Tiffin's "June Night" Pattern

by Virginia Scott
Rainbow Review Glass Journal - January 1975

The United States Glass Company of Tiffin, Ohio, named "June Night" their most popular pattern for Elizabeth Gordon's survey, "The 15 Most Popular Patterns" (House Beautiful, Dec. 1942).

June Night AdThe advertisement shown here appeared in a 1943 magazine, and is the only one that I have found for the pattern. The ad states that "June Night" is an "exquisitely etched pattern". The motif, described by Ms. Gordon as "romantic traceries of roses", is a delicate, decorative arrangement of flowers and foliage which alternates with a medallion. The pattern was made in a complete table service which, as the ad specifies, was "open stock so that you can replace and add to your collection at any time." The survey illustration shows a goblet, plate and a sugar howl with curved, beaded handles. The bowl of the stemware is a graceful bell-shape and the stem is a classic fluted column. The ad stresses that "June Night" is an "Heirloom Pattern" but that it has "enduring qualities that make it perfect for every day." It is also disclosed that it is "moderately priced ... at your favorite store ... usually $1.25 to $1.50". I would speculate, from the date, the pattern was made in clear crystal only.

The history of the United States Glass Company is complex. In 1891, eighteen glass factories from Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia merged to become the United States Glass Company. A. J. Beatty, & Sons of Tiffin, Ohio, became Factory "R" in the organization. Quality glassware was produced by the hand-method at the "R" plant. During the 1920s, this glassware became known as TIFFINware. Beautiful lines of blown stemware and pressed dinnerware were produced, some elegantly plain while others were skillfully etched or cut. Much color was used, including blue, green, pink, amber, canary, lilac and black. Solid Tiffin Shield US Glass logo colors often had "contrasting trim" and crystal had "color trim". Much of the stemware combined crystal bowls with colored stems. Some pieces were marked with the intertwined letters "U S G Co" (at right) while others had a gold "Tiffin Crest" trademark label (at left).

Many of the plants of United States Glass Company withdrew or failed, but the Tiffin plant has managed to survive through crisis and changes of ownership. Tiffin is now owned by a large conglomerate, the Interpace Corporation. This corporation also owns Franciscan China. Some of the ads of the l970s feature coordinated glassware and china, using the Franciscan name.