The art of glassmaking, revealed

Presentation by eighth-generation craftsman Cuddebackville — Charles Gillinder, president of in Port Jervis, will explain the art of glassmaking at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17, at the D&H Canal Park Visitor’s Center, located at 58 Hoag Rd. (just off Route 209) in Cuddebackville. Gillinder Glass is one of America’s oldest glass companies. Charles Gillinder’s ancestor William T. Gillinder began working in the glass factories in the English Midlands when he was only eight years old. By the time he was 16, William was recognized as an expert on glass chemistry and was already teaching adults how to make glass. But as his talents and expertise grew, the English glass industry declined. With optimism and the promise of steady work, William sailed to America with his wife and four children. Employment was difficult to find in the United States, But William persevered and in 1861 founded a successful glass company in Philadelphia. In 1912, three of his grandsons continued his legacy by moving the business to Port Jervis, where they acquired a vacant glass factory. They established Gillinder Brothers Inc. in its present location. Today, Gillinder Brothers is operated by the sixth generation in that same factory. As an industrial and commercial specialty glass manufacturer, the factory produces about 50 percent of the airport runway lights used in the United States and many decorative works as well. The presentation continues a series sponsored by the Neversink Area Museum, in which artisans explain the process of their work. The suggested donation for non-members of the museum is $20. The last talk in this series is “The Art of Barbershop Harmonies” on Sunday, Oct. 29. The Neversink Valley Area Museum, at 26 Hoag Rd. in Cuddebackville, is open Thursday through Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. through Oct. 29 or by appointment. For more information call 754-8870 or visit www.neversinkmuseum.org.