Although marbles are an old toy dating back at least to the time of the Egyptians, serious collecting only began in the late 1970s.  Even at that time there were only a few groups of marbles that were deemed collectible; most being the German handmade marbles from the 1800s.  As these marbles became more expensive, collectors with modest means turned to the colorful marbles produced by the American marble companies of the early to mid 20^th century.   This in turn drove the price of these marbles higher which led to even still more recent marbles from the late 1950s and 60s to become collectible. 

Marbles have been used in just about everything from jewelry to game pieces.  Older stone agates can be found adorning umbrella handles and wax stamps.  Glass marbles were even used as reflectors in road signs. 

Marble collecting is a relatively young collecting field and can be volatile.  Marbles were not meant to be passed down through the generations like pocket watches.  Glass formulas and marble styles changed frequently due to marble companies competing with one another for the child’s eye while material costs escalated.  Original company records are sketchy at best so most of the reliable information we have comes from original packaging, advertising and sales information.   

Marble collecting brings back the nostalgia of playing the game of ringer on a lazy sunny day at the playground.  Before television these games would often last well past twilight.  For those of us who are too young to have actually played marbles, there is a fascination with the endless variety of color and styles in which these little gems can be found.  The attraction that delighted children and persuaded them to keep a bag or jar of marbles tucked away as they moved through their adult years is the same attraction that motivates many collectors today. 

There are a variety of marble collecting categories from the intricate German handmades to the finely crafted contemporary marbles being produced by artisans today.  One of the hottest categories are marbles made by American marble companies.  Peltier, Akro Agate, Master Glass, Christensen and Vitro Agate are just a few of the companies that produced marbles in Illinois, Ohio and West Virginia.  Indiana had its own marble company in Kokomo.  Collectors are also interested in marble related items such as original packaging and advertising, marble tournament medals and pins, postcards, games…the list goes on.  There are marbles and marble related items to fit every taste and pocketbook. 

The Crossroads of America Marble Club will be rolling into Indianapolis, IN on Saturday January 12^th at the Comfort Inn and Suites located just South of the Pyramids (Northwest side of Indy).  Directions – Take Exit 27 (Michigan Rd) from I – 465 and go South on Michigan Rd.  Turn Left at the first stoplight onto DePauw Blvd.  Turn right onto Wesleyan Rd. at the first intersection.  The Comfort Inn and Suites, 9090 Wesleyan Rd, will be on the right.  

Believe it or not, marble shows take place around the country almost every weekend of the year and provide a great experience to learn more about the hobby or about your parent’s and grandparent’s treasured keepsakes.  Our Indiana club sponsors two shows a year: one in September in Kokomo IN, the other in Indy in January.

January 12^th , 2008 Indianapolis Show information:

Show location: Comfort Inn and Suites conference rooms

Show hours:     9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

Room hopping to buy/sell/trade or swap stories:  Thursday and Friday prior to the show.

The Indianapolis show is free and open to the public.  If you are curious about the hobby of marble collecting, we can provide hands on learning or direct you to a number of books, marble information sites on the internet and other resources.  If you have marbles or marble related items and would like to sell them or just learn more about them, you are invited to stop by.  There will be a number of experienced collectors available to help you with your questions.  Who knows?  You may just get hooked on these brilliantly colored little orbs like so many others have.  Many collectors got their start by attending a marble show. 

You can join the Crossroads of America Marble club at the show.  Annual dues are $10.00.

For room reservations contact the Comfort Inn and suites (317) 875-7676

For Marble Show information contact Beth Morris (765) 457 2477 or Mike Adams (317) 873-4975