Paul Wissmach Glass Company- My experience

Our first stop on Day 2 of our Summer experience was at the The Paul Wissmach Glass Company is located in Paden City, WV.

Wissmach specializes in sheet glass. The assembly line process is used to produce 700 sq ft of glass an hour.
                           

We got to see a new ladle used to get the molten glass out. This one was on wheels!

                             
Then the glass along with a color batch is poured onto a station where a worker kneads the material together and evens it out almost like taffy.

The glass is then rolled through a roller system that thins, presses and creates the type of sheet glass desired. (Some have imprinted designs or patterns)

These are the rollers up close!

As it rolls through the rolling system it then immediately begins to cool.

The glass is then pushed into the cooling oven.

Other parts of the Factory

Different designed rollers.

Each batch for the different colored sheet glass is created ahead of time in the bins pictured below. The sand is shipped in from the Greenbrier Valley in southern WV, the soda ash is shipped in from the western part of the United States and the color chemical is added .

This is the mixing station for all of the raw materials. The cart is wheeled underneath.

        Based on the sign, what chemical is used in the above batch?   What color do you think it will be?

                                     Does this area of Paul Wissmach resemble another location?

The sheet glass below is used in churches, windows, buildings and displays all around the world. 

A shipping container for the glass.

                                               Why do you think I included this picture?

These shipping containers are packed and ready to go to places like Germany, Australia and Russia! 

How do you think they transport glass overseas?

My reflection:  WOW. I met a man named Vic who has worked for Paul Wissmach for 36 years. I'm so impressed that he can travel the world and view glass that he made here in WV. His passion and talent were something that travel with each beautiful piece of glass wherever it goes!
The other big impression of this experience was how fluid the assembly line worked. The cooperation and teamwork is something that is essential for production. I can really relate that to how I'd like to see our class work!

Fenton Glass- My experience.

Our second stop on Day 1 was Fenton Glass, also in Williamstown WV. 

From the previous post on the history of Fenton, you know that the above factory opened in 1907.

They stilled art production in 2011. 

 We were lucky enough to get a detailed explanation of Fenton's production processes and history from a tour guide. 

We learned about the chemical ions used for specific colors that Fenton has used. 

This is one of the coolest aspects of glass production in my eyes.

Notice in the display the ingredients and the percentage that is esstienal for making glass. 

Looking at a periodic table what elements do you see used in creating color? 

What do you notice about the elements positioning in the periodic table. 

Can you predict any other element that may be used? ( Look up if you are correct!)

They also have the molds, bioth wooden and metal, on display. 

Do you recognize any from the Blenko experience? 

This picture shows each stage of creating a unique vase. The ribbing on the rim of the vase is a trademark of Fenton. 

Artists at work!

Below is several of the artists that we got to see at work. 

Hand painting the remaining glass inventory.

Creating glass earrings.

Fenton's main production now is glass beads
. This artist is hand painting the beads.

Assignment.

One of the main things we noticed about the glass pieces in the gift shop was price difference.
A glass piece that had the Fenton sticker could range in price from $25 to $300. While a similarly sized object with a sticker that said Made in China was priced from $10 to $30.

Questions for blog response.
1. Why do you think there is such a difference in price?
2. Which product would you purchase and why?
3. How do you feel about Fenton's decision to stop production on art glass and only produce beads?
4. What all do you have to consider when trying to decide to stay open or to shut down a glass company?

My reflection-

As a West Virginian, I am constantly in awe of our great state and it's many wonders and talents. I purchased some glass today at Fenton. I wanted to buy a piece of WV artwork, I wanted unique painted glass that I know no one else would have a copy, and I know that as we look at WV history in 20 years, Fenton will still be a treasure that I can say I held part of! We need to look around more at small businesses that make our great state such a WONDERFUL place! Can you think of any unique places in Huntington?

Gabbert Cullet Up Close and Personal

Our first summer stop was at Gabbert Cullet, located in Williamstown, WV. 

