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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, May 30, 2008

BLENKO - THE PEOPLE WILLIAM 'BILL' CHAPMAN

WILLIAM 'BILL' CHAPMAN
Kathryn Davis was kind enough to share these photos of her uncle, Bill Chapman. He worked at Blenko from 8/45 until 4/94. He was a glass finisher when he retired. He passed away December 8, 1995.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

These type post are so charming, the photos weren't clear, try doing them as individual pixs.
Sol

Anonymous said...

Good Day! Hope Bea got to take off that cone. Just got caught up looking and reading the blog. That Wva. piece is awesome. Gold and blue like the capital. Our colors! Go team. Hope you do well on Sunday, and glad to hear your Mom is going to be there, will give you someone to make eye contact with. I being a Mom would most likely cry, it makes you so proud when we see our kids give back to those who have helped them get to where they are going in life. Thanks for taking time to teach me about Blenko and for working on getting me a healthy mouth. Means alot. See you soon, Roxie

Anonymous said...

Roxie
I want a healthy mouth, give me your secrets. How do I persuade Hilly to take me on as a patient.
Sol

WV Janis said...

Sol

I, too, would like to see the pictures up close; however, as a scrapbooker, I find the scrapbook pages ADORABLE. How wonderful to get an up close and personal look at how one family documents their Dad's years at Blenko. I wonder if this family has any Blenko pieces.

West Virginia Janis

WV Janis said...

By the way, just by clicking on the pictures, a larger version appears, making the details visible.

WV-- Janis

WV Janis said...

Let's see.... if Hillary teaches every patient (as she apparently did with Roxie) about Blenko glass and possibly converts them to collecting it, imagine what she can do for hand-blown glass in WV during her career?

In the waiting room of her practice, you can be sure she will feature Blenko glass. Instead of magazines, she will have copies of all the old Blenko catalogs.

And you know those dentists. They have a captive audience, stuck in a chair, unable to talk back, they can only listen to the dentist. Hillary can talk and talk about the beauty of West Virginia and the beauty of Blenko glass, in treatment rooms brimming with Blenko glass. During the capping of a tooth, Hillary can tell the patient, "just focus on the light coming through that Blenko decanter on the window sill." By the end of the procedure, Dr. HH can have those patients sold on Blenko glass!

At the check out point in her office, she can have a gift shop with Blenko glass available for sale.

Seriously, Hillary, you are such an inspiration. We wish you all the best as you finish your requirements to become West Virginia's best dentist/Blenko advocate EVER!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

My bad, thank you WVJanis.

sweetdoc said...

Hillary
WVJanis's comments are right on.
You are a treasure and a true advocate for WVU Dental School, Blenko and all of West Virginia.
My office is across the bridge in Ohio. We love reading about your life, school, and Blenko.
Keep writing.
Ever consider moving to Ohio?

sweetdoc said...

Hillary
WVJanis's comments are right on.
You are a treasure and a true advocate for WVU Dental School, Blenko and all of West Virginia.
My office is across the bridge in Ohio. We love reading about your life, school, and Blenko.
Keep writing.
Ever consider moving to Ohio?