Manufacturer Notes: Alexandria Glass Works, Incorporated

Glass Works Incorporated.

Special to the Washington Post.
  Richmond, Va., May 11.--The corporation commission to-day chartered the Alexandria Glass Works (Inc.), of Alexandria with a capital of $25,000. Henry Schnell is president, William Wells, vice president, and William Murphy, secretary.

The Washington Post (Washington, D.C.) May 12, 1905
_______________________________________________________________________________________

  The contract for the erection of the buildings for the Alexandria Glass Works, which was recently incorporated, has been awarded to Julian D. Knight, of this city. The new plant will be located in the northwestern section of the city, a short distance from the Belle-Pre Glass Works. The concern will employ about 80 men.

The Washington Post (Washington, D.C.) May 26, 1905
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  Work on the building of the factory for the Alexandria Glass Works, incorporated, is being pushed, and it is expected it will be completed some time the first part of next week.

The Washington Post (Washington, D.C.) July 1, 1905
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  The Red Oil Company, of Baltimore, has awarded Julian D. Knight the contract for construction of a large oil house on North Fairfax street. Mr. Knight has just completed the buildings for the Alexandria Glass Works, near the plant of the Belle-Pre Glass Works, in the northwestern section of the City.

The Washington Post (Washington, D.C.) July 15, 1905
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Will Employ a Hundred.

  The Alexandria Glass Works, of which Henry Schnell is president; William Well, vive president; William Murphy, secretary; Frank Quigley, treasurer; and Joseph Ramsay, superintendent, commenced operations Friday. The new concern will manufacture all kinds of glass bottles, and will soon have over 100 men and boys on its payrolls.

The Washington Post (Washington, D.C.) September 18, 1905
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  The Alexandria Glass company has purchased a lot at Fayette and First streets from the Belle-Pre Bottle company.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) November 12, 1905
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Glass Works Officers Resign.

  It is understood that Henry Schnell, the president, and Joseph Ramsay, the general manager of the Alexandria Glass Works, have tendered their resignations, to take effect at once, and that the later will become associated with the Old Dominion Glass Company. Their action is said to be due to some dissatisfaction over the management of the company.

The Washington Post (Washington, D.C.) March 7, 1906
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Alexandria Negro Didn't Intend to Injure Small Boy
WASHINGTON POST BUREAU
63 King Street, Alexandria Va.

  Weverly Lucas, colored was held for action of the grand jury by Police Justice Canton yesterday morning for an assault upon Somerfield Brooks, a twelve year-old colored boy, on the night of June 30. Brooks was struck on the head with a brick, and was so severely injured that he was confined to his bed until a few weeks ago.
  It appears from the evidence before the court that a crowd of colored youths were interfering with the work of certain employees at the Alexandria glass works, when one of the officials at the works ordered them to disperse.
  Then some one in the crowd threw a brick, which struck Brooks, who was employed as a helper at the factory. The police who arrested Lucas testified that he admitted having thrown the brick, but said that it was intended for the glass factory official and not Brooks. John Sheppard, who was arraigned on the same charge was dismissed.

The Washington Post (Washington, D.C.) July 19, 1906
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List of Charters and Amendments to Charters.

Granted by the State Corporation Commission and Recorded in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth from October 1, 1904, to September 30, 1905, inclusive. 

NAME AND LOCATION. DATE OF RECORD.

Accomac Development Corporation, (The), Parksley, Virginia October 10, 1904.
.........
Afro-American Aid and Endowment Order of Virginia, Richmond, Va March 9, 1905.
Alexandria Glass Co., Inc., Alexandria, Va May 11, 1905.
American Fraternity, Inc., (The), Alexandria, Va June 12, 1905.
........

Annual Report of the Secretary of the commonwealth to the Governor and General Assembly of Virginia for the Year Ending September 30, 1905 (Richmond, Davis Bottom, 1905)
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Date      | No.   | Name                                                   | Location Principal Office | Maximum Capital Stock | 
President           | Secretary

10 May | 1695 | Alexandria Glass Works, Inc.............| Alexandria....                      | 25,000                              | 
Henry Schnell....| William Murphy

Third Annual Report of the State corporation commission of Virginia for the Year Ending December 31, 1905 (Richmond, Davis Bottom, 1906)
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Glass Blowers Shut Down.

  The Old Dominion, Belle-Pre, Virginia and Alexandria glass bottles manufacturing plants have closed down for the months of July and August, and many of their employees have gone to their former homes in other States to spend the summer vacation. At the Old Dominion plant three colored boys, named Ford, were awarded $10 each for not having missed an hour of the time they were supposed to work during the ten months that the factory was in operation

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) July 4, 1906
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Factories Will Resume Operations After the Vacation.
WASHINGTON POST BUREAU,
621 King Street, Alexandria, Va.

