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History of the Heinz Glass Company - morning session

St. Charles History

The Heinz Cut Glass Company on 13th and Indiana Avenue in St. Charles became one of the largest glass-cutting factories in the Midwest, selling their products throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Learn what cut glass is, how it was made, and why it differs from similar glass. Don Quant of the American Cut Glass Association will share the history of the Heinz Brothers factory in St. Charles. Many pictures of the factory and the glass it produced will be shown, along with stories of the brothers' amazing personal lives. Actual pieces of Heinz Brothers cut glass will be available for viewing. If you have some pieces that were made at the factory, please bring them to show others. REGISTER

Donald E. Quant and his wife Genelle have been members of the American Cut Glass Association (ACGA) since 1999 when they “discovered” cut glass. They raised their two children in Arlington Heights, Illinois, have five grandchildren, and currently live in Palatine, Illinois. They chaired the 2005 ACGA national convention while Don served as president of the local ACGA chapter. Don spent most of his business career manufacturing items for various defense contractors and was drawn to the technical complexities of making brilliant-cut glass. Not only has Don served as a past Director of the ACGA and been a member of several of its committees over the past 25 years, but he also has been a featured speaker at three ACGA national conventions, written many articles in cut glass publications, and recently published a research book covering over 30 Chicago area cut glass companies. 

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