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Fry Glass Company History

Fry (H. C.) Glass Company, Rochester, Pennsylvania (1902-1933).

Founded by Henry C. Fry as the Rochester Glass Company, within months of its opening, advertisements appeared stating that "To avoid conflictions in the similarity of names of other Glass Companies using the name of 'Rochester,' the Rochester Glass Company will hereafter be known as the H. C. Fry Glass Company." The reference, among others, was to the Rochester Tumbler Company, which had also been founded by Henry C. Fry many years previously. It had become the Rochester Tumbler Works of the National Glass Company around 1900. Although this factory had burned at around the time that Fry had begun construction of his new factory, it was in the process of being rebuilt in 1902.

During his tenure at the National Glass Company, Fry had been elected its first president, but had resigned in 1901 and immediately began construction of his new factory. Its specialty, like that of the earlier company, was initially the production of pressed and blown tumblers. However, the blanks produced by the new factory quickly gained a reputation for unsurpassed quality and were widely bought by other decorating firms and the line was expanded to include a full range of tableware. At the same time, the output of Fry's own cutting department was attracting notice. Just months after the factory opened, they exhibited what was described as "Probably the largest vase ever manufactured," at 31" high. The account in the China, Glass and Pottery Review from October 1902 went on to state that "Aside from its mammoth size, it is one of the most perfect pieces of cut glass, so experts say, that has ever been produced in this country." In 1905, they surpassed even this effort with a huge punch bowl exhibited at the Lewis and Clark Exposition in Portland, Oregon. The entire set stood five feet high and was valued at $5,000.

Some cut glass continued to be made on into the 1920s. However, as this market diminished, the company had begun moving in other directions. A major innovation in 1915 was the introduction of ovenware, initially in clear crystal, followed in 1921 by pearl, or opalescent, oven glass. The next development in 1922 was the announcement of a new art glass line in Foval, which utilized the pearl coloring with jade green or Delft blue trim on shapes suitable for the jewelry store trade. Other transparent colors and a wider variety of stemware and tableware followed in the later 1920s.

Financial difficulties resulted in the company going into receivership in 1925, while remaining in operation. They were reorganized in 1929. Despite the optimism expressed at this time, the company only managed to stay in operation for a few years longer, finally closing in 1933.

? From The Glass Candlestick Book, volume 2, by Tom Felt, Rich & Elaine Stoer (reprinted with permission)

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Date:	29.04.2007 20:13
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Added by:	Tom Felt