Chester to celebrate tea pots Saturday

Aug 7, 2023

Sue Hineman, secretary, and Don Murray, president of the Chester Parks Board, stand in front of the Chester Teapot, while holding two of the souvenirs available for purchase at this year’s annual celebration at the area landmark. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

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According to Sue Hineman, who coordinates the event for the Chester Parks Board, this is the board’s main fundraiser to keep the teapot in tip-top shape year round and draw attention to the city’s most visible historical landmark. It had fallen in disrepair over three decades ago when it had been relocated to his current location.

William “Babe” Devon had constructed the Chester Teapot in 1938. Originally a gigantic wooden hogshead barrel used to promote Hires’ Root Beer, he purchased it and moved it from Pennsylvania to Chester, where he added a spout and handle, covering the wooden barrel with tin to make it a teapot. Then a glass ball was added on top to make “the lid” and it was used primarily to sell concessions and souvenirs from within the Teapot, which was located outside Devon’s pottery outlet store on Carolina Avenue/State Route 2.

After World War II, Devon sold the teapot and his business to Mary Wucherer and Rhelda Cain, who transitioned the teapot inventory selling lawn and garden, china and novelty items before it exchanged hands again in 1971.

Owners Cecil and Alice Fletcher then would eventually sell the Teapot, where they had continued to sell pottery and gift items in 1984, and it would sit empty until 1984 when C&P Telephone had purchased the Teapot and gifted it to the city.

Shown is this year’s 2023 Fiesta Christmas ornament, done in Meadowgrass. Purchases of either collectors’ items benefit the Teapot’s continued maintenance efforts.

Several years later, Chester began its efforts to restore the Teapot and relocated it to its current location adjacent to the Jennings Randolph Bridge in the early 1990s. The new beautified Teapot, which had been returned to its original red and white colors after repairs, officially was dedicated Oct. 12, 1990.

Two decades later, normal wear and tear would take its toll on the Teapot, which was in desperate need of a complete renovation. Hineman would lead the charge as volunteers raised the $15,000 necessary to complete the project. The decision was made to create Teapot Day to ensure that the Teapot would have a maintenance fund, and the inaugural event was held Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015.

As a fundraiser this year, the park officials, who assumed Teapot upkeep duties, will be selling detailed souvenir teapots made by S&J Creations through the 3D printing process. As Hineman explains, the teapots, which cost $21 each, “even have the lip under the (Teapot) windows and the door on it.” This can be preordered or be purchased the day of the event as supplies last.

The 2023 commemorative Fiesta Christmas ornament also will be available for purchase at the event. In Meadowgreen, ornaments are $18 each.

Both souvenirs are limited edition.

Shown is a detailed 3D replica of the Chester Teapot, made by S&J Creations, that even features the lip under the windows and the door.

Hineman also shared a new Teapot T-shirt design by Jill Orenzuk that will be available for purchase during Saturday’s event at $15 each.

All proceeds from these fundraisers benefit the Teapot fund, which includes pay for mowing and fresh coats of paint.

For more information regarding Chester Teapot Day and reserving any of their fundraising items, call Hineman at 330- 843-3215.

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