a s s a soc ia g l t i the president’s page o n o a f ... · henry lee willet harold w. cummings...

Joseph E. Flanagan, who led Chicago, Illinois' largest stained glass studio into the twentieth century, was a founding father and the first President of the Stained Glass Association of America (originally called the National Ornamental Glass Manufacturers’ Association), from 1903 to 1906. His first exposure to glass manufacturing was at the New Albany Plate Glass Co. His partnership with William C. Biedenweg formed the glass firm of Flanagan & Biedenweg.www.ebscohost.com

Karl Steward, President of the SGAA from 1907 to 1908 and again in 1913, petitioned the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee in Washington D.C. on behalf of the National Ornamental Glass Manufacturers’ Association to maintain a strong protective duty on stained or painted glass windows… It was stated in the petition that “the strongest argument is presented when you contrast the wages and mode of living in the various European countries with the wages paid in the United States and the American standard of living.”google.com

Ernest W. Smith, one of the founding fathers of the SGAA and its President in 1909, worked with his father at H. J. Smith & Sons, Philadelphia, PA. One ofH. J. Smith & Sons’ commissions was the manufacturing of stained glass panels for Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. The symbols were selected by a Sister of Saint Joseph from H. J. Smith’s publication on liturgical symbols.www.chc.eduBio Index of Historic American Stained Glass Makers

William G. Speier of Philadelphia took over editorship with the third issue of Volume #1 of the Association Magazine ("The Monthly Visitor") following his election as secretary of the Association at its second meeting in Boston in February 1907. The official title became The Ornamental Glass Bulletin. He went on to serve as President of the Association in 1910.www.stainedglass.org

H. H. Jacoby was active in trade association affairs and was among the founders of the National Ornamental Glass Manufacturers’ Association in 1903 at Columbus, Ohio. He served as President from 1911 to 1912. He wrote extensively for the magazine promoting fair pricing and support of the industry and of the association. He was also very involved in the tariff political situation. The SGAA owns and is in the process of archiving the Jacoby Collection.www.tropicalsails.com/jacobyoppliger/

Charles Donaldson, owner of Toledo Plate & Window Glass Co. in Grand Rapids, Michigan, served as President of the SGAA from 1914 to 1915. His tenure as President focused on keeping the tariff question alive and in the forefront of the membership’s concerns as the bitter battle dragged out year after year.Ornamental Glass Bulletin June & August, 1914

Frederick Stymetz Lamb, after studying in Paris, became the head designer and overseer of the shop of skilled craftsmen at the J & R Lamb Studios. He served as President of the New York Glass Workers Association and of the Stained Glass Association of America in 1916.http://www.lambstudios.com/LambStudiosHistory.pdfBio Index of Historic American Stained Glass Makers

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Joseph E. FlanaganKarl StewardE. W. SmithW. G. SpeierH. H. JacobyKarl StewardCharles DonaldsonFrederick LambHenry HuntA. H. RossbachA. J. SchulerD. H. SwintonW. E. FordA. W. KlemmeGeorge MuellerHenry HuntFred OppligerNicola D’AscenzoCharles ConnickWilbur H. BurnhamHenry Lee WilletHarold W. CummingsHarold RambuschOrin SkinnerRupert SchmittGeorge HuntKarl B. LambWilbur H. Burnham, Jr.John D. Weaver, Sr.George D. SpiersJohn A. RiordanE. Crosby WilletOtto C. WinterichStephen BridgesHarold L. HollmanA. W. Klemme, Jr.James HelfPatrick WhiteHelen HickmanJohn KebrleBill LawsGerhard HiemerElizabeth PerryWalter JudsonFlorence WelbornPaul PickelTruett GeorgeGary HelfKirk WeaverJames WhitneyDennis HarmonKaren HendrixAndrew YoungB. Gunar GruenkeJack WhitworthJerome R. DurrSusan Shea

The President’s PageHonoring the Past

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Henry Hunt, who learned the glass craft from his father George Hunt, started the Hunt Studios of Pittsburgh, PA in 1906. The usual work week at that time was 56 to 60 hours. With his own shop, he instituted a 48-hour week and was among the first to adopt the legislated 40-hour week. He served as President of the SGAA from 1917 to 1918 and again in 1926. Hunt Studios is now owned and operated by Nicholas Parrendo.

