Depression Glass
Isn't it that pink and yellow glassware that Grandma used to have? And didn't we throw that stuff away years ago? Wasn't it junk?
Although the "Depression" years extended from the late 1929 up to the start of World War II, the term "Depression Glass" refers to American-manufactured transparent glassware that was manufactured from the early to mid-1920's, through around the end of the World War II. Much of that time was considered the "Great Depression", but the glassmaking period extended out on both sides of the "Great Depression".
We generally use the term "Depression Glass" to describe colored, transparent glassware made at that time. Of course, the companies also manufactured a good deal of clear crystal glassware during the same period. This is also considered "Depression Glass." Some patterns continued to be produced into the 1950's and even later.
Generally, there are considered to be 92 Depression Glass patterns made by the seven major producers of Depression Glass. These seven producers are Federal Glass Company, Hazel-Atlas Glass Company, Hocking Glass Company, Indiana Glass Company, Jeanette Glass Company, MacBeth-Evans Glass Company, and U.S. Glass Company.
Depression Glass was a logical evolution in the production of glass. It was the industrial revolution coming to the glass industry. A large investment was needed for the machinery to make Depression Glass and it was fortunate that some companies had made this investment prior to 1929. This enabled them to continue both the production of glass and this revolution of the glass industry throughout the depression years.
A total of 19 companies made some Depression Glass, but the seven listed accounted for almost 80% of the different patterns. Most companies did not quit making high quality glass during the Depression.
