STEUBEN ART DIRECTOR
The other day we reported on Mr. Carder’s studio period and his development and perfection of the Cire Perdue process. Ed Bush of Painted Post, New York gives us his research on this period.
In Gardner’s book he wrote at two places that Frederick Carder became art director of Corning Glass Works in February, 1932, at which time John McKay replaced him as manager of the Steuben Division. Ever since then all the articles and books about Carder state that he became art director in 1932, or, inexplicably, in 1933.

In the Corning Inc. archives there is a file containing an official Record of Employment that lists Carder’s positions with the company. It is not written in Carder’s hand, but by various clerks that maintained such records. One record states the following: “Appointed Art Director of Corning Glass Works – Effective August 1, 1931. Bulletin No. 0-9182 – 8/1/31.” The Bulletin was an official record of an employee’s change of status. It is clear that Carder became art director on August 1, 1931. Whether he also continued as manager until McKay’s arrival is not clear, but I doubt it.

Carder wrote the following letter on September 20, 1933, that bears on this issue and other interesting factors. It also illustrates his gracious writing style to customers.

“My dear Jack,
I have your favor of the 18th, and notice that you are stuck again for a wedding present. Lucky dog!
As you know, I have not been directly connected with the Steuben Glass Works for the past two years, and have made inquiries for you this morning relative to the jade green with alabaster trim. I find that there is very little of this in stock; in fact they have been selling it out at break neck prices.
I have asked the Advertising Department to send you a catalogue showing what is now made in the line. Don’t smile at this catalogue because I have had nothing to do with it. If there is anything in it that you would like to give as a wedding present, rest assured I will do my best to try and get them to make it for you.

With kindest regards to yourself and Mrs. XXXXX, believe me
Yours very truly
Fred’k Carder
Art Director”
Two years prior to Sept. 20, 1933, was close to Aug. 1, 1931.

Ed Bush

In a recent Gazette the President of the Carder Steuben Club, David Goldstein, gave us a report on activities of the Club. That report spoke to a contribution by the Club towards maintenance of a sign on the old T.G. Hawkes Cut Glass Company building. What follows is an appeal that appeared in the e-mail bulletin of the International Perfume Bottle Association.
If you own cut glass perfume bottles or are interested in the historical background of the T.G. Hawkes Cut Glass Company, this item will be of interest to you.

The company was founded in Corning, New York in 1880 and operated its factory in two buildings on what is now West Market Street. These buildings are in remarkably good condition and are utilized by a number of businesses in Corning. Many of the vestiges of these buildings still remain. The front door of the main building has the Hawkes trefoil symbol above a window and original Hawkes sign. However, the painted signs on the front of each building have almost disappeared, victims of time and wear by the elements.

A non-profit neighborhood association in Corning has received permission to restore the signs. An experienced sign painter has been contracted and has estimated $8,000 for the cost of painting. Money is being raised to pay for this with the hope that the work can begin this spring.

If you own a perfume bottle cut by Hawkes, own a piece of Hawkes cut glass, or can appreciate the need to restore such a wonderful piece of glass history, please consider donating to this very worthy cause. Your donation is tax deductible.

Please make your check payable to:
Southside Neighborhood Association – Hawkes Signage
P.O. Box 481
Corning, New York 14830.