Adolph H. Rossbach served as President of the SGAA in 1919. His name appears in a transcript of lectures (discussion of “Old and New Leads”) of the 24th National Convention—June 1925 in Pittsburgh, PA. The lectures were printed in the July 1925 issue of “The Stained Glass Bulletin” (now The Stained Glass Quarterly).

A.J. Schuler was educated in Chicago, where he learned the glass trade. He was a founding member of the SGAA in 1903 and served as President from 1920 to 1921. He worked in a gla ss shop as a boy, formed Schuler and Mueller in 1893 with Max M. Mueller, sold his interest in the business in 1910, and then started Schuler Art Glass.

David H. Swinton was born in Canada, apprenticed at age 15, and came to the U.S. at the age of 20. He started Swinton Art Glass Works in Toledo, OH in 1905. Swinton Art Glass Works patented the “Dalite Clip” which was invented to “make the Bracing in Leaded Glass More Rigid and Simplify the Installation” of Stained Glass Windows. D. H. Swinton was President of the SGAA in 1921.

W.E. Ford of Minneapolis, MN, was President of the SGAA in 1922. The Biographical Index compiled by Robert O. Jones provided information about Ford Brothers Glass Company and Ford – McNutt Glass Company, both of Minneapolis, MN. In an article by Dr. Barbara Johnson, she states, “On the ‘Christ with the Children’ painting (on glass) in Raymond, you could faintly read the signature McNutt. That name was synonymous with the Ford Brothers Studio in Minneapolis, Minn., which was famous for their stained glass work.

Albert W. Klemme was the founder of High Point Glass and Decorating Company in High Point, NC. He was born in Cincinnati and apprenticed at age 13 with the Decorative Art Company in that city; he continued with the firm and its successors for 15 years. In 1906, he visited High Point and returned several years later to work for the Standard Mirror Company. His firm, High Point Glass and Decorating Company, was founded in 1912. He served as President of the SGAA in 1923. He later served as Treasurer of the SGAA from 1939 to 1956.

George Mueller, owner of Milwaukee Mirror and Art Glass, served as the President of the SGAA from 1924 to 1925. In the August 1924 (Volume 18, Number 7) issue of “The Ornamental Glass Bulletin” (now known as The Stained Glass Quarterly), he wrote an article entitled “THE LABORER IS WORTHY OF HIS HIRE.”

Bio Index of Historic American Stained Glass MakersThe Bulletin of the Stained Glass Association of America Volume 21 April, 1926 Number 3http://dakotafire.net/newspapers/dr-barbara-johnson-sheds-light-on-stained-glass-in-clark-county/5094/

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Fred Oppliger learned glass painting, worked as a Shop Superintendent, Salesman, and General Manager; then in 1928 he became President of Jacoby Art Glass. He attended his first SGAA convention in 1922, and never missed ameeting from 1922 to 1959. He served as President from 1927 to 1928 and waselected General Secretary in 1930, a position he continued to hold until 1959.

Nicola D’Ascenzo was President of the SGAA from 1929 to 1930. Stained glassartist, muralist, painter, and founder of D’Ascenzo Studios in Philadelphia, he was one of America's foremost designers and manufacturers of stained glass windows. Nicola D’Ascenzo was often credited with helping to revive what was then thought to be a dying craft.

Charles Connick led the rescue of the SGAA magazine (Stained Glass) whenthe SGAA was teetering on the brink of economic oblivion in the midst of thedepression. He appointed a team of part time editors and his own chief associate,Orin E. Skinner, who became sole editor with Volume 28, #4. Connick served as President of the SGAA for seven consecutive years from 1931 to 1937.

Wilbur H. Burnham was elected President of the SGAA for the years 1939,1940, and 1941. During World War II, he lobbied in Washington to obtainsupplies of lead and tin for stained glass artists instead of the cigarette industry,where considerable supplies were directed. Today, the Wilbur H. BurhamStudio’s records are in the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art.

Henry Lee Willet was active in the SGAA for more than 50 years, holding practically every office of the organization during that time. He served as President from 1942 to 1943, during World War II. Henry Lee took over Willet Studios after his father’s death. Under his guidance, the company expanded into a national studio with completed projects in all 50 states and 14 foreign countries.

