For several years, Barger owned and operated a glass blowing shop at Union Station in Indianapolis. But when the historic landmark closed its shops two years ago, Barger packed up his gear and headed to his hometown of Pendleton. With the help of his wife, Cindy, Barger opened Glass Blowers Gifts here last October. The business is in the Stephenson House on State Street, a Federal-style building that was the first brick structure in the historic town. The husband and wife glass blowing team sells handmade items at their shop, as well as custom neon window signs.
Tours are available for a firsthand look at glass making.
But we have several serious collectors who come in to buy. More than 400 items are on display at Glass Blowers Gifts, with their sales being seasonal. During the summer months, shoppers buy roses and birds, and Christmas ornaments in the winter. When spring arrives, customized wedding cake tops are the biggest demand. The bride wants something very nice to remember her wedding by, and to many, this is it.