The Bethany Glassworks was the second glass factory in Wayne County, the first being the Rockville Glassworks near Matamoras, now in Pike County. A group of German glassmakers from Philadelphia led by Christopher Faatz was involved in both operations. The Bethany factory began in 1816 on land in Dyberry Township containing natural ponds and white sand, and by 1820 they had 30 employees. In 1823, the factory was leased by prominent citizens Abisha Woodward and Ephraim Torrey, although the Germans stayed on as workers.

In 1827, James Manning, another prominent citizen of Bethany, took over, with Jacob Faatz as manager. By 1830, that part of Dyberry Township was called Germanville. Through several changes of ownership the Bethany factory continued to produce glass, primarily window panes but other household glassware as well. The Bethany Presbyterian Church still boasts some original window panes. In 1846, Jacob Faatz opened the competitive Tracyville glass factory outside Honesdale (by then the county seat and business hub of the county), and the final blow to the Bethany works was a devastating fire in 1848.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale. The museum and research library are open Friday and Saturday, 10 a. m. to 4 p. m.