In 1872, Samuel Binswanger opened a small glass shop in Richmond, Virginia. Binswanger’s four sons eventually joined the enterprise and soon Binswanger Glass was providing quality glass products and services to customers throughout the South. Today, Binswanger Glass is a national company and a leader in the design, fabrication, and installation of glass and glass-related products for residential, commercial, or automotive use. From Samuel Binswanger’s original shop, Binswanger Glass has grown to more than 150 locations throughout the United States, providing a network of products and services unrivalled in the industry.
Binswanger Glass was founded in 1872 when Samuel Binswanger opened a small glass store in Richmond, Virginia. The new business thrived in the reconstruction era that followed the Civil War. Soon Samuel’s four sons joined him in business and the company began serving clients throughout the South.
The early 1900s were a time of growth. By 1903, the Richmond office could no longer handle all the business and a branch was opened in Memphis. In 1923, a second branch was opened in Houston.
The 1930s were a time of hardship. The financial crash of 1929 hit the nation hard. Everywhere men were selling apples on street corners, and “brother, can you spare a dime?” was the song of the day. Fortunately, Binswanger Glass was financially strong with the resources to withstand an economic disaster. The company was also committed to taking care of its employees and serving its customers. Although hundreds of thousands of dollars could have been saved by cutting wages, working shorter hours, and laying off employees, Binswanger chose to suffer years of losses rather than sacrifice its employees or lower its customer service standards.
Binswanger Mirror was founded in 1947. The company’s investment in people and customer service paid off. After the Depression, the company began to grow again, and in 1947 Binswanger Mirror was established to meet the increasing demands of a post-war customer base and take advantage of the building boom that followed World War II. In the 1940s, Binswanger Glass sold a full line of glass and mirror products as well as garage doors, mantels, kitchen cabinets, breakfast nooks, and exterior doors. Dealer cost for top quality folding attic stairs was $69! When Binswanger Glass celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1947, there were 13 branches in 15 southern and southwestern states.
The 1950s let the good times roll. By 1955, Binswanger had nearly 1,000 employees and 21 warehouses. The company installed what was thought to be the largest pane of glass ever installed in the Southwest. The glass measured 250 x 122 inches and was used in the expansion of the Titche-Goettinger store in Dallas. Even more astonishing, this amazing feat was accomplished in a cold, driving rain and severe wind storm. In 1958, dealer cost for a Bent E-Z Eye and Solex Safety Plate windshield for a Chevrolet car was $24.15!
