"St. Claire Glass" Paperweight Decanter/Perfume Bottle/20th Century

Here's another nice find from our local Restore. An interesting paperweight decanter from the "St. Claire Glass House" in Elwood Indiana. Most likely made by owner and proprietor Joe Rice sometime around the 80's or 90's. It measures only 8.5" so it's small enough to be considered a perfume bottle although quite heavy. Not sure what kind of spirits it could hold but not much. A rather subtle design, white trumpet shaped flowers with controlled bubbles and splashes of ruby red. There would have originally been a large paper label on the bottom with all the info. -Mike-

History of St. Clair Glass
It was in 1888 that John and Rosalie St. Clair came to the United States from Alsace-Lorraine France. From Crystal-City, Missouri they moved to Elwood, Indiana with their children John and Rosa. Paul L. was born in Elwood in 1891.
The discovery of natural gas awakened the once sleepy town to new industry. MacBeth Evans opened a large glass facility around the turn of the century. Pop and his sons went to work developing their skills as master gaffers. In most glass manufacturing houses of that era employees were encouraged to practice, invent, improve and create after regular working hours. John returned night after night to perfect the art which was a part of his native country’s culture. The St. Clair sons went with their father to watch and learn the techniques that have become the time honored, intricate flower design. In 1938 the gas boom faded and all the St. Clair's moved to Dunbar, West Virginia, except their son Joe.
Date Range: 1938– 1974
Joe and his young bride Ellen remained in Elwood to build a modest structure in the backyard of the family home on N. Fifth St. The simple metal clad frame building was equipped with a one ton glass day tank and the barest of glass furnishing equipment that had been discarded from nearby glass factories. Joe continued developing and practicing his ideas with the help of his Aunt Marie Hirsch and Uncle Joe Carroll. The family returned in 1941 and production began in earnest as St. Clair Glass. After World War II, the St. Clair's were re-united and began to fulfill the long time dream of producing handmade art glass.
In 1974 Joe re-purchased the original St. Clair Glass Works. The two brothers in separate glass houses continued producing the wonderful floral glass collectibles for which they had become famous. Both businesses grew and thrived well into the 1980’s. The passing of Bob in 1986 and Joe in 1987 virtually put an end to the rich glass heritage in Elwood. But the time honored traditions of the St. Clair glass continues with third generation grandson, Joe Rice.
1988 to Present Day
Joe Rice began working at the family glass factory in 1962 at the age of twelve. He soon discovered a passion for creating glass art, working with his uncles Joe, Ed, Bob, and Paul after school hours and during the summer months. Years of practice, often working through breaks and returning to the factory after hours instilled the seed of dedication to fine craftsmanship and the love of glass. Creating beautiful collectable paperweights and many traditional glass pieces remains a time honored family tradition. Joe has been blessed working alongside his talented uncles. The estate of Bob St. Clair was ready for public auction when Joe suddenly died. It was in October of 1987 that Joe Rice was able to purchase the property where his Uncle Bob created his art glass. Joe was fortunate to purchase all the needed supplies and equipment and reopen The House of Glass. Joe’s uncles Ed and Paul were there to help guide him along his path to success. Today, Joe and crew at The House of Glass continue to create art glass modestly priced and available to the discerning collector. He continues to craft art glass from his family tradition, while embracing new ideas and techniques only recently available. Glass enthusiasts will readily see the connection to the rich heritage of St.Clair glass in the work of Joe Rice. He will always treasure the gifts he received and the skill needed to pursue the dream lived out by his grandfather and uncles.