Colorful Depression era glass show returns to New Kensington

Trying to pass on an appreciation of antique, colorful glassware, the Three Rivers Depression Era Glass Society is offering free admission to visitors under the age of 30 for their glass show March 7 and 8 at the Quality Inn in New Kensington.

The 43rd annual Three Rivers Depression Era Glass show, “100 Years of American Glass and Pottery 1880-1980,” will feature a large selection of Depression-era glassware as well as early-pattern glass from the mid-1850s and elegant hand-blown glass. Admission prices vary.

More than 25 vendors from 14 states are expected to display and sell their wares. Prices will run as low as under $10, said Leora Leasure, of Eighty Four in Washington County, a past glass society president who co-chairs the event with her husband Jim Leasure.

Depression-era glass is colorful, inexpensive pressed glass manufactured around the 1930s by a number of glass makers in the region. The glassware comes in shades of pink, light green, yellow, amber and blue, which is more expensive, according to Leora Leasure.

“The pressed glass was a way to bring a little beauty into a rough time in so many people’s lives,” she said.

The glassware was so inexpensive, at least the more utilitarian pieces, that it was given away at gas stations, movie theaters and other public places, according to Leasure.

“If you wanted the better pieces, you bought it at the five-and-ten,” she added.

Interest in Depression-era glass continues decades later but has declined recently. The show brings back memories of the dinnerware of people’s parents or grandparents, according to Leasure.

“When you walk into the show, there is this sea of color, color glass is everywhere,” Leasure said.

Leasure expects the pendulum to swing back at some point. Given the declining popularity of plastics for storing and serving food, Leasure hopes a new generation just might take notice of the timeless glass.

“I think everything tastes better in glass,” she said.