Can you Identify this Glass?

West Virginia Birthday - 1983 BLENKO

This is another of the West Virginia Birthday Pieces - Blenko since 1980 each year makes a limited number of BIRTHDAY PIECES in honor of - June 20th West Virginia's Birthday. These pieces are sold one day only and usually are sold out within 2 hours.
These very collectible items can somtimes be found at estate sales, occasionally private collectors will offer a piece for sale, and some 'lucky' people find them in flea markets, garage sales etc. Become familiar with these pieces and if you see one, consider buying it. There are four known complete collections 1980-2006.
Blenko Glass Company Museum (upstairs of the Visitors Center) has a display of about a dozen. The 1983 Birthday Piece pictured here was designed by Don Shepperd and sold at the Diamond Department Store. . hjh

From the Inbox

We oftens receive mail from readers, who have wonderful stories about Blenko. Letters about how Blenko has been a part of their lives. Dale Harding was kind enough to allow me to share his letter about growing up in Milton w/ Blenko.
"Growing up in the shawdow of the Blenko Glass Plant/A feeling of Family

I have such a deep love and respect for our Blenko heritage here in Milton, West Virginia. My family moved to Milton, in 1957 from Sissonville, and we moved into a house on Dry Creek, about five hundred feet from the Blenko Visitor Center. Our neighbor, Clyde Scott worked at Blenko Glass, and during those days family members were allowed to fish in the Blenko Pond. Soon I found myself fishing on the Pier at Blenko, with the Scott family. At that time I met Mrs. Marion Blenko, and she took me under her wing, and would call me "her boy". So as a twelve year old boy, in new surroundings, not knowing anyone in this area, the Blenko crew became my first friends in Milton. Many days I would go over and just stand and watch the glass craftsmen at work and the whole process amazed me. After returning to Milton after my four year stay in the United States Air Force, and a year in Vietnam, I had a horrific automobile accident and was in a hospital bed in my living room for over a year, Mrs. Marion Blenko heard of my accident and sent me a Blenko Glass, "to drink my milk from", that will help heal your broken bones, she said.

I have a large family of cousins, we all grew up like brothers and sisters, and they are scattered all over the United States, we all promote Blenko Glass and most of us are collectors, my house looks like a Blenko Gift shop, and I promote Blenko at every chance I get, as I feel that we are so lucky to have Blenko in our backyard and this is an art form, that just cant ever be lost.

In 2004 our Milton High School Class, had our 40th Reunion at Pumpkin Park, across the road from Blenko Glass. Bill Blenko was our classmate for several years before he enrolled and attended Military School. I wrote Richard Blenko and told him about our upcoming reunion, and ask if he could provide a few pieces of Blenko Glass, for awards to be given to our faculty members, and he was so gracious and supplied not only awards for the faculty members but several pieces to be given as door prizes.

During my years in the Military service, I have traveled all over the world, and every where I go, I see Blenko Glass. On my way to Vietnam, we landed in Japan for refueling, and while in the airport, I walked into the gift shop and there was a shelf devoted to Blenko glass, for an instant I felt like I was near home. From where I stand, the Blenko family has been truly Ladies and Gentlemen.

Dale Harding being presented Blenko Glass from Richard Blenko for the MHS Class of 1964, 40th Reunion that was held at Pumpkin Park in Milton.

Thank you Dale for the photos and letter. hjh

The Fortune Cookie said " You will be Surrounded by Beauty"...

Huntington Museum of Art - probably the only place within a 100 mile radius with a Chihuly glass sculpture. This wonderful piece of art was commission by the Polan family as a gift to the Museum.
Other than driving to Columbus or another larger city - you might never be this close to something so very beautiful again.

PBS (Blenko Glass also received great number of admirers from PBS) did a documentary about Chihuly several years ago. I immediately began to read and admire this work. My family does the German Village House and Garden Show in June of each year , and always some family has a small Chihuly piece or a chandalier prominently displayed. An art gallery we frequent in Columbus also has some Chihuly pieces.
In my limited experience these pale in comparison to the object of art created by Chihuly for the Huntington Museum of Art. Teachers, Parents, Friends, it is never to early to expose your children, or your significant others, to great Glass Art.
The Museum of Art Gift Shop has small affordable Chihuly pieces and books.

