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Gillinder Glass:
(845) 856-5375
Fax (845) 858-2687
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After years of planning and considerable opposition, the Centennial Exhibition opened on May 10, 1876 on a 450 acre tract of Faimount Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Centennial Exhibition, celebrating 100 years of Freedom, was viewed as a place to showcase the United States recovery from the devastating Civil War. Fifty nations were represented in the exhibits. A young America compared its skills with those of long-established nations and found they stacked up better than anyone had expected. The American Centennial year of 1876 was a turning point for the Gillinder operation. The company build an exhibition glass factory on the Centennial fairgrounds. While many people thought this was great folly, the glasshouse was an instant success. Demonstrations of glass blowing and pressing were given each day and glass souvenirs from the factory were offered for purchase. Over 24 centennial items were made by Gillinder & Sons at the Fair including the Cinderella Slipper and Lion Paperweight. The Cinderella slipper was so popular at the Centennial Fair published reports say that over 100,000 were sold in the six months the Fair was open. It seems Gillinder & Sons accurately anticipated what the average visitor wanted - a treasured keepsake to take home with them. These keepsakes captured the sense of history and patriotism that existed following the Civil War. We recently made a new mould duplicating our historic Cinderella slipper. The new mould contains a GB (for Gillinder Brothers) on the inside arch to distinguish it from the original pieces which carries the "Centennial Exhibition" marking on the inside. |
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 Cinderella Slipper |
A little history, a little fairy tale and a great deal of beauty, our new slipper has fast become a customer favorite. The slippers are 5 1/2" long and 2 1/2" high and are available in a gloss or satin finish. Only $32.95 each. See our Timeless Treasures page for full details and easy ordering or E-mail us. Pink, Crystal Etched and Quarter Blue are three of more than a dozen classic colors we currently make today. |
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| The Lion paperweight representing the British Lion is said to have been issued in commemoration of the laying of the second Atlantic cable. While this is possible, we feel it may more appropriately represent both William T. Gillinder's and the nations historic ties to Great Britain. The paperweight made in 1876 is unsigned. | |
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| Today's reproduction of our lion paperweight has been signed Gillinder Glass on the Bottom. The lion head with it's front paws on a round base measures not quite 2 1/2" across. It stands 2 1/2" high. Only $24.95 each, this classic piece comes in lavender etched, crystal and crystal etched. E-mail us your order today. | |
You can reach us at
Gillinder Glass
Corners of Erie and Liberty Streets
Port Jervis, NY 12771
(845) 856-5375
Fax (845) 858-2687
or E-mail us