Steubenville, OH: Lost Acme Glass Works

(Satellite, it is now mostly brownfield.)

Historic Fort Steuben posted and instagram

🏭 Quick History: Acme Glass Works, Steubenville (c. 1800s–1900s)

One of Steubenville’s major industries, Acme Glass Works was founded by skilled glassmakers (many from Pittsburgh) and operated for decades by the Gill Brothers Company. By the early 1900s, it had grown into one of the largest lamp-chimney factories in the United States.

Acme produced lamp chimneys, globes, reflectors, and early electrical glassware—vital for oil, gas, and early electric lighting. At its peak, the factory turned out hundreds of thousands of chimneys each week, shipping across the U.S. and overseas.

With rail access, nearby fuel sources, and a large skilled workforce, Acme helped make Steubenville a true “Workshop of the World.” The plant employed hundreds and played a major role in the city’s economy and community life.

When electricity made oil and gas lights obsolete, it sounds like they tried to transition to glass insulators.

A study in photo colorization.

PeachRidgeGlass, this webpage has photos of a lot more glass factories

ebay

ebay

The only industrial development was on the south side of the city. The W&LE was by the river and this plant. The railroad that went through the town and over the bridge was the Pennsy.

1904/04 Steubenville Quad @ 62,500