The Appalachian Glass Company in Weston, West Virginia organized and hosted a three day event to honor retired West Virginia Glass Workers. We went down today, there was a crowd that varied between 75 and 110 people through out the day - more than 26 men from various glass plants all proudly spoke of the number of years they worked, and their jobs. Many retired for more than 15 years. Many over the age of 70. It was a very good day. My only regret was I didn't have a tape recorder and also that no one from the State Cultural Department was there to do ORAL HISTORIES - this history, of the glass worker is going to be lost.
The Glass Festival continues Sunday (tomorrow) so if you are reading this please plan to make the drive up I-79 to Exit 99 WESTON turn right go about l/10 of a mile and you'll see the signs GLASS FESTIVAL - its free, food is available. Demonstrations of glass etching, glass blowing, glass making are free.
Representatives from MARBLE KING of Paden City were there and if you didn't know how to shoot - lessons were available, contest were held....prizes were given. Marbles were being sold. Beautiful handcrafted marbles.
Did I mention GLass was being sold? Yes, not BLENKO GLASS but glass from many WV Factories that are no longer in business and also glass made by Ron Hinkle and Appalachian Glass was for sale. Both Appalachian and Ron Hinkle did demonstrations of how they make different items - I think these demonstrations will continue on Sunday.
I'll have photos of this event - and IF I can get the upload to work I'll add them to the blog.
Shorty Finley - Blenko retired Glass worker and artist was in attendance on Saturday.
If you don't make the Glass Festival or you are reading this after Sunday but you drive I -79 stop in at Weston Appalachian Glass they are open daily 10 -5
and visit - the gift shop is awesome...and you can watch the glass being as you shop.
I noticed they have many many Christmas ornaments in more than two dozen different colors - the largest selection of handblown glass ornaments I've seen in a West Virginia shop.
Remember to Buy Glass made in West Virginia!
HJH
5 comments:
what is small paws rescue
and where in WVa can you buy bichons?
I'm replying to the comment what is Small Paws Rescue. We are the largest bichon frise rescue organization in the country. We have over 800 volunteers and 6000 members in over 20 countries. Alot of our bichons come from puppy mills they are bred to make a profit they haven't been loved or held. That is where most of your pet store bichons come from. So please rescue ! But we also get bichons from shelters and owner turn ins.
If you would like to volunteer, adopt or know more about us please go to www.smallpawsrescue.org and check us out. I will most likely not come back to this site so you can reply to SPRFluff@aol.com
Glassfromky,
I can certainly understand when some one just doesn't get something, been there done that. It would be pointless to try convince you otherwise if you truly dislike Blenko the company or the product. I'll tell you what I like about Blenko and leave it at that. Here is a real honest to goodness Horatio Alger "rags to riches" story, about a stubborn Englishman, his family and his glass. They've never had the notoriety of Tiffany (although there are similarities) or the PR machine of a Dale Chahuly, but they have made some wonderful glass that has been loved and cherished since the 1930s. While Blenko doesn't have the antiseptic perfection of Stuben, or Kosta Boda, it does have a charm and beauty the average man/woman can admire. Pedestrian? Maybe, but when folks see a grouping of it, they can't help but be impressed. The company was innovative in the fact they were the first glass maker to hire a professional designer, Winslow Anderson. Wayne Husted the 2nd designer along with Anderson were at the leading edge of Modern glass design and were recognized for their Blenko designs. Anderson for his MOMA Good Design awards and Husted for the famous "Glass 1959" exhibition. Once you learn the history of this company and see their thousands of designs and when you consider they are still in business that says something. I could go on and on, but won't. I can assure they are many of us who think Blenko is great and hope to continue to see their greatness for many years to come.
Tim Alonzo
Dallas, TX
Thank you TK for the eloquent response to glassfromKy.
NOTE: GlassfromKY please come to visit Blenko Glass Factory and see for yourself the fine handcrafted glass ware. Then if you perfer other glass - its no probllem. We promote individual choice and free thinking... Remember to buy only glass... .MADE IN USA
hjh
RE: SMALL PAWS RESCUE
There are over 125 Bichon frise in need of homes - check PETFINDERS>COM - adopt from SPR
My family has years of positive experience with Small Paws Rescue. They also accept donations on their website. This Holiday Season GIVE TO Help a HOMELESS BICHON!
hjh
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