History & Heritage

George Brown & Son Glass Works was started in 1945 by George J. Brown. He was joined by his son, Robert H. Brown, soon after the end of World War II. The Browns' glass business began in a small garage in the backyard of their home on West Orange Street in West York Borough, Pennsylvania. Making glass tabletops for several furniture stores in Red Lion, Pa. was the main focus of the business in the early years. Later, the Browns began doing windshield repairs as well as shower door installations, which were becoming a popular trend with homeowners at that time. During the the late 1950's, the Browns built a new shop, just west of their home, at 1601 West Orange Street. Brown's Glass continues to operate at this location.

In 1964, George Brown passed away. His son, Robert H. Brown, continued to develop and expand the business throughout the 1960's and 1970's. George Brown & Son began doing storefront work during this time, and commercial storefronts now lead the company in sales.

One night, while Robert was working on a Brownie troop project with his twin daughters, he came up with the idea to add the “Brownies” to his company logo. The company is known today as the “Brownies” and proudly displays the logo on all of its vehicles.

In 1979, after finishing college, Robert H. Brown's son, Robert G. Brown, joined the family business full time. To keep up with the growing popularity of all-glass racquetball courts at the time, Bob Brown, Jr. and all of the “Brownies” traveled the country installing the glass courts. George Brown & Son provided this service from as far north as Boston, as far south as Miami, and as far west as Houston.

In 1996, Robert H. Brown passed away and Robert G. Brown (Bob Jr.) inherited leadership of the company, becoming the third generation to continue the success of the family business. In 2003, George Brown & Son shortened its name to Brown's Glass.

In March of 2006, the “Brownies” completed their largest commercial project to date. Located just north of Route 30 at the Fruitville Pike Interchange, the four-story office building's outer shell is primarily made up of glass.  Brown's Glass is also responsible for installing glass in popular locations such as McDonald's restaurants and Rutter's Farm Stores.

Brown's Glass is proud to be family owned and operated for over 60 successful years, and we continue to practice the family traditions of impeccable workmanship, unparalleled professionalism, and superior customer service.