On this icky, rainy day - load the kids or the significant other in the car and drive up / down to the Huntington Museum of Art. You will not be disappointed.

PS: There are also excellent displays of West Virginia, American, and French Glass - and for the Blenko folks there are a number of 'older' , and many one of a kind pieces.

Wedding Anniversary Birthday Valentine's Gift

FIRE AND ICE ! Blenko Design from 2006 You must see this in person - to appreciate the color combination, texture and form. Fire and Ice was the name Revlon gave to a lipstick - very popular - in the 60s.. The lip color was a reddish orange. BLENKO's FIRE AND ICE is a bright - sun like YELLOW and a Dark but bright Blue represents the ICE! One of my favorite sets in the 2007 catalogue. The Fire and Ice is an in house design - most likely meaning Richard Blenko and the craftsmen Randy Rider, Osburn, Wade & a hand full of dedicated employees worked to perfect the design. hjh 304 743 9081

Your Comments Welcome - Annonymous is OK!

Thank you for the emails - Blogging is new for me, and I certainly understand your reluctance to register w/ blogger.com in order to comment. While I enjoy the email - IT IS OK TO COMMENT on the Blog as anonymous. The Blog does not track your email address - and you won't get unsolicited mail.
Believe me - I understand your fear, until last Christmas I refused to use my credit card on line.
With the blog site - you can comment / without registering . . .it just shows up as anonymous - and its OK.
Emails are welcome and I will continue to try to address the concerns/ questions in the blog or a return email.
Take a chance - Comment on the blog instead of sending the email! hjh
Note: click on photo to increase size.

1958 Blenko Catalogue On Line

Tim and Karin Alonzo members of the TEXAS BLENKO Collectors report at the Blenko 4 website, they have posted a reprint of the 1958 catalog. This catalog has some of the rarest and unusual designs Blenko ever created. If you were to purchase the catalog you might spend hundreds of dollars, but the kind folks at Blenko 4 have posted the catalog for free! Check it out: http://www.blenkocollectors.com/ Kudos to them

Huntington Museum of Art - Huntington, W.Va.

Can you identify these pieces of art? Are they BLENKO? If so, what year and who designed. The Huntington Museum of Art located right off the Inter-state has over 600 pieces of BLENKO. The Museum has a very large American Glass Art Collection. A drive to the Huntington Museum should be on your schedule, take the children or grandchildren, or borrow a child for one of the 'kid friendly' activities. . .expose the 'youth' in your life to museums and art of all forms - early - its never too early. The Huntington Museum displays change frequently. Visit and write to tell us about your favorite display or collection. You'll find the staff very helpful, very non intrusive. hjh

Blenko . . . Blenko.. . .For the Love of BLENKO!

The Blenko Family has owned and operated Blenko Glass for nearly 100 years. Richard Blenko is the 4th generation Blenko to head BLENKO GLASS.
Richard Blenko has spent his entire life working at and for BLENKO GLASS COMPANY, Milton, W.Va.
In honor of Mr. Blenko's birthday - which is Saturday - I am posting photos of some lovely BLENKO glass, these photos were taken by a Huntington collector..
Richard has a history of designing glass, he promotes BLENKO daily as he travels across the country - signing glass, giving speeches about WV and American Made Glass.
Mr. Blenko's hobbies focus on Marshall University, the State of WV, the community, the arts, and his love of cars and film. BLenko is a film maker, he is also responsible for a number of films on BLENKO GLASS. See the www.blenkoproject.org website for a list of films. Many are available for purchase at the Blenko Visitors Center in Milton. Happy Birthday Mr. Blenko! Note: Blenko Glass fans have a club - its called the BLENKO COLLECTORS SOCIETY - joining for $50 intitles you to a quarterly newsletter, the group holds anual meets in Milton.

