Westmoreland Glass Water Goblets & Tumblers

In 1889 a group of investors took the risk of founding a glass company - it became the Westmoreland Glass Company of Grapeville, Pennsylvania and had a successful history that spanned nearly 100 years. These intrepid individuals did more than start a glass factory - they touched all our lives by giving us the beautiful handmade glassware we collect and cherish today.

Much of the history that has been published about the Westmoreland Glass company may have been taken from two letters. One letter was from the hand of A. J. Stevenson of the Specialty Glass Company of Liverpool, Ohio. The other letter was written by James H. Brainard, former president and owner of the Westmoreland Glass Company.

Built in the rolling hills of Pennsylvannia, there is speculation that the most probable reason for Mr. Stevenson purchasing the land at Grapeville Station was the abundance of natural gas on the property. Natural gas is a necessary element in glass manufacturing. Close proximity to the Pennsylvania railroad enabled him obtain raw materials easily, as well as to ship the finished product. With ample shade trees to cool the grounds, and a supply of pure spring water, the ideal spot had been found.

As an incentive to move employees and their families to the site of the new plant at Grapeville Station, the acreage was divided into 105 lots. Free gas would be furnished at no cost for lighting and heating as long as the supply would last, estimated to be 20 years.

As people began relocating to the area, the construction of the plant got under way in October of 1889. The first glass was produced in 1890.

A few years later, the plant was purchased by two brothers, Charles H. and George West, from A. J. Stevenson and the Specialty Glass Company. Financial support was provided by Ira A. Brainard. Westmoreland Specialty Company changed hands again when in 1920 tension between brothers arose and George West sold his interest to Charles West and Ira Brainard. In 1923 the name was changed to Westmoreland Glass Company. The great depression forced Charles West to sell his interest to the Brainard family, who reorganized the company with James J. Brainard as president. After his death in 1953, his son James H. Brainard succeeded him, with his brother Walter M. Brainard taking the position of vice president. In 1981 ownership was purchased by Dave Grossman. On May 21, 1984 the flame at the Westmoreland Glass Company was finally extinguished. A lifespan of nearly a few years short of a century had ended.

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