It is my understanding that  [log in to unmask] is going to compile a
bibliography of kiln excavations. To this end, I was Principal Investigator
on a project in Frankfort and another in Covington where portions of kilns
were excavated.  Currently we are testing the Thomas Pottery in Louisville,
Kentucky.
 
The Thomas pottery was started by an immigrant Scottsman, William Thomas,
sometime around 1850.  By 1860, it was a sizeable manufacturing concern with
two kilns.  In that year census records suggest that the family had $5,000.00
invested in the works, used 21 tons of clay on an annual basis and employed
21 hands.  A 20-horse steam engine provided power, probably for the jigger
wheels.  The Louisville business directory for 1864 notes that the Thomas
Pottery produced yellow ware and rockingham ware.  The pottery operated for
about 40 years.
 
Also see:
 
Genheimer, R.A.
1988  An historical archaeological assessment of the East Main Street Phase
II project in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky.  Cultural Resource
        Analysts, Inc., Contract Publication Series 88-25.
 
        This report includes a description of a  relatively small, brick-lined,
simple updraft beehive pottery kiln which measured 3.35 m in    diameter.  It
contained a pair of opposing fire boxes and a system of internal flues.  Both
stoneware and earthenware products were         manufactured including crocks, jars,
bottles, plates and smoking pipes.
 
Genheimer, R.A.
1987  Archaeological testing, evaluation and final mitigation excavations at
Covington's Riverfront Development Phase II site, Kenton County,        Kentucky.
 Prepared by R.G. Archaeological Services and Cultural Resource Analysts,
Inc. for the City of Covington, Kentucky.
 
        This report contains a description of a mid-nineteenth century pottery with
two, updraft, bottle type beehive kilns.  Only the base of one  of these was
preserved; the chamber, stack and accesory structures had been removed by
more modern construction/demolition     activities.  The brick base of the first
kiln  was 5.65 m in diamter.  The second kiln was in equally bad shape.  It
is estimated to have    been  between 5.6 and 6.6 m in diamter.  Chamber pots
were the most frequently observed vessel type observed in the waster
        deposits.  Rockingham and clear glazed mugs were also observed.  In
addition, annular banding with dendrites were noted on small    bowls and mugs.
 
One other reference is:
 
Benson, Donna L.
1984  The Stephenson pottery works, Pleasant Bottoms (Adams County)
Ohio:1790-1880.  In: Proceedings of the Symposium on Ohio Valley Urban and
Historic Archeology, Vol. II: 57-65.