Depression Glass, made primarily during the 1930’s Depression Era, comes in an array of colors such as: amber, green, pink, blue, red, yellow, white and crystal. The glass was mass produced by machines and sold through five & dime stores or used as promotional items for different products. Depression Glass was often packed in cereal boxes, flour sacks, or given away as gifts at the local movie theaters, gasoline stations, and grocery stores. This wonderful glass helped bring families together at meal times and added a bright spot of color through that blackest of times.
For many families, getting a set of glassware then was like collecting a set now. It was the first time such glassware was widely available in large dinner services and the first time it was inexpensive enough to obtain.
Today, many families continue to collect Depression Glass. Both men and women enjoy spending time together searching for their glass treasures and patterns. The diversity of collecting Depression Glass is awesome. It’s not limited to being just a baby boom hobby. Younger generations have patterns and collections and love to talk about how they grew up surrounded by it. Collecting Depression Glass is very much a family affair. It’s amazing that the pretty glass that brought families together during the 1930’s continues to bring families together in the 21st century.
Depression Glass was not always a popular collectable. At the end of the Depression Era families began to pack away the colorful glass they once so enjoyed to purchase china with the money they had saved. Their Depression Glass stayed pretty much packed away, while their newer china graced the tables. Whenever Depression Glass was offered on the secondary market, most folks turned away and didn’t purchase it. The glass reminded them of hard times the Depression Era caused and that was part of their life that they wanted to leave behind.
Depression Glass gained popularity as a collectable in late 1960’s early 1970’s. From then until now, it has been recognized as one of the most popular collectables of the times.
There were several factories that produced Depression Glass. The below mentioned are just a few of the most well-known companies coupled with their most popular patterns.
Jeannette Glass Company located in Jeannette, PA, was recognized as a pioneer in bringing automation together with colors. One of the company’s most popular patterns was Cherry Blossom. It was also one of the longest running production lines (1930-1939).
Jeannette Glass Company, like many of the glass companies, had to struggle for survival during the Depression Era. To keep afloat, the glass designers from several companies created numerous powder containers, lamps, clocks, vanity and guest’s sets to persuade a cash starved society to splurge on non-essentials. These items were made in a variety of shapes and colors. Also, Jeannette Glass Co. made kitchen canisters, reamers, and refrigerator jars in a variety of colors.
Located in Lancaster, Ohio, the Hocking Glass Company was another large company producing patterns such as Mayfair(1931-1937). Later, Hocking Glass Co. merged with another company to become Anchor-Hocking Co., which is still in production today.
Hazel-Atlas Company location was Clarksburg, WVA. This company made some tableware, but specialized in kitchen items. Canisters, reamers, water pitchers, glasses, refrigerator jars and mixing bowls. This company was the primary maker of the colors Ritz Blue commonly known as Cobalt Blue, developed in 1936. They also tried to produce a red which was the hardest color to make at that time. They failed but produced a burgundy or amethyst instead.
Another manufacture was the McBeth-Evans Company located in PA. Producer of a very popular pattern, American Sweetheart (1930-1936). This company was widely known for making lamps and lamp shades.
There are many more patterns and companies that produced Depression Glass. The above list is just a few that I wanted to highlight. If you have any questions or comments about this article or your pattern, please let us know. As always, thanks for visiting.
Carolyn
