As we prepare to get ready for the Glass City 200 at Toledo Speedway on Saturday September 14th we figured we’d dive more in depth to how Toledo got the name the Glass City.
In the late 1860’s Jesup W. Scott, who owned most of the land that became downtown Toledo wanted to make Toledo ‘The Future Great City of The World.’ With the completion of the Erie Canal and being right in between the railway system from Chicago and New York, Toledo benefited from its geographical location.
It was found that there was a very cheap supply of natural gas which drew in big manufacturers like Libbey Glass. With little hope for success in Massachusetts, Drummond Libbey decided to move Libbey Glass to Toledo. In 1888 Libbey brought his company, machinery, and workers by train to the city. Libbey’s arrival was a cause for celebration. All seemed set for this new venture, and for Toledo’s destiny of greatness to begin.
Michael Owens came to work for Drummond Libbey and together they created the Owens bottle machine. This changed the industry as they could automate glass bottle production. Prior to this everything was hand blown glass.
Together the two then formed Libbey-Owens Sheet Glass Company and began producing glass for automobiles. A merger between them and Ford Plate Glass Company would give them the contract to supply all window glass for automobiles made by General Motors.
So now when you’re on your way to the 36th CorvetteParts.Net Glass City 200 on Saturday September 14th you can explain to your friends and family about how Toledo got the name the Glass City.
