1889 — Present
Our History
From a small factory in Grapeville, Pennsylvania, to a legacy treasured by collectors worldwide.
Timeline
Key Moments in Westmoreland History
Westmoreland Specialty Company Factory Founded
The Westmoreland Specialty Company was established in Grapeville, Pennsylvania, by the Specialty Glass Company of East Liverpool, Ohio. Westmoreland initially produced tableware lines, barware, novelties, and food containers. The factory's location in the gas fields of Western Pennsylvania placed it at the heart of America's glass manufacturing region. Pittsburgh brothers Geo R. West and Charles H. West were the principal leaders and visionaries of the company from 1889 to 1937.
Opal Ware, Mustard Containers and Candy Containers
Westmoreland added opal ware to its expanding lines of glass produced. Westmoreland also began to make its well known mustard containers and candy containers. The West Brothers was started as a separate entity producing candy containers and other novelties in the same Grapeville factory. Co-founder, Geo R. West became know as the "The Father of Candy Container Industry" and its production of glass and tin containers that included candy which was sold at the local five and dime stores is unparalleled by any other glass company.
Keystone "W" Trademark
Westmoreland established a new trademark which was the "W" inside of Pennsylvania Keystone which was used on its tableware line.
Westmoreland Glass Company name established
The company was renamed the Westmoreland Glass Company, due to confusion in the marketplace on what products Westmoreland produced.
The Golden Era Begins
Westmoreland entered its most aggressive, prolific and creative period, becoming renowned for colored, cased and etched glass, hand-decorated pieces, and endless iconic designs. The factory was expanded. The company had the largest decorator department of any American glass company. Westmoreland recruited glass artists from Europe and other renowned American glass companies such as Sinclaire and Steuben, whose artistic creations helped to establish Westmoreland as a household name in American decorative arts. It’s glass was exhibited at the prestigious Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1920-1937.
End of the West Brothers Era and the Beginning of the Brainard Era
Co-founder Charles H. West retired in 1937 selling his interest in the company to the Brainard family ending an era of high quality hand-decorated glass which was produced under the leadership of the West Brothers. JJ Brainard and thereafter, his three sons, J. Heaton Brainard, Wallace Brainard, and Phil Brainard would lead the company until it sold in 1980 to David Grossman. Westmoreland significantly streamlined its glass line and reduced its decorator department and shifted to the production of pressed glass.
"WG" trademark established
The trademark "WG" was established replacing the Keystone "W" mark on the company's tableware lines.
Milk Glass Peak
Westmoreland reached the zenith of its milk glass production which is still well known among collectors today. The rich solid white glassware became synonymous with the company's name, cherished for its delicate beauty and collectability. Production was refined to an art form.
David Grossman Era Begins and New Trademark
After decades of family ownership, the Westmoreland Glass Company was sold by J.H. Brainard, amid changing market conditions and increasing foreign competition, to David Grossman a selling broker from St. Louis, Missouri, who had no prior experience running a glass company. The sale marked the beginning of the end for beloved factory. A new trademark was created which has the name Westmoreland in a semicircle above the letter “W”. This mark is often found on reproduction glassware since it was not removed from the moulds.
Final Closure & Legacy
After nearly a century of continuous operation, the company officially closed its doors on January 1, 1984. Moulds were sold to third-party companies and individuals who did not always remove the Westmoreland trademarks.
Plum Glass Company
A group of former Westmoreland workers lead by John Biondich started Plum Glass, located in Plum, Pennsylvania using machinery, equipment, and moulds from Westmoreland. This short-lived company marked its glass with a "P" inside of a Keystone.
Club Founded
A group of dedicated collectors founded the National Westmoreland Glass Collectors' Club, creating a forum for sharing knowledge, identifying patterns, and connecting enthusiasts across the country. The National Westmoreland Glass Collectors' Club is committed to the preservation of the history of Westmoreland and its impact on Americana, ensuring that a century of glassmaking artistry would be documented, studied, and celebrated for generations to come.
The Story Continues
The Glass Endures
Though the factory is silent, every piece tells a story of skilled artisans, innovative design, and American manufacturing at its finest. Our club keeps that story alive.
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