Old North End in Burlington in Chittenden County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)

Champlain Glass Company

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 4, 2024

1. Champlain Glass Company Marker

Inscription. The Champlain Glass Company, established in 1827, was the first manufacturing enterprise in Burlington. The company, located between N. Champlain and Park (Water) streets, produced and shipped window glass locally and to the west by the Erie Canal. Champlain Glass employed up to 100 workers, both locals and skilled immigrants, and provided housing for workers and their families. Frederick Smith, once an office apprentice, eventually owned the company. The diverse community of Glassville was the foundation for the Old North End. Company owners deeded the site of Battery Park to Burlington in 1840. “as public Common … forever.” From 1840 to 1892, Smith lived in the Gothic Revival-style brick house at 58-60 Park Street across from the park.

Erected 2024 by Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1827.

Location. 44° 28.912′ N, 73° 13.185′ W. Marker is in Burlington, Vermont, in Chittenden County. It is in Old North End. It is on

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Sherman Street near Park Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the north side of Battery Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 38 Sherman St, Burlington VT 05401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Vermont’s Champlain Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Trees for the 21st Century (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mayor Francis Cain (about 300 feet away); 2nd Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment (about 300 feet away); Battery Park (about 400 feet away); William Wells (about 400 feet away); Revolutionary War Patriots (about 400 feet away); Howard William Plant memorial (about 400 feet away); Camp Burlington / Le Cantonnement des Troupes à Burlington (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burlington.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Chief Grey Lock (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . .
1. Champlain Glass Company: Burlington’s First Manufacturing Enterprise (PDF). “Enterprising, diligent, temperate, hopeful” — this is one historian’s description of the leadership needed for establishment and continued survival in the fascinating but risky business of glass-making in nineteenth-century Vermont. A story about the Champlain Glass Company is a story about such leadership. (L. Diana Carlisle, Vermont History

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 4, 2024

2. Champlain Glass Company Marker

magazine, Vermont Historical Society; 2000) (Submitted on November 29, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. 58/60 Park Street Smith House, circa 1830s. On the corner of Park and Sherman streets stands this two story brick building with an eaves forward gable roof and a large forward facing Gothic dormer. A large rear section was added between 1869 and 1889. It was once the home of Frederick Smith, a well known Burlington businessman and owner of the town's first manufacturing outfit; the Champlain Glass Company. (Nate Bailly, "Burlington 1830-1853", University of Vermont) (Submitted on November 29, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 260 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 29, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.