Laurens Glass Works

Laurens Glass Works was organized in 1910 by local businessmen who knew nothing about the production of glass but were willing to risk their time and money to provide much needed employment for the community. It later became the first company licensed to manufacture bottles for Coca-Cola. The museum’s display includes raw glass, glass molds, and whimsical pieces made by the workers as well as a large assortment of bottles. Most distinctive among these is a Canada Dry Club Soda bottle specially commission by then Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Intended for a barbeque at LBJ’s ranch during the 1963 campaign stop in Dallas, the assassination of President Kennedy intervened. LBJ was sworn in as President of the United States aboard Air Force One and the bottles, bearing the vice-presidential seal, were ordered destroyed. However, at least one of these historical bottles survived and it can be viewed at the Laurens County Museum.