The Pioneer Village Museum in Burlington, ND, just got a little more colorful—thanks to a generous donation from longtime pottery collector Joyce Elaine Carlson Young.
Joyce, who was born in McLeod, ND, in 1935, spent most of her life gathering beautiful pottery, especially pieces from the famous Rosemeade factory once located in Wahpeton. What started as a few finds at flea markets and estate sales turned into a collection of over 300 unique pieces, ranging from rare plates to tiny test pitchers. Over the years, Joyce and her husband, John, traveled all over Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa hunting for the next great piece—often with John secretly buying the ones Joyce admired most to surprise her later.
Joyce’s love for pottery goes way back. In the early 1960s, when the family lived just two blocks from the Rosemeade factory, Joyce’s kids would sometimes sneak over to the factory’s ash piles to dig for discarded pottery—finding treasures that were tossed aside for imperfections.
The collection, which at one time was valued at $18,000, now has a permanent home at Pioneer Village, displayed on the second floor of the Samuelson House—a large white home originally from downtown Minot. It’s a beautiful tribute to a lifetime of dedication, and a real treat for visitors to explore.
Pioneer Village Museum is open May 9 through October 19, Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. They’re located just east of Burlington’s city turnoff on Highway 2/52 West. The museum also hosts events like family reunions, weddings, and community gatherings—and is always looking for volunteers and new members to help keep local history alive.
So if you love pottery, history, or just a good story, make sure to stop by and see Joyce’s incredible collection!
*Joyce Young passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025 just two months shy of her 90th birthday. The pottery donation was made just weeks before her passing.