Cullet is scrap glass that has been broken or damaged that is melted and used again. 

Why is this important?

Glass is a non-biodegradable waste and comprises a lot of the landfills. Glass cannot be decomposed naturally, although it darkens in color but still remains glass in composition. Though it is not harmful to human health, it does take up space in our landfills. 

Where does Cullet come from?

Glass can be collected from household items, windows, collector items. Gabbert collects from some glass blowers that still exist in WV. (Our tour guide did inform us that the number of Cullet suppliers is dwindling.) Once the glass is collected it is separated into color piles, as different colors of glass are not chemically compatible for each other .

The footage below is from the cullet piles at Gabbert Cullet. 

What do you think the most valuable colors are?

What do you think the most common colors are and why?

(I PLAN TO DO A VOICE OVER VERSION)

Fun Fact!- Gabbert Cullet works with landscapers directly for a mulch like product for decorative landscaping. 

Gabbert Cullet's Website.

Where is our closet glass recycling center?

- See more at: http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/RecyclingGlass.php#sthash.WWTSAyyH.dpuf

Day 1- Olgebay Museum and Glass Making

My Paper Weight from Danielle Vance on Vimeo.

Glass Facts!

One facts about glass is that it's not a NORMAL solid.

A Solids can be classified into two types: crystalline and amorphous.

The most common is a Crystalline solid. 

               

Amorphous, or non-crystalline, solids lack this long-range order.         
                    
               

 *Another example of amorphous solid is Coal!

Question:   What do you think this would mean about the characteristics of glass versus other solids?





Assignment-

Read through the following fact sheet of glass! The above fact is just one of many!  Pretty cool things to consider! In your blog post pick the fact that stands out the most to you as either surprising or the most important and discuss why you chose that fact!
A good fact is one that makes you think, question or ponder additional facts!

• Glass Facts
• Recycling Glass Facts
   

West Virginia has NOT lost it's Marbles!

We know how Marbles are made but now the question is WHERE are they made!!

Our beautiful state of West Virginia has NOT lost it's Marbles because we are home to the company called MARBLE KING!  According to the WV Commerce website we have one of only two known marble companies left in America.

Paden City is near the northern panhandle of WV.  It has a population of 2,633 people (2010 census).



How many Marbles do you think are made daily at Marble King? (Seriously Take a Guess.)
What do WV marbles have to do with the Home Alone Series?
Have you ever shook a paint can? Do you know what's in the bottom and why?
..... Click here to find the answers.

On the site linked above you will read a little about Marble Kings history! One impressive fact about the company is that it is still in the Howdyshell family. Today Roger's daughter is still running the business which in  2000  received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Exporting. Read this Article about what Beri Fox (the current owner) has to say about Marble King.

In 2010 Marble King received the "Made in the USA" certification as the 1st ever US toy Factoy to be completely made in America.
Click here and read the description of this Certification Award.- Why is this so impressive? Why is it the first?

Here is a video from the show "Made in America" about Marble King which gives you a little more information about Paden City and Marble Kings History.



In your blog discuss your thoughts about Marble King. (Things you might include uses, the creation process compared to the hand made marbles, the history, the eco-friendly aspects to the company, the employees, the game, or even post some questions about Marble King that others may respond.)

Check out all the different Cats Eye Marbles
Don't forget to check out the other Teacher's Blogs to see their experience at Marble King.

Marbles- Yes they are Glass!

Observe some sample marbles. Based on what you've learned about how glass is made, how cullet is used, and how different colors are created, try to describe how you think the different types of marbles are made.

Watch the following video from "How it's Made" on Discovery Science.



Questions for discussion:

1. What similarities did you see in marble making compared to the Glass pitcher and candy dish from Blenko?
2. What was something surprising about the process?
3. What methods and tools have been consistent in all types of glass making?
4. Discuss some artistic properties of marbles and marble making.



Explore these links for more information!

iMarbles
American Toy Marbles- How to Play Marbles
An awesome HowCast (By Kids younger than YOU!)- How to Play Ringer