Harold W. Cummings of San Francisco, California, was owner of the firstAmerican studio to design, fabricate, and install dalle de verre in the year 1954.He was President of the SGAA from 1944 to 1945. Working with Harold Rambusch and Henry Lee Willet, he helped to deal with the Union and the National Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards to achieve one of the finest training programs ever.

Harold W. Rambusch was the son of Danish-born Frode Rambusch, whofounded the family’s famous decorating company in 1898. When Harold washead of the company, it expanded broadly into theater design, and, in 1926,because of his love for stained glass, he added the stained glass department tothe company. As President of the SGAA (1946-1947), he was “loaded withexcellent ideas and the ability and will to carry them through.”

Orin Skinner, along with Wilbur H. Burnham, Sr. and Harold Rambusch,was elected as one of the first three Fellows of the Stained Glass Associationof America. He served as its President from 1948 to 1949. When Charles Connickdied in 1945, Orin Skinner continued the traditions of the Connick Studio and went on to lead it for 41 more years.

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Rupert Schmitt (1950-1951) was very concerned about the “trend of our craft toward commercialism…” and for “paying more attention to higher standards of workmanship and improved ethics in the craft.” Bernard O. Gruenke, who was Rupert Schmitt’s partner, purchased the renowned national art studio (now Conrad Schmitt Studios) from the Schmitt estate, after Rupert’s death in 1951.

George Hunt (1952-1953) sponsored a joint committee for the American Stained Glass Craft, including the SGAA and the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, who were also suffering from unfair tariffs on overseas products. George Hunt, with his brother, Jim, built Hunt Studios into one of Pittsburgh’s premier studios during the boom time for church building.

Karl B. Lamb (1954-1955) was concerned with the “Trade not Aid” program (being fostered by many leading government officials), that was threatening to lower the tariff even more. Lamb said “...our fine craft will be ruined, and ruined soon, by foreign competition unless we have some tariff protection.” Karl B. Lamb was studio owner of J&R Lamb Studios from 1890 to 1969.

Wilbur H. Burnham, Jr. (1956-1957) was concerned that studios and craftsmen were allowing small differences of opinion to keep them from joining the SGAA and assisting in the battle against the unfair tariffs. The Wilbur H. Burnham Studios’ records were donated to the Smithsonian Archives of American Art.

John D. Weaver, Sr. (1958-1959), who had been the first Chairman of the Ethics Committee (Winter, 1940), said, “The Ethics of Policies of our Association are governed by the strength or weakness of the individual members and if we individually can realize that what is beneficial to our craft will also benefit members, we will have taken our first step in putting good Ethics into Practice.” John D. Weaver, Sr., was founder of Pittsburgh Stained Glass Studios.

George D. Spiers (1960-1961) focused on creating a legal definition for stained glass that would satisfy the Bureau of Customs but still reflect the true art of the trade. He worked for Richard Spiers and Sons (his father’s studio), which became Payne-Spiers when they partnered with George Leslie Payne in 1935.

John A. Riordan (1962-1963) According to an article written by Virginia Raguin, “The 1930s… marked the beginning of John A. Riordan’s career.” After graduating high school, he studied architecture at the University of Cincinnati and subsequently earned a business degree at Xavier University. Before returning to Cincinnati, he worked briefly with Charles J. Connick. Upon John’s father’s death, John A. Riordan assumed control of the family business, G. C. Riordan & Co.

E. Crosby Willet (1964-1965) urged every studio to regularly contact newspapers about installations that were being dedicated, in response to the national newspapers that were reporting the stained glass craft “dead in America,” and incorrectly crediting French studios with important work that was actually created by American craftsmen. Crosby became the third-generation President of Willet Studios in 1965.

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Otto C. Winterich (1966-1967) “was very creative in figuring out better ways to do things. A lot of people copied what he did.” -- Crosby Willet, SGAA past president. Otto’s father, John, established John W. Winterich, Inc., in Cleveland, OH in 1913. After John Winterich’s death in 1951, his four sons continued the family’s tradition of “Excellence in Design and Master Craftsmanship.”

