7 Incredible Stops On The Indiana Glass Trail

One of many loveliest experiences in Indiana is the stained-glass path throughout the northern portion of the state. The glass historical past in Indiana is due partly to the invention of pure gasoline within the Eighties. The primary important industrial gasoline nicely got here on September 15, 1886, in Eaton, Indiana.

This discovery lined a 5,000 sq. mile space. Take pleasure in touring by means of the small agricultural cities and the larger cities whereas exploring their superb stained-glass treasures. Mixed, they set up a wondrous treasure path of the pure gasoline phenomenon, glass historical past, and stained-glass websites in northern Indiana and past.

Be aware: A number of of the locations listed I attended throughout hosted journeys. Nevertheless, all opinions are my very own.

1. Dunkirk

With 23 glass factories, Dunkirk was dubbed the “Glass Capital of Indiana.” Cease on the Dunkirk Glass Museum. Their web site shares, “There are over 20,000 items of glassware from 110 factories around the globe presently on exhibit within the Museum. We’ve got glass that was made regionally at Indiana Glass in Dunkirk and different space factories together with 25 leaded lamps, 25 leaded home windows and an exhibit of cup plates, which had been primarily manufactured on the East Coast.”

The little museum is related to the library. I’ve solely seen the museum from the skin window however wish to come again. 

There may be additionally a memorial to Benjamin E. Rubrect, the First Secretary of the Flint Glass Staff Union of North America. He was an energetic member from the inception of the union in July 1878 till his loss of life in 1922.

Dunkirk additionally has a mural by artist Pamela Bliss that includes the Glass Capital with an image that includes the Dunkirk Speedcat prepare.

 Professional Tip: Cease and dine on the Glass Capital Grill. I attempted the pork chops and cherished them!

2. Portland

Portland is in Jay County. Development of the Jay County Courthouse started in 1915 and was accomplished in 1919. Constructed of Bedford stone with pretty columns, the courthouse has marble partitions and flooring. There may be an astounding stained-glass skylight within the dome. The courthouse sports activities brass door entrances and has 4 historic work making this a terrific cease on the stained-glass path.

The Jay County Historical Society Museum in Portland gives artifacts and historical past of the gasoline increase. This museum is considered one of many websites listed on the Jay County Gas Boom Driving Tour.

Additionally, on the Gasoline Increase Driving Tour is the Ashbury Methodist Church, which provides stunning stained-glass home windows. Development began in the course of the gasoline increase in 1897, however due to funding, took years to finish. The home windows are superb!

The Elwood Haynes Mural, painted by Pamela Bliss, is positioned at Meridian and Arch streets. The mural shares details about Jay County’s most notable inventor. The gasoline increase brochure states, “Elwood Haynes invented the primary horseless carriage and lots of instruments that had been essential to Jay County’s pure gasoline increase. Elwood was born in Portland in 1857, and moved his household to Kokomo after the gasoline increase emerged.”

Cease on the Jay County Fairgrounds to see Floral Hall. Listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, in-built 1883, and accomplished in 1891, Floral Hall is a 2.5-story, octagonal body constructing that can be on the gasoline increase path!

3. Kokomo

When pure gasoline was found in Kokomo, it began an industrial revolution within the city. At present, there are lots of fantastic stops because of this. The Indiana Pure Gasoline Firm leased 23,000 acres of land. Assuming gasoline manufacturing would final a few hundred years, they invited companies to return to Kokomo providing free gasoline. One enterprise lured to city was the Kokomo Opalescent Gas Co.

Charles Edward Henry was born in Paris in 1846 and finally got here to the U.S., starting his profession as an skilled glass chemist in New York. When he realized of the gasoline increase he got here to Kokomo. Manufacturing began on the Kokomo Opalescent Gasoline Co. on November 13, 1888. At present, it’s the oldest glass manufacturing unit within the U.S. and the one one that also hand mixes its 22,000 colours. Ebook a tour and luxuriate in their superb present store. 

The Howard County Museum and Seiberling Mansion are all one magnificent place! The gasoline increase introduced Monroe Seiberling to Kokomo. Founding father of the Diamond Plate Glass Firm, which was the biggest plate glass manufacturing unit within the nation at one time, Seiberling additionally began Kokomo Strawboard and different factories. 

Seiberling started constructing this Queen Anne and Romanesque architectural masterpiece in 1889, finishing it within the fall of 1891. The woodwork within the natural-gas heated house consists of oak, walnut, maple, cherry, mahogany, and tulip poplar.

