Powder Valley Pottery Celebrates Anniversary in Style

Residents of Powder Valley are usually prepared for the annual pottery festival sponsored by the (SPPS) held the third Saturday in June (this year June 16). But, this year was a little different.

The day before the event — June 15 — beautiful music could be heard on the warm, humid evening. More cars than usual traveled up and down the hillside leading to Stahl’s Pottery. 

It was probably a once-in-a-lifetime party for most. A gala to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the founding of SPPS and its summer festivals was held on the grounds of the pottery site. 

Guests mingled wine in hand, among the more than two dozen potters who displayed their wares under a large tent. Their hand-made plates, bowls and decorative items were all unique in colors, designs and sizes.

At the far end of the tent, the Rob Stoneback Brass Quartet sat performing selections from a variety of genres. Hymns, swing music, themes from movies and cartoons filled the air. During their rendition of “The Pink Panther,” one could imagine seeing the cartoon character creep in and around the individual booths of the potters.

As I walked throughout the site, I saw two former political figures who once served the local area. As we listened to the band and enjoyed our hors d’oeuvres, we all had a nice chat.

Former Emmaus Mayor Joe Zeller, 93, walks a little slower these days, but is still “sharp as a tack.” We spoke of our first meeting when I was just 14 and also of the time when my youngest son played the fife in a program organized by Zeller several years ago.

I spoke briefly with former Upper Milford Township Supervisor Susan Smith. She was laughing, joking and having fun with the people around her just as did when she was a supervisor.

The silent auction had many items donated by the participating potters. I was intrigued by the talent it must have taken to create such beautiful pieces. A set of green birds shone in the sunlight. And I could only imagine how many batches of cookies — maybe three — could be made at one time in a very large mixing bowl.

The hors d’oeuvres served at the gala were all made by Nadine Schmoyer, great granddaughter of Thomas and Alice Stahl. She and her helpers were busy serving trays of finger foods to guests, filling trays with cheeses, crackers, fruits and veggies, and melting the chocolate for the fountain.

It all started in 1987, when descendents of Thomas and Alice Stahl formed SPPS to purchase the pottery site that had gone up for auction. Thomas and his brother, Isaac, decided to revive the art of redware pottery-making that their father, Charles, established in the late 1800s. It was on this site, Thomas’ property, that they set up their business. Today, membership has increased to 59 and consists only of descendents and their spouses.