Stephen Bridges (1968-1969) worked for the Connick Studio making glass medallions from 1930 to1934; he spent part of 1934 through 1938 at Fort Augustus Abbey in Scotland and then returned to Connick Studio in 1938 and stayed through 1939. In 1948, Stephen Bridges, “a fine stained glass artist with a wonderful command of the English language,” assumed editorship of The Stained Glass Quarterly from Volume 43, #3 through Volume 46, #2.

Harold L. Hollman (1970-1971) became involved in the activities of the SGAA after attending the 1959 convention. He said “John Weaver was president then, and he welcomed me as though I were a lost son. This I shall never forget... Henry Willet and Otto Winterich also took an interest in me and saw to it that I was named to a committee. This gave me the opportunity to appreciate the importance of the Association to the industry.”

A. W. Klemme, Jr. (1972-1973) was elected President of the SGAA at the annual meeting held in June 1972. In his President’s Message (Summer 1972) he stated that “probably the most difficult task is the competition with fellow members and with non-member studios” and ended his message with “Would it not be a better policy to present and sell our work on its own merits rather than capitalize on the mistakes a competitor may have made?”

James Helf (1974-1975) In 1945, James Helf assumed control of Franklin Art Glass after returning home from serving in WWII. When Franklin Art Glass was approached by Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers, who were building their first hamburger stand just a few blocks away at the time, Franklin Art Glass helped to design the hanging lamps which would eventually become synonymous with Wendy’s, and went on to produce more than 45,000 lampshades for them.

Patrick White (1976-1977) In the 1970s, Patrick White worked to exempt stained glass from tightening federal standards for entrance glazing. In an article in the October 8, 1979 Sarasota Journal, he was quoted to say “It’s not a dying art. Stained glass is enjoying a renaissance, particularly in this country.” He had opened his stained glass studio, White & Associates, the previous year. While he was in art school, he had recognized the potential of glass as a medium.

Helen Hickman (1978-1979) In 1978, “HISTORY WAS MADE” at the 75th Anniversary Convention of the SGAA with the election of its first woman president. Helen Hickman was also the first artist designer member to be elected as president. At this conference, the resurgence of interest in the stained glass craft was emphasized by the acceptance of 15 new members into the SGAA.

John Kebrle (1980-1981) became president of the SGAA, taking on the added responsibilities when the position was unexpectedly thrust upon him. His father, John Kebrle Sr., emigrated to the U.S. in 1913, from a family of Czech artists, and established the studio (Kebrle Stained Glass Studio). John Kebrle, Jr. received his BA in Art from SMU. In addition to its other works, the studio designed and fabricated windows for 43 Hard-Rock Cafes around the world.

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Bill Laws (1982-1983) In 1952, Bill Laws settled on stained glass “just by chance,” simply looking for a job and a way to make “an honest living” with his hands. His studio (or “plant”) as he called it, Statesville Stained Glass grew to become one of the largest in the U.S. As SGAA President, he urged greater unity and corporate commitment to the organization’s original and oft-stated purpose to promote the finest development of stained and decorative art glass.

Gerhard Hiemer (1984-1985) apprenticed by his father, 1947-1951; served in the US Army; 1951-1954; attended worldwide stained glass study tours; presided over Hiemer & Company Stained Glass Studio from 1968 to 1997; elected SGAA President for 2 terms; served the NJ State Apprenticeship Cm.; named an SGAA Fellow, 1989. During his SGAA Presidency, the Corning Museum of Glass in New York State, integrated SGAA archival material into their space.

Elizabeth Perry (1986-1987) Perry Stained Glass Studio began in 1971 as a “family” operation.” All members of the Perry family have put in their time at the studio with son Jim continuing to be a major part. In her first President’s Message, Elizabeth Perry cited the SGAA as the “cohesive factor that promotes business relationships, supports our continuing education, and provides a forum to deal with problems and questions that arise in the industry.”

Walter Judson (1988-1989) Walter Judson took over the family-owned Judson Studios in 1975, envisioning the studio as providing an entire eccliasiastical environment. As SGAA President in his final Message to the members “my last chance to have this page of comment all to myself” -- he stated that “the SGAA exists as a vehicle for us to communicate our strengths and receive counsel for our weaknesses, not only with each other, but also with the world.”

