Westmoreland Glass Company: A History of American Glassmaking
The story of the Westmoreland Glass Company is a classic tale of American industrial evolution, spanning nearly a century of production. From its origins as a strategic relocation to its status as a pioneer in the candy container industry, the company left a lasting mark on the world of pressed glass and decorative tableware.
The Founding and Early Years
The company began in 1889 when a group of investors purchased the Specialty Glass Company in East Liverpool, Ohio, and relocated the operation to Grapeville, Pennsylvania. This location was chosen specifically for its abundant source of natural gas, which provided the essential energy needed for glass production.
The early leadership was driven by George West, who served as president, and his brother Charles West, the vice president. The venture was primarily funded by Ira Brainard, whose son, J.J. Brainard, also served as a company officer.
During this era, Westmoreland focused on pressed glass—a process where molten glass is pressed into a mold to create specific shapes—producing tableware, mustard jars, and candy containers. The facility was a comprehensive hub, featuring its own tin shop and mustard factory on-site. George West's prolific output in this sector earned him the title of the "Father of the Candy Container Industry." Interestingly, a separate entity called West Brothers operated from the same factory to produce tinware and candy containers.
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Evolution of Artistry and Leadership
The company underwent a significant transition in 1921 when George West departed to establish his own firm, George West and Sons. Following his exit, the company officially became the Westmoreland Glass Company, with Charles West ascending to president and J.J. Brainard becoming vice president.
Before leaving, George West had established a robust decorating department. Under Charles West's leadership throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the company pivoted toward high-quality, hand-decorated glass. The artistry of this period was so esteemed that some pieces were exhibited at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Brainard Era and the Shift to Milk Glass
In 1937, Charles West retired and sold his shares to the Brainard family. The Brainards maintained control of the company for over four decades. However, the production focus shifted in the 1940s; the family phased out the labor-intensive hand-decorated lines in favor of milk glass, an opaque, white glass that became a staple of mid-century American home decor.
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The Final Years and Closure
The Brainard family sold the company in 1980 to David Grossman, a businessman from St. Louis, Missouri. Despite the acquisition, Grossman lacked experience in managing large-scale glass manufacturing. This lack of industry expertise contributed to the company's decline, and Westmoreland Glass Company went out of business in 1984.
The property was eventually sold for $75,000 to George Snyder, who repurposed the historic factory site into a storage facility.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1889 in Grapeville, Pennsylvania.
- Primary Products: Pressed glass tableware, mustard jars, and candy containers.
- Industry Pioneer: George West is known as the "Father of the Candy Container Industry."
- Artistic Peak: Produced museum-quality hand-decorated glass in the 1920s and 1930s.
- Mid-Century Focus: Transitioned to primarily producing milk glass in the 1940s.
- Closure: Ceased operations in 1984.
| Period/Year | Key Event | Leadership/Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 1889 | Founded via purchase of Specialty Glass Company | George & Charles West, Ira Brainard |
| 1921 | Renamed Westmoreland Glass Company | Charles West (President) |
| 1937 | Ownership transfer to Brainard family | The Brainard Family |
| 1940s | Shift to milk glass production | The Brainard Family |
| 1980 | Company sold to David Grossman | David Grossman |
| 1984 | Business closure and sale of property | George Snyder (Buyer) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Grapeville, Pennsylvania chosen for the factory?
Grapeville was selected because the property possessed a large source of natural gas, which was critical for powering the glass-making furnaces.
What is the significance of George West in the glass industry?
George West is regarded as the "Father of the Candy Container Industry" due to the extensive production of candy containers managed by his company.
What happened to the hand-decorated glass lines?
While highly successful and even exhibited at the Carnegie Museum of Art, these lines were phased out by the Brainard family in the 1940s in favor of milk glass.
Who owned the company during its transition to milk glass?
The Brainard family owned and controlled the company from 1937 until 1980, overseeing the shift toward milk glass production.
How did the Westmoreland Glass Company eventually end?
After being sold to David Grossman in 1980, the company went out of business in 1984 and the facility was sold to George Snyder for $75,000 to be used as storage.