OLD GREEN GLASS

THE COLORFUL DISHES OF THE DEPRESSION ERA CONTINUE TO BRIGHTEN TABLES TODAY

Exerpts from an article by Debra Muller Price

During the 1930's,the best things in life were free. The colorful molded-glass tableware that later became known as Depression Glass was no exception. Promotional giveaways of depression glass could be found in theaters, inside oatmeal boxes and sacks of flour; and individual pieces often sold for mere pennies at the five-and-dime stores.

Depression Glass came in a variety of patterns like Cabbage Rose, Cherry Blossom, Dogwood, Pyramid and Tea Room. The colors were a rainbow--from soft pink to sunny yellow to sky blue; but green quickly emerged as a favorite.

Although an enormous amount of Depression Glass was produced, the vast majority of pieces wound up being relegated to the attic or discarded in favor of postwar products. It reminded people of the hard times of the 1930's, and Americans were ready to put those memories out of sight.

Depression Glass was all but forgotten until the 1970's, when collectors began to rediscover its inherent charms; and Green remains a best-seller. Depression Glass looks pretty on the table and there is also a sentimental connection for many collectors, as it reminds them of their growing up time and their parents during the depression years in the U.S.A.