John Fentons dream has given Millersburg a heart for glass
By Dave Mast
October 17, 2016
1117
When John Fenton started The Millersburg Glass factory more than a century ago, he wanted his passion for beauty, elegance and singular creativity to be shared and loved by others.
It has taken some time, but Fentons dream has come to fruition although certainly not how he had probably envisioned it.
As part of the Holmes County Antique Festivals activity schedule, the Millersburg Glass auction has become one of the more popular events to grace the weekend.
Filled with hundreds of stunning, iridescent carnival glass items ranging from tiny toothpick holders to dishes, bowls, plates and punch bowls, the value of these highly collectible items has been one of the biggest reasons this auction has become such a big drawing card for the festival, but it goes well beyond people simply looking for a good buy on some sensational carnival glass.
While Jim Wroda of Jim Wroda Auction Service has performed many Millersburg Glass auctions over the years, this one is special because it is the home of where the glass, made between 1909-1911, originated.
When John Fenton built the Millersburg Glass factory in 1909, he quickly made it quite evident that his lavish ideas and creative mind were going to create a company that would be innovative and unique. Millersburg Glass began designing some of the most unique carnival glass pieces in the market, and soon the companys signature crystal, amethyst and marigold productions were hitting the market. However, when Fenton introduced the new radium line, it took carnival glass to a new level.
Unfortunately Fentons reported extravagant lifestyle along with his desire to create so many unique pieces made for bad business, and the company went under in 1911, taking with it many local investors.
Because much of the glass was destroyed and due to the companys short life span, Millersburg Glass became tough to find throughout the years.
Thus its rarity combined with its stunning beauty and many one-of-a-kind pieces has made it the collectors choice over the years. To have a major auction right in the heart of where the glass originated makes it an even bigger draw for both locals and collectors nationwide.
I think there is a certain nostalgia for people to come here for a Millersburg Glass auction, said Steve Maag, a local Millersburg Glass aficionado who has been part of the auction since its inception. The local ambiance is a big part of the draw because people are coming back to where it all began.
In addition there are a lot of local collectors who participate in the auction because of the sentimental aspect of some special carnival glass being made right in their own back yard.
The Millersburg Glass auction at the Holmes County Antique Festival began several years ago. It had been located under a tent on the Millersburg courthouse lawn for several years before taking up residence at The Gardens at Homestead in Mt. Hope last year. This year a return to Homestead marked its second year there, and the event was well attended as usual.
According to Maag, the event hasnt missed a beat in its ability to draw people from far and near as well as countless off-site bidders who send their closed bids in to Wroda for the day of the auction.
If anything it has gotten even more popular over the years, Maag said. There is a lot of local interest and people coming in from all over to take part in the auction. There are a lot of people who collect locally, and there are a lot of families who have handed down the glass in their families throughout generations, so it has sparked an interest in that way. There is a lot of local interest and pride in Millersburg Glass.
The highlight item of the auction was a tri-cornered grape leaves bowl in vaseline, a one-of-a-kind piece that brought $13,500. Another large vase brought $2,000, and numerous other pieces were right there in price as bidders attempted to own a piece of history.
Weve had a Peoples Vase sell for $60,000, and other pieces have sold in the $30,000 to $40,000 range over the years, but at $13,500 this piece was certainly one of the bigger sellers we have had, Maag said.
With designs like Nesting Swan, Ohio Star, Rosalind, Holly Sprig, Peacock & Urn, Hanging Cherries, and Trout & Fly, Fenton created a world of beauty in carnival glass.
And as Millersburg Glass continues to be one of the leading collectibles in the market today, this unique and rare carnival glass is finally receiving the love from people that John Fenton had always hoped it would more than one century ago.
