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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

I've Got the Blues

What's It Wednesday #21

Imagine a time when people were either loosing their jobs or forced to take deep pay cuts. A time when families lost their homes and pinching a penny was a way of life. Sound familiar? Well I am actually not talking about the recession we are currently in, but instead the Depression years of the late 20s and 30s. 




During the Great Depression, several glassware companies began to mass produce various types of glassware that we now know today as "Depression Glass". It was very inexpensively produced and had gained much popularity in the American home. 


I call these bubble depression glass. These lovely pieces   belonged to my great-grandmother Helen. My mother actually played with these pieces as a little girl. 



Depression glass is pretty much any colored glassware that was produced during the Great Depression. It was commonly sold at the five and ten cent stores.


Depression glass came in a variety of colors such as pink, red, green, yellow, amber, white, clear crystal and of course my personal favorite, cobalt blue. 


There is something magical about the sunlight passing through beautiful blue depression glass, so I make sure I keep a few pieces in the kitchen window.


In the middle of the Depression, my grandmother and grandfather decided to get married. One of their wedding presents was this beautiful Hazel Atlas "White Ship" bar set. My mother says she had always admired each piece ever since she was a little girl. The large piece in the background is actually a shaker. The top has been missing for many years. I am on a quest to replace it.

These small glasses are called roly poly glasses. Aren't they adorable?

This piece, from the same collection, is an ice bucket that was used to carry crushed iced for mixed drinks.

This rare pitcher is one of my favorite pieces of the collection. It really makes these contemporary cobalt blue tumblers look even better. 


In the 1930s, the Hazel-Atlas company was one of the largest manufacturers of glass in the world. They produced a large selection of "depression" glass which is sought after today by many collectors. 


I bet one of my Spring fruit smoothies would be perfect in this vintage glassware. I will just have to give it a try.


What is your favorite collectable or memory from your grandparents?


XOXOXO

Paula

Thank you all for participating in our "What's It Wednesday"  linky party!
Don't forget to grab a feature button.

Ivy and Elephants



Here are this week's awesome features


Carlene found this beautiful sugar scuttle and you will not believe how much she paid for it. Awesome find at  Organized Clutter.
Swing by Kelly's and take a tour of her gorgeous porch and garden at Essence of Home


Ya'll know I have a weakness for Staffordshire transferware. Karen's collection at Shabby Sweet Cottage is fabulous.
Maria over at the Rusty Hinge has mad skills. Her chandy is simply gorgeous.


Debra does a beautiful commemoration to the memory of the Titanic over at Doll in the Looking Glass
Get ready to be inspired by Little Miss Maggie's beautiful book covers.

92 comments:

Erica of Golden Egg Vintage said...

The cobalt blue depression glass is just beautiful! I love how the pieces (and their story) have been passed along to you. How very special. Boy I hope you find that missing top!
Erica :)

Our Hopeful Home said...

Love the blue collection. Always means more when it's from family....my favorite depression glass is pink!

xoxo
Kathleen

Unknown said...

Beautiful pic's and post, I think a company should start making some Depression glass for this Depression we are in. It sure has gone on long enough to qualify:) lol Have a great week and good luck on finding the piece you are missing:) Hugs Marilou

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

I love cobalt blue glass, I have a blue vase collection. I love your great pitcher with the ship on it. Also thanks for featuring my recent thrifty finds! I back linking up with a powder ti and vanity jar collection!

Heirloom treasures said...

I love depression glass in all its colours,even the clear. I actually have quite a collection of pink,which is my favourite. I do have a lot clear which I use.
xx

Sandy said...

I've always loved Blue Glass and do have a few pieces.. sorry to say I was not able to collect from grandparents.. we moved much too much over my life.
Love your glass.
Sandy

Di@Cottage-Wishes said...

Oh my, favorite cobalt blue! I have a collection of cobalt blue miniture oil lamps on my etsy! I love blue and white but one of my favorites from my grandmother is a collection of miniture vases she gave me when I was 19 yrs. old. I love those.
Your bar set is a treasure. Di

Ricki Treleaven said...

