by Kristy Burns

Labor Day has just passed, and we are all looking forward to the next long weekend. That beautiful time when you are given an extra day, or take off early on Friday for much needed relaxation and fun. Shouldn’t we be doing this more than just national holidays? If you have not yet discovered a great place to retreat next, My Town has the perfect place for you. 

If you are My Town Today reader, you probably have seen previous visits to Guernsey County, OH. You may be wondering, why Guernsey County? Well for starters, their county seat of Cambridge, is ideally located at a frequented crossroads for travelers (I-70, I-77, and State Route 40-The National Road). Cambridge has historically been a great stop to and from larger cities such as Columbus and Cleveland. Their location has given rise to becoming a destination small town, with incredible preserved history, generational family owned businesses, and signature events recognized statewide. 

So specifically, what is it that keeps bringing My Town back to this area? The continued discovery. Guernsey County is also home to places like the famed Cambridge Glass Museum, Dickens Victorian Village, Salt Fork State Park, and is the home of Big Foot (no, I’m not kidding). It is also one of the most economical places to travel in Ohio for the Perfect Three-Day Weekend. Here are My Town’s recommendations for The Perfect Three-Day Escape. 

STAY AT SALT FORK STATE PARK LODGE

Salt Fork is a great destination for families and adventurists of all ages. Its beautiful setting in over 17,000 acres (nearly 3,000 covered by water) is near one of the most important travel routes in the state. This makes Salt Fork a no brainer destination, especially for Ohioans.

“Salt Fork is said to have derived its name from a salt well used by Native Americans which was located near the southeastern corner of the park. Historically, this part of southeastern Ohio was one of the first areas of the state to be settled by the pioneers emigrating westward from the crowded eastern seaboard. Some of these settlers may have followed Zane’s Trace into the Ohio wilderness -a route that led a few families into the Guernsey County area. From Zanesville east to the Ohio River, the Trace became part of the National Road, a major east-west transportation route constructed in 1811. Today, the old National Road is known as U.S. Route 40 and passes near Salt Fork State Park.”(stateparks.com)

Salt Fork has so many amenities, you could spend your entire three days just exploring its grounds, but I suggest getting a well-rounded Guernsey County experience and venturing out of the park too. Here a few recommendations not to miss at Salt Fork:

SALT FORK MUSTS

*Reserve a room with bunk beds-Salt Fork is tailor made for families, they have great options for groups of all sizes. Rooms with accommodations such as, queen size and bunks beds in the same room, and a balcony which My Town loved.

*Play in the outdoor pool– If you are traveling in summer, you can’t miss this recently renovated area. It’s large, has several pergola areas, and comes complete with an outdoor cabana for adult drinks and more.

*Grab a Bigfoot sighting map– Salt Fork may be THE U.S. Destination for Bigfoot sightings, and is also the home of the Ohio Bigfoot Conference. Stop in at the Gift Shop and join in the fun. Maps are free, and a great way to get out on the trails! There are several other fun events throughout the season. When staying at the lodge, you can sign up for Bigfoot Night Hikes or Creature Weekends, where you learn how to collect evidence.

*Rent a boat-A great way to spend a day at Salt Fork, is to rent a boat at Sugartree Marina and take it over to the Stone House Museum. This is the ancestral home of the Benjamin Kennedy Family built in 1840. Now part of Salt Fork State Park, and run by volunteers, this home on the water offers a glimpse into the past, and is a great family boat trip.  

*Spend time by a fire-Salt Fork has outdoor fire rings and iconic stone fireplaces all throughout its property. Take advantage of the experience of staying in a lodge!

CANNOT MISS INSTITUTIONS OF GUERNSEY COUNTY

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBRIDGE GLASS

You cannot visit Guernsey County without stopping in at the National Museum of Cambridge Glass. The Cambridge Glass Company started in 1901, making beautiful hand-crafted, opaque colored glass pieces. The site was chosen because of the abundance of gas and coal in Cambridge the factory needed.

The glass company was so famous- especially in the 1920’s and 1930’s, that several famous individuals also owned the glass collections. Many famous collectors were actors (like Clark Gable). The famed pieces can be identified by distinct markings on the glass.

One of the best parts of visiting, is seeing all the different types of glass that were made, and what the rarest pieces to find are now. There is a National Organization dedicated to collecting this glass, that makes up much of the thriving volunteer base. Many artifacts from the original factory can be seen here. This includes glass presses and etching plates, which the museum uses for interactive fun! When you first walk in, you will be greeted with a wonderful blast from the past volunteer. Which makes the experience very special and memorable. This museum is truly a unique and fun experience no matter your age!

