A Glimpse Of Star City's Past

Construction of the first bridge over the Monongahela River in the 1950s.  

Photo shared by James Brown. 

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Star City- Where Our Citizens and Guests Are STARS!

Star City was founded in 1907 and named by Louis Kauffeld, general manager of the Star Glass Company. Kauffeld’s factory was the first lamp chimney producer in West Virginia and made 72 different kinds of lamp chimneys.

In 1911 the Seneca Glass Company, also referred to as Company B, opened and produced hand blown lime tumblers until 1931. Star City began to see an expansion in the early 1900’s and was a community that had many ethnicities represented. Polish and Slovak people migrated to Star City because they were skilled glass workers. Walter Kizinski had a glass factory along the riverfront which became known as the “Polish Factory” because Kizinski hired many Polish employees. This factory specialized in hand blown tableware. Glass production was the primary industry; records indicate there have been as many as 13 glass factories operating at the same time.

During the 1920’s, coal mining became the secondary industry for Star City. Scott’s Run Coal Mine provided employment for many residents in the community. A ferry was used to cross the Monongahela River to get to and from work at the mines until 1951 when the first Star City Bridge was constructed. Star City was home to the largest hotel in the area when the Holiday Inn opened in 1965, and by 1973 I-79 had reached Star City. Today the history of Star City is still preserved. 

Davis & Lynch Glass is the only active factory left in Star City. Davis & Lynch specialize in hand-decorated and hand-painted lamps and parts. Star City is working to deepen its history while enhancing the future. A revitalization of the Riverfront with an emphasis in the rich history of Star City is the perfect combination.

Click the map image below for a full page printable map of Star City