 The
Fenton Art Glass
100th
Anniversary Timeline
For over 100 years, the
vision of Fenton family members, together with their passion for
glassmaking, has sustained the Fenton Art Glass organization. Each
person contributes special talents to the team effort of glassmaking.
We make quality glass, by hand and in keeping with the great heritage
of craftsmanship in the American glass industry. To see the Fenton
Family Tree, click here.
1905
With $284.86, Frank L. Fenton and his brother John start the
Fenton Art Glass Company, renting space in the Haskins Glass Co.
building in Martins Ferry, Ohio. They buy glass blanks on which
they paint decoration. Soon, they have trouble acquiring glass, so
they decide to produce their own.
1906-7
The Fentons build a factory in Williamstown, West Virginia. The
first piece made is a crystal cream pitcher with a Water Lily and
Cattails pattern.
1910
After several successful years, Frank L. Fenton is named
President, Treasurer and General Manager.
1925
Frank's brother Robert C. Fenton is appointed Vice
President, Secretary and Sales Manager.
1939
Baskets, Cranberry glass, crested ware, and the Hobnail pattern
all debut in the late 1930s.
1948
With the passing of Frank and Robert C. Fenton, Frank M. Fenton
becomes President. Wilmer C. "Bill" Fenton becomes Vice-President.
Together, they lead the factory through significant growth for
nearly four decades.
1952
Milk glass Hobnail becomes Fenton's flagship pattern. Years later,
Bill Fenton fondly calls Hobnail our "bread and butter" line.
1969
Fenton and Cracker Barrel begin a business relationship. Fenton
created a special item for Cracker Barrel's 30th Anniversary in
1999.
1978
Frank M. Fenton accepts the position of Chairman of the Board, and Bill
Fenton becomes President.
1980-1989
The first Connoisseur Collection is offered in 1983. Throughout
the 1980s, Fenton's Milk Glass, Burmese and Rosalene colors
continue to rise in popularity.
1986
George W. Fenton becomes President, and he remains at the helm
today. Bill Fenton is named Chairman of the Board, and Frank M.
Fenton retires to the position of Historian.
1988
Fenton appears on QVC with Bill Fenton as the first on-air guest.
Today on-air guests include George Fenton, Scott Fenton, Nancy
Fenton and Shelley Fenton-Ash. Fenton published a book titled
Fenton Glass: Especially for QVC in 2002.
1994
Fenton's Showcase Dealer Program begins with 235 dealers. Today
there are more than 1,000 Showcase Dealers nationwide.
1996
The premier issue of the Glass Messenger, a quarterly newsletter
for Fenton collectors, is published. A Roselle on Cranberry Basket
is offered as the first Subscriber Exclusive.
2000
Fenton celebrates the company's 95th Anniversary! Fenton launches
web site:
www.fentonartglass.com
2004
Fenton publishes a coffee table book titled FENTON: Handcrafted
American Glass Artistry
2005
May 4, 2005 - Fenton turns 100! Fenton Centennial Celebration in
Williamstown July 31-August 2.
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