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!
 2012 Kentucky Derby Glass Brand New On The Scene!! Mint + Ready To Ship!! $3.25 Time Remaining: 19d 8h 19m Buy It Now for only: $3.25 Add to watch list |
 2012 Kentucky Derby Gold Glass #381 Of 1000 $16.99 Time Remaining: 11h 24m Buy It Now for only: $18.99 Add to watch list |
 1956 Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Glass - 1 Star - 2 Tails $89.99 Time Remaining: 2d 3h 2m |
 Ex Condition!! 1948 Kentucky Derby Souvenier Glass - Clear Bottom $99.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 11h 11m |
 New 2012 Kentucky Derby Glass W/sticker - Illhaveanother! $3.25 Time Remaining: 17d 23h 49m Buy It Now for only: $3.25 Add to watch list |
 2012 Kentucky Derby Gold Glass #97 Coa + Box! New + Mint For Your Collection!! $30.00 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 25m |
 Kentucky Derby Glass 1952 $39.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 10h 17m |
 Great Cond!! 1950 Kentucky Derby Glass Or Tumbler $132.59 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 11h 16m |
 New 2011 Kentucky Derby Glass W/sticker - Ready To Ship $3.75 Time Remaining: 15d 12h 32m Buy It Now for only: $3.75 Add to watch list |
