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Czech Glass in Louisiana |
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Glass, Crystal and China have been manufactured in the Czech Republic for centuries. These products have always been considered among the finest of their kind There are hundreds of websites, both commerical and historical, related to these subjects. A quick search on Yahoo or Google with key words "Czech Glass" etc, will provide those interested more sites than they'll know what to do with.
However, not much is categorized as related to Louisiana. This page sets forth the information I have gathered about Czech glass in Louisiana. |
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Historical Significance |
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The historical significance is that obviously there has been interaction between Louisiana and the Czech lands for more than 150 years. No one, to my knowledge has done any research on which people, families or companies have done this trade. Considering that, particularly with Mardi Gras beads there has been a significant cultural exchange between the two places. But when did Louisiana's find out about Czech glass? Was it when the first Czechs arrived? Or did the French from Europe brign their knowledge and tastes. There is an enormous field of study here that I hope someone would undertake. |
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Mardi Gras Beads |
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Some time in the late 1800's beads began to be thrown from Mardi Gras floats in New Orleans. There are plenty of theories as to why and by whom. But by 1900 the vast majority of these beads were manufactured in Czech lands. After 1918, when the modern Czechoslovakia was founded, the beads thrown were specifically tagged as "Made In Czechoslovakia." After the Nazi's invaded in 1939 the beads disappeared overnight.
I know people who have a few strands. To my knowledge there is no substantial, cataloged collection. The Mardi Gras Museum in Kenner, Louisiana is shockingly devoid of even one example. Since beads were (and are) a mainstay in the Mardi Gras celebration one would think that there would be more attention paid to the provenance of these beads.
I have not seen and have been unable to find any information about what companies manufactured or imported these beads. Anyone with information please contact me at Jim Hlavac -- Louisiana Czech
There are several websites that sell these beads for about $25 to $40 per strand. Feel free to start collecting with the intention of donating them to the Louisiana Czech Museum |
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Beads |
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Modern beads made for crafts and jewelry are still manufactured in the Czech Republic. There are at least one dozen bead - hobby shops in Louisiana that I'm aware of that sell these beads, which are always clearly marked as "Made in Czech Republic." They are considered the finest beads available. |
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Bottles |
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Sometime between 1918 and 1939 companies in Czechoslovakia began to export bottles to Louisiana. These bottles were used by beer brewers, soda bottlers, and other food packagers. Information as to which companies used Czech bottles, and in what quantity is currently unknown. There are however examples in nearly every historical museum in the state. |
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Crystal Glasses & Chandeliers |
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Several hotels and restaurants advertise themselves today as "featuring Czech Crystal Chandeliers" as part of their decor. Several lighting shops sell Czech crystal chandeliers.
According to at least three reports I have read Czech Crystal Chandeliers grace the Louisiana Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge, LA.
I have not seen an inventory of Czech crystal in chandeliers or stemware in the many historic homes of Louisiana, but I have seen tantalizing tidbits of information. |
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China tableware |
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Several hotels and restaurants advertise themselves today as "featuring Czech china" as part of their decor. Several china and antique shop sell Czech china sets
According to at several reports I have read Czech China graces the Louisiana Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge, LA.
I have not seen an inventory of Czech china in the many historic homes of Louisiana, but I have seen tantalizing tidbits of information. |
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Christmas Ornaments |
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Rothko is the current leader in Czech Glass Christmas ornaments, but between 1918 and 1939 Czechoslovakia was a leading exporter of Christmas ornaments fashioned in glass.
In 2001 The Louisiana Czech community put up a 9 foot Christmas Tree covered with Czech ornaments in the Louisiana Department of State's offices in Baton Rouge as part of a collection of trees related to each of the enthic communities in Louisiana. I would hope that it became an annual tradition. |
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