Collectible BLENKO - 1982 WV BIRTHDAY

Maggie McMillian reports finding this 1982 BLENKO GLASS - West Virginia Birthday Piece at an estate sale in Huntington - near Ritter Park. She paid $800. Her piece is # 57 and signed by Don Shepperd and WH Blenko.
Maggie knew it was BLENKO, and that it was beautiful - thought because of the # it was a limited edition - she did not know it was one of the very ' special' WV Birthday Pieces.
GREAT FIND!
Maggie reports she is now on a mission to find the other 26. With time and patience, she may very well. The first six seem to be the most difficult to find, so she has a great start with her #3. To learn more about the WV Birthday Pieces and other BLENKO collectibles check out http://www.blenkoproject.org/ or any of the other BLenko inspired websites. hjh

After Christmas Mark Downs at BLENKO VISITORS CENTER

"pcfs debit card
Blenko Glass Company in Milton, W.Va. phone 304 743 9081. The Visitors Center has four or five tables marked clearance. Prices marked down up to 60%. A wide variety of colors, a limited number of Holiday Items -
Diane and Angie have several tables of RED GLass and Red Lamps ready for the Feb. 14th Holiday! Blenko Glass will graciously accept your check, charge or pcfs debit card. hjh

Valentine's Day - Pre Planning 101

Valentine's Day! I know it's much too early to be thinking about cupid.
Everyone in my family made a new year resolution to avoid sugar - this is a yearly occurrence and the abstinence usually last until 1/10/07.
We (my friends and family) love Chocolate. . .most especially GODIVIA Chocolates. . or home made desserts. and I love getting flowers. . . .BUT another favorite Valentine's Day Gift is RED GLASS or GLASS shaped Hearts! Fenton Glass, Blenko GLass and sometimes Fiesta all do special things in honor of St. Valentine's Day. There are no calories in GLASS.
If you need to give the sweets - give them on a Made In WV GLASS bowl or container, or insist the Florist put your ROSES or FLowers in a BLENKO VASE - the cost is just a bit more.
With more than 36 days until V -DAY you have lots of time to think about the way in which you will use BLENKO or Made In West Virginia products in your Valentine's Gift.
Suggestions / links/ photos welcome. hjh
Note: Photo of Red VelvetCake baked by John Homburg

John Nickerson Blenko Designer 1970-74

John Nickerson was a Blenko Glass Company Designer from 1970-74. The above piece was made during his time at BLENKO. It is thought to be a 'one of a kind' It is signed, the story goes (remember, with most unique Blenko items there is always a 'story') this item was made for Mr. Nickerson's landlord - it was a gift. This item is currently part of a unique grouping Tammy Fowler of Trophy Hair - Virginia St. Charleston, WV has available for purchase. We have written to John Nickerson to ask him about this piece. Its beautiful, this photograph does not allow the true beauty of this piece to come forth.
The designers for BLENKO GLASS are a very talented group, most after leaving Blenko, became very successful industrial designers, &/or opened their own studios.
Many 'collectors of Blenko' will collect a particular designer - I personally love John Nickerson's designs. Check out his current work at Nickerson GLassworks a link is on the BLENKO PROJECT website http://www.blenkoproject.org/ . Nickerson's work is still affordable, although rapidly increasing in value.
Occasionally when we find a 'studio piece', Nickerson did while at Blenko - it gives cause for pause.....and a a a ah's. His work has a quiet beauty. John is a perfectionist. His strength is the ability to combine color, form, texture.
If you own a nice Nickerson piece - new or old - send a photo and we'll share. HJH

Ronnie Robinson, 32 years - Blenko The People

Ronnie Robinson's title is Maintenace Supervisor. He began working at Blenko while in his early 20s. His good friend Boyd Meadows knew he (Ronnie) has a natural ability to 'fix' things and thought Blenko could use someone with his talents. He came for an interview, liked the work, they liked him and like many other long term BLENKO Glass folk, he became part of the Blenko Family.
Ronnie is a very modest, unassuming man, he says " I learned most everything I know working here at Blenko, if something needed to be done, I have always tried to do it. . . .reading manuals, learning by trail and error I have learned to tear and down and rebuild most every piece of equipment we have. My job is to keep everything 'up and running' to make certain the buildings and the equipment are in good order."

