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Elegant Glass for Christmas by Fostoria Glass
The Fostoria Glass Company began operations in Fostoria, Ohio, on December 15, 1887. This site was chosen because natural gas at a recently opened field in the area had been offered at a very low cost to attract new industries. However, the field was so short-lived that in 1891, Fostoria moved to Moundsville, West Virginia, where there was an abundance of gas and coal, and other needed materials were close by.
During it’s first ten years, Fostoria made pressed ware, but early in the century Fostoria realized the importance of developing fine quality blown stemware.
In 1924 the company was one of the first to start a program of national advertising, and the first to produce 
complete dinner services in crystal. Besides their regular line of blown, etched and pressed patterns they did custom work such as providing glass with government seals for officials in Washington. All the presidents from Eisenhower through Reagan ordered glassware from them. At one time Fostoria was the largest maker of handmade glassware in the United States, employing nearly 1000 people. This history is taken from the website of Fostoria Glass Society of America.
Why Fostoria Glass Is So Collectible
Fostoria is categorized by collectors as “elegant” glassware, although many pieces were produced during the Depression era. This term came about due to the high quality of this type of glass when compared with other depression era dinnerware.
Collectors choose Fostoria Glass for its style, clarity, and the many different patterns. Fostoria Glass has a long list of patterns, among the patterns to choose from are American, Baroque, Century, Coin, and Romance. They also have a long list of cut glass and etched glass, two of which are Romance and Meadow Rose.
Of the many pattern of Fostoria Glass, American Pattern, introduced in 1915 is Fostoria’s all-time bestseller. Among the reasons for this is while you were growing up you saw this lovely pattern on your parents table, or the tables of other relatives and friends. Another reason is this Fostoria Pattern goes well with a wide range of table settings.
