Op Shop will remain in operation, selling existing stock of historic glass
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A significant piece of Kokomo’s history is fading away. Kokomo Opalescent Glass, a cornerstone of the community’s heritage and tourism appeal has halted operations indefinitely.
In a message relayed on the company’s Facebook page on Sept. 10, KOG ownership explained its closure.
“After 137 years, we have made the extremely tough decision to stop manufacturing glass,” the statement read. “Hand-mixed and hand-poured glass has always been the soul of Kokomo Opalescent Glass since 1888, and coming to this point has been anything but easy.
“Over the years, we’ve faced rising costs, ongoing repairs, and countless challenges. We’ve fought hard to overcome them, determined to keep creating the glass you love. But now we must immediately halt production, and we wanted you to hear it straight from us, not through the grapevine.”
The company disclosed that factory tours have been cancelled, effective immediately. However, the Op Shop — KOG’s retail outlet — will remain open and is unaffected by the factory closure for the time being. The company stressed that the Op Shop’s hours of operation are unchanged, and its normal activities — offering sheet glass and blown glass items, hosting classes, and holding the Ragland Park sales of scrap glass — will continue.
“We also will still be creating custom commissioner pieces and doing repairs,” the company wrote. “While production has stopped, our community and creativity remain alive and well.”
Kokomo Opalescent Glass products can be found literally across the globe. Its unique glass is everywhere from trophy cases in Kokomo to the cathedral windows in Vatican City. The company’s creations are valued, collected, and displayed in towns and cities in the U.S. and abroad.
This legacy doesn’t have to end. According to the company, it is open to new investment and a rebirth of this treasured piece of Kokomo’s history.
“We don’t believe this is the end for KOG,” the company disclosed. “We’re actively searching for a buyer who recognizes the potential here and has the passion and resources to carry on our legacy, just as so many before us have done. We truly hope to return to producing the beautiful, timeless sheet glass you know and love.”
Those customers with outstanding orders are being contacted, and KOG is still accepting orders for existing glass products in stock. The company also intends to hold it final Ragland Glass sale of the year Oct. 12-17 and Nov. 2-7. Customers can frequent the sale and purchase scrap glass for $1 per pound, as well as find discounts on many finished items in stock.
“This is a season of change, not a good-bye,” the company stated. “To everyone who has cheered us on, or shared a kind word, thank you. Your encouragement means the world, and we see you.”
The Op Shop is open Monday through Friday from 12-4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. those seeking to get in touch with KOG are encouraged to email opshop@kog.ocm or call 765-457-1829.