Blenko Glass relys on Ronnie's expertise in many areas, he is a catalyst, he sees a problem and immediately begins to look for solutions, all the while thinking about cost containment and both the goal of keeping the plant up and running, and making certain everything is safe.
Ronnie reports that he does NOT collect Blenko, he does have some special pieces that friends have made especially for him over the years (as he said this - - in my mind I knew what pieces he owns would be very nice). While he has no favoirte designer or design - he does admire the designs Winslow Anderson made, he likes the fact that they are still in the line. One gets the feeling Ronnie's technical/ mechanical thought process would attract him to things made well and lthings that 'Last".
Ronnie is married to one of the attractive blondes (Carol) in shippping. Their children have attachments to both MARSHALL and WVU so Ronnie and Carol attend and cheer for both Universities. They enjoy traveling to DC and other parts to visit with adult children.
Ronnie likes to spends what free time he has outside -hunting and fishing. He loves the outdoors, he appreciates nature and all things of beauty. When ask what one thing he wanted to say about Blenko. Ronnie said: " I have two things to say, I am very grateful for the experiences Blenko Glass has provided me with, I have learned so very much over the years, I appreciate the Company and have enjoyed my time here. Coming to work is not something I dread, but something I look forward to almost every day. The other thing is BLENKO GLASS is an artform, many local people don't seem to realize, this is 'art glass' the men who work here are factory workers but they are also artist. . . . .Glass is a beautiful living thing. " "Blenko Glass imakes some of the most beautiful glass in the country. " HJH

FIRE AND ICE - New Color Combination

Blenko Glass Company located in Milton WV (phone 304 743 9081) has a new color combination for the FIRE AND ICE. Billy of Dixie's (phone 817.649.1112 or visit www.theblenkostore.com) was kind enough to send these photos to the Blog site.
FIRE AND ICE can be purchased at the Blenko Glass Visitors Center - gift shop, the Blenko Glass on line shop, and of course at DIXIE's. Somehow those Texas folk seem to know about and acquire samples of all 'new' and some very nice vintage Blenko.
This color combination is terrfic, however, I must confess I hold dear most blue/gold combinations.That the color combination can represent WVU, WVSU and our State (and hence make great gifts!) hjh.

Trophy Hair Design - Where to Buy BLENKO!

Tamy Fowler is a beautician, an artist, a very successful businesswoman, an appraiser, a collector of Victorian furniture, wicker, and GLASS. She is very knowledgeable and willing to share her passion and knowledge. Tammy conducts four or more estate sales each month. Looking for the unusual, the specific, a very unique GIFT, then TROPHY HAIR on VIRGINIA STREET in Charleston, W. Va. is the place to go. Tammy is available by phone, I often call to tell her what I'm looking for and she'll help me acquire the item. On a recent trip to TROPHY HAIR the following Blenko items were on display. PHONE 346 3907

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVERETTE ' SHORTY" FINLEY

This lamp was made last week by Everette "Shorty" Finley a retired blower. Shorty often returns to BLENKO for a few hours to 'visit the boys, and try his hand at blowing' last week he made this lamp and shade - as a possible proto type. SHORTY TURNS 80+ TODAY - - IF you see SHORTY or have his phone number..give him a Happy Birthday greeting! Note: Photo taken on 12/27/06 Blenko GLass Co. HJH

Collectible BLENKO 1981 WVA BIRTHDAY PIECE

This photo is of a 1981 West Virginia Birthday Piece. Number two (2) in the highly sought after collection. This piece was designed by Don Shepperd in crystal with the West Virginia mountains in the bottom. It is a lovely bowl. This bowl recently sold for $1,800. So keep the photo and when you are at antique, flea markets, little glass shops - be looking - several people report 'finding' their 1981 bowl for less than $500 in a 'junk shop.' This bowl like all WV Birthday Pieces is signed and numbered. NOTE: Photo taken 12/6/06 by Hillary Homburg.

Where to Buy Blenko - ADAMS Gift Stores

In a post I ask you to let me know your favorite places to buy BLENKO. Several people responded ADAMS GIFT SHOP.

My parents have a little cabin in Nitro, so I have been many times to the Nitro Hallmark for cards. If you haven't been to an Adams Gift or Card Shop - check them out! Mr. Paul Adams described the selection: " We carry the Marshall and WVU Bottles at all of our locations and on-line. We carry the general Blenko line at Adams Hallmark in the Charleston Town Center and we only carry new product. The only other glass line we carry is Fenton (both Adams Fine Gifts stores, Adams Hallmark in Dudley Farms and Adams Hallmark in Nitro Marketplace). "

Wedding Gifts - Think BLENKO !

