Isaac Hewitt's pottery establishment, also known as the Excelsior Works, was probably producing pottery soon after 1865, when he was paying taxes on a lot and one cow, although production figures for his plant do not appear until 1870. In the 1870's, with the help of six workers and three wheels, the plant produced 45,000 gallons of stoneware annually and earned an annual income of $6,500. Many early works were hand decorated and highly ornate, but because this proved too costly, stenciling was adopted. By 1880 production had slowed considerably, and the pottery operated only eight months of the year. The proudly decorated pottery made more than a hundred years ago is difficult to find today and is consequently quite valuable, with many pieces now selling for more than Hewitt made in an entire year.