I like the little roly poly glasses, too! You have a nice collection in cobalt. Nice features from last week, too!

xo,
RJ

SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...Pernilla said...

Beautiful blues! - My favourite!!
Thanks for hosting... great features :)

Greetings from Australia♥
~Pernilla

Barbara @ 21 Rosemary Lane said...

What a fantastic collection...I just love the color glass amd that cobalt blue is simply stunning!!! Your stories behind all of your collections are so enjoyable to read. Great features this week...thank you so much for hosting.

Jill said...

This is such a beautiful collection! Blue glass is stunning. I adore the pitcher and roly poly glasses.

ANNE said...

Cobalt blue is my all-time favourite colour!!! My kitchen is filled with it. Love it so much.

Thank you for hosting!

xox

Sherry said...

Depression glass is not something that was ever collected or passed down in my family. Now that isn't to say that there wasn't any -- my grandparents may well have had it but it didn't come down the line to me (and my mother was notorious for breaking glasses!). Roly poly glasses...I always loved that name and we did have some when I was growing up.

You mentioned your mother playing with the glassware...I played with a lot of my mother's things and there is only one item that is still "safe" in the passing down and that is a cookie jar that my maternal grandmother had. No one uses it -- it sits in the cabinet looking pretty and that's enough for me!

john said...

How charming that you have these items from your grandparents...and thanks for the info...very interesting ! I have my grandmother's wedding ring which I always wear and think of her ! Gail x

Julie Marie said...

Hi Paula (and Patti!)... I just love your collection of cobalt blue depressions glass Paula!... my favorite is the bar set with the ships on it, and the precious memories it holds for you... I too collect depression glass... in pink and green... it is all so incredibly beautiful... I will keep my eyes open for a lid to match your shaker... I love treasure hunting for things my friends are looking for as well when I am at an estate sale or flea market... my most cherished treasures from my grandparents are the memories of the time they spent with me... their patience with me as a little girl asking them questions after questions... and their never~ending love... I would give all of my material treasures away in a heartbeat to just spend one more day with each of them... much love to you, xoxo Julie Marie

Cindy Adkins said...

Your blue depression glad is beautiful! My Mom collected pink depression glass in the Mayfair Open Rose pattern. She had such fun searching for it at antique shops, garage sales, thrift shops, etc. I think she eventually had every piece in "her" pattern. Great post!
Hugs, Cindy

Cindy Adkins said...

Oops...meant "glass" not "glad" :)

Karen said...

Your sailboat Depression Glass set brings back some memories. I honestly have not thought about my grandmother's sailboat glass in many, many years. Who knows whatever happened to it? Thanks for the memories! Your post is another winner. I always look forward to the next one.
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Unknown said...

Wow! Your grandmother has certainly left an awesome collection to be treasured Paula! They are so beautiful. Unfortunately all my grandparents died before I was born. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post on Creative Monday. I am happy to also add a link to your party. Have a great week.

Nicole Day said...

Your collections are all so sweet. Makes me want to collect SOMETHING. Beautiful glass collection from your grandmother - thanks for sharing!

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
I love your cobalt blue collections.
Thanks so much for hosting your linky party.
XXOO Diane

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful blue glass!!~
I've always loved depression glass!
Hope you have a lovely day!
Sincerely,
Melinda

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

What a beautiful collection of the cobalt blue depression glass, Paula. All the more special sine it was past down to you from your grandmother. I bet one of your summer smoothies would taste wonderful in one of those glasses.

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Gals, wow, love that amazing chandelier of Maria's. just linked up, thanks so much for hosting!!

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

These are beautiful -- isn't it fun to be on a search for a piece to complete a collection? Best of luck on finding a top for the shaker! I have some Hazel Atlas "Swanky Swigs" -- tiny juice glasses with different designs. I have way more than I should have but they're addicting to collect!

Anonymous said...

Always love your information and photos. That blue is so pretty. I was at an auction last week and they had tons of the ruby red pieces. They were very popular on the auction floor. Happy WIW and thank you for hosting. xo

Olive said...

