The History of Glass Making in West Virginia

Glass making is a craft that has been practiced in West Virginia for more than two centuries. The state has a rich and diverse heritage of glass production, from elegant hand-blown art glass to functional pressed glassware. In this blog post, we will explore the origins, development, and legacy of glass making in West Virginia, and highlight some of the places where you can learn more and see glass making in action.

The Origins of Glass Making in West Virginia

The first glass factory in West Virginia was established in 1815 by Lewis and Isaac Duvall in Wellsburg, Brooke County. The Duvalls produced window glass, bottles, and flint glassware, using sand from the Ohio River and wood from the nearby forests as raw materials1. The Duvalls’ factory was one of the earliest in the region, and paved the way for more glass makers to set up shop in West Virginia.

One of the factors that attracted glass makers to West Virginia was the abundance and quality of silica sand, which is the main ingredient in glass. West Virginia is home to one of the highest quality deposits of silica sand in the United States. The silica sand in West Virginia is especially suited for making plate glass, which can be turned into windows or stained glass.

Another factor that contributed to the growth of glass making in West Virginia was the availability of cheap and abundant fuels, especially natural gas and coal. These fuels were essential for heating the sand to extremely high temperatures, which is necessary for turning it into a moldable liquid. Natural gas and coal also helped to reduce the cost of production and transportation of glass products.

The Development of Glass Making in West Virginia

By the end of the 19th century, West Virginia had become an important glass manufacturing state, with over 400 factories and manufacturers creating glass products of various types and styles. Some of the most notable glass makers in West Virginia include:

• Blenko Glass Company: Founded in 1921 by William J. Blenko in Milton, Cabell County, Blenko is known for its beautifully colored hand-blown glass, such as vases, bowls, pitchers, and lamps. Blenko is still operating today, and offers tours, demonstrations, and a showroom where visitors can buy its products.

• Fenton Art Glass Company: Founded in 1905 by Frank L. Fenton and his brother John W. Fenton in Williamstown, Wood County, Fenton is famous for its iridescent carnival glass, hobnail glass, and hand-painted glassware. Fenton also produced some pieces of Moon and Star glassware, a patterned glass with a round star-like shape and a crescent moon. Fenton closed its doors in 2011, but its museum and gift shop are still open to the public.

• Marble King: Founded in 1949 by Berry Pink and Sellers Peltier in St. Marys, Pleasants County, Marble King is the world’s largest manufacturer of glass marbles, producing one million marbles every day. Marble King’s marbles are used for games, toys, jewelry, and even NASA experiments. Marble King’s gift shop is open during the summer months, where visitors can buy marbles and other souvenirs.
  

The Legacy of Glass Making in West Virginia

Although the glass industry in West Virginia has declined since its peak in the 20th century, due to competition, automation, and environmental regulations, there are still some places where handmade glass is still made and appreciated in the state. Some of the places where you can learn more about the history and art of glass making in West Virginia are:

• The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia: Located in Weston, Lewis County, this museum showcases the long and diverse history of glass production in West Virginia, with over 20,000 pieces of glass on display, ranging from ancient to contemporary. The museum also has an archive, a library, and a gift shop.

• Glass by Scott: Located in the town of Davis, Tucker County offers live glass blowing demonstrations, unique handmade gifts, and a friendly atmosphere.

• Ron Hinkle Glass Art Gallery: Located south of Buckhannon, Upshur County, this gallery features the work of Ron Hinkle, a professional glass artist who has been making glass since 1974. Hinkle makes colorful, hand-blown and sculpted art pieces, such as flowers, animals, and ornaments. Visitors can watch live demonstrations, or buy his art in the gallery or online.

• Oglebay Institute Glass Museum: Located in Wheeling, Ohio County, this museum displays the work of Sweeney Punch Bowl, the largest piece of cut glass in the world, weighing 225 pounds and containing 1,000 hand-cut pieces. The museum also exhibits the glass collection of the Oglebay family, who were prominent industrialists and philanthropists in Wheeling. The museum offers tours, classes, and workshops for glass enthusiasts.
  

Conclusion

Glass making is a craft that has shaped the culture, economy, and identity of West Virginia for over 200 years. The state has produced some of the finest and most diverse glass products in the world, from elegant art glass to functional glassware. The legacy of glass making in West Virginia is still alive and well, as there are many places where visitors can admire, learn, and participate in this fascinating and beautiful craft.