Hazel Atlas Antique Car Beverage Glasses

"Gay" Glasses: Product Line Of Hazel Atlas, A Division Of Continental Can Company

I was excited to find this set of Hazel Atlas Antique Car beverage glasses still in their box in mint condition. As you can see the box is marked "Gay Glasses" and shipped in a box labeled " Continental Can Company, Inc.

You will find lots of these glasses around, generally considered a flea market or thrift store item ($1-3.00 each). But finding them in their original box add a little special element to the find. Found at JP Finishing Touches in Unionville, CT, these set of four glasses was priced at $15.00 for the set. (He had several sets).

Hazel Atlas Join CCC in Late 1950s

Hazel-Atlas became a subsidiary of Continental Can Company in the later half of the 1950's. The Continental Can Company began in in 1903 and produced metal containers and packaging. During World War II this company helped with the war effort by producing metal aircraft parts.

"In 1940 the company built plants in Canada as well. Continental continued to expand during the following decade through acquisitions, and the company entered the fields of paper and fiber containers, bottle caps, and synthetic resins". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Can_Company

In 1956 CCC acquired Hazel Atlas (the third largest glass container company) .

"Gay" Kitchenwares

As with other kitchen-wares of the times, the term "Gay" was often used. The phrase "Gay" was often used in advertisements. For example Hazel Atlas also produced "Gay Rainbow Milk and Cream Pitchers. which were featured in many magazine ads.

My belief is that after the war, the country was more relaxed and focused on the home. Times were happier and manufacturers used the phrase "gay living" and "gay home" to reflect a more
hopeful and pleasant Postwar mood. I welcome further info from readers.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.