The Oklahoma Pyrex Swap will be held Saturday, September 28, doors open at 10:15 am
Location: The Briefcase Event Center, 315 W Main Street Henryetta Ok
Free to attend.
$35 to be a vendor.
Henryetta: Author Cynthia Simonds
In recent years, a remarkable resurgence has taken hold in the world of home decor and kitchenware—vintage Pyrex collecting. At the heart of this movement is a deep sense of nostalgia, where memories of family and home are preserved in the colorful, sturdy glassware that has graced kitchens for generations.
The journey often begins with a single, cherished piece. Perhaps it’s a mother downsizing her home, passing down a favorite mixing bowl to her daughter. The daughter remembers the warmth and love in the meals made with that particular bowl. She treasures it, placing it on a shelf where it can be seen but not used, for fear of breaking the precious link to her past. Every glance at the bowl evokes memories of her childhood, standing by her mother’s side, learning the rhythms of cooking and family life.
Then, one day, she stumbles upon a matching piece at a yard sale. It’s the same pattern, the same vibrant colors that adorned her mother’s kitchen, and she can’t resist buying it. That single purchase becomes a gateway to more, as she finds herself seeking out other pieces in the same pattern and expanding her collection to include other designs in complementary colors. Before she knows it, she has a growing collection of vintage Pyrex, each piece carrying a story and serving as a tangible connection to the past.
But the passion for vintage kitchenware extends beyond just Pyrex. Several other companies produced kitchenware con-temporaneous to Pyrex’s early products, including Federal Glass, the Hazel Atlas Company, Fire King, and Anchor Hocking, to name a few. These brands also crafted durable and beautifully designed pieces that have stood the test of time and are now highly sought after by collectors. The allure lies not only in their functionality but also in the charming mid-century graphics and colors that bring a touch of retro elegance to modern homes.
The collecting community has found a vibrant home on social media platforms, where enthusiasts gather much like a modern sewing bee. Inside these online groups, members celebrate their newest finds, mourn over “sad mail” when pieces arrive broken, warn each other against scams, ask questions, sell treasured items, and share creative display ideas. These communities foster connections between people who share a love for vintage kitchenware, allowing them to bond over shared interests and experiences.
Beyond the digital realm, collectors and enthusiasts come together in person at events known as “Pyrex Swaps” held across the country. The term “swap” harkens back to the early days of Pyrex when church potlucks would bring families and their kitchenware together. Dishes were often left behind accidentally, leading to gatherings where ladies would reunite with their lost bowls, exchange pieces to restore matching sets, or trade for preferred sizes and colors, turning a simple mix-up into a fun and rewarding afternoon.
Today, Pyrex Swaps have evolved into bustling events where vendors showcase a wide array of vintage kitchenware, and collectors have the opportunity to purchase rare and coveted pieces. These gatherings are not just about buying and selling; they are celebrations of shared nostalgia and appreciation for quality craftsmanship.
**UPCOMING EVENT: OKLAHOMA PYREX SWAP**
For those interested in joining this thriving community, the Oklahoma Pyrex Swap will be hosted in Henryetta on September 28th at The Briefcase event center, 315 W Main Street Henryetta Ok. Doors open to the public at 10:15 AM, and admission is free for attendees. Vendors can participate for a fee of $35. Being a vendor allows a first peek and opportunity to buy pieces before the public enters. Additional information about the event and how to apply to be a vendor can be found on the Facebook page @Oklahoma_Pyrex_Swap. The event is proudly sponsored by Bee’s Knees Vintage and First Family Credit Union, both located in Henryetta
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey into the world of vintage kitchenware, events like the Oklahoma Pyrex Swap offer a welcoming space to connect with others, share stories, and find that perfect piece to add to your collection. The growing interest in these timeless treasures reflects a collective longing for the warmth and authenticity of bygone eras, as well as a continued appreciation for items that bring beauty and durability into our everyday lives.
The vintage Pyrex collectors movement beautifully illustrates how everyday objects can become vessels of memory and connection, bridging generations and bringing people together through a shared love for the past and its enduring qualities.
Things to know about vintage bakeware and dishes from Cynthia Simonds, owner of Bee’s Knees Vintage, which boasts the deepest selection of vintage and collectable Pyrex in Oklahoma, and organizer of the Oklahoma Pyrex Swap:
Never put it in the dishwasher.
Generally, if a dish was made before modern kitchen appliances like automatic dishwashers or microwaves, it should not be used in them. Automatic dishwashers are too powerful and can ruin Pyrex by removing the outer glaze, which causes the paint to wear off quickly. Additionally, older Pyrex was not designed to be microwave-safe and could potentially explode if used in a microwave. This rule also applies to vintage tableware. Your grandmother’s China should not be used in the dishwasher or the microwave.
Some of it contains lead paint.
Vintage bakeware with exposed paint may contain lead. If your beloved Grandmother’s Pyrex mixing bowl is no longer glossy it is probably smart to use it for display and choose a different bowl for food preparation.
The white interior of a Pyrex bowl is always perfectly safe! Only the paint contained lead AND only a bowl that has lost its glaze, which seals the paint, should be of concern. There is no reason to discard or destroy a well-loved vintage bowl – please DON’T! display it and love it’s memories!
• Don’t stack Pyrex without a protective layer Stacking Pyrex bowls together without a paper towel or some protective layer between them will result in paint scratches and “flea bites”. A flea bite is a chip in the paint from a bonk against something hard.
• Corningware is not Pyrex the kitchen workhorse Corningware is not the same as Pyrex. The Corning Glass company began producing their signature Blue Cornflower kitchenware in 1958 and in fifty years over 750 million pieces of Corningware were sold. Despite their family relationship Corningware does not hold the value that Pyrex does.
Bee’s Knees Vintage is a family-owned vintage and antique store at 408 W. Main Street in Henryetta Ok. Opened in September of 2022 by Cynthia and Nathan Simonds Bee’s Knees Vintage promotes itself as a offering “neato vintage from deco to disco. A honey hold for home décor, collectables, dishes, pottery gifts and unique finds.” The store is open Thursday-Saturday 10:30am-5pm. They offer free delivery to the Tulsa area for buyers who see items on social media they would like to purchase. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts are @beeskneesvintageok.
The store can be contacted at 918-571-4018
For Additional Information
Contact: Cynthia Simonds, Owner
918-571-4018 cynthia@beeskneesvintageok.com