MOSSER GLASS

Connecting to Cambridge Glass, and continuing the glass making tradition in Cambridge, is Mosser Glass. Another Cambridge town staple started by Orie Mosser. Mosser Glass began when the Cambridge Glass Company closed in 1954. Now, Mosser’s beauty and craftsmanship are known internationally.

You cannot miss taking a tour of the production facility. It’s an up-close glass making experience you can only get at Mosser Glass, and an added bonus, it’s free! Afterwards, check out their beautiful showroom, where you will want to take everything home!

THE DELICIOUS AND DELECTABLE OF GUERNSEY COUNTY

There are wonderful choices in Guernsey County when it comes to great food. From casual downtown staples to lakeside hangouts, Here a few My Town Picks:

THEO’S RESTAURANT

My Town has been to Cambridge more than a few times, and each time we stop at Theo’s. Known for their amazing Coney Island “coney dogs,” Theo’s has been serving a wide selection of delicious lunch and dinner entrees to Cambridge since 1931! Theo’s is a third-generation restaurant, and in addition to their great chefs, they are also famous for their pies. So, make sure to save room for the made fresh daily desserts!

KENNEDY’S BAKERY

Since 1925, Kennedy’s Bakery has been a family owned and operated bakery in downtown Cambridge. This place is the real deal with hand-made, passed down recipes, and a clientele that keeps coming back. Known for their famous tea cookies, the bakery continues to sell out of their treats each day!

THE DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT

Located at Seneca Lake Marina- Beautiful views, and a local favorite for food and fun. Sit out on the deck, and watch the boats go by on beautiful Seneca Lake, located in Guernsey County.

UNIQUE, INTERESTING, YOURS OF GUERNSEY COUNTY

What is it about a town that makes it special? A local attraction, a family-owned business that has been there forever? A piece of history you can’t find anywhere else, or a bookstore with just the right vibe? Here are a few of the Unique, Interesting, Yours of Guernsey County.

DICKENS VICTORIAN VILLAGE

The Dickens Victorian Village, a walking tour experience with life-size displays, was the brainchild of local Bob Ley. It became what we see today from the work of several key visionaries and ongoing volunteers.

Bob and his dedicated volunteers and partners sparked a light in Cambridge that burns bright today. Their hard work has paid off from working the tourism and busing scenes, determined to bring folks from all over Ohio to see the unique attraction. Click here to read My Town’s Article about the Dickens Victorian Village.

THE WILDS

You may have seen The Wilds listed in a recent My Town article about Muskingum County, but did you know part of this world-class conservation facility is also located in Guernsey County? The Wilds is a private, non-profit conservation center located on nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed mine land in rural southeastern Ohio. The conservation center was founded by a group of civic and political leaders, and zoo professionals who believed that a serious scientific approach was required to find solutions to environmental concerns. The Wilds now offer a wide variety of tours and programming to continue their incredible mission. My Town did the Open-Air Safari Tour, a great way to get acquainted with all The Wilds has to offer.

After you visit The Wilds, make sure to stop in at Orr’s Drive In. A longtime local favorite located in Byesville, with the best strawberry ice cream cone you have ever seen!

THE LIVING WORD OUTDOOR DRAMA

Where am I sitting? On Pilot’s throne, made for the Only Outdoor Passion Play in Ohio. For over forty-five years The Living Word Outdoor Drama has been wowing audiences with its beautiful performance of the Passion. This moving two-hour performance will have you mesmerized by the detail of the costumes, and the grandeur of the sets. Over the years, this nonprofit organization has grown to the beautiful amphitheater you see today. You can take advantage of their VIP experience too. Come early before a show and get all the behind scenes insider information! This is truly a unique experience you can only get in Guernsey County. Make sure to check out their 2021 schedule.

MTT ANTIQUE AND MARKET FINDS

Great Antique Shops and Farmers Markets are familiar sights in small towns. This includes Thrift Shops, Local Eats, and the like! In Guernsey County there are great Antique and Market finds everywhere you look. Below are of My Town‘s Favorite Finds.

Nothing But Chocolate

Fall deliciousness is in full swing at Nothing But Chocolate! A favorite of Cambridge residents and visitors alike, to get your favorite hand-crafted chocolate treats.

What I love most is their creativity, like their Cut Finger Specimen #79, made especially for the Halloween season. This is a great small town find for gifts. Even if you’re not from the Cambridge area, they will ship!

