By Kathy Barnett

Let’s Go Behind the Scenes Stained Glass Art History and More in Kokomo

KOKOMO— Take a behindthe-scenes tour of Kokomo Opalescent Glass (KOG), America’s oldest art glass company. Watch molten glass be hand-ladled and rolled along a wide metal plate by craftsmen as it is created into decorative pieces of blown glass art.

This factory, still in its original buildings and in operation since 1888, hand makes unique sheets of glass to be used for cathedral-style stained-glass windows. They also make beautiful pieces to show off the blown glass technique. Some of the items you may see being made on this tour are paperweigts, suncatchers, vases, marbles or jewelry.

It is also known as the factory which makes the glass for Tiffany lamps. Founder Charles Henry met Louis Tiffany while at the World’s Fair in Paris France in 1889. They came to an agreement for Charles to make the glass to Tiffany’s lamps using his specifications. Today there is a separate inventory area (at right) that holds Tiffany’s 200 different patterned sheets of the opalescent glass. If you have a Tiffany lamp and need a section repaired, KOG is location to get the repacement piece. KOG is an important contribution to the Indiana Glass Trail. Sherry Matlock, manager of the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau in Howard County, leads promotional efforts for the trail. Matlock says what makes the trail special is the uniqueness of the glass making processes and exhibits. On the public tour offered only weekdays, be sure to wear completely enclosed shoes for safety. “I think that people will be amazed at being able to see how it’s made,” Matlock says. “You can actually see the process of glassblowing, watching artists take a very basic little piece of molten glass and transforming it into just an amazing art glass creation.”

The tours last about 45 minutes and end in the quaint gift shop where you can purchase any number of unique items for gifts and souvenirs. The tours are $6, students are $3 and reservations should be scheduled in advance. Call 765-457-1829 to schedule. More information is at www.kog. com

Also located in Howard County is the historic Seiberling Mansion, which contains an array of stained glass windows made by KOG. Monroe Seiberling came to Kokomo during the Indiana gas boom of the late 19th century and built several large factories in the region. However, he only stayed until 1895 when the gas fields dried up and the boom ended. George Kingston lived there from 1914 to 1946. He was the person who invented the carburator used in the Ford Model T. Next, the property was sold to Indiana University Center. Approximately 400 students attended classes there that first year and was used until 1965. It was unoccupied until 1972 leaving it in disrepair. Please turn to next page...

Stained Glass Art History and More in Kokomo

The county accepted the mansion from the college and turned it over to the historical society. Since 1972, the Seiberling Mansion has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of Interior. It formally opened to the public in August of 1973. The historical society maintained it until finally acquiring ownership for $2 in 1997.

Since then renovations have taken place as several community-supported projets took places to restored the mansion to its former glory. Howard County continues to support the their work by providing annual funds to sustain the museum.

By Kathy Barnett Managing Editor

Today offers different exhibits and is a centerpiece of community pride. Tour admission is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 18 and under. You may purchase online at https://howardcountymuseum.org/

Another museum of historical interest is the Elwood Haynes Museum. He was born isn 1857 and attended Worcester Polytechnic Institue in Massachusetts where he discovered tungston chrome steel. In 1888 Elwood invented the vapor thermostat used in homes to regulate heat, then later conceived the idea of a “Horseless Carriage.” When he moved to Kokomo, he completed the plansand hired Elmer and Edgar Apperson to build the first automobile in 1893. He began commercially producing automobiles under the Haynes Apperson logo in 1898. Haynes also discovered an alloy to make a durable spark plug electrode in 1899. Some of his prize cars are on on display at his home.

In 1912, he actually invented stainless steel. Admission is free. www.cityofkokomo.org/departments/elwood_haynes_museum.php

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