Shiny Brite Ornaments: The History of a Holiday Classic
The invention of Retro Shiny Brite Christmas ornaments was a result of World War II. Christmas trees adorned with sparkling glass balls were popular with Americans. Germany and Japan were the major importer of glass ornaments in the 1930's.
American businessman Max Eckart had been importing Christmas tree ornaments into the U.S. from Germany since 1907. World War I took a major toll on his operations, and although he was able to recover, the dawning of World War II made him realize his business would soon be in trouble again. His plan to handle the hardship was brilliant.
Retro Glassblowers from many European countries famed for making high-quality ornaments were in the employ of Corning Glass. Corning held the patent for a type of glassblowing machine used in the manufacture of light bulbs. The "ribbon" glassblowing machine could easily produce an astounding 2,000 bulbs in one minute. With a few alterations, this contraption would could produce glass Christmas tree ornaments instead of lightbulbs. Eckardt saw it's potential at once.
In a year, the company began tests using Christmas ornament forms in various shapes and sizes. Soon after, the U.S.'s main purveyor of ornaments from abroad, Woolworth's, asked that Corning produce over 230,000 glass holiday items for sale in their stores. Woolworth's was also aware that war was inevitable and would have an impact on the availability of glass ornaments, and so were looking for a source within the U.S. In 1939, they began selling the new, American-made ornaments.
By 1940, Retro Corning Glass was producing nearly 300,000 decorations daily, and shipping them to retail stores nationwide. Of all their buyers, Corning sold the most to Max Eckhardt's Shiny Brite.
He made Shiny Brite Christmas balls and decorations throughout the war. Shiny Brite had innovative solutions to problems brought on by rationing. When metal paints and varnish were unavailable, he began banding balls with slim lines in light shades. Glimmering tops made from various metals were replaced by folded hangers made from cardboard and glued in place.