Clayton Lunsford - Blenko The People

For me the 'best' thing about BLENKO GLASS has always been the 'people' who work there. The ladies in the office, the gift shop, and the wonderful men in the shops.When I see a piece of BLENKO GLASS while I admire the color, style, and beauty - I also think - who was the chemist, signer, the blower, what team worked on this item.

BLENKO - The People is our attempt to allow you to learn about the men and women who are a part of BLENKO, past and present.

Richard Blenko, CEO and 4th Generation BLENKO, graciously contributed this Memorial commemoration of Clayton Lunsford.Clayton Lunsford came to work at blenko around 1939 and went to WWII; several Blenko employees lost their lives during the war but Clayton came back to Blenko to work post War. He was about 5' 9 inches tall and weighed about 150 lbs and very well groomed. He was an extremely talented glass finisher and in spite of some health problems late in his career, continued tot be a fine glass blower. . He was of that class of individual who was always on time, at work and performing well day after day for 40 years. Most people do not realize how demanding it is to work in the heat of a glass factory. Clayton was always smiling and like those pre and just post war employees, very intelligent and had a great work ethic, that is impossible to find these days. I always remember he dressed well, had an air of cologne and was telling stories. He was in that group of employees that Blenko built their reputation on finely made glass and easy to work with in a demanding environment.He was master of blown Williamsburg stemware. He tirelessly waited for his wife, Mildred our office manager every day and every day for many years I spoke with him on the shop floor. He had two sons that I knew growing up in Milton and like their father, fine people. It is important that we remember these fine West Virginia craftsman and not forget them or forget their great skills. Their greatest legacy is that of fine people.

*Photo graciously provided by www.blenkocollectors.com