Summer Games: A short history of vintage Marbles in the USA

As we enter into summer, I can think of no better way to celebrate the heat, light and playfulness of summer than a game of marbles!

Vintage Swirl, Slag and Milkie Marbles 

And more interestingly, vintage marbles made in America have a connection to the 1950's and 60's glass houses along the Ohio River.  Companies such as Viking, Blenko, Pilgrim, Rainbow, and Morgantown made large quantities of free-blown and mold-blown glass in modern shapes and vibrant colors.

Viking Swung Vases from the Epic series

And as to be expected there was broken glass at the end of the day -- and this is where the marble makers came in.  They would make the rounds of the glass blowing houses (there were over 100 alone in West Virginia at peak) collecting up the discards.

Blenko, Fostoria, and Viking ash trays and candy dishes

All this glass would then be mixed to create marbles of unsurpassed colors.

Wayne Husted designed Blenko decanters in front

So if you are inspired to play a game of marbles, check out this link:  http://www.landofmarbles.com/marbles-play.html

And stop by Swank Interiors Palm Springs or visit us online at www.swankinteriorspalmsprings.com to see our colorful selection of American made vintage glassware from Blenko, Viking, Fostoria and vintage marbles...we might just get down on the floor for a game!