McKenna’s Market

A unique story in Downtown Cambridge, McKenna’s Market is owned and operated by a local investor and his wife, who wanted to see Cambridge come alive to what it is today. The Old world Market has Ohio made favorites, great wine, and the best deli in town.

A FEW MORE NOTABLES FOR TRAVEL TO GUERNSEY COUNTY

Guernsey County History Museum– Explore the History of Guernsey County, and see what it’s like to be inside a coal mine!

Guernsey County Genealogical Society- Explore your family history!

Underground Cambridge– A town under a town, how cool is that?!!

My Town Today

by Tonya Prater

"Tour the National Museum of Cambridge Glass and Mosser Glass and Learn Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Glass Manufacturing in Cambridge, Ohio.”

Disclosure: I was invited to visit both of these museums as part of a media tour. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 
 

 

 

Disclosure: I was invited to visit both of these museums as part of a media tour. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

SEPTEMBER 11, 2020

YOU’LL FIND EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT GLASS MANUFACTURING IN CAMBRIDGE OHIO 

As a young teenager, I spent quite a bit of time with my grandparents in Cambridge.

I heard all about the area’s glass history. Can I be honest? It bored me to death.

I once even toured an old glass factory (possibly Cambridge Glass) when it was for sale. I’m not sure what became of the property, but I honestly didn’t listen to a bit of what the realtor was talking about. All I could think of was how cool the brick exposed walls, dirt floors with scattered chips of glass, and the grungy factory look would be for a music video for one of the big hair bands that were big in the 80s. Don’t judge me. As a young teen, I had three things on my mind, clothes, music, and boys. Glassware, no matter how spectacular or integral it once was to the community, was the furthest thing from my mind.

Fast forward…ahem… a few (quite a few) years and I now wish I’d paid a little bit more attention when my grandmother spoke of her favorite glass pieces and shared her knowledge of the area’s history. What I wouldn’t do to turn back the clock a couple of decades.

And now that I have my own collection of glassware, I’m more than ready to hear about the booming glass industry that was headquartered in this southeastern Ohio town.

LEARN EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT GLASS MANUFACTURING IN CAMBRIDGE, OHIO

I may not be able to turn back time, but I can do the next best thing. I can learn from knowledgeable docents at The National Museum of Cambridge Glass and tour Mosser Glass to see their gorgeous showroom and tour the factory to see beautiful pieces of glass made by skilled artisans.

LET’S START WITH THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBRIDGE GLASS.

 

Cambridge Glass Co. opened in 1902. Cambridge, Ohio was a great spot for the factory because there was plenty of coal and natural gas available which were both used in glassmaking. Cambridge Glass Co was a major employer and at one time had 750 people working around the clock.

 The National Museum of Cambridge Glass opened in 1982 thanks in part to the National Cambridge Collectors who sold memberships, raised money, and acquired glassware, documents, and artifacts to use on display. Today, you’ll find over 10,000 pieces of glass manufactured by the company during its years of operation.  

AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBRIDGE GLASS, YOU WILL:   

• See the first piece of glass made by Cambridge Glass, a pitcher called “Big X”
• Hear about the founders of Cambridge Glass
• Learn how to identify Cambridge Glass
• Learn how the glassware was made and try your hand as a glassmaker
• Watch a short movie about the production of glassware
• See a small mock furnace that was made from the bricks from the factory that was torn down in 1990
• View the extensive collection and various styles of glassware that was produced by Cambridge Glass; including a Hollywood display of pieces used in movies
• See the Showroom; a dining room set with Cambridge Glass
• Etch a piece of paper using original hand-carved metal plates used to put the designs on the glass
• See some of the molds that were used to create the glassware
• Purchase authentic Cambridge Glass as well as jewelry and other pieces made from recycled Cambridge Glass

Address:  136 S 9th St, Cambridge, OH 43725 
Visit their website for hours of operation & cost.

As a glass collector, I loved viewing the displays that walk you through the company’s history from the very beginning through all various shapes, colors, and trends of glassware up until the closure of the company in the 1950s.

 

From the National Museum of Cambridge Glass, your next stop should be Mosser Glass.

NEXT STOP: MOSSER GLASS

You could say glassmaking was in the Mosser family’s blood. Orie Mosser had served as the plant manager of Cambridge Glass and his son Thomas had started to work there as a teenager learning the glassmaking trade. When Cambridge Glass Co. closed, he decided to continue the glassmaking era in Cambridge by creating his own factory and spent several years acquiring the tools he would need to have a successful business.