Patty and Paula, your blue glass collection is fabulous. I love the name "roly poly". Thanks bunches for hosting, olive

Faye said...

Love your collection and you are so knowledgeable on depression glass. I love the green depression glass that glows under a black light. My favorite things from my grandmother are her quilts, especially the one made during the depression.
Thank you for hosting!
Faye

Rebecca Nelson said...

Oh my gosh! I remembered to join in the fun! LOVE THE BLUES!

xoRebecca

Heaven's Walk said...

Paula - what an incredible wealth of information you are! Your post today caught my eye because I have a set of that blue Depression glassware from my MIL. It's such a gorgeous color, especially in the sunlight! Thank you for such interesting factoids!! :)

xoxo laurie

Poppy @ With a Dash of Color said...

I love collecting Depression glassware and your grandparents' White ship" bar set is gorgeous... the cobalt blue color is so beautiful! I'm loving the BLUES!You always have the most amazing collection to showcase.. love it!Thanks for the party!~Poppy

Rhonda said...

Another lovely collection for us to see.
I think anything would taste good in those cute rolly polly glasses!
Thanks for hosting.
Rhonda

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

How wonderful for you to have this family heirloom! I was the youngest of 8 children. All of my grandparents had passed away before I was born. I don't have anything that belonged to them. However, I had Aunts that took the place of my grandparents. I have a wonderful teacup and saucer that was once my Aunt Viola's and a fur hat that was my Aunt Dorothys. So fun having something that brings back such fond memories!
Hugs,
Jann

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Oh how I love your blue depression glass! I never knew that was why it was named depression glass!!!! So, thank you! Thanks for hosting too, I just linked up. XO, Pinky

Babs said...

Your blue pieces are beautiful. The bar set is so chic and it's so nice that it belonged to your grandparents. Thanks so much for hosting.
Babs

The Charm of Home said...

Very pretty blue glassware! Thank you for hosting!
Sherry

Revi said...

You never know what type of visual feast you're gonna get here, but you come hungry 'cause you know it's gonna be good! You guys have the ancestors with the best taste level! And they KEEP the stuff. My grandma sold it all in garage sales to get "new" stuff.
Thanks so much for hosting!
-Revi

Natasha in Oz said...

Many thanks for having me today. I have joined in for the first time!

Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz

Rose Jesky said...

Thanks for hosting the great party.
Rose

Little Miss Maggie said...

Good evening Patti and Paula, I am so honored to be featured on last week's party. I already grabbed your button. Can't wait to show it off. Thanks so much for hosting the party. Your blog is so beautiful. I love those old photos. Simply fabulous!

June said...

I love your collection of cobalt blue glass. So many pretty pieces. I love the fact that you have many of the pieces that your mother played with as a child : )
I do wish I had some of my grandmother's pieces. I do have a few pieces of pink depression glass that I love.
sending you hugs...

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

The blue depression glass from your grandparents is gorgeous...I love depression glass..I have collected the pink Open Lace/Lace Edge...but I really wished I had started with the blue...

Unfortunately, all my grandparents died either before I was born or as a very young child...so I have no memories or collections from them..

I guess that is why I have saved so many things from my son's childhood to pass down to my granddaughter...She now plays with many of his old toys!...I am just a sentimental mom!

Art and Sand said...

The blue of your depression glass is beautiful. I have a few pieces of blue glass and wonder if any of it is actually depression glass.
Thanks for the history lesson!

Auro @ Add that Xtra in the Ordinary said...

Wow,am just loving everything about your beautiful blog.Thanks for those informations on Depression glasses.I am your newest follower do drop by mine. Linking up to your lovely party for the first time with an antique Indian brass doorhandle.

Cheers
Auro

Cottage and Broome said...

Another beautiful collection! Thanks for hosting this week, Laura

Anonymous said...

You do have the blues! Beautiful blues! Wonderful features too. Thanks for hosting.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Tina said...

I have always loved the look of blue depression glass. Funny thing I do not own any!! Thank you for sharing your collection. Thank you for hosting.

