Glass production in Licking County, Ohio

Last updated

Licking County has been tied to the glass-making industry throughout the Midwest since the 1800s. [1] This is due to the silica deposits found throughout rivers in Ohio. [2] Entrepreneurs such as Edward H. Everett supported this industry. [1] Although glass production has decreased in Licking County since the 1800s, it is still relevant today. [1]

Contents

History of glass manufacturing

Shields King & Co. was a glass manufacturing company founded in 1871, and it began making various glass bottles. [3] Shields King & Co. was founded by William Shields, David E. Stevens, Oren G. King, William E. Atkinson, and David C. Winegarner. [4] They worked alongside other people such as Richard Lumley to complete different patents including self-sealing fruit jars. [3] Together, King & Co. worked in the Newark Star Glassworks factory to produce beer bottles, jars, and bottle stoppers. [3]

After opening in 1871, they were successful however; after being bought by Edward H. Everett in 1880, it prompted a significant increase in business. [3] During the late 1800s, 20,000 dollars worth of beer bottles were produced for a brewing company in Cincinnati. [3] The factory was in production until it burnt down in May 1893, only to begin production again in December. [3] Edward H. Everett decided to facilitate a combination with other glass companies and create The American Bottle Company, a glass container manufacturer in the Midwest. [3] It was founded in 1905 and is known for producing various bottles and jars for multiple industries. [4]

Edward H. Everett caused growth within the glass industry as these factories became entirely based on machines for production. [4] Machine-based production benefited the speed at which glassware was produced. [4] However, the machines removed the heritage of glass blowers, taking away jobs from previous employees. [4]

In the 1800s in Licking County this is what a glass bottle would have looked like. Bottle - 1700-1800.jpg
In the 1800s in Licking County this is what a glass bottle would have looked like.

The “Stevens Tin Top” is an example of a piece of glass produced in the Newark Star Glassworks. [5] It had a groove-ring wax sealer in a blue aquamarine glass. [5] The jar is hand blown and has a tool applied to the lip. [5] There were two patented fruit jars in 1875, and the name of their jars came to be called The Western Pride Self Sealing Jar. [5] Shields and King & Co remarked that their jars were the cheapest on the market and that a wrench was unnecessary, therefore easier to open, setting them apart from their opponents. [5]

Silica deposits

In McDermott, Ohio, some sandstones contain substances with different levels of purity that are sufficient as a source of silica. [2] Silica sand units were mined throughout Ohio during the Civil War. [2] These units continued to grow; shortly after World War I, large amounts of silica products were produced in Ohio. [2] In the 1900s, these sandstones brought in large amounts of money, especially over the past 35 years. [2] In 1986, 2 million tons of silica sandstone was sold with a value of 24 million dollars. [2] The name Licking County originated from the salt licks found on the river's banks. [2] These salt licks were not only beneficial for glass making but were also enjoyed by the wildlife surrounding the area. [2]

Other prominent glass manufacturers in Licking County

Holophane, founded in France in 1895, brought its glass technology to Newark, Ohio, in 1902, capitalizing on the area's natural resources and skilled workforce. [6] The Holophane company manufactures glass reflectors, refractors and lenses that are made out of glass to cover the light source. [6] Initially collaborating with the A.H. Heisey Glass Company, Holophane established its own plant in 1910, however, the glass that Holophane used, Heisey manufactured and was used in lights throughout the early 20th century. [1] In addition to this Heinsey and Holophane worked together on other various projects including the restoration of Heisey glass molds. [1] Its creative glass products became essential for industrial and street lighting, particularly during World War II, when it supplied military bases and airfields. [6]

After the war, Holophane expanded operations to nearby cities like Springfield and Pataskala, introduced overhead street lights in 1948, and diversified into decorative lighting. [1] Today, Holophane leads in sustainable and energy-efficient lighting, integrating LED technology while maintaining its reputation for quality and innovation. [1]

