Indiana Glass Company was born at the turn of the century, as were many of the depression glass companies, The parent company had originally been Beatty-Brady Glass, which merged with National Glass Combine. When National Glass fell on hard times in 1907, Indiana Glass came into new hands - those of Frank Merry who would remain the key figure in creating beautiful blown and pressed glassware.
1907 - 1920
The most popular glass produced during this period was fondly known as "goofus glass". It was very inexpensive to make, but had a very pretty and playful appearance. This type of glass was very popular with firms looking for promotional give-aways. Many experts consider "goofus glass" to be the foundation for Carnival glass in the years to follow.
Indiana Depression Glass
The most popular patterns for Depression glass created by this company were Indiana Sandwich Glass, Pyramid, Avocado, #612 Horseshoe and Indiana Custard. Until the company closed, they often used the antique molds for making their products, even re-introducing classic colors.
About mid-way through this period, Indiana Glass began making barware, lamps, vases, and more household goods while continuing with novelty work, which proved to be a staple.
1921 - 1940
For depression glass collectors, this is an important period. In 1923 Indiana glass came out with their Avocado pattern, considered by experts to be the initial Depression Glass model and is still highly collectible.
This pattern was followed by other art Deco designs along with a mold-etched design called Lorain that is also highly sought out by collectors.
1940 - 2002
After the 1940s the competition in the glass market became substantial. Companies like Indiana Glass turned to industrial production especially during the War. In the 1950s the demand for milk glass products and carnival glass generated a variety of fresh patterns including some for restaurants and other establishments.
The 1960s brought refreshed interest in glass and many new contracts into Indiana Glass.
There are literally too many lines to even begin to list from this era. Some of these new products became collectible like the King's Crown pattern.
One really fun sidebar in the company's history is the production of Coca Cola glasses in the 1990s as yet more promotional items. The firms ability to provide manufacturers with "give aways" had remained intact for nearly 100 years!
The firm finally closed on the heels of a rather nasty strike in 2002 in which workers, who were overwhelmed by health and safety issues, stayed off the job for close to 100 days. Operations for the Indiana Glass Company ceased in Dunkirk, IN thereafter.
Indiana Glass Company was born at the turn of the century, as were many of the depression glass companies, The parent company had originally been Beatty-Brady Glass, which merged with National Glass Combine. When National Glass fell on hard times in 1907, Indiana Glass came into new hands - those of Frank Merry who would remain the key figure in creating beautiful blown and pressed glassware.
Indiana Depression Glass
1921 - 1940
After the 1940s the competition in the glass market became substantial. Companies like Indiana Glass turned to industrial production especially during the War. In the 1950s the demand for milk glass products and carnival glass generated a variety of fresh patterns including some for restaurants and other establishments.
One really fun sidebar in the company's history is the production of Coca Cola glasses in the 1990s as yet more promotional items. The firms ability to provide manufacturers with "give aways" had remained intact for nearly 100 years!
