In the 1890s, there was a thriving glass-bead making industry in the region now known as the Czech Republic. Artisans worked in their homes crafting ornaments using beads and hollow glass tubing strung on wire. They used beads of different sizes, shapes, and colors to construct complex geometric designs and other shapes, like baskets and chandeliers. These Czech-made ornaments made their way to American stores, where shoppers could buy them, usually individually, to adorn their Christmas trees. At the time, mixing store-bought items with handmade tree trims was common. The beaded ornaments shown here belonged to Youngstown’s McIntire family. Gift of Maureen Creager, 85.11.160