H is for Hazel Atlas

Hazel Ware Capri, Dots pattern, 1960's

Ovide pattern (1923 - 1935)

Starlight pattern (1938 - 1940)

Ribbon pattern (1932)

Hairpin pattern (1936-1940)

Colonial Block pattern (1920's - 1930's)

Beehive pattern (1950's)

Newport pattern (1936 - 1940)

Moderntone pattern (1934 - early 1950's)

Hazel Ware Capri, Colonial Swirl pattern, 1960's

In 1902, Hazel Atlas Glass Company was founded in Washington, PA, a result of a merger between four companies: Hazel Glass & Metals Co. (1887), the Atlas Glass Co. (1896), Wheeling Metal Plant, and the Republic Glass Co. The Hazel Atlas Glass Company expanded into fifteen locations (including plants in WV, OH, AL, and CA among others) to become the largest manufacturer of glassware in the world! Although utilitarian products from paste bottles to cold cream and mayonnaise jars represented the bulk of the company's assets, it was the expansion into dinnerware that catapulted the company to stardom. In the early 1920's through the Depression, Hazel Atlas produced beautiful affordable table ware in a myriad of colors and styles, beginning with the Ovide pattern (1923). Initially manufactured in green only it ultimately sustained Hazel Atlas for the next thirty years as the number one producer of Depression Glass. Its dinnerware line was expanded into the following patterns: Aurora/Lydia Roy (1937-38), Cloverleaf (1930-36), Colonial Block (1920's-30's), Florantine 1&2 ((1932-1953), Fruits (1931-53), Moderntone/Wedding Band (1934-early 50's), Platonite (1930-40), New Century (1930-35), Newport/Hairpin (1936-40), Ovide (1923-35), Ribbon/Roxana (1932), Royal Lace (1934-42), Ships, and Starlight (1938-40).

A myriad of colors were introduced such as Sunset Pink, yellow, Ritz Blue, amethyst and opaque white glass (similar to the milk glass popularized during the Victorian era). Hazel Atlas colors were distinguishable from other glass companies with trademarks and patents on several designs. Despite the variety of colors available, the most popular continued to be clear, green and Platonite (a process whereby color was essentially sprayed over opaque white glass). The 'HA' mark was first used in 1923 on the undersides of glassware, represented with the letter 'A' nestled under the letter 'H'.

Hazel Atlas' success made them one of the few publicly traded companies to pay a stock dividend during the Great Depression of the 1930's. The company remained in business until it was bought out by the Continental Can Company in 1956, with a line of Hazelware produced until 1963. You may find this awesome vintage Made in the USA glassware just about anywhere - beginning in your mom's or grandma's basements.... Have fun using and decorating with this happy Depression Glass from Hazel Atlas, guaranteed to make you smile!