Rotary Club

Moving the Rockwell Museum from the Baron Steuben to the old city hall was quite an undertaking. Corning Glass Works was the prime funder of the project, but before they invested a large amount of money in the project they wanted to be sure there was the public support for the new location. Corning went to the different businesses and business organizations to see if the interest was there and if they would adopt a gallery so to speak. The Rotary Club of Corning was approached and they agreed to give money toward the refurbishing of the Firemen’s quarters. For this support the gallery was named after their organization that would house the Carder glass. They chose the glass because not only was Carder a Rotarian but so was Bob Rockwell.

Enter the Reifschlagers

A few years before this Frank and Mary Elizabeth Reifschlager had been purchasing glass from the Rockwell Company. Avid Tiffany collectors they soon grew to become avid collectors of Steuben and amassed a beautiful collection. They became members of the Friends of Carder and attended the annual Carder dinner. When the collections were on display at the museum Frank expressed an interest of giving their glass collection to the museum. Frank died suddenly without that being in his will. Mary Elizabeth was also terminally ill and literally on her deathbed with Frank’s brother urging her to sign the codicil, he knew Frank’s wishes, which she did. Mary Elizabeth would die shortly after the signing.

Creation of Reifschlager Gallery

From this point the collection was packed by Kristin Swain, Bob Rockwell, and myself and moved to Corning. The highlight of Steuben Gallery was named in their honor, however their glass was dispersed through out the different galleries. At that time the collection was composed of close to 5000 pieces, but when the glass was moved only items owned by the Rockwell Foundation went with the remaining pieces returned (close to 2500) to the Rockwell Family.

Bobby Rockwell

Courtesy of Gail Bardhan Background on the Reifschlager Gift to The Rockwell Museum

Carder Steuben Club Membership Directory

The membership directory has been emailed to all current members. If you did not receive a directory we either do not have you as a member or we do not have the correct email address.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Karen Beeman

Secretary

beemank2@gmail.com