The Plan

Decker was methodical in the planning of the construction and placement of the buildings on his property.  The first priority, of course, was the building of his home, which was situated at the highest point on a hill, then a temporary kiln.  Once these were established, he then proceeded to make all the brick to build the permanent kiln.   Decker then began adding permanent buildings: a sawmill, workshop with permanent kiln, a store that housed the post office and apothecary, a blacksmith shop, and five rental homes.

This photograph, circa 1895, shows the efficient layout of Keystone Pottery.  The kiln chimney is visible on the roof of the taller middle portion of the long building.  The portion of the building on the far right is where the pottery was made.  The general store and post office is on the left.

A later photograph of one of the seven original buildings shows that the kiln has been removed.  Decker's wheel was located just inside the large window on the left. 

This photograph shows a vase on a throwing wheel inside the workshop.  The foot pedal is visible at the bottom.  A demonstration of how the throwing wheel operates is available here at 6:50:  Face Jug.

The general store, which housed a post office and apothecary, was run by Charles Decker, Jr., who eventually became a doctor.

Decker's ingenuity in business is evidenced in this ad that declares, I am manufacturing a very superior article of stoneware...at prices to suit the times.  With supreme confidence in his product, he goes on to state quite boldly, My work is all of a superior quality and I flatter myself, can be excelled by none manufactured in this or any other country.