Riverside Glass Works: Old Pattern Glass vs. New Pattern Glass

It's strange the memories that come to you and the odd places you are when they arrive. This memory came to me while walking through a department store with my mother. I noticed a display of pretty pressed pattern glass in vibrant colors and I was instantly brought back to my younger years when we used, displayed and loved Early American Pattern Glass.

New pattern glass made in China.

Early American Pattern Glass (EAPG) was a treasure in my family and it was a big part of my childhood. Many weekends were spent going to antique show, antique shops and flea markets to add to the collections. My mother, my grandmother and both of my aunts loved Early American Pattern Glass. It seemed to me my grandmother knew everything about these beautiful patterns. I would follow her around and ask her the name of each pattern as she picked it up and examined it for chips and cracks. I always enjoyed the holidays when these beautiful pieces of pattern glass would be set upon the table and used. One glass company produced some of my families favorite patterns, Riverside Glass Works.

Why Buy New …….When You Can Still Own America’s Finest Glass

Riverside Glass Works started glass production on January 26, 1880 in Wellsburg, West Virginia.  The President of the company was Charles Brady who had previously worked at the Hobbs, Brockunier  Glass Company and the factory manager was John Dornan who had previously worked at the Buckeye Glass Works in Martins Ferry, Ohio.  By August, 1880 the company was in full production.  The first known patterns produced by Riverside were Dew Drop, Waffle with Points and Alpha Swirl.  They also produced kerosene lamps, beer mugs, and bitter bottles.  On September 16, 1886, fire totally destroyed the Riverside Glass Works but it was quickly rebuilt and reopened in early 1887. Business continued to boom and the company came out with many new patterns.  In January 1907, trade journals were still reporting that Riverside was working at full capacity, expanding its business and having continued success.  But 1907 was the final year of production for Riverside when it went into bankruptcy.  The equipment and molds were sold or disbursed to other glass companies.  Riverside Glass Works ended its 27 years of glass production that year and never reopen.

Here are some of my favorite patterns produced by Riverside.

 

Pattern: Number 408, 1893                        Pattern: Number 420, 1894

Chrysanthemum or Double Daisy           Box-In-Box

Butter Dish

Syrup Pitcher

Toothpick Holder


Pattern Number 436, 1895                                                                          Pattern: Kanawha, 1907

Brilliant

Jelly Compote

Syrup Pitcher

Toothpick Holder

  











                         
Pattern:  Petticoat or                          Pattern: Esther, 1896

             National, 1899

Syrup Pitcher

Sugar Bowl

Spoon Holder















Pattern:  Number 462,  1896                                                                     Pattern: Rosetta or    
              X-Ray                                                                                                    Circular Saw, 1905   

Cruet

Toothpick Holder 

Syrup Pitcher

 













Pattern:   Seedpod or Olympia, 1898

Celery

Sugar Bowl

Salt Shaker

Pattern:   Number 493, 1899

              The Empress

Salt Shaker

Cruet

Toothpick Holder

                                                                                    

Pattern:   Duchess, 1900                                                     

Berry Bowl & Sauce Dish

Water Tumbler

Salt Shaker

  

My Absolute Favorite Pattern.

Pattern: Bead and Scroll

Creamer

Spoon Holder

Today Riverside glass is prized for its high quality glass, beautiful colors, and delightful patterns.

TO BE CONTINUED...........

 

 

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