W.Va. governor helps Fenton celebrate centennial

By Jolene Craig
Marietta Times, Marietta, OH

WILLIAMSTOWN - West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin was greeted Wednesday at the Fenton Art Glass Co. by Fenton family members, employees and state and local officials to mark the company's 100th anniversary.
The mood was joyous for Tom Fenton, company vice president of manufacturing.

"I know the governor has made a hallmark to recruit companies from other states into West Virginia and to keep companies in the state and Fenton Art Glass is proud to have him here," Fenton said.

Fenton Art Glass is one of the few art glass manufacturers in the country and has been operating in Williamstown since 1907.

"It is really something special for a business, this day and age, to still have family members working in it for more than 100 years," Manchin said. "I speak truly of the virtue of this beautiful business Fenton is everywhere I go."

Manchin wished all at Fenton a happy birthday, proclaiming May 4 the official birthday of the company.

"I commend Fenton Art Glass for keeping the age-old art of glassmaking alive in this area while three generations, ranging from 50 to 89, work together to keep it a success," Manchin said.

While Fenton Art Glass did not move into West Virginia until 1907, the family considers May 5, 1905, the day it began. That is the day Frank L. and John Fenton deposited $284.86 into a savings account in Wheeling, W.Va., as their first commitment to the company.

Manchin said Fenton is good for the city of Williamstown and for the state because the company proves the staying power of West Virginia businesses.

"If a West Virginia business goes somewhere and their products are shipped around the world, the state is there, too," Manchin said.

On Tuesday, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., congratulated the company, saying it had reached a tremendous milestone.

"Fenton has endured and prospered for so long because of their remarkable attention to the detail of the products," Rockefeller said.

"People from all over the world and from all walks of life know the craftsmanship and beauty of Fenton glass. Their work is beloved by casual buyers and art collectors alike."

To mark the occasion, Tom Fenton presented Manchin with the coffee-table book of the top 100 items in the history of Fenton Art Glass and a reproduction chocolate glass water set, first produced by Frank L. Fenton in 1907, and signed by the current Fenton family members.

"This set will be displayed proudly at the governor's mansion," Manchin said.

The governor cut the birthday cake before being taken on a Fenton Art Glass tour, where he had the opportunity to help create a threaded hat vase with glass artist Dave Fetty.

While Manchin did not have time to learn the art of glass decorating with designer Stacie Williams, she presented the governor with a vase to give his wife, Gayle.

Fenton Art Glass remains a family business, including management by members of the fourth generation, and 500 employees.

The company sells its products in approximately 4,500 retail shops worldwide and on the QVC shopping TV channel.

Fenton Art Glass will continue to celebrate the 100th anniversary with events throughout the year, including a five-day celebration at the factory beginning July 29.