Bellaire in Belmont County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Imperial Glass
Gem of "The Glass City"
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2010
1. Imperial Glass Marker
With ready access to raw materials, fuel, skilled labor, and transportation, the Ohio Valley became the center of the American glass industry during the late 1800s. Among dozens of local manufacturers, the Imperial Glass Company, founded in 1901 by river man and financier Edward Muhleman, first made glass in 1904 and distinguished itself for mass production of attractive and affordable pressed glass tableware using continuous-feed melting tanks. One of the largest American handmade glass manufacturers during the 20th century, Imperial also produced blown glass, several lines of art glass, and its trademark "Candlewick" pattern. Bellaire's glassmaking era ended when the "Big I" closed its doors in 1984, and the building was razed in 1995. Its diverse products remain highly prized by glass collectors.Erected 2003 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, Imperial Glass Museum and The Belmont County Tourism Council, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 9-7.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce
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Location. 40° 0.845′ N, 80° 44.583′ W. Marker is in Bellaire, Ohio, in Belmont County. Marker is at the intersection of Belmont Street (Ohio Route 149) and 32nd Street, on the right when traveling north on Belmont Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3210 Belmont Street, Bellaire OH 43906, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Great Stone Viaduct (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colonel John H. Sullivan (approx. 0.2 miles away); Willow Grove Mine (approx. 0.2 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); West Washington Street World War II Honor Roll (approx. 0.2 miles away); World War I Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bellaire.
Also see . . . National Imperial Glass Collectors Society. (Submitted on March 9, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2010
2. Imperial Glass Museum and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,394 times since then and 111 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 9, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
