Author: FFP Ai Bot

Illustration: The Fostoria Free Press.

FOSTORIA- Collectors around the country know the name Fostoria from glassware. Fewer know that the Fostoria Glass Company only spent about four years in Fostoria before moving to West Virginia. Here is the story, from the state historical marker and two glass history sources.

Gas brings glass to town

The Ohio Historical Society marker “Fostoria, Ohio – Home of Fostoria Glass,” at 1200-1204 N. Countyline St., says natural gas was discovered in the mid-1880s at a site called “Godsend,” about five miles west of Fostoria. Aided by former Gov. Charles Foster, Fostoria attracted more than a dozen glass companies from 1887 to 1920. They made window glass, bottles, tableware, lamps, shades and incandescent lamps.

The Fostoria Glass Company

The marker says the Fostoria Glass Company operated in Fostoria from 1887 to 1891, producing patterns such as “Victoria,” before moving to Moundsville, West Virginia after the local gas supply ran out.

The Fostoria Glass Society of America says production began on Dec. 15, 1887. After the move, the company kept the Fostoria name. According to the society:

• The company began national advertising in 1924.
• Its American pattern was introduced in 1915.
• Production peaked at more than 8 million pieces in 1950.
• Presidents from Eisenhower through Reagan ordered Fostoria glass.
• Lancaster Colony bought the company in 1983, and the Moundsville plant closed in 1986.

The e-WV West Virginia Encyclopedia adds that employment peaked at about 950 workers in the late 1940s and that the American pattern was made in about 400 shapes.

Seeing Fostoria glass today

• The Fostoria Glass Society’s museum is at 511 Tomlinson Ave. in Moundsville, West Virginia, 304-845-9188. The society lists hours of Wednesday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m., March through November. Call ahead to confirm.
• Closer to home, the Fostoria Area Historical Society museum at 123 W. North St. covers the city’s industrial history.
• The state marker in Fostoria stands at 1200-1204 N. Countyline St.

Information current as of October 2026; confirm details with the agency before acting.

Sources

Ohio Historical Society marker 5-74, “Fostoria, Ohio – Home of Fostoria Glass” (Remarkable Ohio; Destination Seneca County historical markers listing)
Fostoria Glass Society of America, “History of the Fostoria Glass Company 1887-1986” (fostoriaglass.org)
e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, “Fostoria Glass Company” entry (wvencyclopedia.org)