Imperial Glass Company facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Imperial Glass Company
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The Imperial Glass Museum in Bellaire, Ohio
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 29th and Belmont Sts., Bellaire, Ohio |
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| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | Forney, Harry E. |
| NRHP reference No. | 83001945 |
| Added to NRHP | September 08, 1983 |
The Imperial Glass Company was a famous company that made beautiful handmade glass items. It was located in Bellaire, Ohio. The company's factory was on 29th Street, and its main offices were on Belmont Street. Today, the old office building has become a special place called the National Imperial Glass Museum. This museum keeps the history of the company alive. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Contents
History of Imperial Glass
Starting the Company
The Imperial Glass Company began in 1901. It was started by a person named Edward Muhleman. The company started making glass products in 1904. Their handmade glass items were sold all over the world. Many of these items were made using a method called pressed glass. The factory on 29th Street was very large. People said it was one of the biggest glass factories under one roof.
Famous Glassware and Challenges
The company made many popular products. Their most famous one was called the "Candlewick" series. This glassware was so well-known that a street in Bellaire was even named after it!
However, the company faced some tough times in the early 1970s. It was almost going out of business. A company called Lenox helped to save Imperial Glass for a while. Imperial then started making more general types of glass products. But there wasn't enough demand for their items. This led to the company closing its doors in 1984.
The Museum Today
After the company closed, the factory building on 29th Street was taken down in 1995. This made space for new shops and businesses. But the office building on Belmont Street was saved. It was turned into the National Imperial Glass Museum. This museum now holds many amazing glass pieces that the company made over the years. It also shares the story and history of the Imperial Glass Company.
