Lincoln Pottery, Lincoln, Vermont

By Erin on October 20, 2014

I had never even considered the “honor system” before moving to Vermont. My first time seeing the serve-yourself, honor-system at play was at Duclos and Thompson Farm in Weybridge, Vermont, where you can pull right up to the farm, walk into their freezer and help yourself to local sausage or lamb. Then tally up your order, write a check or pay in cash (and even make yourself change). I was surprised to learn that this approach is commonplace at farmstands around Vermont. Over the years, I’ve gotten used to picking sunflowers in Shelburne and depositing my dollar bills into their loosely secured cash box or stopping by Lewis Creek Farm in Starksboro for a dozen eggs, leaving a note with what I took and a five dollar bill.

Visiting Lincoln Pottery

I was stunned when we first stopped into Lincoln Pottery in Lincoln, Vermont, which is the pottery studo of Judith Bryant. It was downpouring in the middle of summer. We were driving over the Lincoln Gap for lunch in the Mad River Valley, and I suggested we stop and take a look since I’m on a mission to rid our cabinets of anything mass-manufactured in favor of handmade, functional pottery from Vermont artisans. The front door was open and there was an open sign, but the lights were off. We decided to take a peek quite—guiltfully—not knowing if we were in the wrong being there with no one around. Then front and center, we saw a welcome sign with instructions for if we’d like to buy a piece of pottery. The sign read:

Prices are marked on each piece. (If not – look for something similar, or look on the price lists provided, and make your best guess!) The tax chart and calculator on the table below will help in furing the 6% tax… Would you please note the type of pot and price sticker – along with any questions you might have – and put your check in the small cardboard box nearby.

Bubble wrap or white newsprint paper for wrapping pots to protect them, plus bags and boxe, are provided on the floor beneath the table. Gift wrapping paper is available if you need it. If you don’t have checks with you today – that’s okay. Just take the pottery you’ve chosen with you, along with one of my cards and/or a stamped envelope with my address so you can mail a check later.

I was stunned to see something of true value easily accessible to anyone stopping by. But that’s the New Jersey in me coming out. Although there is a bit of crime here and there in Vermont, people say that the only time to lock your cars in Vermont is during zucchini season, otherwise you might open your back door and find a surprise stack of zucchini or squash. (Don’t lock your doors at the your risk1)

More than Judith’s trust in those travelling through Lincoln and stopping at her shop is the beauty of her functional pottery and the affordability of it. Stop by and check out her art the next time you’re travelling through Lincoln. Forget your checkbook? Not a problem!