Glass in America
By: Cami Sides
In the Beginning
America's first industry was, believe it or not, glassmaking.
Colonial Period
There was a glass workshop back in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1608, but it was forced to close because the poor weather and economic conditions.
Imports from Europe
The colonists also imported all sorts of glass objects (like windows, table glass, bottles) from England.
Wistar Company
Casper Wistar created the colonies’ first glass company, called the Wistar company, in 1739. It was founded in southern New Jesey.
1900's
Glassmaking became even bigger as the 1900’s progressed. Glass production and usage increased substantially each decade.
Uses in the 1900's
Americans used glass for tableware, candlesticks, lamps, light bulbs, etc.
Why was everyone in America using glass?
Well, the glass industry boomed. Mass production and proper machinery allowed middle-class citizens to get cheap glass. Also, Americans invented the pressing method which allowed better and larger production of glass.
Today in America
Americans use a substantial amount of glass in their every day lives now. From candlesticks to tableware, from light bulbs to engraved wine glasses, from reading glasses to car windshields, we use it for everything. And now you know how it all started in America.
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