Blowpipes, Northwest Ohio Glassmaking in the Gas Boom of the 1880s
Xlibris.com, (2002). Illustrations and cover design by Jim Brower. 1401047912. Inscribed and signed by Jack Paquette, dated 12-11-03. Small 8vo. 8-5/8" x 5-7/8". Dark blue cloth covered boards. Spine stamped in gold. Dark blue endpapers. 559 pp. Fine. / Fine dust jacket. Item #1242
ISBN: 1401047912
"More than 70 glass factories were constructed in northwest Ohio during the gas boom of the 19th century and its aftermath. Due to this tremendous influx of glass houses, that mostly rural section of The Buckeye State soon was being heralded as "the glass capital of the world."
The owners of these new facilities had been lired to northwest Ohio by community-sponsored inducements, which included natural gas, free plant sites and, in some cases, cash bonuses. However, when the supply of gas soon waned, most of the factories were forced to close, or move elsewhere. Only five of the original operations would survive into the modern era.
Researched and written by a former executive of a glass company in the area, Blowpipes uses newspaper and trade journal accounts of the day to chronicle each of the 70+ northwest Ohio glass houses and the men who built them. The book also describes the 19th century glassmaking techniques and discusses the unique roles played by children in the glass house.
Price: $35.00