The History of Depression Glass Makers

With so many questions as to what Depression glass really is, it is important to learn the history behind Depression glass so you can get a true understanding of the beautiful glass and why we value it so much. Traveling back in time to the Great Depression you will understand the importance of Depression glass and why it was made.

The Great Depression was a tough time for the entire country. Those who experienced it already know that it was one of the hardest things that they ever went through. For the people who didn't lose their jobs, they were forced to work for almost nothing, and had to live many years raising their families with barely two pennies to scrape together. The Great Depression lasted from 1929 to the beginning of World War II, and through that time manufacturers such as Hocking Glass and Federal Glass were determined to bring some cheer into the otherwise disheartening lives of so many Americans. They did this by bringing us what is now known as Depression glass.

Depression glass was poorly made mass produced glassware that came in a variety of beautiful and bright colors as well as clear crystal. Essentially it is a transparent glassware that was actually starting to be made in the mid-20's, It was before The Depression that glassware was a huge seller, and many painstakingly long hours were put into the glass. From hand drawn pictures, to special cuts, the glassware was a piece of art. However, once The Depression came about, glassware companies were interested in staying away from bankruptcy then handing out quality pieces of glass. This continued as The Depression got worse, and then as it got better. Depression glassware was produced well into the 1950's in fact.

The colors were vibrant, and game in patterns of gold, platinum, cobalt blue, amber, pink, yellow, green, and pretty much any color that you can imagine. Certain colors fared better than others like tangerine, and lavender. They were discontinued after their short run, only to be replaced by the colors that people loved such as yellow and cobalt.

Once the glassware was made, it went through virtually no treatment whatsoever. It was simply sold and during the Great Depression, it was actually given away as a promotional item. They would appear almost everywhere, from cereal boxes to a movie theater in order to get people to buy a product. Rarely did it work, since Americans were so poor, but they did enjoy going to events where they could get another cup or plate for free. Although The Depression eventually ended, the love of this beautiful glass sure did not. Although not used in homes on a regular basis, people still love to find and get a look at this popular glass. Often bought and sold as collector's items, Depression glass will still stand for the time in which the country was at its worst.

Pattern History
There were approximately nineteen companies that produced depression glass. Out of those companies, twelve made one to five patterns. The other seven companies were responsible for ninety two patterns. There was a huge investment for the companies to purchase the machines needed to make this glassware. I have listed dates for the seven major companies and the number of patterns made during those years.

Federal
Known Pattern Names Include:
Colonial Fluted
Columbia
Diana
Georgian
Madrid
Mayfair
Normandie
Parrot
Patrician
Raindrops
Rosemary
Sharon

Three patterns were made during the years of 1925-1929, six from 1930-1934, and four from 1935-1939 with a total of thirteen.

Hazel-Atlas
Known Pattern Names Include:
Aurora
Cloverleaf
Colonial Block
Florentine No. 1
Florentine No. 2
Fruits
Moderntone
New Century
Newport
Ovide
Ribbon
Roxana
Royal Lace
Ships
Starlight

New patterns were first introduced by this company during the years of 1920-1938. Eleven pattern pieces were made during the years 1930-1934, and four from 1935-1939 with a total of fifteen patterns.

Hocking
Known Pattern Names Include:
Manhattan
Oyster And Pearl
Queen May
Royal Ruby

New patterns were first introduced by this company during the years of 1927-1939. Six patterns were made during 1925-1929, nine during 1930-1934, and eleven during the years of 1935-1939 with a total of twenty-four patterns.

Indiana
Known Pattern Names Include:
Avocado
Indiana Custard
Lorain
No. 610 Pyramid
No. 612, Horseshoe
No. 616, Vernon
No. 618, Pineapple and Floral
Old English
Sandwich
Tea Room

New patterns were first introduced by this company during the years of 1923-1933. In 1923 the first known pattern made was called the Avocado. Indiana glass was considered the first company that made the first pattern. Six patterns were made during 1925-1929, five during 1930-1934, and one during years 1935-1939 with a total of twelve.

Jenette
Known Pattern Names Include:
Adam
Cherry Blossom
Cube
Doric
Doric and Pansy
Floral
Hex Optic
Homespun
Iris
Sierra
Sunburst
Sunflower
Swirl
Windsor

New patterns were first introduced by this company during the years of 1928-1938. Three patterns were made during 1925-1929, four during 1930-1934, and seven during 1935-1939 with a total of fourteen.

MacBeth-Evans
Known Pattern Names Include:
American Sweetheart
Chinex Classic
Cremax
Dogwood
Petalware
S Pattern
Thistle

New patterns were first introduced by this company during the years of 1929-late 1930s. One pattern was made during 1925-1929, four during 1930-1934 and two during the years of 1935-1939 with a total of seven.

U.S. Glass
Known Pattern Names Include:
Aunt Polly
Cherryberry
Floral and Diamond Band
Flower Garden with Butterflies
Primo
Strawberry
Swirl

New patterns were first introduced by this company during the years of 1927-1932. Six patterns were made during 1925-1929, one during 1930-1934, and no others during this period with a total of seven.

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