For the last year "Weddings" seem to happen in my circle almost as frequently as birthdays . Finding the right gift for each Wedding has been for me much more difficult than shopping for birthdays. Giving something that I can 'afford' yet. . . tasteful, and meaningful to the bride and groom. . . . the process can be laborious. My gift is most often WV Glass, and 99% of the time its BLENKO GLASS. Blenko offers a great variety of style and color. Many of my friends are using the Blenko vase/ water bottles (in their wedding colors) as little gifts for some of the extended wedding party. The Mothers are asking their florist to use Blenko in the table flower arrangements. Adding a bit of WV and our heritage. BLENKO adds so much to most any occasion. One of my Mother's best friend Clara West is getting married Feb 3rd (she 's a young 70), to say that both the bride and groom already have everything they need is an understatement. Gift buying for this Bride will be difficult. My plan is to spend most of Friday searching for the perfect gift at the Blenko Visitors Center. I'll let you know what I find. Thank you for the photos of your Christmas class - later this month or early next month I'll publish some of the photos. Note: The photo is of a WV BIRTHDAY PIECE # !, many people have write to ask about this collection - the photos of all 27 WV BIRTHDAY BLENKO are available at www.blenkoproject.org and also on the Blenko Collectors site. Blenko Collectors Society. HJH

NEW YEAR - Old Post

On this the beginning of a new year - I am repeating the 1st post from this blog. I get emails frequently asking if I sell Blenko, if I work for Blenko Glass Co., and if I do appraisals. I did a disclaimer in the initial post. I am NOT a Blenko employee, I am not an expert in any field. I have a great appreciation for handcrafted and made in WVa. most especially made by BLENKO GLASS Co. items. 9/2006 BLOG- This blog will focus on the Blenko Glass Company located in Milton, West Virginia. Twice weekly I'll post on Blenko and WV Glass topics, once a month the post will feature an employee or designer from the present or past. Biweekly I'll post photos of individual Blenko made items, and items that are currently available from Blenko. We will offer some background information on the piece and perhaps the steps/ process used to make the item. I am NOT a fine arts major, a glass expert or an English/Journalism major. I don't have all the glass answers. I am inquisitive, don't mind asking people for answers - I believe in lifelong learning. This blog will I hope be a place where we can learn together.If you have been to the Blenko Factory, or are a retired or former glass worker or just have photos of unusual Blenko and / or Blenko stories to share - this is the place - I'd love to see/hear them. For the last 2 years I have spent all my free time traveling to meet former Blenko and other glass workers and designers. I want to learn more about Blenko and W. VA. made glass. . . and I want YOU to THINK before buy glass...who made the glass. The number of glass factories in the US has declined by almost 72% in the last 15 years.Together we can stop this trend. Be an advocate for MADE IN WV.Blenko Glass Factory is located in Milton, W.Va., less than 20 minutes from Huntington, W. Va.
posted Hillary J Homburg NOTE: Photo taken Huntington Museum of Art 12/27/06

Blenko Lamps

Skip Copley (see post) - Real Estate Broker of Mt Pleasant, SC and Myrtle Beach area ask us to help identify his lamps - the one I recognized as a Wayne Husted base - - is the other a Winslow Anderson design? Help!

Blenko Glass - Huntington Museum of Art

Blenko Glass - Thought to be a Pre - Designer piece. Currently on display at the Huntington Museum of Art, Huntington, W. Va.

WVU 1st GATOR BOWL WIN! 38-35

" It's A GREAT DAY TO BE A MOUNTAINEER!"

