Up: Glassmaking
Reminiscences 59 of 123
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paid the proprietors a bounty on every table of glass made by them. This
was done to counteract the effect of the bounty paid by England on the
exportation of glass from that kingdom. The State bounty had the effect
to encourage the proprietors and sustain their efforts, so that by
perseverance many difficulties were overcome, and a well-earned reputation
supported for the strength and clearness of their glass; a glass superior
to the imported, and well known throughout the United States as
"Boston Window-Glass." This reputation
they steadily sustained, until they made glass in their new works
at South Boston, in the year 1822. Their charter from the State was
highly favorable to the stockholders; among the privileges it granted an
exclusive right to manufacture for fifteen years, and to manufacture glass
without their consent subjected the offender to a fine of five hundred
dollars for each offence. Their capital was exempt from taxation for
five years, and the workmen exempted from military duty.
From the founding of this establishment may be
dated the founding of all the Crown and Cylinder, Window and Flint
Glass-Works in the Atlantic States. Indeed, this may be considered the
fruitful parent tree of the many branches now so widely spread abroad.
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