Uncle Billy

My father's cousin, William Sydenstricker, was a glass designer. He designed a method for baking two pieces of glass, with a stenciled design (usually flowers) with colored sand. His designs were based on an ancient Egyptian art. For many years William owned & operated a successful gift shop in Brewster, Cape Cod, MA, right on Rt. 6A. In the winter he had a shop in Key West, Florida.
Bill was a great & unforgettable man-- funny, kind, generous, friendly, flamboyant, & easy-going. In the 1970's his store in Brewster was at the height of its popularity. He'd open the store at 10 a.m. and it would be cleaned out of wares by 12. He eventually hired many other apprentices to work in his studio.
Today folks still carry on his legacy. (Bill died in 1994). His gift shop--Sydenstricker Galleries-- is still operating 'down the Cape.'
Below is a couple of pieces I own. Each year Bill would design a Christmas plate, and give my grandmother--"Aunt Lottie"-- a signed plate. From 1970 to 1990 or so, she had all the collection. On each plate, Bill would cleverly hide the year. Below you can see I have 1974.