James Dryden was born at Englewood, KS, in 1917, but the family moved around until they reached Ellsworth 10 years later. Dryden showed an early interest in art, took classes, and aspired to be a professional cartoonist. He also showed an interest in pottery, but World War II intervened before he could concentrate on any one career. Dryden was drafted into the army and served his country in the South Pacific. Clay found in the Ellsworth vicinity showed promise for ceramic production. Although it was too gummy, the addition of volcanic ash—also found near Ellsworth—helped make the clay useful for pottery. Jim Dryden foresaw the possibilities and, after the war, used his benefits from the G. I. Bill to enroll in a crash course on ceramics at the University of Kansas. In addition, he took two years of chemistry from the University of Illinois. After his coursework, Jim took out a loan through the G.I. Bill to start his business. Dryden Pottery opened in Ellsworth in 1946 with a kiln, a government surplus Quonset hut, and a barracks building from Walker Army Air Field near Hays. Dryden made ceramics that were considered art pottery, but he also produced advertising materials and tourist wares imprinted with special logos and marks that were commissioned by businesses and organizations around the country. The company’s signature piece is a Grecian pitcher, still being produced today. Dryden remained in Ellsworth, KS, until 1956, when it moved to Hot Springs, AR.