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The closing of the 108 year-old Steuben glass factory, its only production facility and an iconic presence in Corning, NY, marks the end of the luxury glass brand that defined a category and an era.

"It was absolutely perfect glass, something that was revered and respected all over the world," said Jim Bacalles, former Corning mayor and state Assemblyman, in a brand obituary in the Ithaca Journal.

Steuben, founded in 1903 by Frederick Carder and Thomas Hawkes was sold to Corning Glass Works, now known as Corning Inc., in 1918, who maintained ownership until selling to Schottenstein Stores Corp. of Columbus, Ohio, in 2008.

Its heritage is one of "casual luxury": within reach, yet often presented as an elite gift fit for popes, leaders of state and other VIPs. "Presidents of the United States have sent many Steuben pieces to heads of other countries. The queen of England got one from Eisenhower or Truman. It's sad, very sad,” added Fran Gehl, former president of Local 1000 of the American Flint Glass Workers Union.Continue reading...

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