Louisville Glass Works, Louisville, Kentucky

WORKINGS OF OLD LOUISVILLE

GLASS FACTORY ARE RECALLED

BY 93-YEAR OLD W.J. NELSON

ANTIQUES         by Mary James Leach

Several interesting letters were received by the Antiques Editor after her article on the old Louisville Glass Works. One written by W. J. Nelson, 1415 Berry Boulevard, gives a graphic picture of the works in operation. Mr. Nelson says:

"Your picture of the old Louisville Glass Works at Clay and Franklin Streets brought back memories of long, long ago. As a boy I worked in the old factory. I knew Dr. Krack well. He was the manager and boss; he was a kind and pleasant gentleman. All of the blowers were German. I remember some of their names: Dan Powell, Bill & Henry Faust, August & Louis Schaum, Jacob Shaub, and Amos Schautz.

"It was a sight to see them gather the hot glass on a blowpipe about two and a half feet long, then work it on a smooth marble slab until it was ready for the mold. Each man closed the mold with his right foot. The blown bottle was then taken out and cut off (at the neck). A clamp caught the bottle.

MADE HEAVY TUMBLERS

"Then the blower would gather some glass and put a ring around the mouth of the bottle. He would step back to his bench, pick up a tool and insert it in the bottle.... With a few rolls the bottle was finished. While still hot it was carried to the annealing furnace on a half-inch rod, stacked in a tier with other bottles. When the blowers finished their work the furnace was sealed up and not opened until it was cool. Then the work was removed and inspected.

"The old Louisville Glass Works furnished all insulators for the first fire alarm and telegraph in 1865. The company made tumblers which would hold nearly a pint of milk or beer. They were so thick and heavy that they would not break unless thrown against a brick wall. The fire and telegraph insulators were first blown, then put on a tool. A boy would turn a crank and the insulators were pressed into shape.

"John Krack, nephew of Dr. John Krack, the proprietor of the works, was inspector, packer and shipper. Dr. Krack sold out to Ford and DePauw of New Albany, Ind. I wonder if there are any other former workers in the Krack glass works? I would like to hear from them."

Mr. Nelson, who was only 14 when he worked at the Louisville Glass Works, is now 90 [sic] 93. His memory is clear and accurate, and he remembers details that present-day collectors cannot find in books on old glass. After his glass company experience, Mr. Nelson worked for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad for thirty-four years and was retired on a pension. He likes to travel and uses his complimentary pass to make frequent trips to all parts of the country; usually he travels alone. He makes his home with his son, Johnston Nelson, 1415 Berry Blvd.