Millersburg Glass

You might not know it, but at one time, Millersburg, Ohio was on the cutting edge of glass-making. Because the factory lasted only a few years, Millersburg Glass is now one of the rarest and most desirable types of antique glassware available.

Celebrated yearly during the Millersburg Antique Festival (October 10 - 11, 2009), Millersburg Glass is collected world-wide and is known for its variety of colors and patterns. Pieces were never marked, so it takes a knowledgeable collector to identify a piece as Millersburg. Depending on the condition of the piece and it's rarity, Millersburg Glass may bring a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

Opening in 1909, the Millersburg Glass factory was located on the northern end of town and was owned by John Fenton who started his career in the glass business at the Fenton Art Glass Company (still in existence today). From the beginning, the factory began producing both crystal and carnival glass in several different colors.

Like the Fenton Factory, the first pieces featured a satin finish. After a period of experimentation, John Fenton pioneered the "radium" finish that became immediately popular. Because of this process, you may find that some Millersburg pieces glow in the dark. The variety of the colors of glass may be attributed to the minerals in the water of the area.

Though his factory was a success, John's preference for high living left him with bills he could not pay. With lawsuits filed against him, the factory declared bankruptcy in September of 1911. So ended the production of Millersburg Glass.

The Millersburg Glass Museum in Millersburg, Ohio is a great place to view this rare glass. Owned by Chris Sieverdes, it is filled with glass pieces from his private collection as well as some that are on loan.

You can see more Millersburg Glass during the Holmes County Antique Festival. On Saturday, October 10, they'll feature an antique auction exclusively for Millersburg Glass. Stroll the streets and visit with vendors of all sorts of antiques. Watch the antique car parade then stop by an see us at Der Dutchman in Walnut Creek for a good hearty meal afterwards.

Leaf Peeping - the best time to visit Ohio

Hard as it is to believe, summer is almost gone. School has started, the weather is cooling off and it will soon be time for the leaves to change color and fall. For those of you "Leaf Peepers" who enjoy the fall colors, you don't need to drive to West Virginia to see the fall landscape in all its glory. Ohio has its own share of scenic views and foliage.

Waynesville, Walnut Creek and Sugarcreek are all filled with dense woods featuring gorgeous colors. Maple trees, which are very common in our forests, are the flashiest and range from brilliant yellows to intense reds and oranges. Oaks are generally a rusty red color and hold their leaves far beyond most trees. Tulip or poplar trees are also known for their bright yellow fall foliage.

In northeast Ohio, the general rule is that the leaf colors will peak the second week in October. Waynesville, being further south, peaks slightly later. The most brilliant colors come when late summer is dry and sunny and evenings are cool (in the 40 degree range.) So far, 2009 is setting up to be a great year for viewing leaves here.

If you are a photographer, you'll also find lots of opportunities for great shots during September and October. Along with the brilliant trees, you'll find Amish buggies traveling shaded back roads, Amish farmers harvesting their fields, brilliant flower beds full of mums, pumpkins decorating porches, and produce markets full of colorful vegetables and fruits.

To be sure, autumn is the high season in our locations with various festivals, apple butter stirrings, and or course, "leaf peepers." If you can, try to get away during the week to avoid crowds and traffic. Believe it or not, you may still find a hotel room open during the week and on Sundays. Try out Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek or Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek to inquire about a room during the autumn leaf season.