Fenton Factory Reopening?

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

I was doing some Fenton research and ran across an article from about one year ago that stated US Glass was working on reopening the Fenton glass factory. The next articles I cand find state that the board of education in that area was considering the old factory site for building a school.

We used to make a yearly journey, and loved the trip. I've noticed that a number of the Ohio potteries that we visited on the trip are now gone as well.

Any folks who live in that area have any handle on what is really going on with the possible reopening of Fenton? Anyone have any relatives in that area that may know something? I'd appreciate any local info that seems hard to find on the internet. Thanks.

MathisFan · ‎04-06-2010

I live in the NE corner of Ky. Our local news comes from the Huntington-Charleston WV area. Haven't heard anything at all on the news about Fenton reopening. If I do, I'll be sure to post about it. Smile

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

On 2/19/2014 MathisFan said:
I live in the NE corner of Ky. Our local news comes from the Huntington-Charleston WV area. Haven't heard anything at all on the news about Fenton reopening. If I do, I'll be sure to post about it.

Thank you so much. I know there has to be some news one way or the other out there. I'm guessing since it isn't easy to find, it must not be good news.

colliegirls · ‎05-13-2012

I remember the older Bill Fenten passing away and then two much younger sons or nephews sudden passing. That had to be so awful for the family. I wonder how much that affected the business along with the economy. They came briefly back to the Q and then that was all I heard about it.

depglass · ‎03-10-2010

I think the Q customers saved them for a couple years. Then the recession of 2008 hit and that was just too much. I am a retired antique dealer and I'm aware of many American pottery and glass companies that are gone. Roseville and Rookwood were well known pottery companies, Heisey, Fostoria, Cambridge, Imperial, and Westmoreland were glass companies. I'm betting most of you have a piece or two inherited from your family in your house and you don't even know it.

Anniecamp · ‎03-12-2010

I don't know what is happening with Fenton, but I know that Mosser Glass is doing ok. They are expanding. I have a relative who has worked there for years. They make beautiful glassware, similar to Fenton.

Apple Crisp · ‎04-08-2010

Fenton has a website where they sell glassware and a line of jewelry. It is fentonartglass.com

Susan Louise · ‎03-14-2010

Very sad...I was always hoping someday Fenton would be coming back on the Q...missed their shows. We have over 300 pieces!

As for the family deaths, Bill Fenton died in 2002, Bill's son Don Fenton died in 2003 and Frank Fenton in 2005.

I remember the special shows the Q had back around 2005-2007...and the sad downfall/closing in 2008.

I wonder if the economy and the 4th generation of Fenton will be able to recover and start anew. Currently they are making glass beads for jewelry in the factory...but that is about it...with still several pieces that can be bought through their store onsite.

I was lucky to have met Shelly Fenton (George's wife) at a local signing event in 2009 Smile

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

On 2/19/2014 Anniecamp said:
I don't know what is happening with Fenton, but I know that Mosser Glass is doing ok. They are expanding. I have a relative who has worked there for years. They make beautiful glassware, similar to Fenton.

Anniecamp, Thanks for the heads up on Mosser Glass. I was unaware of them, and just went and looked at their catalog online. Wowza! Such beautiful stuff! This past Christmas, we tried to buy as much American made as possible, and did pretty good at it. This gives me something to consider for next year. And those mixing bowls are so much like the Pyrex I collect and love, I think I'm going to have to own a set or two of those! Thanks so much for the info!