Hand Pressed Glass Cup Plate "Millicent Library Fairhaven"

This Historical Reproduction Cup Plate features the inscription "Millicent Library Fairhaven" across the top. In the center is an image of the library.  Millicent Rogers was the daughter of H.H. Rogers, oil tycoon, millionaire and generous benefactor in his home town of Fairhaven, Massachusetts. When she died in 1890 at seventeen years old her grieving family sought an appropriate means of memorializing her short life. The Millicent Library opened in 1893 and continues to function as the town library to the present day.

Measuring 3.5" in diameter, this cup plate was made by hand in the early to mid 1980s, using a glass press and hand carved pressing mold, following the same process used for cup plate production in the 19th century.

1825 - 2025 Bicentennial Celebration: in 2025 the Sandwich Historical Society is celebrating 200 years of glass making in Sandwich, by offering for sale a collection of vintage reproduction cup plates. Proceeds from cup plate sales go directly to fund the special events and services offered as part of our 2025 bi-centennial celebration. We thank you for your support of the Sandwich Historical Society and its Glass Museum! 

Glassmaking in Sandwich, MA, began in 1825 with the establishment of the Sandwich Glass Manufactory by Deming Jarves, a Boston entrepreneur. The factory was reincorporated in 1826 as the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, and manufactured glassware until 1887.  

Cup Plates were commonly used in the early 19th century. Teacups at the time had no handle, so it was the custom to pour hot tea into a saucer for cooling and drink from the saucer. The cup was set aside on a decorative cup plate like this one to prevent soiling the table linens or marring the tabletop.