Cambridge Glass
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| Cambridge Glass Company | |
|---|---|
| Type | Corporation |
| Founded | 1873 |
| Headquarters | Cambridge, Ohio, USA |
| Key people | Arthur J. Bennett, President William L. Orme, Vice President K.C. Kelley, Factory Superintendent |
| Industry | Glass manufacturer |
Contents |
[edit] Early History
The Cambridge Glass Company was chartered in 1873 by a group of Cambridge, Ohio, businessmen. But it was not until 1899, when the site was purchased by the newly formed National Glass Company, that funds became available to start the construction of this new glass factory.
In 1901, The Cambridge Glass Company was organized by Myron Case, Casey Morris, Addison Thompson, Andy Herron and Fred Rosemond, who were owners of the National Glass Company of Pennsylvania.
[edit] Under Arthur J. Bennett's Leadership
During construction of the plant, Arthur J. Bennett, a native of England, was hired to manage this new factory. Having experience in the china and glass trades, Mr. Bennett proved to be an excellent choice for the position. The first piece of glass, a three pint pitcher, was produced in May of 1902.
A variety of heavy pressed patterns were produced during the next five years. Many of the patterns were of Mr. Bennett's own design. Sometime around 1903-1904 the company's first trademark came into being, the words "Near Cut" pressed into the glass.
In 1907, the National Glass Company experienced financial problems that ended in receivership for the company. By supplementing his life savings with local bank financing, Mr. Bennett was able to raise the necessary $500,000 to purchase the Cambridge Glass Company in its entirety.
The company continued to prosper under his ownership, and in 1910 was expanded to include an additional plant at nearby Byesville, Ohio - under the name of The Byesville Glass and Lamp Co. Many of the deep plate etched patterns were introduced during this time period, some of which were Marjorie and Betty, named after members of Mr. Bennett's family.
Through these early years, the company operated its own coal mines and consumed 50 tons daily producing raw gas to fire its melting pots. It also used natural gas produced from its own wells. The abundant suppy of natural resources had been one of the main reasons for locating this factory in Ohio.
During the year 1916, things slowed down quite a bit and in 1917 it was decided to close the factory in Byesville and transfer those operations back to the Cambridge plant.
The 1920s were years of expansion and heralded a new trademark - the letter "C" enclosed within a triangle. Mr. Bennett decided to introduce a variety of opaque colored items into their line. With as many as 700 employees working three shifts a day, very strong lines of colored ware and complete dinner services were added to the production from the 56 pots of glass being used. Figural shapes became popular in the occasional pieces. The company was also producing a complete line of pharmaceutical items. It was said, "If it will sell, Cambridge will produce it."
The 1930s were perhaps the most prolific years of Cambridge development, with the new colors (Carmen, Royal Blue, Crown Tuscan and Heatherbloom), and new patterns, (#3400 line, Caprice line, Statuesque stem line, Rose Point etching) being developed.
[edit] Leadership Change
During the peak of the Cambridge Glass Company, Mr. Bennett served as president of the company, his son-in-law, William L. Orme was vice president; Mrs. Bennett as director; William C. McCartney as secretary; G. Roy Boyd as treasurer and K.C. Kelley as factory superintendent.
In July of 1939, Mr. Bennett sold the controlling interest of the company to his son-in-law, Wilber L. Orme, who continued to develop designs and colors.
In 1950, the Cambridge Square pattern won top honors across the United States for its modern design. In the early 1950's the demand for fine handmade glassware began to decrease and the competition of foreign and machine-made glass began taking its toll.
In 1954, Mr. Orme decided to close the plant, ending one of the best and most prosperous glass companies the world has ever known.
[edit] Sidney Albert, Imperial Glass
Shortly after closing in 1954, the company was sold to a firm headed by Sidney Albert of Akron, Ohio. The plant re-opened in March of 1955. Sales were very poor and in 1956 Morrison Industries Ltd. of Boston, Massachusetts, acquired possession. Sales continued to be slow and with management problems. The company closed its doors for the final time in 1958.
In November of 1960, Imperial Glass Co. of Bellaire, Ohio, acquired the Cambridge molds and equipment.
1984 saw Imperial forced into bankruptcy. At this time the National Cambridge Collectors purchased many of the molds, all of the etching/decorating plates and other assets of Cambridge Glass from Imperial. These items are now located on the museum grounds. The N.C.C., due to a lack of funds and miscommunication, could not purchase all of the molds. Some are now owned by other glass companies.
[edit] Demolition of Factory
The Cambridge Glass factory building was demolished in 1989 when the owners decided the factory had deteriorated beyond repair. All the buildings were razed. It was stated by many people in Cambridge that "the skyline of Cambridge will never be the same."
