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Moundsville, WV

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Moundsville, WV 26041

 

Proposed Fostoria Artisans' Center Site

 

 

 

 

 

Factory No. 3, First Street & Fostoria Avenue, Moundsville, WV 26041
 

 

The Fostoria Artisan's Center Site

 

Producing Fostoria Glass from 1891 to 1984, the Fostoria Glass Factory is slated for demolition in the near future.  As the dust settles from the fallen bricks, the Fostoria Artisans' Committee is working diligently to insure that an Artisans' Center will bring life to the history of Fostoria, the art of glass blowing, and the crafts of times past.  

 

The proposed Fostoria Artisans' Center will find its home in the smaller, No. 3 Fostoria Factory located along Fostoria Avenue off of First Street in Moundsville.  The Artisans' Center will provide an opportunity for local craftsmen to display and demonstrate their crafts.

 

Farewell Tour A Success

 

The Artisans' Center Committee held two "Farewell Tours" in August and September 2005.

 

The response from the event was beyond expectations.  Former employees, adults, and children alike came out brandishing their flashlights for a final look at the once thriving factory, which in its heyday boasted over 1,000 employees. 

 

Linda Polen, our Fostoria Historian, along with a host of tour guides, brought visitors through the Observation Deck of the No. 1 Factory, the basement, tool room, shipping room, lab, and executive offices for a glimpse of the way things were from 1891 to 1984. 

 

Memorial Brick Sales Continue

 

Original bricks from the Fostoria Factory site have been gathered and cleaned, and display imprinted plates with the Fostoria Factory Site picture.  These bricks continue to be very popular memorabilia pieces and can still be purchased at a cost of $5.00 from any of the committee members.  To purchase a brick, contact Ronda Francis at (304) 845-3705

 

Some Fostoria Facts

  • The first Fostoria Factory was built in Fostoria, Ohio in 1887.  Due to the shortage of natural gas in Ohio, the Fostoria Company moved to Moundsville, WV and began producing glass in 1981.

  • Fostoria produced a fine, pure crystal glassware of original design and shape that older glass companies did not make at that time. 

  • The Fostoria Company had private sidings for the B&O and Pennsylvania railroads, enabling them to ship promptly and without breakage. 

  • During the company's prime, they had over 1,000 employees.

  • The 2056 American Pattern was the most popular design every produced by Fostoria and was made for over 60 years.  American is still the most collected pattern today.

  • Kenneth Dalzell was the last president to run the company.  He operated Fostoria from the 1970's up to 1984 when Fostoria was sold to Lancaster Colony.  Lancaster Colony ran the factory from 1984 to 1986 at which time they closed Fostoria forever.

- facts provided by Linda Polen, Fostoria historian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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