The Houghtons of Corning, New York
Five Generations of Brilliance
by
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On August 28, 1918, the Corning Evening Leader wrote about Alanson B. Houghton, son of Amory Houghton Jr, and grandfather of Amo and Jamie Houghton: “Characterized by ceaseless activity and successful accomplishment along many lines of endeavor, the career of Alanson B. Houghton…is one of striking interest. It is the story of a man who has been a leader in thought and action, a leader of men---the story of a life devoted to the up-building of a great business, to the service of his fellow man, and to the state and nation.”
What kind of person was this giant among industrialists, legislators and diplomats? When Alanson Houghton was first appointed as Ambassador to Germany, the men and women of the Corning Glass Works planned a grand celebration to show their leader how happy and proud for him they all were. Two veteran Corning Glass Works employees appeared at Alanson Bigelow Houghton’s office door. One of the employees asked, “We don’t know exactly what to call you, Mr. Ambassador?” Houghton smiled and said, “Call me Alan, just as you have since we were boys.”
The first decade of the twentieth century saw the western world fight the first war in history to be called a world war, World War I. It was an especially horrible war using for the first time trench warfare and all its horrors, including, worst of all, the use of poisonous gases by both sides. Then in the next decade the western world tried to repair its war losses while facing political and economic challenges never before experienced. In Corning, New York, Arthur A. and Alanson B. Houghton, Amory Houghton Jr.’s sons, will lead the efforts to bring the company, the community, and the country into the twentieth century.
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About the Book
The Houghton family brought the Industrial Revolution to Corning, New York, with a hot-glass factory and his friend’s cut-glass industry.
Although his friend’s cut-glass industry failed during the first half of the 1900s, the Houghtons built the hot-glass factory into a Fortune 500 company over five generations.
Thomas P. Dimitroff traces the history of the Houghton family, glass making in the United States, and life in Corning, New York, in this scholarly book.
With the cooperation of Corning Inc. and Houghton family members, the author shares a trove of photographs and draws on his extensive research to give a rich portrayal of the city and the family that played a critical role in its development.
The story begins in1635 when John and Ralph Houghton arrived in America from England and takes a decisive turn with the birth of Amory in 1813, who wasn’t satisfied being a New England farmer. Deep inside, he was an entrepreneur – although he struggled in his early attempts.
Discover the rich history of Corning Inc., and the amazing family that contributed to life-changing glassmaking developments in America and throughout the world.
About the Author
Thomas P. Dimitroff lives in Corning, New York. He earned a Bachelor of Science in education and a Master of Science in education. He taught in Corning Public Schools for thirty-five years. Dimitroff is a frequent lecturer, was elected to the Steuben County Hall of Fame and was presented the Jefferson Award. He is the co-author of History of the Corning-Painted Area: 200 Years in Painted Post Country and the author of Frederick Carder and Steuben Glass: American Classics. He is married and has a son.