Description

by Roger and Claudia Hardy, is not only a collector’s catalogue but a history of the Akro Agate Company of Clarksburg, WV. The company was formed in Akron, Ohio by Dr. George T. Rankin, Gilbert C. Marsh and Horace C. Hill. On March 23, 1911, they applied for the “Akro Agate” trademark which was registered in August of the same year. After a couple of years showing success, they decided to purchase a larger building and expand their operation. In late 1914 the company moved to Clarksburg, WV. Much of the success of “Akro Agate” can be attributed to their ability to capitalize on automation and the changing world markets between the two world wars. The original patent enabled “Akro” to mass produce glass marbles cheap enough to corner the world market. “Akro” continued to produce marbles, ashtrays and small containers, children’s dishes, and powder jars until 1946 when cheap plastics and metal toy dishes became cheaper to produce than glass. By 1949 they decided to close and stop production. On April 24, 1951, they had a final auction sale and sold everything. Roger and Claudia Hardy are avid collectors and historians of “Akro Agate”. 135 pgs. Softbound