GATOR BOWL

Today at 1 o'clock Ms B and I, along with friends, family from all over WV will be 'watching' the Gator Bowl. The game is nearly SOLD OUT! ' West Virginians' are known to travel and support their teams - Marshall and WVU have incredible supporters. The Game is telecast live from All Tel Stadium in Jacksonville, FL. at 1 PM. We will of course start by listening to "Hoppy" for hours before game. Most of my family watches TV w/ radio earphones. We may be called 'addicts'. This year BLENKO GLASS Co. of Milton, West Virginia has produced a new line of West Virginia University inspired 'tableware'. Homer Laughlin's FIESTA . also has WVU inspired tableware. BLUE & GOLD made in West Virginia tail gate parties . . . . it should be a great day in Jacksonville and in all of West Virginia. Coach Rod has taken his WVU team to five (5) BOWL GAMES! ALL WEST VIRGINIANS AND WVU ALUMNI SHOULD BE PROUD. Note: Photo of BLENKO GLASS Co WVU Items and Tableware taken 12/2/06 by H. Homburg

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thank you for your interest in BLENKO, your emails and comments. After this week I return to being a full time dental student - so the post will again be no more than three per week. Your photos, emails, and comments make writing the BLOG a pure pleasure! HJH
MISS B and I wish you all a Very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WVU Defeats UCONN

BLENKO Water bottle with the WV Logo Great way to Celebrate this win! WVU Mens Basketball Team WON TONIGHT over 9th rated UCONN!NOTE: This bottle is available from BLENKO GLASS CO. (304 743 9081) for $67 plus tax.

Blenko - Cigarette Lighters & Ash Trays

People always ask me what Blenko they should collect. Well, I would love to 'collect' Blenko water bottles with handle .... Tim and Karin Alonzo of Texas have more than a dozen. In over five years of searching I have seen only ONE. So you might say I am a 'wannabe' collector of the Blenko water bottle with handle. What to collect - its your choice....there is a BLENKO product for most everyone. Lighters and matching ash trays are the current object of interest among my friends. No one in my group of friends smokes - but BLENKO lighters come in many sizes and shapes, a dozen or more colors and the current price is very low. The set pictured above cost less than a dinner at Outback. A trip to the Huntington Museum, The WV Museum of Glass in Weston, The WV Cultural Center might be a good place to view Vintage Blenko and other WV Glass. Another idea is to visit the Blenko Glass Visitors Center go upstairs look at the older designs, decide to collect a color, a shape, or join me in the search for Blenko Water bottle with handle. hjh

Link to Tom Hindman's Website - BLENKO PHOTO

Click here: the IMAGESMITH®: Glass Didn't work the first time...try this!

Tom Hindman Photographer - BLENKO

In a previous post I mentioned the photographs Tom Hindman does of Blenko. A reader sent a link to his blog. I am including a link to the site and stealing a photo (I have this same image framed and hanging over my fire place!). Tom's photographs are all very special . . . however, his photos of BLENKO are truly spectacular! HJH

DIXIE"S OF TEXAS launches new BLENKO site!

Looking for 'special' items of BLENKO? DIXIE'S of Texas - known to be the largest retail source of Blenko Glassware- has launched a new online store. Check it out at https://www.theblenkostore.com and let us know what you think. HJH

The Huntington Museum of Art

This week I visited the glass collection at The Huntington Museum of Art, in Huntington WV.
The Museum, which I used to go to as a child for their Saturday KidsArt program, has a number of beautiful and moving exhibits and collections currently on display (and they are getting a touring exhibit on Marilyn Monroe in July I plan to go back for). The Museum also houses West Virginia's only plant conservatory, full of luscious tropical plants and - for all us glass fans - a breathtaking Chihuly glass sculpture.
The museum has an extensive glass collection, with over 400 pieces of Blenko glass, much of which was donated by former designer Winslow Anderson. Jenine Culligan, the Senior Curator, was gracious enough to take me though their collection (photographs of unusual/hard to find pieces will be the subject of subsequent posts).
The Museum also has - and this was very exciting for me - a library, open to the public, which houses copies of every book published on Blenko, old catalogs, and more. There are also reference works on many other modern glass companies and artists. It is definitely worth spending a day just 'going through the stacks'.

The Huntington Museum of Art is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call (304) 529-2701 or visit http://www.hmoa.org/ for more information, and directions.

Charlie Harsbarger Can Fix It!

