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Imperial Glass
The mission of the National Imperial Glass Collectors Society is to preserve and study the heritage of the Imperial Glass Company Corporation including the design, manufacture, and marketing of its products; to honor the men and women that made it possible; and to interpret the Imperial Glass Company Corporation’s role in the local community, the nation’s industrial history, and in home and family life. The Society maintains a museum to house and exhibit collections of glass and artifacts in furtherance of this mission.
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2026 CONVENTION RECAP
The 2026 National Imperial Glass Collectors’ Society “50th Golden” Convention was held April 30-May 3rd in Bellaire and Saint Clairsville, Ohio. The convention began Thursday afternoon with the Noreen Decker Memorial Ice Cream Social at the Museum. That evening members, new and old, joined together for dinner at the West Texas Steakhouse in Saint Clairsville.
Friday’s activities were held at the beautiful Ebberts Event Center in Saint Clairsville. Doors opened early so members could set up their tablescapes for competition. A total of 10 tables were set up and each was unique and special!
Convention kicked off with the General Membership meeting led by Imperial Board Chairman, Lori Poch. The Nominating Committee presented a full slate of Officers and Board Members. Imperial President, Kathy Turner, commended the Nominating Committee for their hard work as it has been many years since we had a full core of Officers!, The membership also chose Susan Zych Galavich and Chris Gould to sit on the 2027 Nominating Committee. We then had our Former Employees Roundtable and what a lively group they were! Everyone enjoyed their stories and explanations of how glass was made at Imperial. After lunch, we held “Bring and Brag” which was hosted by former Imperial President, Chris Gould. Many members brought unique treasures to share with us! Friday evening we held our Golden Anniversary Banquet catered by Mehlman’s Cafeteria. After dinner our Keynote address was delivered by Tom Felt, the Curator of the American Museum of Glass in West Virginia. Tom’s presentation was on Bicentennial Glass. We were then entertained by the lovely voices of Russ and Holly Croup, who sang several patriotic songs and segwayed us into the presentayion of three Presidential Awards. Chris Gould awarded Fred Ottodon’s Presidential Award and Paul Douglas awarded Presidential Awards to Lois Lindholm and Ed Gustkey. These three recipients have dedicated much of their lives to Imperial and the membership was thrilled to honor them! The evening fun continued with the announcing of the Tablescape Competition winners-all men this year! 3rd place went to Wayne Walker for his Racing themed table, 2nd place went to Scott McGowan for his elegant Candlewick table and 1st place was won by David Ray for his gorgeous Cambridge Caprice Moonlight Blue table! Then we all enjoyed an Auction to benefit the Museum. Our Auctioneer for the event was Chris Gould and his helper was Imperial Treasurer, Michelle Mast. Chris was particularly funny and everyone laughed throughout the auction. The best part was that over $1700.00 was raised for the Imperial Museum Operating Fund!
Saturday began early as members arrived at 7am to set up for our Imperial Glass Sale held at Ebberts Event Center in Saint Clairsville. The weather was chilly outside but the attendance was brisk and lots of glass was sold! Imperial Vice President, Michele Victor also held a designer purse sale and all money raised went to the Imperial Operating Fund. The Sale ended at 3pm. At 5pm doors opened for our evening event- Our Night at The Races. Members came dressed for the Derby-Ladies in hats and Gentleman in outfits and hats! The barbecue dinner began at 6pm and we all watched the Kentucky Derby at 6:57pm. The winners of the silent auction were announced and Lori Poch won for Best Ladies Hat and “Mr Ed” of the Connecticut 6 won for Best Dressed Gent. We then held our own Imperial Derby where members rolled dice and moved Imperial horses down the stretch to the finish line. After several heats Connie Brilla won the Derby!
Sunday we again gathered at the Imperial Museum in Bellaire and members sold glass outside on the lawn. At 3pm convention ended and everyone agreed we all had a wonderful experience!