West Virginia Marble Factory
Mountain made wv handmade art flickr marble king produces nearly a million marbles a day and their popular products have been featured all over the nation.
West virginia marble factory. The advent of marble making machinery in the early 20th century helped bring the industry to west virginia which already had a robust glass industry. They recognized a need to preserve the history of marbles and to promote the collecting and identification of marbles. Research ongoing 1940 1947. Roger howdyshell who managed the marble king facility moved the company to paden city where it still remains today.
Check out these spots where you can take a factory tour. Your options are endless with our selection of cultured marble and stone products with a variety of colors shapes customizable sizes edges and finishes. See it while this old timer is still around to do it. These enthusiastic marble collectors were ron shepherd paula shepherd gary traugh and the late tim wyer.
If you re anywhere near northwest west virginia take a side trip to this guy s home and workshop. Akro agate was founded in ohio in 1910 and moved to clarksburg in 1914. Bogard sons 1971 1986. Marys west virginia the company relocated to paden city after a fire destroyed the original factory in 1958.
Mid atlantic of west virginia inc. Founded in 1949 in st. A west virginia based company the marble king has earned the title as. Working with molten glass is quickly becoming a lost art.
It s fascinating to see how things are made right at the source and some of your favorite items are made right here in west virginia. The other west virginia marble factory is champion agate in pennsboro in ritchie county. Cairo novelty 1946 1952. Playrite marble novelty co.
By the late 1930s there were several marble manufacturing plants in the state including the akro agate company in clarksburg. Marble king was originally located in st. In january of 1958 a fire destroyed the factory. The west virginia marble collectors club wvmcc was the inspiration of four wood county west virginia residents.
He s a real hoot and you ll be fascinated watching him make glass marbles. Let us guide you through the process of turning your inspiration into a creation. Hillybilly marble maker sam hogue. One is located in reno ohio and the.