The Mason jar was invented and patented in 1858 by John Mason. Because competitors produced most Mason jars after his patent expired in 1879, John Mason did not become wealthy and died broke in NYC in 1902. It took almost fifty years for John Landis Mason, a New Jersey native, to patent the design that would endure—a glass jar sealed with a threaded zinc cap and jar mouth. The most common US brands of Mason jars are Ball, Kerr, and Golden Harvest.
Mason jars were once used as mouse traps.
The Mason Jar
Meant for preserving food, the glass jar and tin lid has become a Southern essential
585,000 jars and 3 million lids are produced each day at the Ball plant in Muncie, Indiana. Some older Mason jars have a blue color. Using a colored jar can help preserve the food better by keeping less light from entering. Cobalt blue jars are the most sought after by collectors. They are rare and can sell for up to $15k per jar. If you search “Mason jar” on etsy.com, you will find 58,000-plus results.
Featuring: The Mason Jar pg. 17 / Landscape pg. 18 / Etiquette: Poolside Policies pg. 20 / Outdoor: Garden Revival pg. 23
Summer 2019 AZALEAMAG.COM
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