By Milbra Long/Special to the TImes-Review
Almost every family living in the U.S. since 1905 has enjoyed one or more pieces of Fenton Glass. They may not have known it was Fenton but were attracted to its beautiful color. In our family we had a carnival glass bowl.
The Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 by Frank L. Fenton who was its president until his death in 1948. During this period the company focused on household and decorative glass. Jacob Rosenthal, a chemist with the company, developed the formula for Chocolate glass, which later became known as Caramel Slag.
Iridescent glass, given as prizes at carnivals across the country, became known as Carnival Glass. Other companies besides Fenton made iridized Carnival Glass.
In 1948, Frank M. Fenton, the oldest Fenton son, became president, and his only brother Bill became vice president. Other members of the Fenton family held other positions. “Mr. Frank,” as he was known, had an unusual personality. By the time he was 16 and playing basketball in high school, he had grown to a height of 6 feet, 7 inches. His extraordinary stature prompted folks to ask exactly how tall he was.
He soon tired of answering that question and had a card printed up that he would show instead. It read: “I am 16 years old, 6 feet, 7 inches and weigh 185 pounds. Keep this for future reference. Frank Fenton.”
Mr. Frank was interested in design and especially drawn to the fancy and colorful Victorian creations. He established a new decorating department with Louise Piper in charge. A master painter, Louise taught others to execute the handpainted designs that are considered typical of Fenton Glass. Mr. Frank also realized the need to preserve examples of the glass made in the Ohio Valley.
Today, the Fenton Museum is one of the highlights of a factory tour, which includes watching the glass being made and visiting the gift shop. When we visited the factory, we could always spot Mr. Frank standing a full head taller than anyone else in the gift shop where he often circulated, talking to visitors. On one visit he took my husband, Frank, and me on a personal tour, and later my daughter Emily and I had the same privilege.
Mr. Frank’s brother Bill took charge of promotion and sales, supervising show rooms and markets in several major cities. In the 1990s, he established and hosted a regularly scheduled, innovative glass show for QVC television.
Both Mr. Frank and Bill worked tirelessly to maintain Fenton’s quality and efficiency. Bill preceded Mr. Frank in death in 2004. When Mr. Frank resigned in 1986, his son, George became the company president. He continues to serve in that capacity today.
Mr. Frank died in 2005, the same year the Fenton Art Glass Company celebrated its 100th anniversary, giving it the right to boast that it is the oldest continuously operating glass company in United States history.
Over the years, Fenton has produced many lines in limited editions. Always aware of trends in the collector’s market, they realized the advantage of limiting the number of pieces made. Limited editions, sought after by collectors, caused prices to escalate in value, and new designs in new colors could appear each year.
The public is invited to learn more about Fenton glass Thursday at the Alvarado Public Library. Included in the workshop will be a color DVD showing how Fenton artisans make glass.
Rare Fenton pieces from Milbra Long’s collection will be on display. The workshop, sponsored by the Museum of Glass Made in America Inc., will begin promptly at 6 p.m. and run to 7:30. Come learn about this wonderful glass company, and bring a piece of Fenton to share.
