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.
Jenny mae says
Woolys handmade snowmen, there so dear and made in the USA. Very affordable and collectable.
Linda Emery says
Thank you, Pam, for the Moser Glass link! I’m glad I was able to find it again! I sent it to a friend when it was first published because she was opening a chocolate factory and I thought the glass cake plates would be just the thing for her shop! Well, it’s finally opening on Feb. 18th, and remembered I’d sent her a link to “pretty glass plates.” again! She needs them now, but was just “browsing” then!
Heidi's Cottage (@HeidisCottage) says
As a gift boutique owner, I can tell you that the easiest way to buy American products is to go to local small businesses and ask the salesperson (almost always the proprietor) what items in the store are Made in America.
I know the story behind each of the gifts in my store. Who makes the soaps on their Virginian farm, pours the soy candles with her mom in Ohio, creates the jewelry in Upstate NY… if it’s made in China, Russia, Austria, Nepal, I’ll let you know; because if you trust me, you’ll be my customer for life.
Jen says
Wow! Love the Jadeite, thanks, Pam! I will say that we’ve been to Cambridge countless times (hit the Trails Family Diner for a yummy burger) and didn’t even know Mosser Glass was there. Next time we’re through, I’m going to keep my eyes peeled—a factory tour would be fun! (Yes, hoping there’s a gift shop on site…) If we manage to pop in at some point, Pam, I’ll be sure to give you the scoop and some photos.
Also…please don’t forget other site populated by artists and designers making stuff in the USA, like ArtFire and Bonanza. American-based production is alive and well, you just have to look for it (and not even too hard!)!
Joan says
Simplicity vacuums are made in the USA
Nina462 says
Libby glass is still made in Toledo, OH.
Look for the label – as some is made out of the states, but some is made in OH.
Oh – also Zippo lighters are made in the USA. I saw them at the checkout at Walmart for $9. – made a note to myself to go back and get some for stocking stuffers for the guys.
John Briggs says
Pam: Thanks for the great features. Here in Seattle, we have a great company, glassybaby, that makes wonderful hand blown votives and glasses. Please visit my blog at simply-american.net. I have loads of posts on great American manufacturing firms and like you am doing a Made in America top ten holiday gift list that people can use to find gifts for their immediate family while also providing jobs for members of their extended American family. Keep up the great work Pam! All the best, John Briggs
Jordanna says
Two separate thoughts:
1) Big, big love from me to you for giving me the search term vaseline glass. I knew jadeite and milk glass but “funny chartruese colour…” just isn’t a good search term.
2) If you make me say things like “I need, I need, I need a green chicken dish!” my husband may eventually realize I am totally bonkers. What are you doing to my marriage, Pam? Please blog responsibly!
Kate H says
Lehman’s non-electric store in Ohio sells a lot of U.S.-made stuff. Their customer base seems to be Amish or Mennonite; they have something like 12 pages of lamps. You can’t get electric mixer beaters there, but you can find all kinds of (non-electric) kitchen implements and a really swell emergency crank radio.
Olivia says
Oh my goodness! My grandmother had some of those hens. She had a huge collection of ceramic and glass chickens and roosters.