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.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Quick update with Don and Randy

Don Lemley - Head of Antique Department The 'Windows and Door' and brick Man at Blenko Glass



Randy Rider – Foreman of Blenko Glass 'The Man in Charge of the Making of Glass'
News: The 2009 birthday piece is in production, and the tableware and antique departments are both busy restocking the current lines ("we can barely keep glass in stock - things are selling well, and the production hours are down").


12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hilary
This is a note for not just you but the Blenko Company.
It is not fair to have Blenko employees in the line to buy the glass birthday vase. Last year I noticed the young couple about 15 in front of me afterwards were selling Blenko behind the counter. Today their chairs were setting outside #1 and #2 and they were inside well, she was in side behind the counter I didn't see the other half.
This is not fair for others. I don't think its fair anyway.
Mary Ellen Short
Mt Nebo WV

Anonymous said...

MARY ELLEN
BLENKO EMPLOYEES ARE ALLOWED TO SHOP AT BLENKO. IT IS NOT UNFAIR UNLESS THEY DO NOT SIT IN LINE ( BUT AS YOU SAY ARE ALSO WORKING) THEN MAYBE YOU HAVE AN ISSUE
IF THEY HAVE THE DAY OFF WHY NOT SIT IN LINE TO BUY THIS GLASS.
CIVIL RIGHTS.
I'll REPRESENT THEM FOR FREE!
I DIDNT NOTICE THIS LAST YEAR BUT I OFTEN MISS LITTLE THINGS.
MOUNTAIN RITA

Anonymous said...

Randy Rider and Don Lemley both get more handsome with each photo.
I also like the blenko the people.

Anonymous said...

If what Mary Ellen writes is true
I agree Not Fair.
For theothers who are setting in the very hot sun or rain or coldnights.
What gives with Blenko and didn't we read the note from K Trippe Garrison saying you must be in line at all times on this blog?
Tina Braggs

Anonymous said...

Tina this blog is small so its hard to line up in the blog

bridgett said...

Tina
Walter Blenko is a lawyer and a smart man. No one other than Blenko employees would be behind a cash register or counter or working inside blenko.
It would appear Mary Ellen maybe on to something. Susan mentioned this last year, we'll see if she has anything to add.

bridgett said...

Let me add my thoughts are the glass piece is inexpensive and beuatiful. Be thankful you could attend.
Chitra I'll be looking on ebay for this one! If anyone gets 2 post it please.

lewisphddvm said...

Good Morning and Happy West Virginia Day to All.

Heart of Glass said...

OK Let this stop now!
Blenko has a number of colletors who also volunteer to help out at Blenko. This North Carolina couple are among a dozen solid Blenko Glass Collectors who "ask not what Blenko can do for them, but always volunteer to assist"
HJH
#2 Blenko Employees should be allowed if they want to buy any item, I don't understand the complaint.
#3 Katie's Rules were suggestions, the Blenko Bday is 30 years old and to my knowledge there has never been any problem. People try to accomodate one another. Getting upset about this is silly.
#4 Bridgett, my thoughts are a number of seller were able to get 2 or 3 pieces, so you maybe lucky enough to find one on Ebay. My Dad reports a lady was offering to sell her vase (#above 100) for $500 at 9:30. Good Luck!

Unknown said...

? for ya
What is the average age of Blenko Collectors?
The group in 2007 was middle age and beyond with a few hot chicks thrown in.
Is this the norm?

Mr. PB said...

B,

Dont Buy Blenko WV BD piece in Ebay. Check you email.

Anonymous said...

I got Piece #16 (it should have been #15):

A few comments: #1 as previously said, the couple who were first & second in line were not employees, but they do volunteer their time while they are awaiting the 8 am time for the WV piece to sell. They are also members of the Blenko Collectors Group. #2 This is a free country and why shouldn't employees be allowed to purchase the piece, provided that they wait in line like everyone else. #3 At least they didn't allow family members who didn't wait in line all night show up at 6 or 7 am and jump line in front of folks who had. I personally know this happened because I was there. This wasn't right and I can assure you that if there is a next time (next year) I will speak up about it. The people who let this happen know who you are and should be ashamed of yourselves. Ever since the piece stopped being sold at Stone & Thomas, this was a very civilized event, once your chair was in line, you were in line. This was the first time since 2004 that this kind of stuff has happened. I also feel that if Blekno is going to suggest rules such as "once you are line, you must stay on the property except for 45 minute breaks for meals", then they should police these rules. It's unfair for those of us who follow the rules when others don't.