Historic, Stained Glass Windows Find New Home at Three Magnets Brewing Co.

olympia stained glass
Bill Hillman, owner of Olympia-based Mansion Glass, restored colored glass dating back to the early 1900s.
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By Margo Greenman

thurston first bankArt takes time to create. But, when made well, art can also withstand the test of time. A thoughtful concept, meticulous detail, and quality materials all contribute to the relevance and longevity of a piece of art, which is why so many of the most important works are also the oldest. Because of this, it comes as no surprise that when Bill Hillman, owner of Olympia-based Mansion Glass, came into possession of several antique, stained glass windows, he was in no rush to find them the perfect home. He knew time would bring the perfect home to the windows.

Our story starts in 2003 during the shutdown of longtime Olympia institution, Olympia Brewing Company. Hillman, a well-known local artist received a phone call one day and was asked if he would like some crates containing pieces of colored glass that were found on the brewery campus at the Schmidt House, the historic home of Olympia Brewing Company founders Leopold and Johanna Schmidt. Hillman said he was intrigued and jumped at the opportunity.

olympia stained glass
Bill Hillman, owner of Olympia-based Mansion Glass, restored colored glass dating back to the early 1900s.

When the old, dusty crates arrived at Hillman’s studio he was excited to unveil a set of five stained glass windows made by Olympia Brewing Company sometime during the early 1900s. The five windows, which were originally installed as a back bar at Seattle’s Merchants’ Café and Saloon, depict a 25- by 4-foot panoramic scene of Mount Rainier, Tumwater Falls, and a sunset over Budd Inlet. “I imagined pioneers of the time drinking beer [and] telling tales, illuminated by the soft, colorful glow of these beautiful windows,” said Hillman.

Hillman knew these windows were special, and, after spending some time rebuilding their lead binding, which would preserve the windows for years to come, Hillman set the colorful, Northwest inspired glass aside and waited.

Eleven years later, Hillman revisited the windows after learning of the opening of a new Olympia brewery, Three Magnets Brewing Co. “When I learned about Three Magnets Brewing Co. being constructed in the former Department of Personnel building alongside Thurston First Bank, I reached out to owners Nate and Sara Reilly,” said Hillman. “The glass windows have been in my studio for 11 years, waiting for the right home and will now proudly be displayed in the Three Magnets Brewing dining room for all to enjoy.”

And Three Magnets owners, Nate and Sara, couldn’t be more excited. Named for the symbolic “three magnets” referenced in Sir Ebenezer Howard’s book “Garden Cities of Tomorrow,” the brewery strives to uphold the idea of a “town-country” city, or a “utopian city that lives harmoniously with nature.”

olympia stained glass
The five stained glass windows, made originally by the Olympia Brewing Company, are now installed at Three Magnets Brewing. The brewpub is located in downtown Olympia, inside the Thurston First Bank building.

“Our community strives for this harmony with urban density,” Nate explained, and the historic stained glass windows are a great reminder of the effort Olympia makes to preserve its many natural surroundings.

“Sara and I are grateful for the opportunity to display the brewery glass refurbished by Mansion Glass. The richness of the colors and history of the windows add to the beauty of Three Magnets Brewing.”

Thurston First Bank, a large supporter of the arts and Olympia’s vibrant downtown, is excited for the installation of the historic windows at neighboring Three Magnets Brewing Co., which is located at the Thurston First Bank Building.

Thurston First Bank’s move downtown was a deliberate effort to become a more integrated and active part of downtown and the arts community. The installation of the historic, stained glass windows is a great example of the culture, art, and sense of community that Thurston First Bank so strongly supports.

Hillman is looking forward to the windows’ new home at Three Magnets Brewery and is excited for the next generation of Northwest pioneers who will be able to enjoy pints and friendship in the warmth of the windows’ colorful glow.

Visit the windows at Three Magnets Brewery Co., located at the Thurston First Bank Building in downtown Olympia at 600 Franklin Street Southeast #105.

 

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