MARCH 22, 2019, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE A3
KeizerCommunity
KEIZERTIMES.COM
Museum exhibit is
(slightly) radioactive
By ERIC A. HOWALD
Of the Keizertimes
Tammy Wild picked up her interest in col-
ored glass from her in-laws who had colorful
displays in their homes. But, a chance encounter
with information on uranium glass on the inter-
net helped her discover some of her collections’
unique qualities.
“We do not remember how we learned about
the uranium glass. We saw something online and
I started to think, ‘Is that what I have?’” Wild said.
Uranium glass might sound scary, but the
amount of uranium – a radioactive isotope – used
in its production is typically small. What makes
it special is what happens when someone shines
a blacklight over it in a darkened room. It glows
under those conditions.
Fortunately, Wild and her husband had a
blacklight on hand. She pulled out a few of the
pieces in her collection that looked like prime
suspects and discovered that’s precisely what she
had.
Some of her uranium glass and milk glass col-
lection are on display at the Keizer Heritage Mu-
seum in the Keizer Cultural Center through the
end of the month.
Now, Wild seeks out additional pieces at thrift
stores and garage sales.
“My best fi nd was a set of six sherbert bowls
at a Goodwill in Seattle. They were only 25 cents
each,” she said.
The use of uranium glass dates back to at least
79 AD and, while those earliest makers probably
didn’t know their creations could glow, the addi-
tive found naturally in soil brings out yellow and
green hues in glass. Its production largely ceased
after the World War II when the U.S. government
began holding all uranium supplies in reserve as
an asset during the Cold War. It’s still produced,
but in much smaller quantities than before.
Wild’s radioactive collection now includes
bowls, a juicer, and some small- to medium-sized
pitchers.
The other portion of the display is a collec-
A
It’s Cabaret
B
KEIZERTIMES/Eric A. Howald
Tammy Wild’s collection of uranium glass
emits a ghostly green glow under black light.
tion of milk glass, aka ceramic glass, aka the poor
man’s porcelain.
Milk glass originated in 16th century Venice
and came in a variety of colors, but the plain
white version found in the museum are most-
ly from the 1950s and 1960s. Wild’s collection,
mostly inherited from her mother-in-law fea-
tures a variety of sizes and shapes, but a large, and
striking, bowl is the centerpice of the display.
Milk glass tableware was never produced, but
the vases, bowls, dishes and even baskets were
largely decorative or used as serving pieces.
“My favorites tend to be the smaller pieces
because they are so ornate,” Wild said.
C
D
The Whiteaker Middle School
choir program hosted its annual Cab-
aret show in late February. Students
performed medleys from a variety of
Broadway hits.
E
A: Students perform a song
from Mamma Mia!
B: A ragtag group or “or-
phans” from Oliver.
C: More from Oliver.
D: A group of Mamma Mia!
singers.
E: Aiden Heplet-Paro per-
forms a solo from Oliver.
F: Emmie Taylor sings a solo
from Mamma Mia!
Submitted photos
F
The Best Fire
The Cleanest Look
The Largest View
For the most authentic appearance, we turned up the detail.
High defi nition logs. Glowing embers. Brick interior panels. Add a touch
of modern with refl ective black glass interior panels. Witness it all through
virtually invisible, anti-refl ective glass and control it with IntelliFire Touch.
The most intuitive control system that is simple, smart & safe.
STOP BY TODAY & CHECK OUT
The Incredible Savings
on Our Beautiful Fireplaces
True 50” Gas Fireplace with High Defi nition Logs & Herringbone Interior Panels
As an Energy Trust of Oregon trade ally,
we can help you access cash incentives
to make it easier to improve your
home’s energy effi ciency.
1695 Market St NE, Salem
CCB#48630 • 503.364.6339
homefi restove.com
salemgrill.com
SERVICE & INSTALLATION
Wood, Gas, Pellet Fireplaces, Stoves, Inserts