Tuesday, April 14, 2009

SAY GOODBYE TO SYRACUSE CHINA MADE IN THE USA

Last week, production of Syracuse china made in the United States came to an end. Syracuse China dates back to 1871 but has been owned by Libbey Inc. since 1995. The Syracuse brand name will continue, but the dishes will be made overseas.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

So very sad to see this go overseas.
As a china buyer for Macy's Ohio in the early '70's, Syracuse always provided good patterns and reasonable middle of the road daily china. But, that was also the day and age when Lennox or Wedgewood would never be found in a discount shop!!!! Very sad.
Mrs. Sager

Anonymous said...

Appalling. And yes, sad. Chalk up yet another loss for American workers and tradition.
Kristen

Anonymous said...

P.S. I see that Libbey is making glassware in Mexico. They've been making glass in Toledo for over 100 years, but now Mexico is better? Kristen

Anonymous said...

It is always unfortunate when this happens. I will pay more $ for items made in the USA when given a choice between it and China or Taiwan.

Udunnome said...

With all the current mess the US economy is in, unemployment at record rates since the 1929 crash; why have these corporations not yet learned that they are part of the problem?!
This continual practice of shipping American worker's jobs offshore is unconscionable, and in my opinion, should be made illegal.
It will be the downfall of this country.

Anonymous said...

More than sad--another blow to American workers. Plus, I am sure quality will suffer correspondingly. Syracuse China is some of the toughest stuff you could buy. The diner-style wares can even survive a drop into a cast iron pan-- I know. I have done it.

Their exhaustive collection of their patterns is being broken up among different Syracuse repositories, which will make life harder for the collector.

Vintage Vinny said...

Another one bites the dust to join the ranks of so many others.
Canada's oldest furniture manufacturer est. 1835, makers of fine solid wood furniture, just closed in Sept 08 due to it's inability to compete with the garbage chip-board we import from overseas.
What a sad state of affairs we have created.
VV

Anonymous said...

Probably another example of corporate greed. Gee -did some CEO figure out he (she) could bring in another million or so a year by shipping business overseas? Welcome to America.b

Anonymous said...

It's too bad they don't understand that I, at least will not eat off dinnerware made else-where. You do not know if it has high levels of lead or other toxins in it. I went out and spent extra on Fiesta Made in America!

Kathie T said...

Libbey must be from Lebanon -- they certainly aren't true blue Americans. Starting with their dismantling of Imperial Glass in the late 80s, I have nothing but disdain for them!

Anonymous said...

As a proud owner of Syracuse China's Bridal Rose pattern I was deeply saddened when Libby decided to end the "fine" china production and now even more saddened that they would even consider sending the production out of the USA. Growing up in Syracuse, this was one of the major companies in the city. My "good" china for my "hope" chest started because my Mother could go to the factory store and bring home a plate of a pattern she liked and then find out if I liked it. I had the start of my set by the time I was 8 years old and my parents completed it for my college graduation. I never let anyone else wash those dishes for fear that they will get broken and I won't be able to replace them.

Anonymous said...

Some Americans would sell their soul for a buck, and poison the rest that are stupid enough to buy the China products. When will Americans learn that sooner or later you have to pay the piper. I try to buy all American products if possible or do without. My kids need jobs, don't yours?

Anonymous said...

There seems to be no loyalty among Americans. There are few who even value antiques as it is a disposable society that we live in. Parents need to teach their children the values of history and heritage. It's not just the loss of jobs, money, it's the loss of a culture's handiwork. There are very few who pass down the traditions within their family. I dread the thought of America in 40 years. Hopefully the time that I've taken to teach my son how to sew a button, the history of the antiques that I was able to salvage from the dumpster at my Grandparents home, and the value of his ancestory will make him a better man some day. I hope you all take the time to do the same for the young ones in your life.

Anonymous said...

I chose a Syracuse china pattern "Sonata" in 1966 when I was married. When they stopped manufacturing fine china in 1969 or 1970, I hadn't yet completed my set, and I had to resort to pattern matching companies and antique shops to continue building my pattern. It was my introduction into collecting, but far from the only pattern of china, glassware, or silver I've searched for over the years. I still get compliments on my now-service for 12 more than 40 years later. I am not altogether sorry that I've taken the path of collecting what I want because of this company. Their loss, my gain!!

Barbara