The George Kingston household lived right here the longest. Kingston, an agricultural and automotive large, invented the carburetor utilized in Ford’s Mannequin T. Kingston Merchandise made roller-skates and an array of different objects. After the Kingstons moved out, the mansion turned Indiana College Kokomo till 1965.

In 1972, the constructing, the Elliott Home (which they use for occasions), and the 2 carriage homes got to the Howard County Historic Society. By renovations, this house and its contents inform the story of the gasoline increase and Howard County historical past.

One of many buildings of the previous Diamond Plate Glass manufacturing unit is now an vintage mall, the Original Treasure Mart. The constructing is a treasure trove that has been preserved and is crammed with antiques.

Metallurgist, inventor, and automotive designer Elwood Haynes was born in Portland and moved to Kokomo. He turned the supervisor of the Pure Gasoline Firm when he invented the thermostat and a refrigeration machine. Touring by horse, he grew weary from the lengthy distances and drew up blueprints for the horseless carriage. On July 4, 1894, he took his first journey within the gasoline-powered horseless carriage. 

Thus Haynes invented the primary commercially profitable gasoline-powered vehicle in the US in 1894. The Elwood Haynes Museum provides each a home tour and perception into his innovations. Throughout a go to, you can too see considered one of his automobiles on show.

Professional Tip: Dine on the Half Moon Brewery and loved nice shrimp and creamed corn. The Irish Pub, Cook McDoogals on the historic downtown provides nice fish and chips and a phenomenal stained-glass window.

4. Wabash

Wabash, Indiana, is an enthralling river city. The Visit Wabash County tourism workplace sports activities stunning stained glass that got here from the Opalescent Glass Manufacturing facility. The constructing subsequent door, Modoc’s, has this stunning stained glass from the manufacturing unit as nicely.

Carrie Steinweg of Chicago Foodie Sisters and I had been hosted at The Sanctuary Overnight Event Hub. This superb place is a 1903 Gothic Model church turned In a single day Occasion Hub. Situated simply blocks from historic downtown Wabash, Indiana, it takes your breath away. The stunning picket doorways, furnishings, and state-of-the-art kitchen simply add to the attraction.

The historic Eagles Theater is a superb treasure. Though there is no such thing as a stained glass, this venue, initially constructed in 1906, is now a five-story constructing housing a nostalgic theater for motion pictures and dwell leisure.

​Professional Tip: If operating when you’re on the town, take a Visit Wabash County Trolley Tour!

5. Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne is outdoors of the gasoline increase space; nevertheless, they’ve superb buildings and glass websites. The Allen County Courthouse, a Nationwide Historic Landmark, is understood for its murals, sculptures, scagliola fake marbling, distinctive tile ground designs, and ample stained glass. The central dome itself is a whopping 20 ft lengthy and 200 kilos.

There’s a reawakening of public arts and murals downtown. Comply with the public art trail pass. My favourite artwork is an alley sculpture referred to as “77 Steps” which incorporates greater than 300 hanging tubes with coloured lights that run the size of the alleyway.

Soak up an occasion on the fantastically refurbished Embassy Theatre. 

Professional Tip: Keep at The Bradley Hotel, conveniently positioned close to the general public artwork, the courthouse, and the Embassy Theatre.

6. Richmond

The Opalescent Glass Manufacturing facility has repaired Tiffany Glass through the years. The Reid Center (previously Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church) has extra Tiffany glass than wherever I’ve ever seen. Each window within the former church is Tiffany! At present, Reid Heart is a performing arts venue and group middle. It’s a nationwide historic landmark.

The Wayne County Historical Museum has all the things from automobiles to an Egyptian mummy. Julia Gaar established the museum. It’s her household that established the Gaar Scott steam engines and threshing machines.

The Model T Museum is a must-see whereas in Richmond. My favourite merchandise was the do-it-yourself 1922 snowmobile that delivered the mail 60 miles each day.

Professional Tip: Keep at eco-friendly Seldom Scene Meadow B&B, which is run on photo voltaic electrical and passive photo voltaic scorching water. I used to be hosted at this mattress and breakfast with pretty views.

7. Cambridge Metropolis

Pamela Bliss has a mural of President Lincoln’s funeral prepare that stopped in Cambridge Metropolis. High Hat Antique Mall was additionally a enjoyable cease on this city stuffed with antiques.

Cambridge Metropolis is alongside the Nationwide Street and is known as after the city of Cambridge, England. Residence to a number of vintage shops, the city expanded because of the location of the  Whitewater canal. 

The city is legendary for the Overbeck Artwork pottery, which was constituted of 1911 to 1955.

Winding your manner by means of northern Indiana, these are a couple of of the sights you possibly can see alongside the gasoline increase path and past.