Another current glass company located in WIlliamstown, WV. It started in 1907.
This video was created when the company announced in 2007 that it was closing. (Luckily it is STILL open today but unfortunately they stopped producing hand crafted art glass in 2011 and now only make beads.)
In this video series that appeared on WV Public Broadcasting shows you a look at the companies beginning, the glass making process, specific employees and their role in the company and skills, specific pieces, and journey as a glass company.
Things to think about while watching this video. (Watch this video before class and be prepared for our discussion about Fenton Glass.)
The videos talk about surviving the Depression, what did Fenton create to succeed during this time and compare this to what Blenko did to "survive".
Could you recognize a piece of class from Fenton called Hobnail?
Ask some family and friends if they own or know anything about Fenton Glass. Write down or capture on video the responses or pieces you get.
See if you can identify some of the tools used for glass making and the specific workers at different stages of glass making. (Refer to the Virtual Hot Spot game for examples!)
For more information on Fenton Explore the following website!
http://www.fentonartglass.com/
I like how you included the roles of the employees with Fenton Glass. This could bring in other standards in regard to the glass industry. People are a great resource!
ReplyDeleteAn interesting comment is made about why the Fenton's and Blenko's have survived whereas others have fallen by the wayside. They are family owned businesses. The owning families are invested not only financially in a factory and machines, but in the people also. They not only operate to make a profit, but also they reinvest that profit back into their factories and their people.
ReplyDeleteWe saw first hand at Blenko how entire families work for Blenko and that equates into a quality product that not only Blenko is proud to put their name on, but also its employees are proud to make!
I thought you did a great job of making your blog a source for your students. Your post points students into deeper thinking about Fenton's formula for success. The role of families in the business makes Fenton Glass very unique.
ReplyDeleteI thought you did a great job of making your blog a source for your students. Your post points students into deeper thinking about Fenton's formula for success. The role of families in the business makes Fenton Glass very unique.
ReplyDeleteI hope to purchase a few items while we are at Fenton on July 15. The gift shops is selling items that were made at Fenton several years ago although they are only making beads today. Once the inventory of glass is gone, the gift shop will close.
ReplyDelete