  The glass bottle factories, which in the last ten or twelve years have developed into an important factor in the business of Alexandria, will soon be in full operation again after the usual summer closedown of two months.
  The Alexandria Glass Bottle Company will resume operations September 1. the Old Dominion on the 4th, the Belle Pre on the 10th, and the Virginia about the 15th.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) August 31, 1906
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  For the second time in successive days a tank containing molten glass at the Alexandria Glass Works was broken this morning, and the services of the fire department were again needed. The flames were prevented from spreading.

The Washington Herald (Washington, D. C.) November 16, 1906
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  Walter Beckett, of Alexandria, Va., has accepted a good place at the Coshocton Glass Co's works. Mr. Beckett, who is well and favorably known, was until recently a member of the Alexandria Glass Co. at Alexandria, Va.

Coshocton Daily Age (Coshocton, Ohio) May 13, 1907 
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Glass Factories Resume.

  The Old Dominion, Alexandria and Belle-Pre glass bottle factories resumed operations yesterday after the usual summer close-down of two months, and the Virginia factory will open Saturday, These factories employ about 1,600 men and boys, and it is rumored that another large glass plant will be established in this city in the near future,

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) September 4, 1907
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Bottle Factories to Reopen.

  Preparations are being made at the Old Dominion, the Virginia, the Belle-Pre, and the Alexandria glass bottle factories for resuming operations September 1, after the usual summer cessation of two months. Furnaces and machinery at all of the factories are being thoroughly overhauled, and it is understood full forces will be put to work in each plant at the opening of the season.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) August 18, 1908
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Glass Factories to Resume.

  The Alexandria glass factories, after the usual summer "close down" of two months, will begin operations again this week. I the interim the usual repairs have been made to each of the factories.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) August 29, 1909
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Glass Factories Resume.

  The Old Dominion and Alexandria glass factories resumed operations yesterday morning after the usual summer recess and the Belle-Pre and Virginia plants will reopen in a few days. During the summer all of the factories have undergone extensive improvements.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) September 2, 1909
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ALEXANDRIA. 

Alexandria, the county seat of Alexandria, is situated on the Potomac river, six miles south of Washington, and is in full view of the national capital, with which it is closely related in social and business affairs.

Transportation facilities are afforded by six great trunk railways and six steamer lines. The largest vessels find a safe landing at the wharves on the Potomac river.

The census of 1900 gave the city a population of 14,528.

Among the numerous enterprises located at Alexandria are four glass factories, viz.: Old Dominion Glass Company, Belle Pre Bottle Company, Alexandria Glass Company and Virginia Glass Company. The Bliss Silk Throwing Company, Board, Armstrong &, Co. Cider and Vinegar Plant, The Emerson Engine Company and The Riley Basket Factory have recently located here.

Koiner, George W.; A Handbook of Virginia Revised Edition 1910 (Richmond, Everett Waddey Co., 1910)
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WANTED--100 tons broken glass; either light green or flint. Address Alexandria Glass Works, Alexandria, Va.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) February 16, 1911
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  Both the Old Dominion plant and the Alexandria Glass Works, Alexandria, Va., are now practically in readiness to start. Many improvements have been made and indications point to a good season's run.

The Newark Advocate (Newark, Ohio) August 12, 1911
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The Alexandria Glass Works, Alexandria, VA., increased capital stock from $25,000 to $75,000 for improvement purposes.

Boston Evening Transcript (Boston, MA) February 23, 1912
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Alexandria Factory Is closed, but Both Sides Deny Strike.
    ______________

Union Holds Meeting, but Members De-
   cline to Discus Actions Taken---Talk
      of Reopening Today
    ______________

WASHINGTON POST BUREAU
 703 King Street, Alexandria, Va.
  Differences that are said to have existed some time between the management of the Alexandria Glass Company and glass blowers employed by the concern culminated yesterday in the closing of the factory. Both sides denied that there had been a strike and declared that a settlement under which the men would return to work probably would be reached today.
  A meeting of the glass blowers union was held yesterday afternoon to discuss the situation. After the meeting the members of the union declined to talk for publication. It was said however that the local union has no authority to order a strike and that it is not probable that it would be found necessary to call Dennis A. Hayes of Philadelphia, national president of the glass blowers union, into the dispute. Nearly 100 men and boys are affected by the complications and the outcome is being awaited with much interest.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) March 12, 1912
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Glass Blowers to Resume Work.

