03/05/2026
This month 78 years ago Pinecroft became a reality. Selma Caverly an Aylmer native who had been a school teacher in Kingsmill, Malahide , Luton and Lambeth decided to join the Navy during WW II . In Medicine Hat Alberta, Jimmie Clennell who was working at the Medalta Potteries joined the Army. The Canadian government offered programs for veterans to integrate back into civilian life after the war, and Selma and Jimmie both joined a ceramics program at McGill University at the St Anne de Bellevue campus in Quebec. Looking for a location to start a studio of their own, Selma’s father, Arthur Caverly offered them a small cabin on his property. Surrounded by pine trees their studio was a small clearing in the pines, hence the name Pinecroft, and their partnership began. Turning their business partnership into a permanent relationship, they were married in 1949 and began the transformation of a cabin studio into the foundation of what Pinecroft is today. The Pinecroft you see today has been the result of many years of hard work, financial struggles and dedication to the education and introduction of thousands of students to pottery and the opportunity for everyone to create and experience the joy of self discovery through clay. 1978 marked a shift in focus and as a celebration of 30 years as a pottery studio, the Green Frog Tearoom was born. The tearoom began simply to offer customers who had driven a distance some refreshments before heading home. Tea, muffins and home made bread were the only menu offerings. 48 years later the restaurant still focuses on home recipes, local produce and country friendliness. The tearoom today continues to offer customers the hospitality of its humble beginnings. The original family generations later is still the driving force of the day to day operations. The Smith’s, Paul and Brenda ( Caverly ) , and their children Sarah and Chad keep the vision alive. Daughter Kim lends support from her home as she supports her husband’s family business in Maryhill Ontario . Tony Clennell, Jimmie’s nephew, teaches weekly making sure that the opportunity to experience clay is still an essential focus of Pinecroft. I continue to throw as much as time and body will allow to fill the gift shop with pottery that reflects the history and resilience of Pinecroft. 78 years later, Pinecroft is probably known more for its culinary offerings but never forget the foundation is and always will be the pottery. We want to offer each and everyone of our customers the peace and serenity that can be found here and an experience that will leave them with warm memories of their time at Pinecroft. Join us this year and help us celebrate the vision of not only Jimmie and Selma Clennell but also that of Arthur Caverly who worked so hard to create his own vision of Northern Ontario, his Muskoka, that we get to enjoy everyday.
Pinecroft
8122 Rogers Rd S
Aylmer, West Ontario
519-773-3435
www.pinecroft.ca
