Griswold Inn Sprigware

Sprig pattern china made by Enoch Wood (England) was used at the Griswold Inn. Much china in early America was imported from Great Britain. Enoch Wood was a relative of the famous Ralph Wood potters of Burslem. Enoch Wood started his own factory in 1784, and in 1790 went into partnership with James Caldwell, making tableware in vast quantities that was shipped to America.

Sprigging is a technique used in the manufacture of pottery, where ornaments are moulded or stamped separately, and then attached (sprigged) to the body of the piece with slip. Sprigging was used extensivley in Staffordshire.

The Griswold Inn, extant until 1964, was built in 1811 on the north-east Village Green by Worthington founder Ezra Griswold. Its location near the intersection of Granville Road (Rt. 161) and High Street (Rt. 23) made it a popular stopping place for travelers. The Inn featured a fireplace in every room and a large second floor ballroom, which was eventually converted to bedrooms when the Inn reverted to residence of the Griswold family. The building was razed in 1964, despite efforts in the community to save it.