Who made the decorative tiles in Steven’s 1958 bathroom, he asks? I launched a sleuth and in a flash found: They are Pomona’s Oklahoma design. Very nice in-the-wild save, Steven! Let’s follow the breadcrumbs trail…
Steven writes:
Hi Pam,
I recently bought a 1958 ranch featuring a nice bath vanity with what appears to be original tile in a mottled cocoa color and a few interesting farm scene tiles!
I’m curious to know if you can help me find out what the cocoa color and glaze technique might be referred to as well as any history on the neat scene tiles, who might have made them, etc.
Are there other similar scene tiles you or or the Retro Renovation community are aware of?
Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Many thanks,
Steven
You’re welcome, Steven. I LOVE your tiles! And yes, I think I know them: They are vintage Pomona tiles. Above: My first relationship with the brand — a set of New Old Stock vintage Pomonas… that I bought about 10 years ago … and that I don’t know what I’ll do with … but I’ll do something with ’em .. and which have a similar look. And then…
In 2014 we featured images of Pomona Tile Viewmaster Reels from reader Mike’s collection (with his permission of course). Follow the link-trail in that story to his flickr account to see some enlargements from the Viewmaster that show some file tile that surely is the same design as yours.
OH, OKLAHOMA: Lookie, I took my own advice and started going through Mike’s photos and voila!: I found your Oklahoma series tiles on Mike’s Flickr page here! They are shown on Reel #14 — the Decorative Series.
More from our RR-archives on Pomona Tiles:
Above: Another Pomona sighting we’ve featured in the past, Pomona tiles by famed watercolorist Millard Sheets as part of the “Distinguished Designer” series spotted (and long sold) on ebay.
Above: Just a few months ago, Heritage Tile introduced sculptural tiles inspired by Saul Bass’ midcentury designs for Pomona Tile.
Above: Pomona-in-the-pink carried the torch for my original facts page on Mamie pink bathrooms — way before we saved them by the hundreds if not thousands!
Mike’s sharing of his historic Pomona Tile source material is pretty rockin’ awesome — and so is your bathroom, Steven! Thank you for sharing so’s we could!
Maria says
Sorry for all those typos – darn phone! Anyway, I was thinking those tiles were chosen because of the pioneer theme, Though I’m sure homeowners had some choice in the matter. Growing up in this housing development I got to see everybody else’s house and the tile colors were all different. Including some pink bathrooms! We didn’t have one of those but I still have the original ge pink appliances in the kitchen. 🙂
Maria says
I have these exact same tiles in my kitchen! My house was built in 1959 and I’m in California. However, the name of our Development was called Pioneer Village — and I think the builder is Pioneer homes. I’m not sure on that last part but since I have the original deed of ownership (My parents bought it new when I grow up here) it might be on that if I were to look. My parents bought this house new in 1959 and I’m in the San Francisco Bay area. My field tiles are cream-colored With a slight spackle that I referred to as oatmeal. Basically matches the background color in these tiles. So fun to see them and somebody else’s home! I think I’m the only one on the block but still has all the original fixtures in my house.
Alison says
We have a similarly mottled tile, but a lighter beige, in our main bath circa 1959. Thanks for the hint that they may be Pomona.
Mary Elizabeth says
Amazing tiles, Steven. May I join in the chorus of kudos for saving this bath instead of (shudder) taking a sledge hammer to it.
Steven says
I plan to save these beauties, the sink is small but it’s a guest bath so I think I’ll just replace the faucet & knobs.
J says
Have the same mottled brown tiles in our bathroom. They are also Pomona Tile company. The shade is called “sepia over ivory!”
Steven says
Thanks, J…that’s good to know!
Carolyn says
Without sounding too nosy – Steven, what state do you live in? It makes me wonder if this was a regional thing or a craze that swept the nation. The references to dishware makes me think I have something stashed away so now when I unearth it, I’ll know what it is.
I could see this either in a boys (or child’s) bathroom or the basement rumpus room. Daniel Boone, Roy & Dale, or Micky Mouse Club themed.
How come they don’t make cool stuff like this anymore?
Steven says
Coincidentally, I am in Oklahoma City!
Mary Elizabeth says
Where the wind goes sweeping down the plain?
Neil says
And where “my honey-lamb” smells sweet after the rain?
Steven says
Yep!
Steven says
Of course!
Sarah says
Janet,
I had the same thought. My grandmother had those Metlox dishes, and I inherited them The pattern is Homestead Provincial and indeed looks strikingly similar to the Frankoma tiles.
Elizabeth from Texas says
I love those tiles and am so glad you’re saving them!!
Karin says
Those Millard Sheets Tiles are beautiful. I’ll keep my eyes out for those.
Janet in ME says
I love those tiles! I wondered at the date and noticed the reel says Portland 7, Oregon, which is pre-zip code in the early 60’s, I believe. I had a set of dishes from Metlox in California that had this same farm theme. The different plate sizes had scenes of barns and farmers in the field with a plow and so on. Those dishes came in the well-known brown and green and russet color, as well as blue on stoneware which is what I had. Very colonial/retro and I think they were produced from the 50’s to the late 70’s. Pomona had some great tiles and I enjoyed seeing them this morning.