May 2 - On this date in 1903, 1904, 1906, 1936, 1942, 1953, 1964, 1970, 1981, 1987, 1992, 1998, and 2009 (whew!) the Kentucky Derby was run. And since 1938, visitors could take home a collectible, souvenir Kentucky Derby glass.
The Kentucky Derby is the oldest thoroughbred horse race in the United States. Its roots can be traced back to the Lewis and Clark expedition. The grandson of William Clark, Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., visited England and came back to Kentucky all fired up. He founded the Louisville Jockey Club to raise money for a horse racing facility outside the city.
In 1875 the first Kentucky Derby was run. The first winner was a horse called Aristides ridden by jockey Oliver Lewis.
Kentucky Derby Glasses - Collect the Whole Set!
The earliest glasses are the hardest to find today, since they were produced in limited numbers. With World War II looming, glass became scarce. So in 1940 and 1941 the glasses were actually aluminum (making them "aluminums"?) From 1942 through 1944 they were produced from Bakelite. Then in 1945 they were back to glasses again thanks to the defeat of Hitler and Hirohito. In 1946 and 1947 the glasses were blank, which is just weird - because really, what's the point of that? I suppose if you drink enough mint juleps, the logo doesn't matter.
In 1948, the Kentucky Derby glasses were back, logos and all! Since then a new design has come out every year. Right down to today. Kentucky Derby souvenir glasses are made by Libbey Glass, and traditionally hold 12 ounces. The list of Kentucky Derby winners, dating back to the first Kentucky Derby, appeared on the 1954 set of Kentucky Derby souvenir glasses.
Alright, enough trivia. Look at these glasses and watch for them at the rummage sales!
 1976 KENTUCKY DERBY PLASTIC CUP MINT CONDITION much RARER than the glass $6.99 Time Remaining: 1h 27m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 Add to watch list |
 2012 Kentucky Derby Glass Brand New on the Scene!! MINT + Ready to Ship!! $3.75 Time Remaining: 21d 20h 47m Buy It Now for only: $3.75 Add to watch list |
 Kentucky Derby 2010 2 Glasses and 2 Ticket Stubs $14.99 Time Remaining: 3h 13m Add to watch list |
 2012 Kentucky Derby Glass $3.50 Time Remaining: 3h 56m Add to watch list |
 New 2012 Kentucky Derby Glass w/Sticker $3.75 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 26m Buy It Now for only: $3.75 Add to watch list |
 KENTUCKY DERBY GLASS/GLASSES 1975-2011 $149.99 Time Remaining: 9h 52m Buy It Now for only: $164.99 Add to watch list |
 1972 Kentucky Derby Glass/Glasses ( RIVA RIDGE) $24.99 Time Remaining: 9h 53m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Add to watch list |
 1984 Limited Edition Kentucky Derby Glass $4.50 Time Remaining: 27d 12h 11m Buy It Now for only: $4.50 Add to watch list |
 Kentucky Derby Glass/Glasses 1990-1999 $44.99 Time Remaining: 9h 53m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 Add to watch list |
