Exploring West Virginia's History of Glass

A few weeks ago, I took a trip to Weston, West Virginia, to visit The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia. I’m an avid and self-proclaimed glass fanatic, and it’s been a bucket list item for my glass-loving self for quite some time. It was a wonderful opportunity to see some rare and unique pieces, as well as to learn about the rich history of glass in the region and beyond. I collect a few patterns of vintage and antique glassware, many of which were made right here in the Mountain State over the years—and some are still being produced today. 

When we think of West Virginia-made glass, almost assuredly Blenko Glass Company comes to mind right away, as well it should. Most known for its beautifully colored hand-blown glass, Blenko has always been an iconic staple of West Virginia culture and art. 

But it’s not what I collect. 

Let me introduce you to Moon and Star glassware, a mould-produced patterned glass. Now, I realize I may have lost some of you because it’s not hand blown, but it’s some of the prettiest and most intricate glass I’ve come across. A round star-like shape was pressed into the glass, and another circular depression glints with a crescent moon when the light hits it just right, giving the pattern its celestial name. Once you know what to look for, you can spot Moon and Star glass a mile away, and even though many manufacturers tried to imitate it, nothing beats the authentic original. 

Made in breathtaking colors ranging from deep cobalt to ruby red, to smoke and Greenbrier shades, the Moon and Star pattern was made in a variety of pieces—they were intended for everyday use—such as canister sets, cake stands, fruit bowls, butter dishes, salt shakers and even lamps. There are drinking glasses and dinner plates and ashtrays…I could go on and on. This is all well and good, but you might be wondering, what is the connection to West Virginia? 

Initially produced by Adams & Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the late 1800s, the Moon and Star pattern was originally named Palace. This pattern was produced by many companies over the years, most notably L.G. Wright (who is responsible for the name change) and the L.E. Smith Glass Company, until Weishar Enterprises purchased the moulds used for this pressed glass from the L.G. Wright closeout auction. For a time, the Fenton Art Glass Company, located in Williamstown, West Virginia, even produced some pieces, including decanters and wine glasses, but Weishar now owns those moulds as well. 

Weishar has since produced its own original Moon and Star pieces, including miniature water sets (pitchers and cups) and mini courting lamps, and has created pieces in colors that the pattern had not appeared in before, such as kimberlite, delphite and French opal, to name just a few. 

Weishar Enterprises, also known as Island Mould Company, is located in Wheeling, West Virginia. They’ve been producing Moon and Star glassware since the 1990s, and many pieces are stamped with the outline of West Virginia. The previous producers of the Moon and Star pattern didn’t usually brand their pieces with maker's marks, so a Weishar-produced piece is easy to determine. However, they’re hard to find. You’d think living so close to where they’ve been producing this glass would make my collection full to bursting with Weishar pieces, but I’ve only come across it a handful of times in my years collecting. And of course the one piece I do have is unfortunately not stamped with the West Virginia state outline, but it has a simple ‘Weishar’ signature on the bottom.

Antiquing is one of my absolute favorite hobbies, and West Virginia has some incredible antique stores, all throughout the state. Sure, you can search for and find pieces online, but for me, it’s about the thrill of the hunt when I go antiquing. You never know what you’re going to see, and I’ve found some rare pieces throughout the years, though I have only purchased the one Weishar. However, the Island Mould Company is open to tours, and visitors can purchase Moon and Star glass directly from there or their website. I haven’t had a chance to visit yet, but it’s next on my list. 

Which takes me back to my visit to the Museum of American Glass in West Virginia. It showcases glassware made in the United States from the early 1800s to more modern pieces. I learned there were so many glass manufacturers in West Virginia alone that I wasn’t previously aware of, including Jefferson Glass from Follansbee, operating circa 1900 to 1930; Ceredo’s Pilgrim Glass Co., which was in operation from 1948 to 2001; Beaumont Glass, from Morgantown, that operated from 1890 to 1993; and Paden City Glass, established in 1916. It inspired me to potentially collect more West Virginia made pieces, once I have more room to display and use them, that is.

West Virginia has a colorful history of glass making. Glass is not only beautiful, but it’s practical. People have been using glass for hundreds of years; like I mentioned earlier, most pieces were made to be used. They deserve to be shown off—not sit in the back of your grandmother’s hutch or only be brought out during special occasions. Yes, it’s fragile, but you just have to handle glass with care and teach others how to properly do the same. 

While some of my collection wasn’t made in West Virginia, all the pieces have made their way here over the years, to antique stores and estate sales, to thrift shops and yard sales. I’m thankful I can include them in my home, as they were the centerpieces or kitchen staples in so many other homes through the years. 

I believe glass can be a gateway into educating others, including the younger generation, the importance of hard work and—more importantly—Mountain State ingenuity and creativity. Glass has a history; it can tell a story. The pieces made here are beautiful Appalachian art forms. Everyone should visit places like the American Museum of Glass in West Virginia. 

I’m glad I did. 

This is the first in a short series showcasing the history of glass in West Virginia.