What Is Fostoria Crystal?

History

• W.S. Brady and L.B. Martin established the Fostoria Glass Company in Fostoria, Ohio, in December 1887. The company relied on a local source of natural gas to fuel its glass works. After depleting the natural gas supply in Fostoria, the company moved to Moundsville, West Virginia, where there was an ample fuel supply. Natural gas was important in producing crystal-clear glassware. The 1901 catalog stated, "We use natural glass for fuel exclusively, and thus avoid all clouded effects."

Glassware

• Originally, the company produced pressed glass, but switched to blown glass by 1900. Fostoria was the first glass company to manufacture a complete set of dinnerware. From Eisenhower through Reagan, all the presidents ordered custom Fostoria stemware with the presidential seal.

Products

• The 1901, Fostoria catalog featured many different types of glassware. The company produced compotes, pitcher sets, butter dishes, salt and pepper shakers, cookie jars, vinegar cruets, cake plates, candelabras, lamps, vases and a wide assortment of stemware. Some pieces were decorated with ruby or gold bands. Fostoria glass produced in the 1930s is often classified as "elegant" glassware to distinguish it from other kinds of Depression glass.

"American" Pattern

• Fostoria introduced the American pattern in 1915. It became the most popular glass pattern ever produced. Until recently, other manufacturers continued to reproduce the American pattern, which can cause confusion for new collectors.

Aventurine

• In the mid-20th century, Fostoria began producing Aventurine glassware. High-lead-content glass was infused with chrome oxide to create a green glass with small, reflective crystals in it. The result is a glittering glass that is highly prized by collectors. This type of glass was first invented in 1865 in Venice.

Decline

• Fostoria produced 8 million pieces in 1950, the highest annual production rate in the company's history. Over the next 30 years, Fostoria faced increased competition from foreign glass companies. In 1983, the company was sold to the Lancaster Colony. The doors officially closed just three years later.

Fostoria Museum

• The Fostoria Glass Society of America Inc. purchased the Anna B. Smith house in Moundsville, West Virginia, in 1988 and opened a museum devoted to Fostoria crystal. The society has chapters in four states: Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.