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January, 2018 The Antique Shoppe Page 3
The Old Morgantown Glass Company

By: Leora Leasure

In the world of Glass Companies America In 1903 they reorganized and became “The Economy Tumbler
had many stars. Many books have been Company”. Operating under the General Manager, George W. Fry, they
written concerning these companies dropped the pressed products and concentrated on the blown stemware,
and their wares. Collectors clubs were tumblers and general barware lines.
formed and in many cases museums In 1909 Mr. Wilbur E. Hunter replaced Mr. Fry and continued to be
followed to preserve the history of the in charge until 1923. Mr. Hunter rebuilt and improved nearly
company, it’s workers and the beautiful the entire plant between 1917 and 1919. These
glass they produced. changes made it possible for the company to enter
One of these companies was an extremely new field of glassmaking; the mass
located in Morgantown, West production of colored glass for the home along with
Virginia. This company was known the commercial and institutional trade. This started
as the “Morgantown glass Company”. an upturn in the company and an interest from new
The company went through several customers.
transformations and name changes in it’s The company entered 1920 by bringing
life time. When referring to this company another man from the Fry Glass Company, by
it is generically known as the Morgantown the name of Joseph E. Haden. Mr. Haden and
Glass Company. But let’s go back to the along with the help of Mr. Hunter developed
beginning. many color and design innovations
In 1899, Frank Bannister, who was a well-known name in the which they introduced at the 1922
glass business, along with a group of Morgantown businessmen Pittsburgh Glass Exhibit.
led by Dr. David H. Courtney founded a company by the name of Continued on Page 23
the “Morgantown Glass Works”.
The company at this time produced a general line of blown Shown Center:
tumblers, pressed tableware and pressed tumblers. All wares Top-Trindle basket
were in crystal with some having a light stencil etch. The company Center-Electra vase
catered their products to Hotels, Restaurants, Rail Road lines, Bottom: Bethann covered
Steamship lines etc. candy box.

Association Visit Historic Downtown

ARCADIA
Members

Voted
“Best Antiquing
Bizarre Bazaar .......................863-456-5608 “Come Spend the Day With US” Town in Florida”
Miss Pearl’s Place .................863-494-0232 20 ANTIQUE SHOPS IN 3 BLOCKS By Florida Monthly
Corey’s Antiques...................863-494-5959 Magazine
Timeless Treasures...............941-993-9393 @
Maddy’s Antiques .................863-494-2500 MONROE ST
OAK STREET POLK AVE DESOTO AVE
Yellow Brick Road .................863-993-3000
Manny’s Odds & Ends ............239-384-1705 !
ORANGE AVE

New Proprietors Dale & Sharon,
MADDY'S ANTIQUES Antique Association Long-time dealers at The Galleria Mall,
Punta Gorda invite you to
121 W. Oak St. of Arcadia their newly opened shop. . .
863-494-2500 www.ArcadiaFLAntiques.com YELLOW BRICK ROAD

Join us for MONTHLY SATURDAY Antiques & Collectibles
“MADDY’S GATHERINGS” ANTIQUE FAIR BARGAIN DAYS
NEW YEAR’S DAY • 10-2 (Every 4th Sat 8am-3pm) January 13 112 W. Oak Street

JAN 27 • FEB 24 Arcadia, FL 34266
Thur. & Fri. 12-4, Sat. 10-4 or by appt. MAR 24 863-993-3000
View our store at: Booth Info 863-993-5105 ALWAYS BUYING
maddysantiques.net 1 One Piece or Entire Estate 2