Olive Glass Works

The Olive Glass Works, located in Gloucester County, New Jersey, was established in 1781 by the Stanger brothers, who were former employees of the Wistar Glass Works. This factory became part of the Owens Bottle Company, a precursor to Owens-Illinois, Inc.1

The Olive Glass Works is associated with the "South Jersey tradition" of glassmaking, which originated from European techniques brought by immigrant workers. This tradition, active from approximately 1781 to 1870, produced tableware, jugs, sugar bowls, and bottles. Common colors included green and amber for bottles, and aquamarine for window glass. Decorative techniques involved applied glass blobs and threads, as well as a unique "lily pad" ornament. The period between 1820 and 1850 is considered the peak of South Jersey glass production.2