The Mason Jar Bar @ Carver Junk Company

A few months ago, a nice lady stopped into the store while I was working, looking to sell some old mason jars she had in the trunk of her car. Normally, I don't purchase items during store hours, because we're usually too busy with customers. On this rainy day, however, I decided to take a peek at what she called her "purple" mason jars. Folks, they were so cool - more of a black or grey color in person, but I could see how they could also been seen as a light purple tint. Google gave me a quick history lesson: Some purple mason jars are quite dark; these ones are definitely a light hue, but noticeable. I read up on them - it seems jar manufacturers used chemicals to clarify the glass, with the goal of producing crystal-clear jars. Pre-WWI, manufacturers primarily used Manganese Dioxide, which over time, and with exposure to sunlight, turns the glass purple! In some cases, people have intentionally altered the color of jars {and bottles} by exposing them to high levels of radiation.  Around 1915, Germany was the main source of the clarifying chemical manganese, and shipments were cut off during WWI. Manufacturers switched to selenium, which turns a straw/amber/yellow color when exposed to UV rays!  I've found myself a bit addicted to searching/finding antique colored jars now - check out our new Pinterest board: Unique Antique Jars Enter: The Mason Jar Bar @ Carver Junk Company We suddenly found ourselves with dozens of mason jars of all shapes, sizes, and a variety of colors. In addition to the regular old jars, we also have vendors who make mason jar candles, painted mason jars {to use as candy jars, vases, etc}, and we even have mason jar-themed dish towels. We also have this great crate wall that Chad built a couple of months ago, which has just been filled with random, cool, but un-cohesive stuff. And so.....we now have a Mason Bar Jar! In addition to jars, we've filled the crates with mason jar accessories: soap dispenser pumps, flower frogs, oil lamp lids, coin bank lids, and everything you need to create a plug-in or hardwired mason jar pendant lamp! They all attach to regular-size mason jars; you can use them on the antique ones we sell {or you already have at home} or to new, standard-sized jars. We also have a case of new old stock zine & porcelain lids! New old stock means it's old, but has never been opened nor used - and they are amazing! Stop in the Carver store, and check it out! We are open August 19th - 23rd, and then again mid-September for Carver's Steamboat Days celebration & CJC's 3rd anniversary!