was quoted in the papers as saying it looked like they just finished working one day, closed the doors and walked away while still in operation. There was even a coffee pot left behind ready to brew the next pot.

Residents on both the front & back sides are seeing parts of town never before visible from their homes in their life time. When they are finished it will look very different in that location.

ole nib