Newell’s pottery roots shaped its growth and local economy
Once a bustling company town, Newell is now a quiet rural community on the northern tip of the West Virginia panhandle. The unincorporated community sprang up around the Fiesta Tableware Company, formerly the Homer Laughlin China Company. The region is one of the largest pottery producers in the United States, and the company’s foundation led to population growth in the early 1900s. While the community has declined in size over the years, vintage homes and historic parks serve as a reminder of its heyday. Fiesta is still around, employing hundreds of people. Ergon West Virginia is another major employer nearby, while East Liverpool, Ohio provides access to shopping, dining and health care just across the Ohio River.
Homes include early 1900s styles and fixer-uppers
American Foursquares and bungalows from the early 20th century line the residential streets of Newell. Houses are often close together on small lots, and many streets have sidewalks. Most homes have spacious front porches where residents can enjoy a morning cup of coffee or watch the sunset in the evening. The community’s southern part features ranch-style and manufactured houses on more rural streets, with larger yards and no sidewalks. The average single-family home size is around 1,500 square feet, well below the national average. Many properties in the community need some repairs. Homes can sell for $10,000 to $70,000.
Toll bridge offers quick access to hospital and shopping
Washington Street, also known as West Virginia Route 2, is the main road through the community. It leads about 17 miles south to Weirton and 3 miles east to Chester. The Wayne Six Toll Bridge is the quickest way to get across the river to East Liverpool, costing $1 per car. The bridge opened in 1905 and was recently renamed in honor of the maintenance lead who has worked on the bridge for nearly 60 years. East Liverpool City Hospital is about 1 mile from Newell, just on the other side of the bridge.
Small-town eats nearby with shopping in East Liverpool
Small restaurants line Washington Street, offering a variety of cuisines. 1942 Tacos and Tequila serves traditional Mexican dishes in a colorful dining room. The restaurant is most notable for its robot server, which delivers food and checks to tables. Across the street, Coplin’s Family Diner is open for breakfast and lunch, while Ohio Valley Pizza Company serves square pies for takeout. The nearby city of East Liverpool has several more restaurants, ranging from casual dives to upscale American eateries. It’s also where many people shop, with stores like Giant Eagle, Dollar Tree and Walmart.
Laurel Hollow Park blends history with summer events
Laurel Hollow Park is a small green space on Washington Street with a gazebo, an amphitheater and landscaped areas. The park was originally established in 1907 as a small zoo with bears, monkeys and seals. Today, benches and picnic tables offer quiet spots to sit beneath the trees and enjoy the scenery. The amphitheater is located on the former bear den and hosts a free summer concert series from June through August. Clarke Field is an open athletic field with a basketball court, playground and picnic shelter. Boaters and anglers can access the Ohio River at Kennedy Park and Marina. The park requires a small fee for parking and using the boat launch.
Area schools include dual credit and vocational programs
Allison Elementary School is located in nearby Chester and earns an A-minus from Niche. Oak Glen Middle School gets a B-plus while Oak Glen High School receives a C. The high school offers dual credit courses through Northern Community College. Students can also study career pathways at John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center, including automotive technology, carpentry, graphic design and welding.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
