Preserving Our Glass City Heritage

Edward Drummond Libbey came to Toledo in 1888 from Boston where he and his family owned the New England Glass Company. Mr. Libbey decided to move the company west to take advantage of Toledo’s plentiful natural gas and sand, both important resources for a glass manufacturer – as well as economical building sites and an enthusiastic labor force. Northwest Ohio welcomed Libbey with open arms. In fact, the Blade of August 17, 1888 wrote, “All Toledo welcomes you to the future glass center of the world!” In 1892, after firmly establishing the glass company in Toledo, Libbey changed the name of the business to The Libbey Glass Company.

In 1890, Libbey married Florence Scott and they commissioned architect David L. Stine to design their home that was built at 2008 Scottwood Avenue in 1895. Today, this beautiful shingle and colonial revival style mansion is a major feature of Toledo’s Old West End neighborhood. Once restored, this National Landmark will serve as a unique venue for the Libbey House Foundation to offer receptions on the first floor, an historical interpretation center on the second floor, and third floors.