Last year Bill Mehlenbacher gave me a partial article cut out of a 1951 June Popular Mechanics magazine.  The article, titled “Masterpieces in Crystal” by Richard F. Dempewolff, was a well-written description of the production of Steuben glass in 1951.  I love the beginning:

“YOU’D NEVER GUESS IT if you saw the place, they’re producing museum-piece jewels in the roaring, ruddy gloom of a huge plant, located on the Chemung River below New York’s Finger Lakes.”

The article describes the process of making a piece of Steuben glass, including some hot and cold work techniques, and pictures to go along with it.  You can read the entire article in an internet archive located here.

I wish Bill was still with us to share more gems like this.

There are two Steuben-related gatherings taking place this week:

On Wednesday, June 21 the Corning Museum of Glass is hosting a special event to kick off the opening of a new exhibition.  Colorful Secrets of Steuben is a joint exhibition from the CMoG curatorial staff and the 2023 class of Junior Curators.  The in-person reception (for CMoG members at Donor level and above) begins at 5:30pm EDT, followed by lecture and roundtable discussion (open to all) beginning at 6:30pm EDT.  If you would like to join the lecture remotely via Zoom please RSVP here.  Note that you must register using this link prior to the event in order to receive the connection details.

On Sunday, June 25 the Carder Steuben Glass Association will be hosting the next member Zoom meeting from 4:00 to 6:00pm EDT.  Please plan to join us for a fun discussion of glass and sharing with your fellow CSGA members.  We’ll discuss the Colorful Secrets of Steuben opening, and maybe share some pieces similar to ones included in the exhibition!  Meeting details will be emailed to CSGA members on Thursday.

We hope to see you at both of these fantastic events!