The Original Makers of Burger-Joint Wendy's Lamps; City's Retail-Core: Meet the German Village business that shined a light on the original Wendy’s
February 3, 2022
I recently learned that Franklin Art Glass studios in German Village made lamps for the original Wendy’s. What can you tell me about that, and have any survived? These have to be counted as two of our city’s legendary businesses. And you are right, Franklin did indeed make lamps for Wendy’s.
Some background: Franklin dates from 1924, when Henry Helf started the business Downtown at 214-216 Oak St., coincidentally close to the first Wendy’s site. Franklin Art Glass remains owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Helf family. The firm moved in the early 1960s to 222 E. Sycamore St. and has long been known for its art glass creations.
Sporting Franklin Art Glass lamps (and also strings of colored beads, which those of a certain age will recall), Dave Thomas’ first Wendy’s restaurant opened Nov. 15, 1969, at 257 E. Broad St., where the Catholic Foundation is today. Coburn Morgan, a designer for several other restaurant businesses, worked with Franklin on “plain bottom” and “flower bottom” lamp designs and also a domed design using techniques of the Tiffany studios in New York. The Wasserstrom Co. (started in 1902 and also a family-owned local legend) provided kits, including the lamps, for other Wendy’s restaurants.
As for surviving lamps, there are some around. The Helf family has a few, they turn up occasionally in antique shops, and Franklin still makes miniature versions for Wendy’s. And if you should be so fortunate as to find an old Wendy’s lamp in need of restoration, Franklin Art Glass is ready to help.
Illustration by Joel Kimmel
Some background: Franklin dates from 1924, when Henry Helf started the business Downtown at 214-216 Oak St., coincidentally close to the first Wendy’s site. Franklin Art Glass remains owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Helf family. The firm moved in the early 1960s to 222 E. Sycamore St. and has long been known for its art glass creations.
Sporting Franklin Art Glass lamps (and also strings of colored beads, which those of a certain age will recall), Dave Thomas’ first Wendy’s restaurant opened Nov. 15, 1969, at 257 E. Broad St., where the Catholic Foundation is today. Coburn Morgan, a designer for several other restaurant businesses, worked with Franklin on “plain bottom” and “flower bottom” lamp designs and also a domed design using techniques of the Tiffany studios in New York. The Wasserstrom Co. (started in 1902 and also a family-owned local legend) provided kits, including the lamps, for other Wendy’s restaurants.
As for surviving lamps, there are some around. The Helf family has a few, they turn up occasionally in antique shops, and Franklin still makes miniature versions for Wendy’s. And if you should be so fortunate as to find an old Wendy’s lamp in need of restoration, Franklin Art Glass is ready to help.
Illustration by Joel Kimmel