Hobnail Water Pitcher 1887 - 1896

Hobbs, Brockunier and Company created this "Hobnail Water Pitcher" out of glass sometime between 1863 and 1891. Mass-produced glassware like this became a staple in middle-class American homes during the late 19th century, thanks to advances in industrial manufacturing and distribution. The "hobnail" pattern, with its raised bumps, was both decorative and functional, offering a better grip. But let's consider the social context: the rise of consumer culture, the growing middle class, and the availability of affordable, stylish goods. These glassworks were often located in the Ohio River Valley, close to resources like coal for fuel. They were institutions of their time, with a significant workforce. How did the company treat those workers? What were their working conditions? Were there labor disputes? These are the questions that institutional history encourages us to ask. By examining company records, local histories, and even advertisements, we can gain a deeper understanding of this object and its place in American society.