Paden City Glass Co.

The Paden City glass factory was located in West Virginia, the home of many American glass companies during the glass production years. The company began producing glass in 1916. It was run by David Fisher, previously the manager of New Martinsville Glass Company. Leadership of the company was passed on to his son, Samuel Fisher, in 1933 after his death.

The Paden City glass plant closed it doors in 1951, a victim of automation. Samuel Fisher recognized the need for automation to compete in the emerging markets. In 1949 he purchased the American Glass Company factory to help usher the Paden City plant into the new era, but the change and expense proved too much for the company to bear. Although he was ready to make the leap into automation, a smart decision, it still proved to be his downfall.

Paden City provided elegant glassware in the US for 35 years reaching its height in popularity during the Great Depression. Its pattern mold and mold blown glass was of good quality. The company sold its non-decorated ‘blanks’ to various decorating companies which etched, carved and gilded the blanks according to the fashion of the day. The decorating companies distributed the glassware. Paden City glass was not signed. Its products were marked with paper labels, most of which were removed by the owners.