Depression Glass

Depression Glass is defined as inexpensive glass made primarily during the Depression era in many colors and patterns. It was turned out in bulk and sold through smaller stores or given away as promotional or premium items for other products. Depression glass was often packaged in cereal boxes and flour sacks or given as incentive gifts for buying tickets at the local movie theaters or products from gas stations and grocery stores. Merchandise was offered with magazine subscriptions , for buying (or selling) certain amounts of seeds, or in return for amounts of coupons garnered with butter or soap purchases.
On a personal note, my Mother had a complete set of "Iris" depression glass that she completed by going to the movies at the Niles Movie Theater each week. (Yes there used to be a Movie Theater in Niles) .
Here's a picture of some Depression Glass in the shop right now.
The bowl is a beautiful pattern called "Miss America" (don't you love the name?) it was made by the Hocking Glass Co. 1935-1938.
The little Sherbert dish is "Bouquet or Lattice" pattern and was made by the Federal Glass Co. 1933-1940. The little 4" glass is "Flora or Poinsettia" made by the Jeannette Glass Co. 1931-1935. The divided plate is "Cloverleaf" by the Hazel-Atlas Glass Company 1931-1936.

The best reference book on Depression Glass is by Gene Florence who has collected and written about Depression Glass for many years.