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Fenton - A 100 Year Tradition When brothers Frank and John opened their business selling painted glassware in Martins Ferry, Ohio, little did anyone know what a dynasty they would create. Their company was to become the largest producer of handmade colored glass in the country. Unable to obtain enough glass blanks to paint, it was only a couple years until in 1907 the Fenton brothers opened their own glass-making factory in Williamstown, West Virginia.
In 1907 the company, thanks to chemist ‘Uncle Jake’ Rosenthal, introduced the first iridescent glass, now called carnival. Rosenthal was also responsible for Fenton’s chocolate, sometimes called caramel, glass and golden agate pieces. During the 1920s stretch glass, Fenton dolphins, the colors of jade green and ruby, as well as art glass like perfume bottles were added to the company’s inventory. The Depression slowed sales and World War II brought shortages, so Fenton limited its production to utilitarian items like tableware, juice reamers, and mixing bowls, while they continued experimenting with new colors. With no European glass coming into the country, Fenton fared well. The 1930s brought boudoir lamps, dancing ladies and slag glass. Fenton’s popular Hobnail line was first introduced, as well as cranberry glass. The ruffled edges on many of Fenton’s designs led easily to their crested wares, such as clear ‘Silver Crest,’ green ‘Emerald Crest,’ Snow Crest,’ and ‘Ebony Crest.’
Baskets were created during that time too. Attaching the handles was a skill so uncommon that it required special training and abilities. The basket handler had only 25 seconds to attach a molten glass handle to each side, twisting it in between if he wanted (and had time). Frank Myers was Fenton’s first basket handler. In the 1950s each basket handler began impressing his own distinctive mark at the base of each side of the handle. Also in the 50s, the popularity of milk glass led Fenton to develop its own line of white hobnail glass, which has remained a popular line for many years. In the 1960s Fenton produced a collector series of 12 plates commemorating the early glassmakers of the United States. Production was limited, making them hard to find today, but the series was so successful that Christmas in America, Bicentennial commemorative, and other series were made in limited quantities. In 1969 Fenton Art Glass and Cracker Barrel Country Stores formed a business relationship. Fenton began producing exclusive vases and figurines for sale in the restaurant’s gift shops. In 1999 Fenton created a special item for Cracker Barrel’s 30th anniversary. Then in 1987 Fenton formed a second business relationship, this time with the QVC Network. Birthstone Bears, small clear glass bears with ‘birthstone hearts’ signifying the month, were the first Fenton products to appear on the television network. Later the company developed Shelley’s Keepsakes, limited edition, hand-painted, numbered art glass pieces designed specifically for the collector. The increase in production caused by partnering with these two outlets led the company to expand the factory, which would later cause the company difficulty.
In 2005 Fenton celebrated its 100th anniversary, for which the company crafted a special collectible, a Mandarin red sherbet glass that Fred Fenton had designed in the 1930s. Auctions, signings, and workshops highlighted the five-day celebration, and QVC broadcasted live from the Fenton grounds in Williamstown. In addition, Senators Robert Byrd and Jay Rockefeller introduced a resolution in the Senate recognizing Fenton’s contribution to the State of West Virginia through its production of world-renowned hand-blown glass. Many of us feared Fenton was gone forever when the company announced in 2007 that it would be forced to close before the end of the year. Competition from foreign imports, the changing tastes of collectors, the cost of natural gas, as well as general economic conditions were pressing down heavily on the company. During the 1990s the QVC relationship had increased demand so much that the company borrowed money to expand, and now they were struggling to repay that loan. They owed over $200,000 in back taxes to county and local governments. Civic leaders and residents of Williamstown for many reasons kept hoping Fenton would find a way to remain in business. After all, the city received about $28,000 a year in property and personal property taxes, over $100,000 in surcharges from the natural gas the plant used for its glassmaking, as well as monies from the hotel/motel industry frequented by visitors to the plant. In addition city parks were totally funded by the hotel/motel tax. The announcement caused a frenzy of orders, purchases, and visitors to the plant, so much so that in December of that same year Fenton announced its plans to continue operation. The company had trimmed down to about 120 employees and would offer a limited inventory of products. Fenton split into two divisions, Fenton USA for its domestically made glass and Fenton International for imported glass as well as non-glass products. Each would be clearly marked. Fenton then began offering new products and made numerous internal changes to reduce costs and maximize efficiency. They continued the QVC relationship and used the Fenton website (FentonArtGlass.com) and eNewsletter to keep collectors up to date. The Fenton International giftware line, highlighted by Gold Ruby glass, appeared in the Fenton gift shop, and hopes were that the International line would open new marketing avenues. Both Williamstown city officials and residents were heartened by Fenton’s pledge to maintain their scaled-down version of the company. Fenton Art Glass is distinctly American and is collected worldwide. The company’s rich 100-year history is best experienced by a tour of the factory, museum, and gift shop. USA Today ranked the Fenton tour among the country’s Top 10 Tours, and Rand McNally named Fenton in their 2006 Best of the Road Guide. The tours are free and generally are available weekdays from 8 to 4, but because the tours are subject to change, the company suggests a call to 304-375-7772 or a visit to www.fentongiftshop.com. PHOTO CAPTIONS: |
The
Fentons, especially Frank, strove to develop new and unusual colors
during those early years, taking their influences from the Tiffany
Studios and Steuben Glass. Developing new and unusual colors kept Fenton
in the forefront of the art glass industry for over 100 years. Over time
the company used many different elements like sand, ash, lime, soda,
gold, manganese, and cobalt to obtain its colors, and its hand-painted
pieces are still prized for their beautiful detail as well.
During
the 1940s came opalescent and two-color overlay. Fenton became
especially well known for its opalescent glass. In the late 40s, while
many other glass companies were going out of business, Fenton remained
at the top with its family members running the business.
1994
brought the establishment of over 1000 businesses as Fenton Showcase
Dealers, retailers who carry a large selection of Fenton Art Glass, are
knowledgeable resources on Fenton and have developed a loyal following
of consumers who depend on them for Fenton products. Fenton Showcase
Dealers sponsor special events throughout the year, including Fenton
Family Signing Events and Rep Events. Many sponsor bus trips to the
Fenton Factory in West Virginia. You can find a list and links to some
websites of Showcase Dealers on Fenton’s website.
