Carnival Glass

The glass manufacturing capitol of the United States, Dunkirk, Indiana, contributed to the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial with the production of patriotic memorabilia. Dunkirk’s Indiana Glass Company produced stylish and affordable carnival glass, which is highly collectible today. For the Bicentennial, patriotic images including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and bald eagles were imprinted into the pressed glass.

During the 1880s, a number of gas wells were established in East Central Indiana after the discovery of a large reserve of natural gas in the region. This Indiana gas boom had a major impact on industry, including growth in glass production. One of the companies to benefit was Indiana Glass, which produced pressed glass décor. Differing from cut glass with its sharp edges, pressed glass was known for having flattened and rounded features. Carnival glass, a type of pressed glass, has a finish that makes it look similar to prestigious companies like Tiffany’s. Indiana Glass was one of only a few manufacturers of these products.

Throughout the twentieth century, the company was one of the largest glass makers in the world. They were renowned for their glassware, especially Depression glass, which was known for being a low cost option for Americans between 1929 and 1939. During World War II, Indiana Glass switched to the production of “war materials, particularly lenses and specialized windshield glass for airplanes and ships.” After WWII, they reverted to the peacetime production of home products and added in home parties to compete with other manufacturers. Indiana Glass ceased operations in 2002 due to rising costs and overseas manufacturing. Although the company is now defunct, Indiana’s rich history of glass production continues to be celebrated with the Indiana Glass Trail and the Glass Museum of Dunkirk.