Fostoria Glass
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In 1886 a group of investors from West Virginia led by Lucian B. Martin, an experienced glass man, established a factory in Fostoria, Ohio, where natural gas had just been discovered.
Unfortunately the gas ran out in about four years. In 1891 the factory was relocated to Moundsville, West Virgina, where Fostoria Glass remained for the rest of its life.
Early production consisted of oil lamps and utilitarian wares. In 1902 W.A.B.Dalzell became president of the company. Fostoria prospered under Dalzell's leadership, running five furnaces by 1920. A clear glass in an ice cube shaped pattern known as Fostoria American, introduced in 1915, became a huge success and was offered until the company's demise.
When color was introduced in 1924 Fostoria Glass ran an unprecedented advertising campaign in major publications like Vogue and the Ladies' Home Journal. It was the first major national glass house to advertise in this manner, and the extensive exposure gave it a pre-eminent position in the minds of consumers, even long after competing glass houses began to mimic Fostoria's advertising. Fostoria tried to convince housewifes to replace their porcelain and pottery table settings with settings made of glass.
Production in the 30s and 40s followed industry trends, with colors in deep greens, blues and reds. Etched glass was very popular, and Fostoria introduced a series of "Master Etchings," glass supposed etched by special master craftsmen. Popular etched patterns introduced in this era include Navarre (1936) and Meadow Rose.
During the war years production was much curtailed, although Fostoria did some work for war industries, and managed to keep its workers employed at least part time. Business boomed after the war, with peak production occuring in 1950. Favorite patterns like Chintz were introduced in the 50s, and in 1958 Fostoria Glass introduced its Jamestown pattern to celebrate the 350th anniversary of glassblowing in the Jamestown colony.
Sales declined in the 70s and 80s due to competition from less expensive, foreign hand-blown glass. In addition tastes had changed and formal table settings were being replaced with convenient disposable plates and cups. The company was sold in 1983 to Lancaster American and the factory was closed forever in 1986. Lancaster continues to manufacture some glassware in the Fostoria American pattern, including a few pieces in color.
Fostoria glass was no better than competitors such as Cambridge or Heisey, but Fostoria held an enormous edge in marketing. It was the first glass company to employ its own exclusive salesmen, the first glass company to do national advertising. It published its own consumer magazine. Its sales representatives were coached on how to train department stores to set up special Fostoria displays.
Standard references include the Fostoria books by Milbra Long and Emily Seate; and also Ann Kerr; and the venerable Fostoria, The First Fifty Years by Hazel Marie Weatherman.
View Fostoria Glass for sale at Centennial Antiques
Vicki
Young
PO Box 435
Randolph, OH 44265
330-325-7866