Historical Inspiration

In 1932, Alden established the Plymouth Pottery Guild with a workshop and gift shop at the Sparrow House and its adjoining structure. Both buildings remain today; the portion that housed the Pottery is now a gift shop and the older structure is a museum house.

Alden was a descendant of Pilgrims John and Priscilla Alden. She is credited with saving and restoring the historic Richard Sparrow House. It was believed to be the oldest house in Plymouth, Massachusetts, although most historians now question whether it indeed dates to Richard Sparrow's time in Plymouth in the 1640s. Katharine was the first resident potter and taught classes there.

At Thanksgiving, Katherine opened the Sparrow House to the public to enjoy festive treats by the lit hearth. Hot mulled cider, served in mugs like these with the Mayflower motif, is fondly remembered by many Plymoutheans. Tiles, mugs and cup plates sold well to those who visited Sparrow House, especially when decorated with historical scenes connected to the Pilgrims, Plymouth, and the South Shore area.