Collectible show to coincide with glass society meeting

The Early American Pattern Glass Society selected Washington as the location of their 24th annual meeting.
The Early American Pattern Glass Society (EAPGS) was founded in 1994 at the Eastern National Antiques Show in Harrisburg to foster and encourage the collection, appreciation, study, preservation and documentation of Early American Pattern Glassware, its makers and its place in American life, past and present. The EAPGS has members in all states and meets at different locations across the country to facilitate their organization’s mission.
Washington specifically was chosen for this year’s meeting site because of its central location amid the glass museums in the tri-state area, many local antique shops and the major glass show and sale held by the National Duncan Glass Society. The show and museums provide the EAPG members with the opportunity to not only study glass but also to purchase additional items for their collections. In addition to glass and other antique and collectible items, the lunch available during show hours is also a draw.
The National Duncan Glass Society will hold its annual meeting during the same time. The two organizations share a common mission of preserving the heritage of the glass industry in America

The Shell and Tassel line was one of Duncan’s popular products.
In addition to regular meetings, both organizations have active websites where additional information may be obtained: www.duncan-miller.org and www.eapgs.org. Those interested in exploring Pattern Glass have an opportunity in the Antiques and Collectibles show run by the National Duncan Glass Society to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 28 and 29 at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Additional information may be obtained by calling the Duncan & Miller Museum at 724-225-9950.
Early American Pattern Glass is defined as pressed or mold blown tableware and related novelty glass and accessory items made in America during the Victorian period, 1850 to 1910. Early American Pattern Glass was made in complete sets in which all pieces match in design. The design would be scaled to fit the individual item. Large sets with as many as 130 different items were made in the various patterns produced ranging from huge punch bowls to tiny salt dips and cordials. Accessory items could include oil lamps, vases and candlesticks.
Western Pennsylvania has a long history of glass manufacturing in the Pittsburgh area and Ohio River valley. For years, the area was the center of glass production in America. Beginning as early as 1797, glass was made to meet the needs of a growing nation. Everything from window glass, barware, and kitchen items to elegant cut glass was made. The river network provided easy transportation to the growing western states. Raw material was available locally.
Coal, then later, natural gas, was plentiful to heat the furnaces and melt the glass. Washington was an important contributor to the glass produced in the region. Among the 20 companies once located here was the Duncan & Miller Glass company.
From 1874 to 1910, the Duncan factories produced tableware and novelties now characterized as EAPG. Duncan produced many iconic and sought-after items in pattern glass. Some of the more popular are Three Face, Shell & Tassel and Flowered Scroll. The George Duncan & Sons Company exhibited at the Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia in 1876 and won a prize for lime tableware.