Fenton opens new Front Street store

By CONNIE CARTMELL
The Marietta Times, Marietta, Ohio

MARIETTA - Ylva Rogler, of Uniontown, is passionate about her glass.

"I'm Fenton crazy," Rogler said. "I started collecting six years ago and every time I go through the factory tour, I get an adrenaline rush."

Rogler, 38, visited the Fenton Store, at 104 Front St. Tuesday in search of one more treasure to add to her collection a chocolate glass "Alley Cat."

Open to customers since July 1, the new shop in downtown Marietta offers a taste of Fenton Art Glass for both the uninitiated and collectors as well.

"There are a lot of people who visit Marietta and may not know about Fenton, just over a mile across the river," Jena Lane Blair, spokeswoman for Fenton, said. "The shop offers a sampling of what we have in the gift shop and allows us to tell people about the factory tours."

Rogler has made frequent trips from the Canton area, often bringing friends and family, to visit Fenton.

"Younger people are now starting to collect Fenton," she said. "I'm one of them."

In addition to the richly colored Fenton glass that dots graceful shelves, nooks and crannies of the pretty shop, there is also a "sprinkling" of other gift items. Boyd's Bears, Heritage Lace, Swan Creek Candles, and Joan Baker stained glass are also featured.

"The shop is a strong draw for downtown and certainly will help promote their centennial celebration," said Kelly Dyar, executive director of the Marietta/Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We're thrilled to have the retail store here."

Later this month, Fenton's Centennial Celebration will be in full swing in Williamstown with special programs, tours, glass signing, sales, seminars, music, and more July 29, 30, 31, Aug. 1, 2.

Dyar said it will be a "tremendous" addition for the holiday season too. The shop will be open through December. At that time a decision will be made whether to remain.

There is only one other retail Fenton store, outside the gift shop in Williamstown, at Flatwoods, W.Va., said Randy Fenton, vice president of the Fenton Gift Shop.

"If we were going to come into Marietta, this was the time to do it," Fenton said of the company's 100th anniversary year. "We're so closely tied that it's a great marriage between us (Marietta and Fenton)."

Rogler bought a summer home in St. Mary's, W.Va. because she was so impressed with the region because of Fenton Art Glass.

"I first visited five years ago and now have come here to live," she said. "We love it here. Everybody is so nice."

Darla Schwendeman, 43, of Stockport, and her friend, Marianne Veach, 40, of Dallas, Texas, were just walking by Tuesday, when they stopped in to look.

"There are so many pieces," Veach said.

"A lot of people don't know about the gift shop in Williamstown," Schwendeman, who was born and raised here, said.

The store will be open 6 to 9 p.m. Friday for the Marietta Merchant & Artists Tour downtown with Lynn Fenton Erb signing glass pieces.

Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, with extended hours Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.