Curtains in My Tree said...

I remember seeing that set back in the 80's when depression was hot again and it was always so pricy to buy

I collected the pink & green depression glass and have sold it all

you have some great features today

Karena said...

Paula I love cobalt blue, always have, your collection is stunning!! So meaningful to you Paula!

Thank you for having me!

Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Diann said...

How can you not love blue glass? It is just so gorgeous! And yours are lovely! thank you for hosting and have a wonderful day girls!

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hi Paula and Patti,
colored glass is fascinating. I love all colored glass and your deep blue pieces are wonderful. It looks like the very expensive cobalt glass and the ship ornaments are so nice on blue. Thank you for sharing this treasures and for hosting this wonderful event.
Best greetings, Johanna

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

That coblat blue collection is stunning. I wish my grandparents had some to share. I do have a lovely pink pitcher from my Grandma, that I treasure. Thanks for hosting.

Misti@Living On Cypress Hill said...

I love your blue depression glass! The little roly poly's are cute! :)

I remember my grandmother not having nails on a couple of fingers from all of her hand sewing and I remember my grandfather always drinking Dr. Pepper out of the bottles. I had a chance to buy a Dr. pepper crate recently and i jumped on it!

Thanks for sharing and thanks for stopping by to see me!

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

Paula, thanks so much for inviting me over. I love discovering a new to me blog. You've made a fan out of me! :)

Shabby Marilyn said...

Thanks for inviting me to link up, glad to find your blog. Following and will be back!

Kim said...

I don't think I have seen lie depression glass. I always seem to see the burgundy which is pretty but this blue is striking. Thanks for the history lesson!
Thanks also for inviting me to the party. What a fun group to be included in judging by the links!
Kim@reposhture.blogspot.com

Bliss said...

Blue glass is so pretty. Reminds me of my mom. She had little blue perfume bottles.

Great features too, love those book covers by Little Miss Maggie.

~Bliss~

stefanie said...

thanks for the invite...love the glass!

Barbe @ Beez Rental Designs said...

Hi Paula, I love your cobalt collection, especially with the sailboats. Only thing I like more is anything blue and white! lol
Thanks for hosting and was able to link up this week. Hope you make it back over to Frugal Treasures Tuesday going on through Sunday. Hope you're having a great week.

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Fabulous pieces! I have many pieces from my grandparents, each mean so much to me! One of my favorites is the pink jug that I still serve ice tea in.
Thank you for stopping in
XO
Kristin

Karen said...

I've never seen that type of depression glass it's really pretty. I always learn something from you guys. I'm so happy that you like my dishes. Thanks so much for the feature, its always an honor to be mentioned at Ivy and Elephants.

Doll in the Looking Glass said...

I am so honored that you have highlighted my Titanic post. As a relatively new blogger, I appreciate your support!

Debra

Anonymous said...

Hi Paula, Thank you for inviting me to link with you...It's an honor! I enjoyed reading about the history of depression glass, all of yours are beautiful. My blue ones are my favorite as well. I got my grandmothers old singer sewing machine after she passed away, and will treasure forever. Thanks for hosting, Marcia

Calypso In The Country said...

I love all that blue glass! Thanks for visiting and letting me know about your party!
-Shelley

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info on the depression glass, I have some of the bubble from my grandmother, never knew it was depression! beautiful pictures!

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...

Thank you for the visit and sweet comment @TheDedicatedHouse. Also, thanks for letting me know about your party. I'm following and linking up. Wishing you gals a grand day! Toodles, Kathryn

Coloradolady said...

Beautiful glassware!! I love the ship. Happy VTT!

rusty hinge said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
rusty hinge said...

Thanks so much for featuring my chandelier here on What's It Wednesday and the sweet things you said!!! You made my day!!! :) I will be sure to grab a featured button!!
Maria

April 19, 2012 9:29 AM

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

I love the cobalt glass! So pretty and so nicely displayed. Thank you for hosting!

Natalie said...

