American Toby Jug Museum 

Old Mother Hubbard character jug produced by Devonmoor Pottery of Devon, England, circa 1930. Old Mother Hubbard is an English-language nursery rhyme, first given an extended printing in 1805, although the exact origin of the rhyme is disputed. The nursery rhyme was written and illustrated by Sarah Catherine Martin mainly to amuse her sister's children. The poem was first told at her sister's house and were inspired by an old housekeeper of her sister's house, who lived in a cottage on their property after giving up work. Like other 19th century rhymes, Old Mother Hubbard is a song that refers to the general poverty in England at the time.