Glassmaker Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Fenton Art Glass in Williamstown, W.Va., has passed a milestone that few companies have. The decorative glassmaker recently celebrated its centennial anniversary. While Fenton Art Glass did not move into West Virginia until 1907, the family considers May 5, 1905, the day it began when Frank L. and John Fenton deposited $284.86 into a savings account in Wheeling as their first commitment to the company. Fenton began as a glass decorating company before the brothers discovered the cost and other benefits of producing glass for themselves. Today, Fenton Art Glass remains a family business, including management by members of the fourth generation, and 500 employees.