The Holophane company and other production companies were later run by Acuity Brands in 1999. [7] After the company was run under different management, work changed drastically for the Newark department after Acuity Brands abruptly announced that it would be moving assembly lines to Mexico. [1] In 2008, Acuity Brands was under legal obligation to represent The Bill Clinton Climate Initiative before facing backlash due to the company's negligence in the Clean Water Act. [7] Acuity Brands faced a nearly 4 million dollar fine when it was discovered that a detergent company under their authority in Atlanta was not told about phosphor leaking into their public water supply. [7] The company faced controversy when they mentioned the move of Holophane to Mexico, leaving several Holophane employees without a job. [7] Despite pushback from Congress in Ohio about their move to Mexico, Acuity was determined to move Holophane productions and dismissed other opinions. [7]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Licking County, Ohio</span> County in Ohio, United States

Licking County is a county located in the central portion of the U.S. state of Ohio. At the 2020 census, the population was 178,519. Its county seat is Newark. The county was formed on January 30, 1808, from portions of Fairfield County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Newark, Ohio</span> City in Ohio, United States

Newark is a city in, and the county seat of, Licking County, Ohio, United States; it is located 40 miles (64 km) east of Columbus at the junction of the forks of the Licking River. The population was 49,934 at the 2020 census, making it the 18th-largest city in Ohio. It is most known for having the world's largest basket, former headquarters of the now defunct Longaberger Company. The city is part of the Columbus metropolitan area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hadeland Glassverk</span> Norwegian glassmaking firm founded 1762

Hadeland Glassverk is situated in Jevnaker, Akershus 40 km north of Oslo, at the southern tip of lake Randsfjorden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mason jar</span> Glass jar used at home to preserve food

A Mason jar, also known as a canning jar, preserves jar or fruit jar, is a glass jar used in home canning to preserve food. It was named after American tinsmith John Landis Mason, who patented it in 1858. The jar's mouth has a screw thread on its outer perimeter to accept a metal ring or "band". The band, when screwed down, presses a separate stamped steel disc-shaped lid against the jar's rim.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glass milk bottle</span>

From the second half of the 19th century, milk has been packaged and delivered in reusable and returnable glass bottles. They are used mainly for doorstep delivery of fresh milk by milkmen. Once customers have finished the milk, empty bottles are expected to be rinsed and left on the doorstep for collection, or rinsed bottles may be returned to a participating retail store. Bottle sizes vary depending on region, but common sizes include pint, quart or litre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riedel (glass manufacturer)</span> Austrian glassware manufacturer

Riedel Crystal is a glassware manufacturer based in Kufstein, Austria, best known for its glassware designed to enhance different types of wines. According to Petr Novy, Chief curator Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou, Czech Republic, Riedel is the oldest family owned and operated global crystal glass brand worldwide. Established in Bohemia in 1756, the company is managed by Georg Riedel and Maximilian Riedel. Later, it was re-established by Claus J. Riedel in 1956, with the support of the Swarovski family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glass bottle</span> Narrow-necked container

Common uses for bottles made from glass include food condiments, soda, liquor, cosmetics, pickling and preservatives; they are occasionally also notably used for the informal distribution of notes. A glass bottle can vary in size considerably, but are most commonly found in sizes ranging between about 200 millilitres and 1.5 litres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holophane</span> Lighting company

Holophane, a division of Acuity Brands, is a manufacturer of lighting-related products founded in 1898 in London, England. The company is a UK-based and US manufacturer of lighting fixtures for commercial, industrial, outdoor, and emergency applications. The company is noted for its glass reflector/refractor. In addition, it manufactures lenses for street lights, including General Electric, Cooper Lighting, and Lithonia Lighting. Holophane has been integral in the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America since its inception in 1906, with the first meeting being held in the headquarters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whitall Tatum Company</span> American glass factory

The Whitall Tatum Company or Whitall Tatum (1806–1938) was one of the first glass factories in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acuity Brands</span> Industrial company

Acuity Brands, Inc. is a lighting and building management firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations throughout North America and in Europe and Asia. As of 2024 the company has approximately 12,000 employees and recorded net sales of $3.84 billion for the fiscal year. In terms of market share, Acuity Brands is the largest lighting manufacturer in North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heisey Glass Company</span> Defunct American glassware company

The A.H. Heisey Company was formed in Newark, Ohio, in 1895 by A.H. Heisey. The factory provided fine quality glass tableware and decorative glass figurines. Both pressed and blown glassware were made in a wide variety of patterns and colors. The company also made glass automobile headlights and Holophane Glassware lighting fixtures. The company was operated by Heisey and his sons until 1957, when the factory closed.

