Greentown Glass Museum

Richard Zirkle and James Hill called the first meeting July 8, 1969, to determine if there was enough interest in the community to establish a Greentown Glass Museum. The first Board of Directors consisted of Richard Zirkle as President; Doris Keith, Vice-President; James Hill, Treasurer; Naomi Smith, Secretary. Also serving was Fred Richer, Bercha Richer, James Bannon, Mary Francis Pier, Vera Mast, Vetta Picket, Gene Pickett, Blaine Ross, Naomi Palmer, Diane Andrews and George Howell.

By November 1, 1969, over 400 people had contributed to a museum fund and the museum was incorporated. The city had donated space in the Greentown City Hall and the Hook Drug Company of Indiana donated old pharmacy cases of that early period to display the glass. Today over 2,000 pieces of glass and historical items are on display. 

Since the museum charges no admission, it exists solely on contributions and donations. The annual Greentown Antique Show and Sale that is held in early June also helps supplement the museum. An "Education Exhibit" displayed by the National Greentown Glass Association, Inc., shows examples of all the patterns and colors of glass made by the factory. Generating a lot of interest in the "Exhibit" is an extensive display showing the differences between reproductions and the authentic pieces made at Greentown. 

The National Greentown Glass Association, Inc. is an organization dedicated to the promotion of Greentown Glass. For additional information on the association, write P.O. Box 107, Greentown, IN 46936."

© From the Greentown Glass Museum Brochure

Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company, 1892-1903

Between Feb. 10, 1894, and June 13, 1903, "the Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company was the center of industrial activity in Greentown. Certainly, the factory attracted workers to Greentown, and the payroll no doubt contributed to Greentown's economy both directly and indirectly. The story of Greentown itself, however, is larger than the history of its glass factory."

	Indiana Goblet and Tumbler Company

Just prior to the founding of the company, natural gas was discovered in northern and central Indiana. "Greentown also had natural gas in abundance. ... Natural gas meant fuel, and fuel meant industry could be attracted to Howard County in general and to Greentown in particular."

"On February 10, 1894, the Indiana Tumbler and Goblet factory was incorporated. On February 28th, local citizens who had purchased lots for the securing of a free industry site, entered into an agreement with D.C. Jenkins, then associated with the United States Glass Factory. He became the driving force behind the fledgling company. "Greentown had been successful in attracting the industry that would flourish there for nearly a decade." The Kokomo Dispatch called it "Plucky, Lucky Greentown."

There was great competition between the creative entities of the various glass works companies and mergers, consolidations, and takeovers were as prevalent then as they are today. In July of 1899, a combine called The National Glass Company (NGC) consolidated 19 prominent glass firms including the Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company. At first it was thought that the combine would help to regulate prices, but in fact several companies were shut down. On Nov. 11, 1899, the NGC announced that it was assuming control of the 19 companies.

Exit disgruntled D.C. Jenkins and enter Jacob Rosenthal. Jacob Rosenthal came to Greentown in the fall of 1900 with 35 years of glass making experience. For the next 3 1/2 years, Rosenthal would develop the beautiful and coveted glass works. He is best known for his Chocolate glass, Golden Agate, and Rose Agate among others. They won national acclaim. These pieces are now cherished collector's items.

On Saturday, June 13, 1903, tragedy struck. The Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Factory burned to the ground. There were varying accounts of how the fire started, but the end result was the same. The factory that produced such beautiful pieces of work was gone, never to be rebuilt, nor were the molds and glass ever replicated. Dr. Ruth Herrick was a driving force in bringing renewed recognition to the lovely art. Her book Greentown Glass: The Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company and Allied Manufacturers, 1959, is highly regarded. Greentown Glass is now a hot commodity in collectors' circles. It has its own Greentown Glass Museum displaying some surviving pieces. There is also the National Greentown Glass Association which meets every year. It is certainly worth your time to stop by and check it out the next time you're near Greentown in north-central Indiana. 

Cobalt blue Cord Drapery Cruet	Opaque white Cord Drapery Covered Sugar bowl	Cactus Cake Stand	Holly Golden Agate