Title

Heart of Glass - Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass is a West Virginia treasure that spans generations. Nothing symbolizes the state of West Virginia better or more beautifully than Blenko Glass. We will discuss current and former craftsmen and designers and how important it is that Blenko and West Virginia glass be appreciated and valued by the younger generation.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Cairo Was Closed!

A community in Ritchie County, Cairo, WV was incorporated in 1895, named by devout Scotch Presbyterians, first settlers, after the city by that name in Eqypt, because there they found water and fertile ground for their crops.

It was also the site of a winter break road trip for my gang - it seems Cairo is known for its quaint antique shops, unique resturants, ole time shops that often have vintage BLENKO GLASS and other shops that sell West Virginia Glass. Cairo is on the map for those folks who
collect GLASS.
Our problem was CAIRO WAS CLOSED -weekend hours only in the Winter! Walking around Cairo made for a interesting afternoon, it was a step back in time. We then visited the North Bend State Park. Cairo is also well known to hikers .

My suggestions are you grab your backpack, good shoes, KOVAL guide to Antiques, your old BLENKO catalogues and after checking the sites below to make certain ITs OPEN head off for a day trip to CAIRO. You don't have to tell your friends its Cairo, W. Va. - or perhaps you do. We Found some Great Places that were Open (see next post)....but click on links to learn more about places to see in this area.

News Connected To Cairo Novelty - David Hanlon - Marble Connection

Click here: Mountain State Rails -> Ritchie County, WV

North Bend State Park, a West Virginia State Park

Click here: WV Rail Trail North Bend Connection pictures from hiking & backpacking photos on webshots

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

North Bend State Park has
a great golf course
and fishing area
have you been to this section of park?
Solomon

bridgett said...

Long time reader, first time to comment.
You make West Virginia sound very exciting, and wonderful.
The glass is beautiful, is Blenko still open and what other glass manufactures are in the area?
If I wanted to do a weekend trip where would you suggest I fly into and where should I go after I enter the rental car?
The Huntington Herald has become a regular site for me, I am pleased not to pay, but would pay for the visits.

Anonymous said...

i see yuo have a blog bout only one blenko designer....you really should do one on Winslow Anderson he was one of blenkos first designers...He passed away a couple weeks ago alone he had no family he still lived in milton i knew him well a great designer and wonderful man i would love to see a store about his career

Anonymous said...

Great post
many small towns in wva, ky and va.
the interstates are a problem,
get off them and drive the state routes.

Dr.BOB said...

What pieces are Blenko?
Solomon

Dr.BOB said...

what items are blenko
and tell me how you discover
these out of the way places?

Unknown said...

wow there are so many places to visit I would keep in mind when I will plan for trip

Ram