** This article appeared in The Parkersburg News on Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Signing glassware an annual tradition

By JEFFREY SAULTON

WILLIAMSTOWN - For many the Labor Day holiday is the end of the summer celebrated with family reunions, picnics or one last trip to a favorite vacation spot.

For the past decade, collectors of Fenton Art Glass have been at the company's annual sale, getting new glass pieces signed by members of the Fenton family.

On Monday pieces were signed by Randy Fenton, vice president and treasurer of the 100-year-old business. Fenton said adding signatures has become a popular part of the company's annual sale.

"Over the Labor Day weekend, we have averaged 60 to 70 people getting their pieces signed," he said. "Each of us have signed up to 80 or more pieces in a three-hour shift."

Fenton said some customers have had signatures added to up to eight items at one time.

Jena Blair, tour group coordinator at the factory, said all Fenton pieces except for seconds were eligible to be signed.

Jackie Underwood of Parkersburg was among those having an item signed by Fenton near the end of the day Monday. Her items were two Christmas ornaments for her new grandchildren.

For Carolyn Blansechar of Raleigh, N.C., the annual sale and a signed piece of Fenton glass has been a Labor Day tradition since 1992.

"I got my first piece of Fenton glass for my 21st birthday," she said. "That's what started it. My husband saw it and thought it was something I'd like.

"Now every time we see some we buy it."

Mary Ann Hanes of Akron, Ohio, was having a piece autographed by Fenton to add to her collection of Fenton pieces.

"I've been collecting them for 45 years," she said. "I probably have 50 pieces, most of them were gifts."