I thought it would be fun to share some interesting facts about some of the collectibles that everyone (myself included) are so crazy about these days. I always like to know a little of the history that belongs to these pieces as it usually makes them more appealing and intriguing to me. For my first Friday Fact, I chose:
Blue Ball Jars!
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| http://adkjerseygirl.wordpress.com/ I can't help but love these jars in the perfect shade of blue. When the sun hits them just right they sparkle. In the early 1880's the Ball Brothers built a fruit-jar empire. They took over several smaller jar companies and mass produced their jars across the country.  The most common Ball jars known are PERFECT MASON, IDEAL, SURE SEAL, IMPROVED & SPECIAL. But there are countless versions out there. These jars also contain various logos that can help determine their age.  Ball jars come in colors that range from standard clear, aquamarine, and green to less-common amber. Amber jars (pictured above) were made to keep fruit from turning brown. They were meant to keep out harmful effects of light rays. However, their color made it harder to see what fruit was inside the jar, therefore they were not as popular. Since fewer were made in amber, olive green and cornflower blue they are sought after today by Ball jar collectors.  Square jars were made so homemakers could stack jars closer together, thus taking up less space in kitchens or cellars. Once again less were made of this jar, so they are worth more to collectors.  Now this milk glass Ball jar has to be my all time favorite. These are very rare and so pretty.  Today these blue jars aren't used so much for canning,but as vases for the flower of your choice or as candle hurricanes or fill with sand and add some pretty seashells! The ideas are endless.... Have a wonderful weekend!  |
oh i love this post! i love learning a bit more about all of these wonderful creations! the milk glass ball jar is FABULOUS -- i have never seen one before but my heart belongs to the blue ones -- they are just over the top gorgeous!!!! thanks for sharing -- i am feeling a little bit smarter!!! : ) hugs!
ReplyDeleteOh, thanks for that little bit of Ball Jar History....I do LOVE the blue but my Favorite is the White Milk Glass...Now those are just BEAUTIFUL.. : ) Also thank you so much for the kind compliment on my sons Car he made me...I just showed it to him and he thought that was so very nice...Especially after I explained to him who you are...The person who made Pink Elly...Now that REALLY wowed his socks... : )
ReplyDeleteOh YES!!!!! I'm CRAZY about ball jars! I've collected all different kinds. The most rare one have is probably an amethyst one!
ReplyDeleteDid you know that the Ball brothers were creators of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana? That is actually where I went to college!
ReplyDeleteI featured this amazing post in my "weekend wrap up"! Check it out here:
ReplyDeletehttp://dondalees.blogspot.com/2011/08/weekend-wrap-up_28.html
Dondi
I recently bought several blue Ball jars at a yard sale and they are so pretty on the windowsill with roses in them.
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