Images(6)

Chair, Soda Fountain

Object number2013.71.10

Manufacturer W.B. McLean Manufacturing Company

Date1918-1930

OriginPittsburgh, PA

MediumWood/Metal

Credit LineGift of Alan A. Glaser

DescriptionThree-legged chair with triangular seat. Has a plain open back. Two curved wooden supports underneath the seat to the left and right, with no support underneath the back of the seat.Dimensions29.5 x 15.25 x 14.5 in. (74.9 x 38.7 x 36.8 cm)
MarksPainted text on back of seat "SNUG-seat / W.B MCLEAN. MFG. CO. / PITTSBURGH, PA."
Historical NotesPart of a collection of items related to the Glaser’s Bakery and Ice Cream store on Crafton Boulevard in Crafton, Pennsylvania. Maker's mark on back identifies it as a "Snug-Seat" from the W.B. McLean Manufacturing Company in Pittsburgh, PA. McLean patented it in 1912, making this a WWI era piece, used in soda fountains to help increase seating capacity. Jacob Glaser opened the store around 1903 after he stopped working in his uncle’s bakery in the North Side and moved to Crafton. He built the current (as of 2013) building in the early 1920s. The Glaser’s bakery and ice cream shop was a family business for several generations. They made their own bread and ice cream and also had a cake decorating business. Jacob lived above the store and his son George (and wife Annie) lived in a house the family built right next to the store (recently, as of 2013, torn down). George’s children Art, Charles, Josie, and Elizabeth ran the store after him. Art Glaser (donor Alan’s father) made ice cream in the store, Josie decorated the cakes, and Charles was the baker, both of the brothers would go on deliveries. Elizabeth married and moved away so she did not work long at the store. Charles was also an avid musician who performed in a local orchestra band, his band trunk as well as megaphones, dance card, and song list notebook were also donated. Charles lived above the bakery with his family. The bakery closed in 1981 when Art became sick. All of the siblings encouraged their children to go to college and not enter the family business. Art and Charles were avid tennis players and had a side business stringing tennis rackets and coaching tennis. All of their children went to college on tennis scholarships.

Related person Art Glaser

Related person Jacob Glaser

Related institution Glaser's Bakers and Ice Cream Makers (1903 - 1981)

Related person George Glaser

Related person Annie Glaser

Related person Charles Glaser

Related person Josie Glaser

Related person Elizabeth Glaser

Related person Alan A. Glaser

Subjects