This is a Nebraska advertising sponge ware Red Wing bowl from Farnam Nebraska. This bowl reads in the bottom of the bowl, ‘it Pays to Mix with us W.G. Parker – Farnam, Nebraska’. This bowl measures 7 1/4″ diameter across the top and stands 4 1/2″ high. Nice detail in the paneled sides of the bowl and the blue is a dark and rich color. Good all original condition, there is a very small ding around the very bottom rim, not even visible when the bowl is sitting on a table. On the interior on the bowl there is an old air bubble that did not cover when this bowl was originally made. It is difficult to find Red Wing sponge ware bowls with Nebraska advertising on them and this is one that you will not want to miss adding to your own personal collection.
History of W.G. Parker and Farnum, Nebraska.
Mr. Parker was one of the first settlers in this Dawson County community. He homesteaded here in 1886 and after a few years became a clerk in a store operated by E. T. Buss and M. C. Divoll, in 1892. In 1896 he bought an interest in the business and in 1898 the Best Place Mercantile Store built a large building on the lots where the Ahrendts hardware is now located and with Mr. Buss, Mr. Divoll and T. H. Bailey they operated one of the largest stores in this section of Nebraska.
In February, 1914 the Best Place was destroyed by fire, and a short time following Mr. Parker rented the present location of the store and it has continued until the present. He took his two sons, Merton and Ralph into the business in 1928 and after Ralph moved to Orafino, two years ago, the business has been continued with his son Merton, which makes the present firm of W. G. Parker & Son.
