In 2020, two ribbon machines made in Wellsboro were salvaged from OSRAM's Versailles, Kentucky plant, which was undergoing a closure similar to the one that Wellsboro's plant experienced in 2017. As those attending the 2020 event and obtaining the Guide will learn, these machines are examples of a technology that revolutionized manufacturing of light bulbs (and Christmas balls) of the kind made in Wellsboro. The Growth Resources of Wellsboro Foundation ("GROW") provided temporary funding to spare these machines from being scrapped and lost forever. Members of the community, including former workers at Wellsboro's Glass Plant and those involved in the Christmas on Main Street group, hope to purchase the machines from GROW and locate them in Wellsboro for display to honor the legacy of all who were employed at the Wellsboro Glass Plant over the many years it existed in Wellsboro.
If you would like to help "Christmas on Main Street" preserve Wellsboro's ground-breaking contributions to the history of glass manufacturing, please send your tax-deductible donation to: Wellsboro Foundation (reference “Ribbon Machine” in the check memo) 114 Main Street Wellsboro, PA 16901 Wellsboro Foundation is a 501 C3 organization and questions may be addressed to Julie Henry at julieh@wellsboropa.com or call 570-724-1926.
Do you have personal stories about your family’s history at the Wellsboro Glass plant? Please share them with the Christmas on Main Street Committee: WellsboroGlass@gmail.com