Fostoria

Fostoria was one of America's leading glass manufacturers from the late 19th-century until 1983, when its parent corporation closed its doors. The Fostoria Glass Works originated in Fostoria, Ohio, but soon abandoned its namesake city for Moundsville, West Virginia. The owners installed a large furnace to handle 14 pieces at one time. This furnace remained in operation for most of the company's history.By the 1920s, the Fostoria factory had expanded fivefold, and the company had become a major manufacturer of fine crystal pieces, stemware, and lamps. Fostoria went head to head with Westmoreland crystal, Cambridge, and other fine designers. Fostoria also marketed colored dinnerware in hopes of attracting Americans who were disenchanted with the English tradition of afternoon tea.When the Great Depression hit, Fostoria and other luxury glassware manufacturers suffered grievously. However, the company managed to survive by paring down its product registry and adopting very inventive marketing tactics. By the beginning of World War II, Fostoria had rebounded quite well. During the early 1940s, the company introduced a number of very popular patterns, including Romance, Colony, and Holly.After World War II, Fostoria expanded and developed a number of exciting crystal lines. However, in the 1970s, Fostoria started feeling increasing pressure from foreign glassmakers. The competition proved too much for the company, and the owners sold the firm to Lancaster Colony Corp., which closed down Fostoria in 1983. That said, Fostoria crystal pieces remain very popular with collectors to this day.