An Epic WV Glass Story

Viking Glass was orginially New Martinsville Manufacturing, incorporated in 1900 - and through a chain of events became Viking Glass in 1944 and Danzell-Viking in 1987. Viking closed their doors in 1998 as one of the few remaining glass factories in West Virginia.

Viking was well known for their vibrant colors, choosing to mold glass into seemingly stretched unusual shapes. One of their most popular lines was their 1960's Epic line - well named for the vast variety of shapes - including their trademark slender-tailed bird.

Pictured above are several pieces of Viking Glass in the Epic line - a thistle petal foot candy dish , a turquoise vase and an amber slender-tailed bird. To learn more, check out www.vikingartglass.com.

Recycling America

Did you know that November 15th is America Recycles Day? It is the only nationally recognized day to encourage us to recycle as well as purchase products made of recycled materials. You can find more information at the following website: http://www.americarecyclesday.org/americarecycles.aspx

Being socially and environmentally responsible just makes good sense - for our generation as well as those to come. Stating that we've become a "throw away" society is an understatement -and as a collector of vintage, I see the stark changes that have occured even in as brief a period as the last 30 years. Countless disposable products have been developed to help make our lives more convenient and to hasten our hustle and bustle.

And while I am as guilty as the next person of buying that pre-shredded lettuce to save time, I still prefer to use my vintage Pyrex mixing bowls and my original Fiesta ware - newer products don't have the same charm, nor the lasting power that stand the test of time. Setting the table with 1950's restaurantware not only creates a great conversation starter - it saves those dishes from the landfill! I mean, don't you remember eating ketchup covered crinkle cut fries off of heavy stoneware platters ringed with green trim? Those dishes can take me right back to the pickle jar on the counter and the 5 cent pinball machine in the corner.

That being said, when you think about America Recycles this month, don't just think about cans and newspapers. Think also about purchasing vintage products this holiday season from your local antique shop or online - they make uniquely thoughtful gifts that can spark a fun story to share - or purchase for yourself to create a wonderfully Vintage Christmas! Hmmmm, a blog idea for another day...don't toss out that thought!