Beautiful glass pieces to remember your grandparents by. Those special pieces are the most meaningful! Thanks for your kind comments on my blog and for hosting the link par-tay!
Natalie

annie@mostlovelythings said...

I loved seeing and reading about your collection of depression glass. I see pieces from time to time at flea markets...I'm going to be on the look out for the top to your shaker.

I remember my grandfather had a coin collection...mostly silver dollars and when we were little we would always ask to play with his big pennies...we were very young...or not very smart. haha Not a pretty collection, but a wonderful memory...thank you for reminding me!
xo
annie

Luanne said...

I love your blue glass collection. Nice family memories too. Here is the post about the snowman sugar & creamer from my grandmother. http://totallydonebyme.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/and-yet-still-another-snowman/
Luanne

Palomasea said...

Gorgeous blue...what beautiful pieces, and the family history is so special.
I really love the cobalt!
I have a lovely little gilded cobalt Moroccan bottle with a stopper...makes me happy just to look at it :)
Have a wonderful weekend sweet Patti and Paula!
xoxo,
- Irina

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I love depression glass and have some white ship and Shirley Temple glasses! Oh that would be so fun to meet you at the Fancy Flea! There will be over 150 vendors at this one, they do 2 a year...You would love it and I would love to meet you!

Carol

Diane said...

What a lovely blue collection. Awesome features this week. Thanks for hosting. Diane

Anne said...

Paula,
Your depression glass collection is so pretty.I have never seen such lovely glass before.I have seen depression glass in pastel colors but never in cobalt blue.And the curves too.How wonderful that it is a special memory from your family.I don't have anything specific that I remember my Grandparents.But the one special memory I have is not of value.They used to take me to garage sales.Oh what fun memories I have of that.I guess that is why I cherish old and vintage things now because of the garage sales.
Anne

Accidentally Wonderful said...

Thanks for introducing me to your party! I'll add it to my party page.

I tagged you in a blog tag. Check it out on my page!

http://accidentallywonderful.blogspot.com/2012/04/all-about-you.html

cgammeter said...

Hi Girls: I'm Connie at http://hotflashncraftn.blogspot.com/, your new GF friend. I would love it if you would stop by and be my friend, too.
I just happened upon your blog, some great finds. Thanks for sharing.

agreenearth said...

Thank you for the calling over and have become part of your blog party.

Love the beautiful blue collection, how special it must be to you.

Anita at Cedar Hill said...

Thanks for inviting me to join the party. I linked up my post and I will add your party button to my post when I get a minute at the computer.

Marigene said...

Your family's cobalt depression glass is just stunning...it is amazing it was broken long ago. Thanks for sharing with us.

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Just love your cobalt blue collection! Stunning!

Thanks so much for hosting such a wonderful party!

Hugs,
Deb

Richard Cottrell said...

That's a good kind of blues to have. Lovely. Richard from My Old Historic house.

Dani said...

Paula
Love your Family cobalt blue collection... Lovely
Dani
From porta-guardanapos-dani.blogspot.com

Mimi said...

I absolutely love depression glass. Especially cobalt and green.

Kathleen said...

I love the sailboats and the matching pitcher, so pretty! I have that coffee carafe in the beginning of your post, from the 1970's. I think I still have it, but maybe I donated it to the thrift shop! Now I have to look.
Enjoyed your post!

Diann said...

Just stopping back by to thank you for joining TTF this week. I hope you are having a lovely Sunday!

Katherines Corner said...

beautiful pieces. Thank you for sharing. Hugs and thank you for joining in the fun at the Thursday Favorite Things hop xo

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Wow Miss Paula, I've seen a'plently of Depression Glass in my days but I've never seen anything like the little sail boats on 'em. What a find along with all the other grand treasures you've shared in these beautiful photos!

God bless ya and have a super great week my sweet friend!!! :o)

Helen and her Daughters said...

I love that bar set, it is so lovely & unique. I plan to link up to your party this week to share my depression glass find. Love your blog!

jessica said...

I LOVE depression glass!! My grandma has given me loads of dishes, just need to get them out!!

Wonderful features!!

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