SAVE the DATE!
On Saturday, August 12th, the OLD SCHOOL HISTORY MUSEUM will hold its annual “August Adventure,” and I can hardly wait to walk down memory lane! This year we will celebrate the past with an Ice Cream Social, a Cake Walk, hot dogs, a vintage toy exhibit, dancing, games that require only a jump rope or imagination (no batteries needed), and much more!
Remembering “Fair Day” & Carnival Glass
As I listen to our amazing August Adventure team discuss the event and finalize plans, I find myself reliving my childhood carnival events! I grew up on a farm in North Georgia and could hardly wait for “Fair Day” each year. That was the special time when school was dismissed so that families could attend the County Fair with its Ferris Wheel, Merry-Go-Round, and other rides. Of course, we also looked forward to ice cream, cotton candy, & carnival games! Excitement was in the air for several weeks as my elementary school friends and I made plans!
I was not tall enough to play the carnival games, but my dad played to win a prize for my mother. She always chose “Carnival Glass” if it was offered. Those lovely pieces were made of molded or pressed glass with a surface that was iridescent and seemed to glow. They were rainbow colored and crafted into utilitarian plates, butter dishes, as well as decorative items such as flower vases or bowls.
Originally called “Iridill,” the beautiful glass was produced in the USA in 1908 by the Fenton Art Glass Company of Ohio. Although it was inspired by the art glass of makers such as Tiffany, it did not sell well at high prices and was discounted. However, the glass was still very profitable for Fenton because average Americans could afford it, and carnivals throughout the country purchased it to use as prizes.
Fenton’s “Iridill” success was quickly copied by other glass companies until buyers lost interest in the late 1920’s. In fact, most U.S. carnival glass was made before 1925. Collectors gave it the name “Carnival Glass” in the 1950’s because it was still being used as prizes at carnivals and fairgrounds.
Carnival glass remains very collectible, with prices widely ranging from a few dollars to thousands for rare pieces. Antique shops, and sometimes thrift stores, are good sources.
The OSHM is fortunate to have a small collection of carnival glass. Be sure to see it when you come to our August Adventure!
As always, our museum events are Free And Open To The Public! Join us at the Plaza on Saturday, August 12th, 1-4 p.m., and have fun stepping back in time!
Reference: The Art of Carnival Glass. Glen & Stephen Thistlewood, Schiffer Publishing, 2008
Sandra Rosseter, Director
Old School History Museum
