Imperial Glass Society Named ‘Tourism Champion’
Jennifer Compston-Strough Trending
Belmont County Tourism Council named the Imperial Glass Society its 2024 "Tourism Champion of the Year" on Monday.
Jackee Pugh, executive director of tourism, hosted the council's annual holiday celebration at Pike 40 with members of the society as honored guests. Following a meal and some mingling, Pugh presented representatives of the society with the Mattox Award.
Launched in 2019, the award is named in honor of the late John S. Mattox, curator and co-founder of the Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing. Pugh described Mattox as one of the Ohio Valley's most renowned historians, a community leader and advocate.
"Dr. Mattox's legacy and impact will forever be felt in Belmont County," she told the audience, which included Mattox's son, John Mattox Jr..
The annual award honors an individual or organization that has made "significant and long-term contributions to the economic health of Belmont County through their involvement in the field of tourism."
The Imperial Glass Co. was founded in 1901 in Bellaire with production beginning in 1904. Pugh said Bellaire was once known as "Glass City" and produced everything from delicate art glass to sturdy industrial ware in factories that brought jobs and prosperity to the community.
The Imperial Glass factory was located on 29th Street and was one of the largest glass factories under one roof, according to Pugh. It operated for much of the 20th century.
The Imperial Glass Museum was established in 2003, and the Imperial Glass Collectors Society has members from all over the United States and continues to make an impact in Belmont County. Each year the society hosts a convention that brings people together to share their passion and love for glass.
"The society is made up of volunteers with a passion to preserve and study the heritage of the Imperial Glass Company and the impact it had in Belmont County and beyond," Pugh said in presenting the award. "It is their unwavering dedication that accounts for these 20-plus successful years and the countless visitors and glass enthusiasts it has brought into Belmont County."
Members of the society thanked Pugh and all in attendance for the award and said they plan to continue their work in Bellaire for many years to come.
Also during the evening, Pugh recognized the tourism staff and their accomplishments of the past year. She applauded Cathryn Stanley, curator/group tour specialist; Haley McFarland, digital marketing specialist; and Mary Ann Domyan, fiscal officer, for their hard work.
"These women have played a huge role in the successful year we are celebrating tonight," Pugh said. "I want to thank each of you for your support, team work and dedication to the tourism office. I couldn't be prouder of the work we do to promote Belmont County and the difference we are making together. Thank you!"
Among the tourism milestones and highlights of 2024, Pugh mentioned:
– Celebrating anniversaries of the 60th Pumpkin Festival and the 175th Belmont County Fair;
– A record-breaking year for visitors at the Belmont County Heritage Museum - 1,400 people;
– The highest social media engagement to date for an organic post - 132,000.
– A transformational investment to combine cornerstones of Belmont County's history with the Appalachian Community Grant Program to renovate the Black Horse Inn of Morristown and move the Underground Railroad Museum to that site. A $3.9 million grant was awarded, and construction is set to start in the spring.