The stoneware clay in the Claybank pits was overlain and intermingled with veins of lower grade clay that, if fired, would not produce the clear salt-glaze finish and warm tan color that was a hallmark of the utilitarian stoneware from Red Wing. If a use could be found for this coarser clay, the cost of stripping it away could be recouped. John H. Rich, the president of the Red Wing Stoneware Co., encouraged his foreman George Cook, to hand-turn a sample piece of sewer pipe, which was then displayed in the front window of the Pierce-Simmons Bank in downtown Red Wing, along with a placard asking: “Red Wing Sewer Pipe, Why Not?” The question drew the interest of the local capitalists, resulting in a new company, Red Wing Sewer Pipe Co., being formed in September, 1891.
After a 1903 merger, the JHRSPW factory on Featherstone Rd. was designated “Factory A” and the Main St. location “Factory B.” Factory B burned to the ground in 1902, but was rebuilt in six months, and by 1907, the two shops employed 250 men.
Needing additional manufacturing capacity, a new factory complex was constructed in 1908 in Hopkins, Minnesota, southwest of Minneapolis. Favorable shipping rates on the M&StL railway made it practical to use clay from the Clay Bank, Belvidere and Bellchester pits of Goodhue County. It was formally named the Minneapolis Sewer Pipe Co. until 1915, after which it bore the name Red Wing Sewer Pipe Co, Factory C, until production ended in 1924 as the supply of clay dwindled.
The buildings in the background appear to be the Red Wing Brick Manufacturing Co., this suggests that the photo most likely dates to after the consolidation of the John H. Rich Sewer Pipe Co.into the Red Wing Sewer Pipe C.o, making this location the yard of Factory A.
Factory A had its own fire in 1922, but was rebuilt. Factory B ceased production in the mid 1940s when the clay pits were depleted of available clay. The building later became used by the Johnson Tire Co but burned completely in 1955. The old Factory B office building was torn down in 2012 after having served as a millwork shop, a window and cabinet shop, a residence, a guitar shop and an antique shop.
Sewer Pipe production continued at this location until 1972. The office building seen at the far right is the only structure still remaining. The rest of the property, now known as Clay City, is home to a number of commercial businesses.and self storage buildings.
