Yaki-Tam History

OK, What's really in a name?  I guess to understand Yaki-Tam you have to be Polish and have a sense of Humor.  Yaki-Tam is a Polish term roughly meaning “What Kind”.

 

The original Yaki-Tam may still exist, I haven’t been there in a few years, but it was in Presque Isle, Michigan and was begun as a hunting lodge for my parents, aunts and uncles plus a few of their friends.  360 acres of timber and swamp land perfect for hunting, poker and pinochle.

 

This was back in the early 60’s.  The time of Big Valley, The Ponderosa and all of the television westerns.  When the partners were gathered discussing their plans and what to name the club, someone announced that it had to be a Ranch.  My grandmother in her Polish/English way said “Yaki tam Ranch”, meaning what kind of Ranch.  Well, the name stuck and Yaki-Tam Ranch was born.

 

During the summers, Yaki-Tam was a vacation resort for the families and every year we would spend time out there.  For a kid, these were times of exploring and fun.  Everything from walking through the woods, fishing, roasting marshmallows and just having a great time. I’m not sure the adults would remember it this way, since their time was spent fixing things that broke or mowing the patches around the cabin.  But, for us kids it was heaven!  Away from the city with few rules and lots of time for fun!

 

Unfortunately, as it always does, time moves on but memories stay with you.  I was lucky enough to be able to visit Yaki-Tam a few times as an adult with my family and the good times remained.  But the original family members were retiring and not using the place, so it was sold, The new owners may have changed the name, but for me it will always be Yaki-Tam Ranch and the memories will remain.

 

Anyway, as I was beginning my pottery career I wanted to be part of the pottery world and everyone had a business identity.  I played with several names trying to come up with  one that fit.  One day I was cleaning my studio (garage) and came across a No Trespassing sign with Yaki-Tam Ranch on it.  It was old, and bent, and had seen better days, but my son must have brought it to Texas somewhere along the way.  I looked at it and thought Yaki-Tam Pottery.  IT FIT!  It brought the memories of my youth to my present day joy.  Plus as my own worst critic and a bit of a smart @$$, it fit even better.  What Kind of Pottery was I creating?

 

Anyway, now you know the story.  I hope it makes a bit of sense and you can see the humor and sentimentality in it.

 

David

 

 

 

To contact us:

Email: david@yaki-tam.com

And now, the Rest of the Story . . . .