Photo by Riverwood Photography.
The 100-Year
LEGACY OF BENNETT GLASS
by Rennay Craats
T
The details about the company’s genesis are a bit murky, but what isn’t speculation is the success of Bennett Glass over the past century. Gus Peddlesden operated the residential glass company in those early days, providing the growing Calgary population with everything from
window sashes to single light glazing to silver mirrors. Later, Peddlesden’s daughter took over and ran the company for another 25 years before selling to Blake Bartel. In the 1980s, Anders Poulsen joined the company and soon purchased Bennett Glass from Bartel. The company grew and evolved, and while it still served some residential clients, its focus turned predominantly to commercial project as Poulsen brought with him a new vision and direction for the 65-year-old business. “Bennett Glass used to be a residential company similar to other retail glass shops around town. When Anders joined the company he saw an avenue into the interior commercial market, and he followed it,” says Rutherford.
Bennett Glass | 100 Years
he early days of Bennett Glass are a bit unknown. That’s not surprising considering that when the company was first established in 1921 Calgary was home to only around 63,000 people, cars were not commonplace on the streets and the city was set to ignite a huge oil boom that would see great expansion in the province. While the company’s roots are not well documented, its managing partner Greg Rutherford can only guess about some of Bennett Glass’ origins.
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