Monday, April 25, 2011

Most Carder Steuben collectors are familiar with the fact that in 1932(sic) Steuben reorganized and Mr. Carder ceased being the manager of the Glass Works and was “promoted” to the artistic director at Steuben’s parent, Corning Glass Works. But, did you know what happened to Mr. Carder in 1919? 1932(sic) was merely a reprise. Ed Bush has done extensive research at the Rakow Library on this early period which has been largely unknown. His scholarly article appeared in the Autumn 2010 issue of the Glass Club Bulletin of the American Glass Club. We appreciate the consent of NAGC to reproduce it here. As a follow up a short squib from Ed Bush appears in the Spring 2011 edition of Glass Club Bulletin relating to the August 1931 changes at Steuben.

First, Ed sends along the following comments as an introduction to the last page of the PDF article, which is attached.

Alan,

You probably noticed the Aug. 1, 1931, article from the Corning newspaper that was printed in the recent Bulletin under my name. (see the last page of the pdf attachment) Let me add a few words to point out its significance. In my Bulletin article of last year I stated that, according to his official employment record at CGW, Carder was appointed Artistic Director of CGW effective Aug. 1, 1931. This newspaper article confirms that date.

On page 51 of Gardner’s book he stated that Carder was made Artistic Director in February, 1932, when John MacKay took over Carder’s position at Steuben. Following Gardner’s lead, the erroneous 1932 date has been published hundreds of times, including in the Gazette. I don’t suppose it can ever be corrected.

One interesting feature of the newspaper article is the statement that Ralph C. Vaughn, a former perfumer, was made sales manager of Steuben. In the CGW archives there is a 42-page report by Vaughn written the previous April listing the myriad of faults he found with the Steuben business, along with suggested remedies. I think this scathing report was what finally convinced the Corning management to remove Carder from the Steuben business. As his reward, Vaughn was named sales manager on the same day. Vaughn appears not to have remained at Corning very long, after which he returned to the perfume business.

I’m in the process of gathering information on Vaughn who, as CGW’s hatchet man, may become the subject of another Carder article for the Bulletin. Someday I may have to use the Gazette to ask the Club’s perfume collectors what they know about Vaughn; i. e. did he ever use Steuben perfume containers?

FYI.

Ed Bush

www.cardersteubenclub.org

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