Growing up in Delavan, Wisconsin, Jan Christianson was fascinated by the people who had lived around the area lakes in earlier times. He began unearthing the bits they left, discovering that there were very few salt-glaze pottery shards among those remnants. Puzzled by this lack, he began researching salt-glaze pottery, beginning a lifelong fascination with the durable art form that eventually led him to take classes in making it from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.

At the university, Jan met Kim, a small bundle of energy who would soon become his wife. The two began sharing Jan's dream of owning a salt-glaze pottery business. After spending several years in Colorado, they moved back to Delavan, Wisconsin, and discovered an old school for sale.

Shadow Lawn School was begun in 1928, and expanded in the 1950s. The buildings were perfect to house a pottery: The Christiansons converted the original brick structure into their residence. Areas in the addition became the Pot Room, combination Warehouse/Shipping and Receiving, and the gymnasium/cafeteria is storage.

The school loaned its name to the pottery, and Shadowlawn Stoneware Pottery opened its doors July 4, 1987.

Things have changed at Shadowlawn over the years. The old kiln is eclipsed by a larger one that holds 1,200 pieces at one time. The Christiansons fire once a month. Jan's brother Tom Christianson and their sister Paula Vidas have joined the staff full-time to produce salt-glaze stoneware for wholesale and retail customers throughout the United States and Japan.

Shadowlawn stoneware has been carefully carried home or shipped to places around the world. Customers love the distinctive stamp on each item that proudly announces "Hand made in Delavan, WI Shadowlawn Pottery."