No history of American machine made marbles is complete without the history of Alley Agate Company. Likewise, no collection can be complete without a few specimens of these gorgeous marbles! While we were on the road to Round Top, Texas, we acquired several beautiful Alley marbles to add to our collection. When we got home we decided to expand our research into the Alley factories and the family members who created the Alley legacy.
Did you know that there is a surviving Lawrence E. Alley? Yep! He is the third generation family member (he uses III) with this name; though his grandfather and father used the full moniker, he is called Larry. During his childhood, he was often called Bud or Buddy.
Used by Permission
We read Larry’s book L.E.Alley, Father of West Virginia Swirls” & Maker of Fine Tableware (2013). It Is a tremendous resource for collectors. His book provides historical context and production photos of Alley marbles (good for identification!).
We recommend that you start with his book.https://www.facebook.com/Alley.Agate/
There is also a “quick read” about the family and the development of the company posted on Larry’s Facebook page . You can order copies of this book here, too.
We had a few personal questions and called Larry Alley in late June.
Why did the Alley Agate Company cease business when there is a third generation to carry on?
Larry: When I was in 3rd grade, my father was diagnosed with ungallant fever [from drinking unpasteurized milk] . For him to recuperate, my family spent most of the winter in Florida. We moved back to St. Marys, but my grandfather developed Parkinson disease and he retired.
After helping out at the marble factory as long as my grandfather was able to work, my dad became a full-time math teacher in St. Marys. So many teachers had been drafted, and there was a great need for more. teachers.
Our glass business was sold to Berry Pink of Marble King. We then moved back to Florida while I was in the 5th grade. I eventually went into the field of electrical engineering.
You certainly carry the name of a legendary marble maker! How has this affected your life?
Larry: Because of name recognition, I became a celebrity among marble collectors. It was this group that urged me to write a history about the Alley Agate Company and my grandfather’s involvement. I had already researched and written my family genealogy, so I took on this larger writing project There was almost no printed information about L.E. senior, and it took me about six months to pull the information together.
And before you ask: No, I did not name my son L.E. Alley IV. Three generations with the same name was confusing enough.
Is there anything that you wish you could add the book?
Larry: There was a time that my father discussed building a new marble operation in the Florida panhandle. He had never told me about this, and I learned about it when I was doing genealogical research
So we say goodbye to Larry, thankful for the wonderful book and what he has shared with marble collectors. Don’t forget to order his book onhttps://www.facebook.com/Alley.Agate/
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