Items displayed on the bottom shelf
This shelf features photographs of Toledo Glass, Libbey, and Modern Glass companies from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, images from the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, a minute book of the Toledo Glass Company, and a scrapbook of Modern Glass Company. Noteworthy are the photographs of chidren in the glass industry's labor force.
Owens and workers
ca. 1898
Photograph, Michael J. Owens and his workers, ca. 1898. Owens-Illinois Glass Company Records, MSS-200.
This photograph shows Owens standing among the workers at the Toledo glass company. Owens, who had been working in the glass factories since a child, was clearly at ease among those who produced the product even though he had long since moved into managing the company.
Minute book (PDF)
1895-1908
Minute book, the Toledo Glass Company, 1895-1908. Libbey-Owens-Ford Company Records, MSS-066.
This minute book documents the history of the company that Libbey and Owens founded to exploit the technological innovations of Owens, particularly the automated processes for producing bottles. The minutes from October 16, 1903, document the transfer of all of the patents and licenses involving the bottle machine to a brand new company, the Owens Bottle Machine Company. Click omn the image to view the Articles of Incorporation, dated December 16, 1895.
Stock certificate
Modern Glass Co., n.d..
Like any other company in those times, Modern Glass Company sold shares of the company to employees and other investors. In the 1920s, a lawsuit was filed against past officers of the company for selling stock of the bankrupt company.
Making molds
ca. 1919
Photographs of glass production, 1919. Modern Glass Company Scrapbook, MSS-133s.
In addition to the large glass companies, some small specialty companies also found their home in Toledo. The scrapbook shows production at the Modern Glass Company, which produced glass blanks that were then turned into brilliant cut glass. The cpation at the bottom of the photograph reads: "Making molds for cut glass blanks"
Libbey exhibits
St. Louis, 1904
Libbey exhibit of cut glass, St. Louis World’s Fair, 1904. Libbey-Owens-Ford Company Records, MSS-066.
With the success of the 1893 world’s far exhibit, Libbey produced a display for the 1904 fair. The exhibit corresponded with the height of popularity for Libbey’s brilliant cut glass.
Child labor at Libbey
Toledo, Ohio, n.d.
Children were commonly employed in the glass industry, including the Libbey Glass factory, where they were involved with glass making and weaving.
AFGWU parade
Toledo, 1912.
Photograph, American Flint Glass Workers Union parade, 1912. Owens-Illinois Glass Company Records, MSS-200.
The American Flint Glass Workers Union was organized in 1878 to represent the skilled workers in glass factories. In 1904, the AFGWU moved its headquarters to Toledo, where it remained until 2009. This photograph shows members in front of the Toledo YWCA. Note that many carry glass canes, formed at the end of a shift from leftover batches of glass.
Joint Freight Tariff
Toledo, May 20, 1904
Toledo, Angola, and Western Railway, rate sheets, 1903-1904. Toledo, Angola, and Western Railway Records, MSS-102.
Since the company only began with a 10-mile route, cooperation with other companies was essential to survival. The joint weight tariff agreement with Pennsylvania Company Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad help Toledo Angola to extend its regional business.
Rate sheet
August 19, 1903
Toledo, Angola, and Western Railway, rate sheets, 1903-1904. Toledo, Angola, and Western Railway Records, MSS-102.
Railroads were an important part of the industrial success of Toledo. Because of its location, the city was a major hub in railway traffic. Some specialty railroads served specific industries. The Toledo, Angola, and Western Railway was founded in 1902, with under 10 miles of track. The railroad was a spur off the New York Central Line that had a station on Central Avenue. The TAWR linked to the Silica Stone Quarries in Sylvania, and it ferried products from the quarries to the bigger train lines. The line was important in providing raw materials to Toledo’s growing glass industry.