The National Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa (NY)
The National Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa (NY) boasts an enormous collection of old bottles of all kinds from all eras and provides interesting historical and bottle-making information.
Bottle collecting as a hobby had its heyday back in the 1960’s and 70’s. Everyone and his brother travelled the countryside looking for potential “dumps” where a treasure trove of old bottles might be hiding underground.
My father and I were among those dump-diggers and together we amassed quite a collection of old bottles. Needless to say, my passion for bottles drew me to the museum one day, not too long ago.
My father had stopped into the Museum, but I never had. You can find it in a two story brownstone right on the main drag in Ballston Spa (Milton Avenue/Route 50). 
I’ve written about molded and blown molded glass before but had never seen the actual machinery. Now I have a picture in my head of the process.
I guess glass blowers share similarities with trumpet players–their cheeks bulge quite a bit more than than the average persons(!).
Old seltzer bottles can add some real interest and pop to home decor. I’ve only ever owned one–a clear one. The colored seltzers are fabulous.
Any town or city with a mineral spring is likely to have bottled and sold the water at some point. Nearby Saratoga Springs was no exception. My father collects these wonderful, chunky bottles with the distinctive lip.
Almost looks like this shot came directly out of Country Living magazine. All the beautiful apothecaries lined up in a row.
Some more demi-johns. Yes, I’d like to own one someday. Maybe next week-end I’ll find one when I’m out treasure hunting-
If you’re a bottle lover, as I am, then you would surely enjoy a visit to the National Bottle Museum.
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I love old bottles, too, Diana! My dad owned an antique shop in NJ back 100 years ago before I was born (lol) so we always had neat bottles around the house when I was growing up. I'm sure they came from his shop. Enjoyed your post, as always!
A kindred spirit! Sounds like our dad's influenced both of us 🙂
Beautiful displays Diana … so enjoyable. Thanks for sharing them. Love that old metal medicine
Cabinet.
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
Hi Audrey–thanks so much for the visit–glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Awesome place – I'm pinning this on my vacation board.
It's a nice little museum, for sure–
Thanks for sharing, very interesting!
Thanks Monika!
Really neat stuff! I have wanted to go to Ballston Spa since you wrote about it…now I will be sure to visit this museum when I go!
Thanks AnnMarie–so many fun places to visit, so little time!
Hi Diana, This looks FUN! Love that Vintage cabinet and the pretty bottles! Blessings, Cecilia
Thanks for popping in, Cecilia 🙂
I would LOVE to spend a day touring this museum. So interesting! Thanks Diana for sharing at the Vintage Inspiration Party.
This would be a really cool place to visit. I got a laugh at the bottle blowers pictures. Thanks for sharing @ TTF.
I love this post! I collect old glass bottles (specifically blue ones) and those apothecary bottles are to die for! Thanks for sharing.
I LOVE old bottles and just love going to museums. What a great place! I have a collection of bottles in my dining room windows. Love them!
What a fun place to visit. Thank you for sharing and for linking up to the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. xo
Wow, this is awesome! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy