Depression Glass: More than just a Collectible

 

Depression class, c. 1926. Pink depression glass pitcher on an octagonal foot; body tapers from top to bottom in a series of eight rings, eight sections in each ring. Angular spout and angular handle. Inside wall of pitcher is rounded.

Depression class, c. 1926. Pink depression glass pitcher on an octagonal foot; body tapers from top to bottom in a series of eight rings, eight sections in each ring. Angular spout and angular handle. Inside wall of pitcher is rounded.

By Madison Young

More than just another collection, Depression glass provides a hobby rich with history. During the Great Depression, Depression glass was often used as giveaways to persuade customers to purchase goods. This glass was often found anywhere from inside oatmeal boxes, detergent boxes, soapboxes, and more. Sometimes gas stations or movie theaters would even throw in a punch bowl and cups with the purchase of an oil change or movie ticket. From the late 1920s to the 1940s machine-pressed, tinted glassware like this was mass-produced in the United States. The Charleston Museum features a pink Depression glass pitcher, which was produced specifically by the Indiana Glass Company from 1926 to 1931. Families would collect series of glassware during these tough times, giving them a sense of longing for the glamorous days.

This specific Art-Deco style of Depression glass pitcher is titled “Tea Room”. This style was produced towards the beginning of the Indiana Glass Company. Prior to “Tea Room”, an Art Nouveau style of Depression glass was produced titled “Avocado” from 1923 to 1934. Following these two styles, “Lorainne”, “Hon on a Nest”, and “Orange Blossom” white milk glass were produced. Each style greatly depended on the time period in which it was produced. “Hon on a Nest”, produced in the 1930’s, was a very experimental design made when experimental designs were arising. “Orange Blossom”, which was a white milk glass, was produced prior to World War II when the restaurant and diner industry began to boom. White milk glass began to be produced because it is heat-resistant, perfect for hot tea and coffee. However, Depression glass like “Tea Room” were simply more popular to collect because of their easy accessibility during the Great Depression.

Avocado, 1923-1934

Avocado, 1923-1934

Lorainne, 1929

Lorainne, 1929

Hen on a Nest, 1930’s

Hen on a Nest, 1930’s

Orange Blossom White Milk Glass, 1950’s

Orange Blossom White Milk Glass, 1950’s

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