1889 — Present
Our History
From a small factory in Grapeville, Pennsylvania, to a legacy treasured by collectors worldwide.
Timeline
Key Moments in Westmoreland History
Factory Founded
The Westmoreland Specialty Company was established in Grapeville, Pennsylvania, initially producing food containers, candy containers, and mustard jars. The factory's location placed it at the heart of America's glass manufacturing region.
Renamed Westmoreland
The company was renamed the Westmoreland Glass Company, marking its transition from specialty containers to a broader range of decorative and functional glassware that would define its identity for decades.
The Golden Era Begins
Westmoreland entered its most prolific and creative period, becoming renowned for colored glass, hand-decorated pieces, and iconic patterns. Designs like Paneled Grape, Old Quilt, and Beaded Edge established the company as a household name in American decorative arts.
Milk Glass Peak
Westmoreland reached the zenith of its milk glass production. The opaque white glassware became synonymous with the company's name, cherished for its delicate beauty and collectibility. Production was refined to an art form.
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 preservation mission began.
Factory Sold
After decades of family ownership, the Westmoreland Glass Company was sold amid changing market conditions and increasing foreign competition. The sale marked the beginning of an uncertain era for the beloved factory.
Closed Briefly
The factory closed its doors after nearly a century of continuous operation. Shifting consumer tastes and economic pressures made existing Westmoreland pieces increasingly valued by collectors.
Reopened
Under new ownership, the factory briefly reopened, attempting to revive production. While the operation was limited in scope compared to the golden years, it gave collectors hope for the continuation of the Westmoreland tradition.
Final Closure & Legacy
The factory permanently closed its doors for the last time. The National Westmoreland Glass Collectors' Club redoubled its commitment to preservation, 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.
Join Us in Preserving History