This is a handmade farm field drainage tile. It was found by the donors on the Earl & Vera Miller farm which was settled in 1868 by Carl Miller. They believe the tile was handmade at John Raab's Stoneware and Terracotta Works in Cedar Falls because the diameter is rare. Johann (John) Raab was born in 1829 in Austria into a family who had been potters for generations. However, a poor economy, famine, and high prices in Austria made life very difficult. John and Pauline Raab and their family sailed for America in August 1874 and settled in Cedar Falls. Raab's Stoneware and Terra Cotta Works opened in August 1875. The shop advertised for sale "fancy and substantial wares, chimney tops, water pipes, and water pumps." John Raab produced pottery in Cedar Falls from 1875 until his death in 1908. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.
2018.018.114 [Tile, Drain]
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Copyright to this resource is held by the Cedar Falls Historical Society and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For more information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney.