Relive 19th Century Glassmaking in Sandwich
Cape Cod Glass Collections and Manufacturing History near Boston
Oct 25, 2009
The town of Sandwich, Massachusetts located on charming Cape Cod labels itself the ‘Museum Town”. Among the quaint shops, old Inns and historic sites is the Sandwich Glass Museum where colorful examples of 19th century glass pieces fill the museum’s shelves. Visitors walk through a self guided tour where a detailed display describes the glass manufacturing process in the early U.S. industrial age. Vivid examples of functional pieces including glass serving pieces, hurricane lamps, kitchen accessories and elegant stemware complete a collection of over 5000 pieces of early American glass. The museum also provides a 3-Dimensional video that portrays life in New England during the mid-1800s. A demonstration of hand glass blowing takes place within the museum near a functional brick kiln.
History of Glass Manufacturing in Sandwich
In 1825 Deming Jarves, a Boston businessman experienced in the glass industry, chose Sandwich, Massachusetts as a favored site to establish a glass factory. His intuition led him to this location because of its supply of local timber for the furnaces, the close proximity to the harbor and the enhanced possibilities for shipping products through a new canal. Bringing along a staff of glass makers including skilled craftsmen from England and Ireland, the company flourished during the mid-1800s. Mr. Jarves remained with the company until 1858 when he left to form another glass factory, the Cape Cod Glass Works. Glassmaking in Sandwich remained a steady industry until the period after the Civil War when competitors in Midwest factories reduced the business due to their access to coal and reduced production costs. Some glassware including delicate hand blown and cut pieces were made by various artists in the region until around 1920.
Collecting Sandwich or Cape Cod Glass
Locating authentic Sandwich glass made during the 1800’s is sometimes difficult because the pieces were not identified. The distinctive look and style of Cape Cod glass varies but colorful pieces dominate the period with many examples found in ruby red, garnet, topaz, teal or amethyst shades. For avid collectors of Sandwich glass, several catalogues (available in the museum store) illustrate specific patterns, unique characteristics and colors that help with the identification of the period pieces.
Molded Blown Glass Pieces: During the 1830s, the Sandwich Glass Co. specialized in molded blown glassware that copied finer cut glass but could be produced at a lower cost.
Pressed Glass Pieces: The company improved glass manufacturing methods during the mid-1800s and developed several patents to perfect the pressed glass process.
The museum store sells quality reproductions of Sandwich glass and contemporary pieces including jewelry, vases, stemware and accessories.
Visiting Sandwich, Massachusetts
The town of Sandwich is located 50 miles south of Boston on Cape Cod with access across the toll free Sagamore Bridge on Route 6. The Founding Fathers incorporated the town in 1637 making it the oldest township on Cape Cod. Pristine period homes line the tree lined streets and the town center provides a place to dine and shop while enjoying the colonial ambiance.
Other attractions include the Hoxie House, a restored home from 1675 set above a pleasant pond where swans and seasonal color from native trees make a picturesque setting. The Thornton W. Burgess Museum and Wing Fort House also provide historical interest and add to the allure of this charming Cape Cod town. The town of Sandwich offers many walking paths including those located through information at www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org, the Heritage Museums & Gardens list of seasonal events and ongoing exhibitions.
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