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The Stretch Glass Society Turns 50

DENVER, PA – On April 21, 1974, a group of stretch glass collectors stretch glass topic as well
gathered in Denver, Pennsylvania, and formed The Stretch Glass as provide a forum for
Society. They elected officers, adopted a Constitution and By-Laws, participants to report
agreed to publish a periodic newsletter, and began plans to hold the new discoveries of stretch
first annual convention in 1975. Several of these individuals remain glass, request ID of their
active members of The Stretch Glass Society today. stretch glass and share
During the 50 years since The Stretch Glass Society was founded, other updates. Stretch-
the world of collecting has evolved, and The Stretch Glass Society has Out Discussions are
changed with the times and needs of stretch glass enthusiasts. Initially, open to all who are
The SGS Quarterly was a few typewritten pages distributed by US Mail interested in learning
and SGS members took turns hosting the annual convention in or near about stretch glass and
their place of residence. Today, The SGS Quarterly is a full-color are announced on the
newsletter distributed primarily by email. website and on Facebook.
Annual conventions remain one of the highlights of the year for From a humble, but
stretch glass enthusiasts but the annual convention is now held in enthusiastic, beginning, The Stretch Glass Society has evolved into the
Denver, PA. Many Fenton glass collectors share an interest in stretch leading advocate and authority on stretch glass. One aspect of The
glass and stretch glass collectors are often interested in other glass pro- Stretch Glass Society has not changed – its friendly, welcoming approach
duced by The Fenton Art Glass Company (and other glass companies to making the pursuit of stretch glass—whether it is to build a collection
and artists). While the exchange of information in the 1970s was prima- or just to have a few items to use—a pleasant and personal experience.
rily by phone or written communication, and sharing of new discoveries While technology may enhance the ability to share and communicate,
of stretch glass took place primarily at the annual conventions, today, nothing takes the place of a one-on-one discussion about stretch glass
the Society takes full advantage of the internet and social media to com- or inviting a fellow collector for a visit to see your latest “finds.” People
municate and share discoveries with fellow collectors and enthusiasts. make all the difference in this busy, hustle-bustle world, dominated by
For several years, the club has sponsored virtual educational discus- social media and high-speed everything. Several members of the Stretch
sions of selected stretch glass-focused topics. Known as “Stretch-Out Glass Society have made especially significant contributions to the
Discussions,” these Zoom-enabled Society over the years. From time to time the Board of Directors
discussions feature the leading recognizes these individuals as Honorary & Life Members of The
experts and researchers in stretch Stretch Glass Society. There are twenty-two stretch glass enthusiasts
glass, Russell and Kitty Umbraco who are Honorary & Life Members.
and Dave and Renée Shetlar, along Consider becoming a member of The Stretch Glass Society and
with other stretch participating in our Annual Convention and/or Quarterly Stretch-Out
Stretch Glass Bowl in glass enthusiasts, who Discussion calls. Thank you for your interest in stretch glass.
Shade of Wisteria
explore a particular Visit www.stretchglasssociety.org to learn more or to join.

FOHBC.org

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