This antique crock is worth about $45. (Photo Courtesy of Brenda Yenke)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Patriot Day is Sept. 11, a time for remembrance of the terrorist attacks on our nation. The larger 9/11 Memorial of Ground Zero remains open, while the smaller Tribute Museum has closed due to low attendance. It offered personal testimonials about the heroes and those who were lost.

On a brighter note, the Berea Arts Festival will hold its 32nd annual event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 11 on Front Street. It’s a free event, with nearly 100 artists and craftspeople offering their wares. Performing artists will gather around Coe Lake.

The Yankee Peddler Festival also starts this weekend. Dates for this year are Sept. 10 and 11,

17 and 18 and 24 and 25. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Clays Park in Canal Fulton. Gate sale tickets are cash or check only; no credit cards. Come for shopping, food, entertainment and a glimpse of yesteryear.

I still enjoy the pottery, baskets and spun Christmas ornaments that we collected over the years at Yankee Peddler.

Redware is a kind of pottery that when fired turns a reddish brown hue due to iron mineral compounds. It has roots in Europe and the British Isles. The clay can be formed in various ways: by hand, mold, forming the clay over a mold or from a liquid slip poured into a mold.

The wheel offers formation techniques as well, known as thrown vessels. The earliest examples of this ware date back to ancient Egypt.

I have an old crock that is not signed but has been loved for many years. Just wondering, was it made for decorative use only?

Your wonderful crock has a great finish, even without a signature! The bottom of a vessel reveals the type of clay that was used. You mentioned it is a gray tone, somewhat speckled. It was probably a thrown cast, with a heavy glaze to protect it. It appears to be a very dark brown, and has ribs to simulate the formation. Value would be $45.

If you have an item for evaluation, send a clear picture with history to Yenke Peddler, Brenda Yenke, P.O. Box 361633, Strongsville, Ohio, 44136. You may also email photos and information requests for Brenda to evaluate at kenyenke@aol.com.

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