Florence Welborn (1990) As the newly elected SGAA President, Florence Welborn stated “...we must make a commitment to excellence and uniqueness... must set standards and offer guidance...must provide outlets for creations that serve to enhance the standing of both our members and this organization. Under the guidance of Florence Welborn and her brother William Davisson, the SGAA Reference and Technical Manual was published by the Stained Glass School.

Paul Pickel (1991-1992) Paul Pickel currently heads Conrad Pickel Studio, Inc., committed to maintaining the highest standards and traditions of the art assuring clients an uncompromising quality of workmanship. In his first SGAA President’s Message, he stated “A major benefit being a member of the SGAA is that it affords one the opportunity to meet with, learn from, and interchange ideas with one’s fellow designers and craftsmen. This alone is worth the price of admission.”

Truett George (1993-1994) When Truett George became SGAA President, the Long Range Planning Committee’s report recommended a re-evaluation and re-organization of membership categories. In Fall, 1994 he announced SGAA sweeping membership changes at it’s annual summer meeting. He said “The changes are significant, long overdue, and intended to make membership more appealing to a broader spectrum of the craft.”

Gary Helf (1995-1996) In 1971, Gary Helf began working for Franklin Art Glass. With the increasing popularity of hobbies in the late 1960s, Franklin Art Glass decided to capitalize on the trend and began to offer stained glass classes, eventually leading to the retail and wholesale business that exists today.

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Kirk Weaver (1997-1998) began managing Pittsburgh Stained Glass Studios for his grandfather, John Weaver, after finishing college in 1983 and is now an owner of this renowned third-generation studio. During his SGAA presidency, many successful programs were implemented and carried out, and a great deal of emphasis was placed on the importance of education and the mission of the Stained Glass Association of America and the Stained Glass School.

James Whitney (1999-2000) After seven years of working at Phillips Stained Glass Studio, Jim Whitney founded Whitney Stained Glass Studio in Cleveland, Ohio. Early in his involvement with the SGAA, he researched the subject of lead safety, arranged filming in his studio, and oversaw the production of the “Lead Safety Video,” available today through the SGAA. He was also instrumental in creating the “Historical Design Catalogs” CD Project for the SGAA.

Dennis Harmon (2001-2002) founded and incorporated Emmanuel Stained Glass Studio, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee, in 1973. During his career, he apprenticed under Richard Millard, Albinas Elskus, and Ludwig Schaffrath. During his presidency of the SGAA, he had a Dream… “The Stained Glass Association of America Headquarters and Museum,” a permanent location dedicated to the history and future of stained glass in America.

Karen Hendrix (2003-2004) Prior to becoming SGAA President, Karen Hendrix served on various committees and on the Board for many years, adding great value to the organization. During the course of her stained glass career, she completed close to 200 projects across the state of Oklahoma and elsewhere. Karen was fun-loving and adventurous, and led several tours for professional stained glass artists to England, Italy, France, and Germany.

Andrew Young (2005-2006) established Pearl River Glass Studio in 1975. His extensive education includes study with Ludwig Schaffrath, H.G. Von Stochausen and the master iconographer Vladislav Andrejev. After 20-plus years of working in stained glass, Andrew Young applied for Accredited Studio Membership in the SGAA and began attending conferences, immediately becoming involved in various committees, then the Executive Board of the organization.

B. Gunar Gruenke (2007-2008), President of the renowned multi-generational Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc. along with his sister Heidi, work together to continue the legacy that their predecessors and ancestors initiated in 1889. In a Spring 2009 SGQ article, it was stated that “The long-lasting partnership of Conrad Schmitt Studios and the SGAA remains sound today as both organizations continue to grow strong and work together, promoting their dedication to excellence in all aspects of their art and inspiration.”

Jack Whitworth (2009-2010) established Whitworth Stained Glass in 1970. Previously, while in the Air Force, he began working in stained glass; he learned from reading books, visiting studios, and receiving advice from many sources. Jack is currently the director of the Stained Glass School and takes pride in helping shape the future of stained glass techniques and procedures through the Stained Glass Association of America and the Stained Glass School.

Jerome R. Durr (2011-2012) changed his career of geological engineering after returning from the military in 1973 and pursued his love of drawing. He studied at Syracuse University, at the same time perfecting his talents in leaded stained glass fabrication in his studio. Jerome Durr served as Director of the Stained Glass School for several years and was instrumental in helping to obtain financing for the property in Raytown, MO.

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