Museum Monday: Hidden Treasures from Huntington’s Glassmaking Past

This week for #MuseumMonday, we’re uncovering a fascinating piece of Huntington’s industrial history—AVON cologne bottle molds from the 1960s! These molds, produced locally at the Owens-Illinois factory, were used hundreds of times to create novelty cologne bottles, including popular designs like cars and trains. Some collectors kept them sealed, while others displayed the empty bottles on shelves or windowsills, letting the green, brown, and blue glass catch the light. If you look closely, you can even spot the AVON logo on the molds!

For nearly 75 years, Owens-Illinois was a cornerstone of Huntington’s manufacturing industry. Originally built in 1914 by Charles Boldt, the factory first produced liquor bottles but changed hands in 1919 when glass innovator Michael Owens acquired it. Owens’ revolutionary bottle-making machine helped turn the company into an industry giant. Despite thriving for decades, the plant closed in 1993 as plastics overtook glass production. Today, the site has been repurposed as the Huntington Industrial Center, housing businesses like Level 1 Fasteners, which produces hardware for the military and NASA.

Want to see more of Huntington’s rich history? Stop by the museum at 610 W 14th Street during visiting hours, and follow us every Monday for more hidden treasures!