Synonyms

We all know that Carder had a lot of fun with his names of his objects and types of glass. In the case of Grotesque we need to remember that one of some dictionary definitions of “grotesque” includes as one of its synonyms, fantastic. In Random House Webster’s College Dictionary, one of the definitions is
“fantastic in the shaping and combination of forms, as in decorative work…”

Perhaps I’m the only one, but Carder “got me” not reading far enough. I stopped at “odd or unnatural in shape…ugly or absurd…” When I finally did get out the old dictionary and read the definition completely, I couldn’t help but smile for as I said above, Carder “got me.”

Tom Dimitroff,
Corning, NY

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New York Times Article

I think many people are still unaware that Steuben is now defunct. I also think Steuben was thought to be more than just another American glass company.

Dianne Gregg
Potomac, MD
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This link is from last week’s New York Times. Perhaps it is something for the Gazette despite it’s disheartening subject matter. The last portion of the article deals with the upcoming auction of the contents of the Fenton company museum, following the closing of the Fenton manufacturing facility several years ago. I thought it a somewhat rough characterization of all the glass collectors groups devoted to “defunct glass makers.” Too bad Steuben didn’t even make the list.

Scott Hansen,
Stamford, CT
New York Times Article