Grace & Byron Rinehart

Grace Ross and Byron Rinehart grew up on adjoining farms in Gilmer County West Virginia. They were married in 1936, and later moved to Charleston, West Virginia where Byron worked and retired from Dupont Corporation. They were married for 57 1/2 years until Byron passed away in 1994. Grace still resides in Charleston.

Byron did not drive or own an automobile until 1953, so their Carnival Glass collecting did not start until the late 1950's. At that time, they joined both ICGA and ACGA as charter members.

In their early years of collecting they met such collectors as O. Joe Olson, Joe & Rose Presnick, Catherine & Wiley Addis, Bud & Betty Heeley, Bill & Carol Richards, Jim & Merle Swartout, the Hostettler's, Bixler's, Schaeffer's, and other people interested in collecting Carnival Glass.

Grace & Byron traveled many miles throughout West Virginia and surrounding states looking for Carnival and, like everyone else, were seeking that rare and unusual find, which they accomplished!

Grace & Byron became members of other clubs and attended and supported the conventions all over the country. The Rineharts thoroughly enjoyed the friendships that they had made over the years. Since Byron's death in 1994, Grace's collecting has been limited but has tried to attend conventions and auctions with family whenever possible. Their collection has received many awards and their convention displays were always among the top displays.

At the time of her auction on November 11, 2011, she had just recently celebrated her 95th birthday on April 3rd with a party by her church in Charleston. (At the time of this Showcase feature, she is an incredible 101 years old!)

She would like to thank everyone for all the years of love and friendship to her and Byron. Grace wished all of your good health and happiness as you continue your search for that rare and unusual piece of Carnival Glass. God bless.