Like many of you I live with animals - - While Ms B has never intentionally broken a piece of glass. Many pieces have been knocked off or over and have broken or chipped. The item shown is a Steuben bowl - Charlie worked his magic - he ground and polished the remains of my 13 inch bowl . . . and made it a functional wine holder. Charlie creates most all the lamps at Blenko, he does sand blasting, he designs the mobiles (see Sept post and photo), Charlie's title is 'inspector' but he's like the McGyver of Blenko! While Mr. Ronnie takes care of all the machines and other mechanical things that might break, if its a piece of glass that needs to be restored or 'corrected' . . . well Charlie has the 'gift' an ability to see something useful in almost any item. Blenko is made up of many talented people, each functioning as a unique part of the whole.

Blenko . . .Blenko...Blenko....In the Blenko of an Eye...

This has been an exciting week - we were lucky enough to be allowed in side the basement (storage areas) of the W VA Cultural Center to visit the BLENKO and Made in WEST VIRGINIA glass collection. The cultural Center is currently under construction, so most of these glass displays have been closed for some time. However, the cultural Center is open - and has so many lovely displays - The first lady doll display is worth a drive to Charleston! Every display is first class - - - the time and effort these guys spend on research and exact placement is very apparent. NOW back to glass - I took photos - and we'll be posting them in the month of January. Let me encourage you now - to drive to Charleston (on your way to or from the BLENKO GLASS COMPANY IN MILTON) and visit the West Virginia Cultural Center, there is ample parking the campus of the State Capitol is open, squirrels, trees, open areas for children to run and play. Our State Capitol has to be one of the top 10 if not the most beautiful. I live in Charleston, and still enjoy taking friends from out of state to visit these buildings everyone is impressed. Take your children, your visiting relative, or go alone. The Capitol is beautiful and the Cultural Center has something for everyone! NOTE: Legislative Session Begins 2nd Week in January - Parking may be a bit of a problem for the 60 days of the Legislative Session. #2 Large Print is for the Senior Citizens from. Lewisburg, who write often to ask for large print, I try once every couple of weeks to do large print. IF IT annoys you let me know #3 I'll let you know when the 'new glass displays' are open!

GATOR BOWL - Take BLENKO!

Blenko Glass Company in Milton, West Virginia this year produced a number of items with the WVU and Marshall Logo. There are Water bottles and also pitchers and glasses! What a wonderful addition to any tail gate! Whether you watch the game in your living room or in Florida. Add some BLENKO to make the occasion even more 'special'!

Boyd Miller Glass Artist in Residence TAMARACK

Tamarack houses one of the largest and most diverse collections of WEST VIRGINIA made crafts.

A reader recently wrote to ask about Boyd Miller, so we drove up to Tamarack to meet and interview Mr. Miller. His work is on display at Tamarack and he is the glass artist in residence. Boyd grew up near Charleston in Hurricane, West Virginia. He spent much of his youth working at a small family glass plant (no longer in business). For directions to Tamarack and additonal information on Tamarack check out Travel WVa Web site. hjh

After HOLIDAY SALES at BLENKO!

This is the time of year - when I usually return items that didn't fit either me or Ms. B., I ask for cash refunds - - then we head down to Blenko Glass Company Visitors Center and gift shop in Milton. Angie and Diana have marked down many items, whole shelves marked clearance! This is a great time to shop BLENKO. Most any time is a good time to shop the visitors center - as the merchandise changes daily, you never know what 'treasure' will appear! If you love glass, or the special person is your life loves glass. . . .you should make visiting Blenko's gift shop a once a month trip. Ms. B and I buy all our wedding gifts, birthday gifts, new home gifts at Blenko --this year I start buying baby gifts at Blenko - I thought long and hard - and decided most any new mother would welcome having the child be given a signed piece of collectible glass . . .a baby can only use so many new born blankets. NOTE: This RUBY LAMP, is from my personal collection - it was made in 2005 The Visitors Center/gift shop has a wide selection of lamps available - if you don't see what you want - and don't mind waiting 10-14 days ask Angie or Diane about the possibility of having it made - cost a bit more - but you have exactly what you want! BLENKO strives to have all customers leave happy!

Skip Copley's Lamps

Skip Copley a Real Estate Broker from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and his daughter Julia collect BLENKO LAMPS. They were kind enough to send these photos.
If you have old or special/unusual Blenko lamps, please send photos!

