Ohio Finds: Sewer Tile Football

While fans might be impatient for kickoff time, it is doubtful anyone would attempt a field goal with this football. This model has the surface texture and seams of the real thing, but instead of pigskin, this football, which was sold in August 2025, was made from Ohio sewer tile by Edward J. Ellwood. 

Sewer tile (also known as drain tile) for agricultural purposes was produced in dozens of factories across Ohio during the 20th century, but it also gained popularity for decorative, durable household objects including items like planters, doorstops and bookends.

Ellwood was born in Uhrichsville and, aside from a stint in the U.S. Army during World War II, lived there working in the local pottery industry until his death. While Tuscarawas County potteries were long known for producing large quantities of utilitarian stoneware and redware, Ellwood’s specialty was sewer-tile figures. 

Over his career he made everything from common objects like dogs and birds to the more unusual, like skulls and footballs, modeling pieces by hand but also creating molds. Most of his work is signed “EJE,” and he remains Ohio’s best known and most prolific sewer-tile artist.  

Sold: $540

Hollie Davis is a co-owner of Meander Auctions in Whipple, Ohio. meanderauctions.com

For more Ohio history, sign up for our Ohio Magazine newsletters.

Ohio Magazine is available in a beautifully designed print issue that is published 7 times a year, along with Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter editions of LongWeekends magazine. Subscribe to Ohio Magazine and stay connected to beauty, adventure and fun across our state.