From fellow Club member, John Kohut of Elkland, PA
Alan,
You made mention in your last e-mail of “modern day Steuben.” Below is news of a
Steuben Engraver that appeared in the Elmira Star-Gazette recently that gives
insight into that term. Ken VanEtten clearly saw a lot, did a lot and contributed to
Steuben’s legacy during his lifetime. I found it a most interesting read.
An aside – the backup duplicate of the Merry-Go-Round Bowl given to Queen
Elizabeth mentioned in the article is currently on display in the Steuben Shop at the
Corning Museum of Glass. A terrific piece.
Kenneth VanEtten
VanEtten, Kenneth
Steuben Master
Engraver
Age 89, of Gibson, passed away peacefully at the Corning Hospital on January 23,
2008. He was born on September 8, 1918 to Granville and Gertie Jones VanEtten. His
father died in the great flu epidemic shortly after his birth. Kenneth attended the
Gibson Grammar School and Corning Free Academy High School, graduating at the
age of fifteen. He then entered the work world, setting pins at the Corning bowling
alley, washing fruits and vegetables at the Market Basket on Market Street and
finally taking a job as an engraver at T.G. Hawkes Crystal. He supplemented this
income by playing banjo and fiddle in a band known as The Barley Boys. He met
the love of his life, Norma Gordon, at a square dance at the Old Barn in Elmira
Heights. After their meeting Norma went home and told her sister, “I’ve just met the
man I’m going to marry.” The two were married on September 3rd, 1939 in
Millerton, PA, and rode all the way to Niagara Falls in the rumble seat of a model A
Ford for their honeymoon. Kenneth became a delivery truck driver for Railway
Express and he and his new wife set to work fixing up their old house on
“Grasshopper Hill” in Gibson. The couple had two boys when Kenneth was drafted
into the Army during World War II. He fought in the 320th Infantry Division during
the Battle of the Bulge, earning a Bronze Star for heroism and a Purple Heart for
wounds received in combat. Returning to Corning after the war, he enrolled in the
Apprentice Engravers program at Steuben Glass under the GI Bill. After three years
as an apprentice he earned the title of copper wheel glass engraver. Throughout his
career many pieces he engraved were given as gifts of state. He engraved the
Lafayette Bowl, which was presented to President Charles DeGaulle of France; The
Sleeping Beauty, given to the King of Sweden; and the Merry-Go-Round Bowl,
given to Queen Elizabeth. Kenneth retired in 1981 with 30 years of service to
Steuben Glass. A child of the great depression, he was a believer in the Do-It-
Yourself philosophy. Through the years he developed a wide range of carpentry
skills. Kenneth also served in the New York National Guard, was Scout Master of
Gibson Boy Scout Troop no. 56 and was a past member of the Gibson Volunteer Fire
Department. He was active in Local 1000 union activities and was a representative
to several national conventions of the American Flint Glass Worker’s Union.
Kenneth was a devoted husband and father and his family was the main focus of
his life. He is survived by his wife, Norma; son, Gordon and wife, Pat of Caton, son,
Terry and wife, Gayle of Advance, NC, son, Stanley and wife, Rachel of Mount
Holly, NC, son Kenneth II and wife, Jennifer of Gibson; daughter, Penne Easton and
her husband, David of Rochester and daughter, Margie Smith and her husband,
Andy of Horseheads; 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Kenneth was
predeceased by his sisters, Evelyn Robinson, Eleanor Rhodes and Thelma Totten;
and his adopted brother, Joe Dubendorfer. At his request, there be no calling hours.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be
made to the charity of ones choice. Acly-Stover Funeral Home is entrusted with
arrangements.