Are You a Flipper?
I don’t know about you but, every time I go to a garage sale, or into a Goodwill Store I start flipping- dishes that is. I love exploring the aisles hunting for old colorful plates, small creamers adorned with fancy floral, and maybe a teacup or two. What am I looking for you ask? Made in America of course, but more specifically made in Bedford, Ohio… by the Bailey- Walker China Company.
Originating in the early 1920’s the Bailey Walker Company took over the old Bedford China works building on Solon Road. Henry Bailey and Albert Walker were the two gentlemen responsible for the new company, serving as General Manager and President respectively. Bailey Walker was a producer of vitrified China, or china fired at temperatures over 1300 degrees Celsius, which makes it extremely durable compared to other types of dinnerware.
Bailey Walker China began by producing restaurant wares. Basic dinner sets with mass appeal followed shortly after. Soon thereafter Bailey Walker was producing commemorative plates in rich colors that soon became collector’s items and upscale china. They even produced teacups and teapots.
The Bailey Walker Company, eventually just the Walker China Company, employed hundreds of Bedford area residents over their fifty plus year run and grew to be a standard in the china industry and in the local community, as they often sponsored local clubs and groups.
In 1976 the Walker China Company was sold. Since then the best place to find Walker China pieces are at the Bedford Historical Society, your local thrift store, or maybe even your parents’ basement! In fact, some Walker China restaurant ware is still in use at restaurants in the area. So, next time you are out and about see if you can find a piece of Bedford’s history, by simply flipping your plate!
For more information on the Bailey Walker China Company visit the Bedford Historical Society or http://www.bedfordohiohistory.org/ .
My Mom’s best friend was a “Bailey”. We used to collect Walker China for her that we would find thrifting or garage saling. She recently passed away but we have some sweet reminders of her with some china that she gifted us. Love this stuff! Great article Maureen!
Worked there 69 thru 74 . Worked in shipping. Had a bunch of commemorative plates. Sent them all out to restaurants and business. They were very appreciative for the plates.
Hi My Dad work there. Don’t know how long before1969 that’s when he was killed in a car accident. I was 10, he had giving my grandmother 2chear plates which she gave too me when I was in my twenties. Did you know him, Hollis Owens. jeannestar7@aol.com
The plate you are showing was called blue Willow. They were shipped to siedman bros in New York New York