  Following a conference at the Hotel Rammel yesterday afternoon between the officers of the Alexandria Glass company and the glass blowers who declined to continue at work Monday until certain differences had been settled, it was announced that the matter had been amicably adjusted, and that the men would resume work in the morning.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) March 13, 1912
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ALEXANDRIA GLASS WORKS, INC.,
    ALEXANDRIA, VA.,
    _____________

Manufacturers of Flint Bottles and Vials of All Kinds.
    _____________

  This important industrial plant was built in 1905. Situated between Henry and Fayette streets extended, North End, it has a yearly output amounting in value to $150,000, of which fully $100,000 goes back to Alexandria city.
  The plant is in operation day and night and in every month of the year except July and August; 150 men and boys are employed all the time in its operation.
  At present the plant is working up to its full capacity, having increased its output 85 per cent since the year 1907. It is one of the few successful cooperative companies in this section of the country.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) June 12, 1912 (Commercial Progressive Alexandria)
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FIRE DAMAGES GLASS WORKS
    __________________

Alexandria Plant's Loss of $4,000
    Covered by Insurance.
    __________________

Early morning Blaze Started in Store-
  House, Presumably by Spark From
    Passing Locomotive.
    ___________________

WASHINGTON POST BUREAU.
 703 King Street, Alexandria, Va.
  The Paper storehouse and two stock sheds at the Alexandria Glass Works, in the northwestern section of the city, were destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon, and for a while the entire plant was threatened. The damage is estimated at $4,000, and is said to be covered by insurance. The blaze started in the storehouse, where old newspapers, used in packing bottles, were kept, and quickly spread to the stock sheds, where thousands of bottles, ready for shipment, were stored. The fire is supposed to have been started by sparks from a passing locomotive.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) October 17, 1912
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Glass Workers' Strike Ended.

  Differences between the employees of the Alexandria Glass Works and the officials of that concern, which resulted several days ago in a number of the glassblowers walking out, have been adjusted.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) November 5, 1912
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List of Charters and Amendments of
Charters

Granted by the State Corporation Commission and recorded in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth from October 1, 1911, to September 30, 1912, inclusive. 

NAME, LOCATION AND DATE OF RECORD.

Abbey Land Company, Inc., Norfolk, Va., December 22, 1911. 
........
Alexandria Construction Co., Alexandria, Va., October 9, 1911. 
Alexandria Glass Works, Inc., Alexandria, Va. (amended), February 15,1912. 
Alexandria Motorboat Club, Inc. (The), Alexandria, Va., April 24, 1912. 
.......

James, B. O.; Annual Report of the Secretary of the commonwealth to the Governor and General Assembly of Virginia for the year Ending September 30, 1912 (Richmond, Davis Bottom, 1912)
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MISCELLANEOUS WANTED

  TEN cars broken glass either light green or flint
Alexandria Glass Works, Alexandria, Va.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) February 26, 1913
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Charter for Glass Company

    The Alexandria Glass Company has been granted a charter by the State corporation commission, with these officers: J. W. Monroe, president, and Noel Garner, secretary and treasurer. The maximum capital stock is to be $25,000 and the minimum $10,000.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) July 30, 1913
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Enforcement of Labor Laws

The enforcement of labor laws having been made by statute a function of this department, and knowing that from the enforcement rather than the existence of such laws is where the benefit is reaped, special attention has been given this subject; and every infraction, after notice, has been haled into court. There were eighty-two cases tried in the several courts during the year; six for violating the "Child Labor Law"; one for violating the "Fire Escape Law"; sixty-six for violating the "Sanitary Law"; two for violating the law requiring seats for females, and seven for violating the "Ten Hour Law." The following will give the cases tried, and how disposed of or decided.

CHILD LABOR.

Alexandria—

    Alexandria Glass Co. Fined $25.00 and costs.
    Old Dominion Glass Co. Fined $25.00 and costs.
    Virginia Glass Co. Fined $25.00 and costs. Chesterfield county—

Doherty, James B.; Sixteenth Annual Report of the Bureau of Labor and Industrial Statistics for the State of Virginia 1913 (Richmond, Davis Bottom, 1913)
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Fire at Glass Plant

  Fire of unknown origin last night did $200 damage to a building used for the packing of paper at the plant of the Alexandria Glass Company. the loss is covered by insurance. The flames were discovered at 9:30 o'clock, but it was not until 11 o'clock that they were extinguished.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) February 14, 1914
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Glass Works Plant Sold at Auction.

  The plant of the Alexandria Glass Works, which has not been operating for several years, was sold at public auction Tuesday and was purchased by John H. Trimyer for $700, subject to a deed of trust for $4,000.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) September 9, 1915
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  It may have been only a coincidence, but in 1894, only two years afterwards, the Virginia Glass Works were inaugurated at Alexandria, Va., and are now capitalized at $20,000. In the same city, in 1902, the Old Dominion Glass Works were started, and are now capitalized at $60,000; in 1903, in the same city, the Belle Pre Glass Works were started, and are now capitalized at $100,000; and in 1904 or 1905, in the same city the Alexandria Glass Works were started and are now capitalized at $30,000.

