Glass Show To Feature Pittsburgh Companies

Hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Castle Shannon Memorial Hall. "The more than 100 pieces will range from the mid-19th century to the Depression era," said Dorothy Fels of Mt. Lebanon, a board member. "Twenty-six dealers will display their wares. There will be a variety of antiques and collectibles offered for sale: pottery, jewelry, silver and small pieces of furniture and, of course, glass."



Old print ads about glass will be on view. One is from a Harper's magazine in black and white, showing different glass pieces.



Many of the club members who are helping to preserve our heritage by collecting local glass will display pieces. Unusual local items to be seen are traffic lights made by PPG. A variety of glass made for various purposes will include Depression glass.



The abundance of coal and proximity of river and rail transportation accounted for the numerous companies manufacturing glass in this region. Later some companies moved on to Ohio and West Virginia, which also became glassmaking centers. Many were small family-owned companies and sometimes fires destroyed glass plants.



The show offers a day of activities, including a white elephant sale, Chinese auction, bake sale and the popular tasty lunches from The Glass Café. Fels said refreshments are a big attraction.



The Mt. Lebanon and Whitehall libraries each have a display of the club's glass, with identification, through the end of February.