Mount Pleasant event to take visitors ‘Back in Time’ this weekend
MOUNT PLEASANT – Did you know that second only to the number of coal and coke employees in Mount Pleasant in the early 1900s were the number of glass workers at the former Bryce Glass Plant? Mount Pleasant is well known for its glass companies and its fine works that have reached U.S. presidents at the White House for inaugurations and U.S. embassies. Most people are familiar with Lenox Crystal and L.E. Smith Glass Co., located on the outskirts of town, just off heavily traveled Route 31.
Western Pennsylvania historically supplied the world with the finest glassware and crafted items through the skills and dedication of hard working people, according to Marie Dawson of Mount Pleasant.
As history goes, in 1827, James Bryce, then 10 years old, came to America from Scotland to learn a trade at one of the first glass works west of the Allegheny mountains.
Young Bryce founded the company, which bore his name to manufacture fine glass. He received a $25,000 inducement from the town in the form of a bond, which helped defray the cost of erecting a plant.
In 1893, Bryce sold his original factory and purchased a plant in the village of Hammondville near Mount Pleasant. It was found to be inadequate to meet the demand for lead crystal stemware, bowls and vases. Negotiations began for a new site, which was opened in 1896. Nationwide, sales were generated to fine restaurants, hotels and private clubs. The company was so respected and well known that it eventually received a contract to supply crystal for U.S. embassies, consulates and legations throughout the world.
In 1965, Lenox acquired Bryce Brothers and the name changed to Lenox Crystal. It still houses a factory outlet shop off Route 31, east of Mount Pleasant, as well as other glass companies offering glassware at discount prices adjacent to the outlet.
Neighboring L.E. Smith Glass Co., located within walking distance, has been a major factor in the economic and progressive spirit of the area.
The glass company is a result of the historic Duncan Plan. The heirs of a Scots farmer, John Duncan, pooled their resources together for a glass plant at the turn of the 20th century.
In the “Panic of 1907,” the Farmers and Merchants Bank called in its loans to the companies of the Duncan Plan. The Smith Co. purchased at bankruptcy sale the Anchor Glass Co. And, in 1909, they went into business.
In April 1913, the former Anchor Glass plant was destroyed by fire, with only a steel frame visible. They rebuilt. And, six weeks later, another plant burned to the ground. The residents of Mount Pleasant feared the industry might leave town for lack of fire protection. So they raised $800 to build a water pipe line and two fire hydrants to the factory site.
When the new glass plant was completed, L.E. Smith changed its line of manufactured goods, and made barbershop mugs, vault lights and mixing bowls, which had previously been made of tin.
Up until 1919, vehicle lights were made from window glass. But in the early 1920s, headlights were required to be made of a non-glare quality. Smith Glass received a contract to produce more than 50 percent of all Ford Motor Co. headlights.
In the late 1920s, Smith expanded its business to make dinnerware. During the 1940s, a line of window shades were sold to lighting fixture manufacturers. Then, Smith became one of the largest milk glass producers in the country and also made hand-pressed punch bowls.
Because Smith was so involved in the community, the factory sale outlet and guided tours were important. In the 1960s, Smith employed a “blow shop” to augment their production of hurricane lamps (oil and electric) and commemorative bottles such as the Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Ulysses Grant and John F. Kennedy.
In December 1975, L.E. Smith Glass was purchased by Owens-Illinois Inc. of Toledo, Ohio, to manufacture glass containers and a wide range of products. In December 1986, the company returned to its independent status, selling to a group of local investors.
Even today, travelers from across the country flock to Mount Pleasant, via the Pennsylvania Turnpike or Route 31, to purchase fine china, glassware and novelty items.