After being closed for two years during World War II, when gas rationing decreased traffic to the Teapot, the Teapot and Devon's pottery business were sold to Mary Wucherer and Rhelda Cain in 1947. Food was again sold out of the Teapot until the late 1960's, when it was used to sell lawn and garden items as well as china and novelty pieces. By this time, the Teapot had been painted blue and white and was sold to Cecil and Alice Fletcher, who continued to sell pottery and other gift items from it for many years before finally closing both their business and the Teapot. The Teapot then sat abandoned until 1984, when C&P Telephone purchased the land. The former business building was demolished, and the Teapot was in danger of being scrapped. Geneva Hill, a Chester native, brought citizens to action to save the Teapot from destruction. C&P Telephone offered to donate the Teapot to the City of Chester. Councilwoman Anne Ford formed a restoration committee, the town overwhelmingly approved restoring the Teapot, and fundraising plans were made. The Teapot was moved to various places in Chester while $3000 in restoration funds were raised. Repair work eventually began on the floor and roof joints. The exterior tin of the Teapot was sandblasted for cleaning, but this caused wrinkling in some places. As repair work continued, much debate arose between the State Highway Department and townspeople over where the Teapot should be permanently located. This debate continued for a number of years, during which bad weather created new problems. Two decades later, with normal wear and tear taking its toll, the town council appointed Chester native Susan Badgley Hineman as project manager to raise $15,000 for a complete renovation. With volunteer assistance, she used social media via the Internet to raise the entire amount in only six months. To help ensure the Teapot's future, she requested an annual Teapot Day to generate funds for its ongoing maintenance. The first annual Teapot Day was held in Chester, West Virginia, on Saturday, August 8, 2015.
