Modern Designs in Décor Glassware (1950's - 1970's)

Décor glassware was produced by the Morgantown Glass Guild from the 1950's to the 1970's. The Guild was formed in 1939 after the closure of the Morgantown Glass Works in 1937. The Morgantown Glass Works was originally formed in 1899 and in1903 the named was changed to the Economy Tumbler Company. In 1923 the name changed again to Economy Glass Company. The final name change for the company came in 1929 when the company reverted back to their original name of Morgantown Glass Works. The company was acquired by the Fostoria Glass Company in the mid 60's and lasted until Fostoria closed its doors for good in 1971.

The Guild's earliest customers were mostly institutional users such as hotels, bars, restaurants, railroads, streamliners, etc. with most items being produced in crystal only. With the outbreak of World War II the Guild started producing glass in pastel colors for companies that could no longer import foreign glassware. Interest in barware and colored pastel glass started to decline in the early 1950's and the company developed new exciting colors that had never been seen before. It was during this time frame that interior decorators discovered glass could be used as a decorative accessory and demanded new colors and shapes every year. The Guild responded with even more new colors and developed even more Décor contemporary modern glass lines.

There were 21 colors used in the Décor line. Some colors were reused and renamed from earlier years. Décor glass can be dated by the color of the item. Dates for the Décor colors are: Steel Blue (1958), Peacock Blue (1958), Evergreen (1958), Ruby (1958), Thistle (1962), Moss Green (1964), Amber (1920-1971), Midnight Blue (1969), Cobalt (1970), Gypsy Fire (1962), Burgundy (1958), Lime (1958), Pineapple (1958), Crystal (entire history), Peach (1961), Bristol Blue (1961), Ebony (1966), Nutmeg (1958), Late Gold (1969), Topaz Mist (1920-1971) and White (1970). Pineapple and Gypsy Fire are electrifying colors. Pineapple is a vibrant yellow and Gypsy Fire is an intense shade of orange-tangerine color.

In the book "A Handbook of Old Morgantown Glass" by Gerry Gallagher, it shows at least 247 different items that were made in this line. There are four main categories of Décor items: martini mixers, covered boxes, candleholders and vases. There are numerous items that can be used as either a vase or candlestick. A pair of ruby #104 Coronet candleholders was on display at the Denver Modernism show in August. They were very popular with the crowd and many people thought they were some type of drinking glass. The "Odd Ball" #3010 drinking glasses were designed to look like the number 8 cue ball. The glasses were produced in Ebony and decorated with a White circle containing an 8. There is a matching martini mixer to go with them. Many of the candleholders were designed to use short candles in them. The flame of the candle would twitch, dance and reflect off the sides of the candleholder. Spindle candleholders look like they were designed for the set of the Jetson's cartoon show. There is a wide assortment of vases to choose from. Some vases were made with a spiral optic affect, yet others had modern slanting tops to them. Morgantown certainly created some wonderful names for their vases: Encino, Fantasia, Casino, Ming, Sonata, Charleston, Sovereign, Inverness, Santiago, Moonscape, Metropolitan, Nimbus (way before Harry Potter fame), Riviera, Sorcerer and more!

To gain an appreciation for the beauty, variety and quality of American glass manufacturing, consider attending one of the shows that promotes these items. The next glass and pottery show featuring Décor glass and others mentioned in this article will be sponsored by the Pikes Peak Depression Glass Club (PPDGC) which will be holding their "All American Glass, Pottery & More" on Sept. 27 th (9-5) & 28 th (10-4), 2008. The show will be held at the City Auditorium 221 E. Kiowa St, Colo. Springs, Co. From I-25 take the Nevada exit and come to Kiowa and turn east. This show will be an excellent opportunity to add to your collection or find just he right piece of glass, pottery or antiques to decorate your home. Please visit the PPDGC website to learn more about their club and show: ( www.PPDGC.com) or ( PPDGC Show).

In 2009 the Rocky Mountain Depression Glass Society (RMDGS) will be holding their 35th glass and pottery show on April 25 th and 26 th. The show will be held at the Douglas County Event Center in Castle Rock. Please visit the RMDGS website to learn more about their club and show: ( www.RMDGS.com) and ( RMDGS Show).