Dorflinger Glass: White Mills Legacy Lives On

One of the more unique attractions in Wayne County is the Dorflinger Glass Museum, situated in a lovely rural setting in White Mills, just a few minutes from Hawley. I used to drive past the sanctuary on a daily basis when traveling to work in Honesdale. Long Ridge Road is an especially pretty drive, but the Sanctuary stands out with historical charm and beauty.

Located on the grounds of the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, the Dorflinger Glass Museum houses the largest collection of Dorflinger glass in the United States.

Christian Dorflinger was born in France in 1828. Apprenticed at the age of ten, he learned the art of glassmaking. Later, he emigrated to America with his family and ended up working in a glass factory in New Jersey. He later created a special glass chimney for kerosene lamps, and upon its success, he started his own company - The Long Island Flint Glass Works. He eventually delved into the field of cut and engraved glass, for which he is now remembered.

By 1862, Christian Dorflinger had purchased a 300 acre farm in Wayne County, PA where he began yet another glassworks, which boosted the activity considerably in the tiny village along the Lackawaxen River we know as White Mills. The factory can still be seen today when traveling on Route 6 through White Mills.

The excellence of Dorflinger's craft has made Dorflinger Glass a valuable collector's item. Tableware sets were created for eight Presidents of the United States. My mom guarded her Dorflinger piece like a tiger. Examples of his glassware can be found in The Smithsonian, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Corning Glass Museum.

Even though the Dorflinger operation was eventually forced to close in 1921 (mostly due to World War I causing difficulties with acquiring raw material from Germany), the legacy lives on and is available for all to enjoy at the Dorflinger Glass Museum.

The Dorflinger Glass Museum will open for the 2007 season on Wednesday, May 2.

Dorflinger Museum Hours and Admission

Savoy pattern kerosene banquet lamp made by C. Dorflinger and Sons glassworks - but one of the beautiful items on display at the Museum.

Wildflower Music Festival - there is nothing like experiencing good music in such a beautiful outdoor setting.

Christian Dorflinger Article - New York Times

Wayne County: Dorflinger Glass , ©Copyright 2007 by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.