Morgantown Glass Works

The Morgantown Glass Works was established in 1899, in Morgantown, West Virgina. After reorganization in 1903, the company assumed the "Economy Tumbler Company" moniker. It operated under this name until late 1923, when the name was changed to Economy Glass Company to better reflect the diversty of products being produced. In July, 1929 the company name was changed to the Morgantown Glass Works, Inc. As the early name suggests the primary production of the company in the early years was blown tumblers. As the company matured and demand for general household glassware increased, Economy Tumbler began to diversify. In 1920, Joseph Haden came to Morgantown from the Fry Glass Company. His extensive knowledge of chemicals and color soon established Economy as "The Color House of America." New lines and colors were developed through the 1920's and 1930's as the company prospered. Later the company reorganized again and continued operating as the Morgantown Glassware Guild. In 1965, Fostoria bought the factory, but production was maintained under the Morgantown Guild name. The plant was closed in 1971. In 1972 the factory was sold to The Bailey Glass Company for use in the manufacture of lamp globes.

The Information for this brief history came from the book "Colored Glassware of the Depression Era 2" by Hazel Marie Weatherman.

and from "A Handbook of Old Morgantown Glass" by Jerry Gallagher.

Both of these books are excellect sources of information about early American made glassware. Everyone interested in collecting glass from this time period should own both books.