BLENKO - collectible Cats

Do you have a Blenko Cat? If so send a photo - so that we might show others the possibilities . . . Blenko loves Cats - and many glass cats have been made over the years. In this photo - you are seeing a CAT (amber - made by Shorty Finley not in the Blenko regular line - but Shorty made 10 of these in 1981 - this one has lost its Head... The other Cat was in the regular line . . . this example isn't good I hope someone will send us a better example of this and other BLENKO CATS - they are great items to collect.

Blenko Visitors Center - Museum (Upstairs)

Another example of the 'art' on display in the BLENKO GLASS COMPANY VISITORS CENTER. Go up the stair case to the right of the entry door - this level contains many vintage items of BLENKO and an array of historical documents. Also there are a number of Stain Glass panels made by Artist from across the US. NOTE: BLENO GLASS COMPANY IS LOCATED IN MILTON, WV Phone 304 743 9081 if you have questions.

Shorty Finley at BLENKO on 12/22

Nothing is more beautiful than seeing an 84 year old man doing what he loves - - - the pleasure is visible when Everette 'SHORTY' Finley is blowing glass. Shorty retired from Blenko more than a decade ago - he returns occasionally to work with the 'boys'. If you are doing the self guided tour at the BLENKO GLASS VISITORS CENTER - and see a handsome grey haired fell with a ball cap.....that very well may be Shorty Finley. He's quiet the 'showman'. . .loves talking about glass and most especially loves to speak about BLENKO GLASS. NOTE: BLENKO GLASS COMPANY IS LOCATED IN MILTON West Virginia. Off I -64. Phone 304 743 9081

Show and Tell #4- You respond

Tim Alonzo reports a smiliar item for sale on EBAY. I checked its listed as a new item (probably produced in the last 5 years)

eBay: BLENKO GLASS DESERT GREEN BOTTLE W/STOPPER (item 180067284854 end time Dec-31-06 05:01:53 PST) Hope this helps Ms. O'Connor.

WVU Dental School Focus of Gazette Article - and other random thoughts . .

In today's GAZETTE – the local Charleston Newspaper- Section D has an article about the WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY.
Eric Eyre wrote the article. If you are familiar with good journalism you know the name Eric Eyre. Eyre is an award winning journalist. He has the ability to make most any story interesting, he does his research and is a gifted writer.

This 12/25 Gazette article focuses on the university's desire to have WVU Dental Students become involved in the community and involved in preventive education. This starts in the first year. In the fourth year Dental students have the opportunity for OJT - On the Job Training, or practicums, in rural health care facilities. As a second year student at WVU Dental School, I can say the opportunity to be involved in the community - the school system, nursing homes, etc - has been one of the most enjoyable parts of the curriculum. We are enhancing our 'people skills', and learning by teaching; so we are reinforcing our knowledge as we share it with the young and not so young.

West Virginia University encourages community involvement at all levels. Just as people need to teach their children about 'buying WV and USA made products', they need to teach them about proper diet and good oral hygiene. As parents, it is their responsibility to teach or provide education for their child/children about self care. If you didn't receive Dental Education as a child, break the cycle and make certain your child knows the importance of brushing and flossing. Supervise the task, and try to make it fun! By starting children out early with a good diet and proper oral hygiene, we can begin to see a decrease in the high rates of tooth decay in our state’s youth, as well as help them keep their teeth later in life.

Governor and Mrs. Manchin are focusing on 'healthy life styles'. They are a remarkable couple; always giving, and thinking about the population as a whole. I am often amazed at the energy people holding high level positions in State Government have and how they multi task. West Virginia is very fortunate to have an administration with high energy/ focus and the needs of the people as a high priority! Busy people seem to get more done - don't they! I watch the Administration and Faculty at my School - they all have very full days, yet they are involved with the community and help develop programs for prevention, education, do research, and have so many other involvements.

I find myself thinking that through proper oral health education, combined with the reduction of sugar intake, and giving up smokeless tobacco and cigarette smoking, we could become a much healthier state and be known for our beautiful smiles as well as our glass!

Last Day to Buy WVU & MARSHALL BOTTLES BEFORE CHRISTMAS!

Limited number of these are currently available to the Visitors Center - yesterday I saw only one or two of each. This is the last day to buy before Christmas. NOTE: AN IOU for a BLENKO WVU or Marshall Water Bottle would be a great stocking stuffer!