Augustus Henry Heisey was an American industrialist, soldier and glassmaker in Ohio. The Heisey Glass Company would continue operations until 1957.

Ravenhead Glass was a glassworks near Ravenhead Colliery, Lancashire, North West England. It was founded in 1850 by Frances Dixon and John Merson after a move from their earlier (1842) factory at Thatto Heath near St Helens. In 1852, this factory was sold to the Pilkington Brothers and Frances Dixon then acquired a 13-acre (53,000 m2) site at Ravenhead, building a new gas-powered glassworks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Container glass</span> Type of glass used for glass containers

Container glass is a type of glass for the production of glass containers, such as bottles, jars, drinkware, and bowls. Container glass stands in contrast to flat glass and glass fiber.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sneath Glass Company</span> American manufacturer of glass and glassware

The Sneath Glass Company was an American manufacturer of glass and glassware. After a brief 1890s startup in Tiffin, Ohio, the company moved to Hartford City, Indiana, to take advantage of the Indiana Gas Boom. The small city was enjoying the benefits of the boom, and could provide natural gas as an energy source for manufacturers. Sneath Glass was one of many glass manufacturers that moved to the region, and became Hartford City's second largest employer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moser (glass company)</span>

Moser a.s. is a luxury glass manufacturer based in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. The company is known for manufacturing stemware, decorative glassware, glass gifts and various art engravings. Moser is one of the most collected of 20th century decorative glass and has been used everywhere from palaces to local restaurants. From its beginnings in 1857, as a polishing and glass engraving workshop, it developed into a lead-free glass manufacturer lasting through the 20th century until the present. It is considered as the most luxurious Czech brand as well as one of the world's most famous brands of luxury crystal. Every piece of glass that is made by Moser is hand made.

Duncan & Miller Glass Company was a well-known glass manufacturing company in Washington, Pennsylvania. Items that were produced by the company are known as "Duncan glass" or "Duncan Miller glass." The company was founded in 1865 by George Duncan with his two sons and son-in-law in the South Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. By 1890, the company joined other glass companies to form the United States Glass Company, a powerful glass trust. In 1892, the factory was destroyed in a fire, and the company was relieved of its trust relationship with the US Glass Company. After the fire, the second generation of the Duncan family moved operations to Washington, Pennsylvania. In 1900, John Ernest Miller, the company's long-time designer, became a full shareholder along with members of the Duncan family. By 1955, economic pressures from machine-produced glass forced the company to sell off its assets to the US Glass Company, who continued to produce Duncan-style glass until 1980.

J. H. Hobbs, Brockunier and Company was one of the largest and best-known manufacturers of glass in the United States during the 19th century. Its products were distributed worldwide. The company is responsible for one of the greatest innovations in American glassmaking—an improved formula for lime glass that enabled American glass manufacturers to produce high-quality glass at a lower cost. The firm also developed talented glassmakers that started glass factories in Ohio and Indiana.

Henry William Putnam (1825–1915) was an American businessman, inventor, manufacturer, and philanthropist born in Essex, New York, and who later lived in Cleveland, Ohio, Bennington, Vermont, Escondido, California, and San Diego, California.

Edward Hamlin Everett was a noted American businessman and philanthropist, and a founder of the Bennington Museum in Bennington, Vermont.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Holophane - Licking County Library's Wiki!". wiki.lickingcountylibrary.info. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Alrutz, Robert (Winter 1993). "How Licking County got its name". The Historical Times.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 https://sha.org/bottle/pdffiles/Everett.pdf
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 https://sha.org/bottle/pdffiles/American_BLockhart.pdf
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "Steven's Patent Tin Top Jar - FOHBC Virtual Museum of Historical Bottles and Glass". fohbcvirtualmuseum.org/. 2020-12-21. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
  6. 1 2 3 "Glass Production in Newark". Clio. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 ""Green" Lighting Manufacturer Leaves Ohio IBEW Members in Cold". www.ibew.org. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.