The Pendleton Glass Collection

     Judge Chester Pendleton and his wife, Blanche, began collecting art glass in the 1940s, acquiring pieces during their travels and visits to antique stores. Over three decades, they carefully curated a remarkable collection of 293 glass pieces, representing some of the finest examples of late 19th and early 20th-century art glass.

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     By the early 1970s, the Pendletons estimated their travel expenses at around $8,000, with the cost of the glassware totaling a similar amount. Over time, the collection’s value grew significantly, and in 1971, they generously donated it to the museum, where it was appraised at approximately $25,000.

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     To preserve the integrity of the collection, the glass was installed in the historic Hull-Flater House with newly constructed display cases, designed to replicate the way the pieces were showcased in the Pendletons' home. Each piece was carefully identified and arranged, with outlines marking their designated places to ensure accuracy in the display. You can view these outlines below, offering a glimpse into how the collection was originally exhibited.

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     However, in June 1975, the museum fell victim to a daring burglary—the entire Pendleton Glass Collection was stolen and held for ransom. This shocking crime remains one of the most notorious thefts in the museum’s history.

 

Learn more about this harrowing tale and the fate of the collection in the videos below.