New Life: The Cole Family Potters of Sandford, NC

Garrison Keillor has said that some of the most popular guests on A Prairie Home Companion are “cute old folks and Southerners.” Combine the two and you've got sisters Celia and Neolia (an Indian name meaning “New Life,” we are told) Cole, who here tell the story of the pottery business started by their father in 1927, carried on by their father and them through the years, and now continuing with the assistance of Neolia's grandson. As with the Luck Family (see review of Crawdad Slip: The Luck Family Potters of Seagrove, North Carolina in VL-3/00), the Coles started their pottery in Seagrove, North Carolina. However, in 1934, Mr. Cole moved the business to Sanford, NC to take advantage of the trade along “Number One Highway” (U.S. Highway One). As with the companion title previously reviewed, this tape will find a wide and welcoming audience ranging from pottery artisans to people interested in regional folkways, to those who just like learning about interesting “real people.” Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Reagan)