Records of the Columbia Historical Society Washington, D. C. Volume 18 (Washington, Columbia Historical Society, 1915)
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Glass factory Reopens Monday.

  Officials of the Old Dominion Glass Company announced yesterday that they had completed plans for reopening the Alexandria glass bottle factory next Monday morning, giving employment to about 50 glassblowers and 150 helpers. The Alexandria glass plant has been inactive for the past eighteen months.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) November 28, 1916
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Glass Plant to Reopen Today.

  The plant of the Alexandria Glass company, now owned by the Old Dominion Glass Company, and for nearly two years idle, will reopen this morning. The Old Dominion plant is working full time officials of the company announced recently that the reopening of the Alexandria plant would give employment to about 50 blowers and 150 helpers.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) December 4, 1916
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Alexandria Company's Loss Is
    Estimated at $75,000.
    __________________

ORIGIN OF FIRE NOT KNOWN
    __________________

Discovered by Watchman in Main
  Building Making Rapid Headway.
  Plant Totally Destroyed Despite
  Efforts of Firemen--Had Been Idle
  Several Days for Lack of Material.
    __________________

WASHINGTON POST BUREAU.
 703 King street, Alexandria, Va.
  Fire of undetermined origin in two hours last night totally destroyed the big plant of the Alexandria Glass company in less than two hours despite the efforts of the entire fire department. 
  The alarm was sounded shortly before 10 o'clock, when a watchman discovered the fire making rapid headway in the southern end of the main building.
  The plant has been inactive for several days because of the inability of the company to secure the necessary ingredients for the manufacture of glass bottles. Officials of the company last night estimated the loss at $75,000, with comparatively little insurance. The destruction of the plant will throw about 75 men and boys out of employment.

    Only Recently Changed Owners

  The Alexandria glass factory, located in First street, between Henry and Fayette streets, after being idle for several years, was purchased by the Old Dominion Glass company, and operations were resumed recently, after extensive improvements had been made. Officials of the Old Dominion company stated last night that the machinery and molds valued at from $30,00 to $40,000 would be a total loss. The firemen succeeded in saving what stock had been stored in the yard.
  The officers of the Old Dominion Glass Company are Lorenzo Wolford, president; George D. Hopkins, secretary and treasurer, and George H. Scharzmann, general manager.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) February 8, 1917
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Belle-Pre Plant Will Employ
    About 150 Alexandrians.
    ____________________

WEEKLY PAYROLL OF $2,000
    ____________________

Burned factory to Be Rebuilt--Gas
  Shortage in West Sends Rush Or-
  ders--Washington's Birthday Cele-
  bration Association Elects Officers.
  Fire in Lunchroom.

WASHINGTON POST BUREAU,
703 King Street, Alexandria, Va.
  Officials of the Old Dominion Glass Company, which owned the plant of the Alexandria Glass Company, destroyed by fire on Wednesday night, announced yesterday that he Belle-Pre factory, a short distance from the Alexandria plant will be placed in operation as soon as necessary repairs and improvements can be made. This may require a month or more, but when the necessary changes in the Belle-Pre factory have been made, employment will be given to about 150 men and boys, representing a weekly payroll of more than $2,000. Failure of the natural gas supply at certain factories in West Virginia, it is stated, has resulted in orders for flasks of every description that were keeping the local plants running full time. It is expected that the factory destroyed on Wednesday night will be rebuilt as soon as the necessary machinery can be secured.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) February 11, 1917
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Glass Plant to Be Reopened.

  The Old Dominion Glass Company will today reopen the plant of the Belle-Pre Glass company, giving employment to about 175 men and boys. The Old Dominion company owned both the Alexandria and Belle-Pre factories when the former was destroyed by fire on February 7. Work was started at once to get the Belle-Pre factory in shape to fill the orders that were being cared for at the Alexandria factory.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) February 28, 1917
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ALEXANDRIA GLASS
  FACTORY BURNED
    ______________

Belle-Pre Works Boiler
  House Destroyed By
    Mysterious Fire.
    ______________

WASHINGTON POST BUREAU.
 703 King street, Alexandria, Va.

  Fire of uncertain origin practically destroyed the boiler house at the Belle-Pre glass factory, in the square bounded by Fayette, Henry, First and Montgomery streets, about 3 o'clock yesterday morning. The fire department succeeded in keeping the flames from communicating to other buildings at the plant. It is said that the loss will be only a few hundred dollars and will not interfere with the operations at the plant. The Belle-Pre factory is owned by the Old Dominion Glass Company, and was only recently reopened to take the place of the Alexandria glass factory, also owned by the Old Dominion company, which was destroyed by fire February 7.

The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.) March 19, 1917
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