“What’s in Your Collection”: Leah’s Depression Glass

Today in What’s in Your Collection, I am featuring, Leah Rice, my beautiful, energetic Marketing Coordinator/Designer at Kathryn Greeley Designs.  As you might expect “collecting” is contagious and it seems that Leah has “caught the bug”! On a recent book event in Aiken, SC, I practically had to put a leash on Leah to keep her out of an antique shop that apparently had a delightful selection of depression glass. But then who am I to get in the way of collecting!

KG: Could you shed some light on the history of Depression Glass?

LR: Depression Glass is called so because it was glass that was made during the Great Depression Era. All Depression Glass was made in the United States from the late 1920s to the early 1940s. Federal Glass, Hocking Glass, and MacBeth-Evans were just three of the companies that tried to help lift people’s spirits during this time by mass producing cheap colorful glassware that was priced the same as a loaf of bread. Many food manufacturers and distributors would throw a piece of glassware into cereal boxes as an incentive to purchase. Movie theaters and businesses would hand out a piece simply for coming in the door! (I wish the movie theater nearest me would still do so!)

KG: What peaked your interest about Depression Glass, in particular, Pink Depression Glass?

LR: I started this collection because my ‘big’ sister, Kendall, started one! Wouldn’t you know it…a little sister wanting to be like her big sister! It sounds cheesy, but that’s how I started collecting Pink Depression Glass. I saw how excited my sister was when she came across a new piece, so I decided to follow in her footsteps! This way, we can both be on the lookout for items not only for ourselves, but for each other. It really is a meaningful collection because it’s something that Kendall and I share a passion for, and it is my first true collection.

KG: Where do you find most of your pieces?

LR: Well, I am a product of the Millennial era so where else would I look besides the internet! I mainly use Ebay because I can see ratings for the seller, making known their reliability with other customers. On occasion, I will find pieces in antique stores, but I prefer sifting through items online.

KG: What is your favorite piece? 

I adore my matching hobnail candy dishes. I collect several patterns, but my hobnail pattern is the most meaningful one to me. My great grandmother, Loretta Taylor, affectionately known as ‘Big Momma’, collected hobnail milk glass. I buy ANY hobnail pieces I can get my hands on! I don’t care if it’s just one measly little tea cup with no chance of finding a whole set, I just can’t resist! I know my ‘Big Momma’ is smiling down on my sister and I for continuing her most beloved collection.

If you are interested in starting your own Depression Glass collection, I would suggest researching before you purchase! Two helpful sources are The Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass or Warman’s Depression Glass: Identification and Value Guide. Of course you can always research online as well!

Thank you for sharing, Leah! I would love to hear what’s in YOUR collection. Feel free to comment on this post or send us an email if you have a collection we simply must see! Have a wonderful Thursday, everyone.

~Kathryn