I was inspired by my recent story on shoes still made in the USA and came up with the idea to research and feature more US-made products between now and Christmas. According to ABC-TV, for every additional $3.33 each American keeps in the country, we would create an additional 10,000 jobs. The first place I went to look was the Vermont Country Store. Alas, I did not find as much American-made houseware as I was expecting. But, their site did help me discover this lovely company — Mosser Glass, based in Cambridge, Ohio, which produces lots of vintage-style glassware including from original molds. Aren’t these cake stands pretty?
How about these glass hens? Everyone’s granny had one of these – for sure for sure. These two items – cake plates and hen dishes — represent just a small sampling of Mosser’s extensive line of glassware — with many gift ideas possible.
Here is what Thomas Mosser, owner, says about the origins of his company on their website’s About page:
The origins of Mosser Glass go back more than half a century to the time when my father Orie was the plant manager of the Cambridge Glass Company. I began working there as a teenager, learning the trade the right way, from bottom to top. When Cambridge Glass closed in 1954, I decided I wanted to continue in the glass business with a company of my own. It took a while for a young man just starting in life to put together the elements necessary to do that. I spent five years buying glass moulds, searching for used equipment I could afford and saving money. In 1959, I was finally able to begin manufacturing glassware in, of all places, an abandoned chicken coop. Things worked out and within two years, I was able to leave the coop and form Variety Glass, producing glassware for the pharmaceutical industry.
I had decided from day one that I was committed to manufacturing quality glassware and I feel that brought us continuing success. In 1971, I established Mosser Glass. Today, we employ over 30 people in an efficient manufacturing process configured to provide the highest quality glassware for our customers. Our product line mixes new designs with timeless classics acquired from Viking, L.G. Wright and, of course, Cambridge Glass.
I am also proud to say my family continues to operate the company. Georgianna, my wife, brings her love of antiques to the design of original pieces. My son Tim is the plant manager, and my daughters Sally and Mindy oversee the office. This mix of generations brings new ideas to the company without the loss of the traditions our customers cherish.
My family and I are proud of the legacy that my father Orie began. As you look through the following pages, you will see we continue that legacy, blending beauty and fine craftsmanship in every piece of glassware we produce. We hope it brings you as much pleasure as it brings us.
Read all about Mosser Glass on their website.
Where to buy Mosser Glass? One place to start is Amazon — note: if you buy via my links, I get a little spiff. For example:
- Mosser Glass cake plates on Amazon
— looks like there’s a great selection.
- Mosser Jadeite on Amazon
- For glassware, candlesticks and some other pieces, try Vermont Country Store.
Wynonna says
Please PLEASE tell me that they are marking any glass items that are made from old molds so that the old glass is distinguishable from the new glass…….When I think Indianna Glass re-issued the Amber Madrid depression glass and refused to mark it as new, it totally destroyed the collector market for the glass
Scrollwork says
How about wearable art handmade in my California home? I am among thousands of etsy artists committed to upcycling/repurposing humble materials from thrift stores and yard sales in our neighborhoods. These would otherwise have ended up in the landfill. My clothing appeals to rogue romantics, grown-up idealists in search of whimsy, and corporate-weary cubicle escapees wanting to declare they’ve had enough of gray suits.
Here’s an example:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75696292/black-skirt-red-roses-applique-lace
pam kueber says
Thanks, Scrollwork. I’ll probably do a post on etsy at some point…
Christine says
Heath Ceramics. Beautifully classic mid-century design dinnerware. It’s not inexpensive, but it is very well made by a company that seems to be run in an ethical and responsible way. Located in Sausalito, California. I’m hoping that Retro Santa will leave a few pieces under my tree this year to start my own set.
Katie says
Those cake stands are indeed gorgeous. One of my favorites, Heath Ceramics, still produces their work out of Sausalito.
jobo says
I own many of the Mosser chickens in a range of sizes and colors. My grandmother used to give me one every year for Easter. Milk glass, carnival glass, bright turquoise and yellow/red are colors I have not pictured.
kate mckinnon says
I adore the glass hens! I think I might need a purple one… thanks, Pam!
katie a.a.w. says
holy, cow! those cake stands are GORGEOUS! the colors are to die for. pam, thank you for (yet again) finding another great source for your readers. and thank you for embarking on a “made in the usa” quest as well.
i am so glad that there was an article about this website in my paper! i have been devoted ever since and often think “i wonder if i can find it on ‘retro renovation?’ ” when looking at options for my house.
Chris H says
Very interesting. I’d never heard of Mosser before. My wife just took a cake baking/decorating class, so maybe I’ll get here a nice cake stand.
Jane says
Love your site always, and especially love this topic as my husband and I try to exclusively buy things made in the US. I know Fiestaware is still made here and some other glass companies as well. Pendleton makes some things in the US. Look forward to seeing what other companies are still in the US. Also, always good to support the people making and selling things on Etsy.
Veta says
allamericanclothing.com. Work clothing made in the USA.
Harpy says
Hi Pam, I can’t comment about made in America, but I can say about made in Australia what with living here – and I just found this site http://www.designfurniture.com.au/our-products/ – all this furniture is made in Australia and there are styles that suit many styles of 1940s through 60s decor as well as contemporary. In particular the ‘Danish Retro’ collection is to die for! And no I have no connection to the company or anyone who sells this furniture, but it would certainly be my ultimate Christmas present. And probably the same for any of your readers out here in Oz! (More realistically however there’s beautiful ceramics by Robert Gordon, made in Australia, which would not be out of place in any retro kitchen.)
Veta Jones says
All Americn Clothing Company and a website called Still Made in the USA
I posted an earlier comment, but I don’t see it. This maybe a repeat post