Harry Thompson at Pilgrim

There are so many unnamed Blenko and other West Virginia Craftsmen, a goal of the Blenko Project http://www.blenkoproject.org/ is to photograph and oral history as many workers as possible. Harry Thompson was a superior glass worker. He worked at Blenko Glass. We are beginning to learn about Harry, as we do we are sharing his story with you - - we hope to have Harry's photos and story on the website before the end of summer. Note: If you or a family member worked for Blenko or another W.Va Glass Company and you want to be a part of the Blenko Project http://www.blenkoproject.org/ please send an email to theblenkoproject@aol.com . Thanks HJH

Hillary, In the late 50s a man in a 3pc suit knocked on our door one evening and wanted to talk to dad, Harry Thompson. When he left i asked who died, Dad laughed and said it was a big wheel from Pilgrim Glass wanting me to go to work for him. Harry Work for Pilgrim for two weeks during shutdown at Blenko but the increase in pay wasn't enough to make up fore the long drive from Milton to the west end of Huntington before I64 was built. Here is a 30 inch peace from the Masterworks collection of Pilgrim, the blue peace next to it is a signed Kelsy Murphy peace. Two Pilgrim lamps and rolling pin.

Thanks Larry T.