 He started making pharmaceutical glass under the name Variety Glass, but his dream was always to make quality glassware. Mosser Glass was formed in 1971. The family-owned and operated business employ over 30 people. They ship high-quality glassware all over the U.S and across the world.  A walk through the beautiful showroom highlights their products that combine innovative designs and timeless classics in an array of colors from Jade to Pink to Carnival glass to Vaseline Glass. You’ll even find some hand-decorated pieces to complement your décor. Today, Mosser makes over 300 items in 15 different colors.  

Fun fact: The singer/actress Cher purchases her Thanksgiving turkeys from Mosser’s.  

At Mosser Glass you may:

• Learn about the history of the plant
• See a variety of products that the company has made through the years and continue to make
• Take a tour to learn about the manufacturing process
• Shop in the retail store and get ideas of how to incorporate the glassware into your home décor

Address:  9279 Cadiz Road, Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Visit their website for hours of operation & cost.

Believe me when I say you will not want to leave Mosser’s empty-handed!

I couldn’t resist making a purchase of Mosser Glass while I was there, and I can’t wait for a return trip. As for Cambridge Glass, I’m not sure if I own any pieces in my milk glass collection that threatens to take over my home, but I did see a swan punch bowl at the museum that I would LOVE to own.  

Both of these stops make Cambridge perfect for groups, a girlfriend getaway and since my husband appreciates glassware as much as I do, it would also be a great stop for a romantic getaway. Plus, the National Cambridge Glass Museum also offers hands-on activities to entertain the little ones in your family.

Check out our post on Unique things to do in Southeast Ohio. If you’d like more information on things to do while visiting Cambridge, reach out to Cambridge / Guernsey County Visitors and Convention Bureau. 

Have you toured either of these attractions in southeast Ohio?

© 2020, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.

 

by Richard Christensen

Cambridge Glass is treasured by collectors who love the variety of styles and distinctive colors which were created by these Ohio artisans. While only in operation for just over a half century, the catalog is impressive. The National Museum of Cambridge Glass has over 10,000 pieces on display, including the very first one made in 1902.

**Disclamer: This museum visit was part of a press tour provided by the Cambridge/Guernsey County CVB. As always, you’ll only find my honest opinions here.

Located in its namesake of downtown Cambridge, Ohio, the museum draws in both avid glass collectors and curious tourists to learn about the company and glass making process. Cambridge Glass specialized in molded glass making. In this process, molten glass was placed into metal molds to create the main shape of the design. This shouldn’t be confused with mass production, as there were still several hands-on steps needed to finished the piece. An army of artisans formed bases and handles, smoothed bowls and pitchers to their correct shape, and etched delicate designs into the surface.

Tours of the National Museum of Cambridge Glass begin with a presentation detailing the history of the company and important local figures. Visitors also learn a bit about the glass making process and can stand in for the workers on stage. Afterwards, there is a vintage video about the company that gives a great overview of the factory and employees.

A walk through the gallery showcases a myriad of designs and colors. Even if you have little interest in fine glassware, you’ll find yourself spellbound by the brilliant jewel tones. The collection is presented in order by decade and features several pieces in each collection. There are many creative designs and everyone is sure to find a few favorites. At the back of the gallery, a small room has vintage pieces for sale.

At the read of the museum, another room contains artifacts from the factory, such as glass molds and a company safe. There is also a speakeasy bar and displays of various Cambridge Glass memorabilia. Across the hall, guests can try their hand at etching using paper and pencils. The original metal plates are amazingly intricate and, after practicing with a few on paper, you can imagine the skill involved in transferring these designs onto delicate glassware.

The Cambridge Glass Company produced glass from 1902 through 1954. New owners tried to revive the company, but ceased operations in 1958. Another local Ohio company, Imperial Glass, purchased the equipment and molds, by they also went out of business in 1984. Mosser Glass has carried on the tradition of mold glass making since 1971. Their factory and gallery are located on the edge of downtown Cambridge. Public tours of the factory take place during production hours Monday through Friday. Visitors get a live view of artisans at work and the complex process of molded glass making. Visit their website for details.

CAMBRIDGE GLASS MUSEUM VISITOR INFO

The National Museum of Cambridge Glass is located in the heart of downtown Cambridge, Ohio. The museum is open seasonally, so check their website for the current hours and events. Allow one to two hours for touring. Parking is available next to the building and street side around town.

Afterwards, take a wander around town afterwards. Peruse the shops and beautiful old buildings. Theo’s, right on the main strip, has a good variety of options for lunch or pop into Ladders Coffee Bar for some seriously good local brew.

Thanks to the Cambridge/Guernsey County CVB, National Museum of Cambridge Glass, and Mosser Glass for the excellent tours.