Antiques collectors the world over recognize Wheeling because of its glass manufacturing fame. At one time during the 19th century, Wheeling ranked in the top tier of glass manufacturers in the country. It continued to be a big player in glass production until 1939, when Central Glass Works closed its doors.

Central is one of five or so well-known names in Wheeling glass today. The others are Hobbs, Brockunier; Northwood; Ritchie and Sweeney glass. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to collect examples from all these famous names?

Many local collectors do just that and enjoy sharing Wheeling glass with visitors and friends.

Central Glass opened its doors as a glass factory in 1863 in East Wheeling. It was originally known as Oesterling, Henderson and Co., according to glass curator Holly McCluskey of the Museums of Oglebay Institute. Within two years, the firm reorganized and became the Central Glass Co.

This firm was noted for making pattern glass designs by the thousands. The firm shipped its products throughout America. Two of its most famous patterns were Log Cabin and Coin Glass.

In 1896, the firm reorganized again to become the Central Glass Works, when it became known for high-quality tableware and stemware. After many years of profitability, the firm closed, a victim of the Depression and the competition from foreign imported wares in 1939.

Beautiful varied glassware lines produced by the Central Glass Works offer collectors countless treasures to seek. The glass was distributed throughout the United States, continental Europe and into Australia, so it’s known the world over.

Depression glassware included stemware and tumblers, compotes, marmalades, covered candy dishes, dresser and vanity trays, pitchers, tankards, jugs, candlesticks and barware in lovely colors and forms. They make a colorful display in antiques enthusiasts’ homes today.

Local glass lovers can view rare examples of Central Glass at the Oglebay Institute Glass Museum along with many other glass treasures, historical artifacts and fun Wheeling trivia. It is now open for summer hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The museum in Oglebay Park is a great place to visit with friends and visitors who will enjoy learning about beautiful and valuable collectible glass made right here in our hometown.

The piece shown in today’s column was donated by Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Bell Jr. His father was a Central Glass worker. This beautiful vase was decorated by his uncle, Herman Kuntz. It dates to 1938, just one year before Central Glass closed forever.

For those who would like to know more about the designs, values and inventory of this Wheeling glass memory, I suggest two books. The first is Marilyn Hallock’s hard copy book with price guide, “Central Glass Company, the First 30 Years, 1863-93.” The second is the paperback volume by Tim Schmidt, “Central Glass Works, The Depression Years.”

For comments or suggestions on local treasures to be featured in Antique of the Week, Maureen Zambito can be reached via email at: zambitomaureen@hotmail.com or by writing in care of this newspaper.