| Glassware of the Depression era as the name | | | | these positions had the closest access to raw |
| connotes, was first created during the depression | | | | materials and the machinery needed. |
| age between 1921 through the late 1930s; and | | | | In 1929 to 1933, the Hocking Glass Company |
| some glassware crafted from the mid 20s | | | | began making pink block optic depression glass. |
| stretching to the mid 40s are also known as | | | | These glassware were made with parallel creases |
| depression glass. For those who are uninitiated | | | | encircling the glass. Because of these creases and |
| about the Depression era, those times were | | | | also vertically infused lines, they were known as |
| some of the hardest that America and the world | | | | block optic. Glassware from the Hocking Company |
| at large went through. Businesses folded by the | | | | came in many colors; pink, amber, green and also |
| minute, and food and materials were extremely | | | | in crystal. The unique factor lies in the fact that |
| expensive and scarce. Many people were left | | | | block optic glassware patterns were never |
| jobless and homeless as a direct result of the | | | | reproduced - so if you come across one, it is |
| depression. | | | | indeed quite valuable. Block optic glassware had a |
| Because times were challenging, everyday | | | | range of glass cups, sugar and creamer sets, |
| appliances had to be creatively rendered. | | | | tublers, bowls, pitchers - the whole works. |
| Glassware especially, was deemed as a valuable | | | | Various other depression glassware includes |
| commodity. To make ends meet, lots of people | | | | Cabbage Rose, Mayfair, Cherry Blossom, Princess |
| traded their beautiful glassware, some of them | | | | and Adam to name a few. These are highly |
| heirlooms, in exchange for food. During the | | | | collectible items for glassware connoisseurs, and |
| depression, glassware was given away as gifts, | | | | cab fetch quite a hefty sum if one is looking for |
| which come together with cereals, sugar and | | | | complete sets. |
| even flour. Glassware was distributed, free of | | | | Depression glassware of course, is not perfect. |
| charge, to patrons at cinemas and visiting | | | | Because of scarce materials, machinery and a |
| businesses. In those times, if you knew where to | | | | small number of expert artisans, many of them |
| go, you were able to acquire a complete set of | | | | have flaws, such as air bubbles. However, the |
| dinnerware, all for free. Isn't that amazing? | | | | designs on each one were never compromised. |
| Depression glass was crafted by about 20 | | | | Intricate floral patterns and lines were lovingly |
| manufacturers using over a hundred designs. The | | | | added. Each piece has a remarkable strength and |
| intricate renderings were simply remarkable, | | | | beauty which has endured the test of time. Most |
| despite the fact that times were bitter. Glassware | | | | depression glass, when acquired can still be used |
| artisans then were arguably, at the height of | | | | today. However, collectors prefer to have them |
| creativity levels, perhaps as an escape from the | | | | displayed. |
| seemingly hopelessness that permeated their | | | | The splendor and charm of depression glassware |
| surroundings. The Mid-West states of America | | | | are mementos of an unforgettable past, where |
| were the central locations for depression glass, as | | | | even in tested times, beauty still endures. |