The Hidden Meanings in Valentines

A Valentine has a visual language that sends a subtle message to the recipient.
 

Hearts are a symbol for love, affection, and romance or romantic adoration.

 

Doves are a symbol for romance.  In Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the goddess of love is often shown with a dove on her hand or doves circling her head. Doves mean everlasting love because the dove mates for life.

 

Red Roses are a  symbol for beauty  and love.  A favorite Valentine gift is a dozen roses.
 

Violets are a symbol for affection.

 

Lilac are a symbol to say, you are my one and only love.

 

Lilies of the Valley symbolizes sweetness and purity and they bring happiness.  They are considered a good luck charm.

 

 Cupid and Cupid's arrows make you fall deeply in love.

 

 A pretty lady symbolizes beauty and femininity.

Can you find the hidden message in this Valentine?

This Valentine says:  We have  a romance.  I have love and affection for you.  You are my one and only love.

 

You Should Go To......The Greentown Glass Museum

Entrance to the Greentown Glass Museum

  If you love beautiful early American pattern glass and glass history, the Greentown Glass Museum has a wonderful display of glass made by the Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company and the knowledgeable docents at the museum will give you an interesting history lesson.
  Greentown is a small town with a population of about 2300 people located about 9 miles east of Kokomo (another must see). A Native American Indian village existed on the site that is the town of Greentown today. In 1848, the people living in the area needed a trading post and they decided that Greentown was a good central location.  No one actually knows where the name Greentown came from, but several theories have been tossed about; the Native American chief was called Green,  the township was named Green Township, or maybe just because it’s a beautiful green area.

 

A Brief History of The Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company

The residents of Greentown were interested in developing manufacturing in the area and there was a good supply of natural gas, workers, and investment money. Construction began in March, 1894 on The Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company and the main factory was quickly completed. Glassmaking began in June, 1894. 



Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company

The company was successful and expanded rapidly first making only crystal clear glass but by 1898 adding lovely colors of teal blue, opaque white, vaseline, cobalt blue, emerald green, and amber.  
 

      Number 11 Iced Tea Tumbler and Mold       

Amber Dewey Cruet



Display case at the Greentown Glass Museum showing cruet sets in different colors.

A talented glass chemist, Jacob Rosenthal, joined the company in 1900 and his new chocolate glass became a big hit in the glass market



 Chocolate Cactus Pitcher 

 Chocolate leaf Bracket Sauce Dish 

He also developed an opaque green glass called Nile Green but he is probably most famous for his Golden Agate glass.  Today his unique and innovated glass is highly sought after by glass collectors and demand a fairly high price.

Golden Agate or Holly Amber Toothpick Holder

Display case showing Nile Green & Holly Amber

The Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company burnt to the ground on a Saturday morning, June 13, 1903.  Although there were some attempts to rebuild the factory during the next couple of years, the idea was abandoned due to lawsuits, problems with the natural gas supply and lack of financial support. This company made beautiful glass for only nine years but today it is remember for its outstanding contribution to glass innovation and design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Display cabinets showing patterns, colors and novelty pieces of Greentown glass.

 

The Greentown Glass Museum has preserved the glass and the history of the Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company.  Today, the National Greentown Glass Association, www.greentownglass.org  is dedicated to preserving, collecting, educating, and disseminating information about the Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company.  Every year in June, Greentown glass collectors meet to attend educational lectures, an auction, an antique show, and share their enthusiasm for Greentown glass with fellow collectors.    It's a great place to visit........you should go.