Refrigerators had been around since the 1920s, but by the 60s they were improved with new
technology such as a frost-free freezer compartment. Most refrigerators of the decade had the freezer compartment below the refrigerator, a trend that is gaining popularity again today.
Although technology was making food preparation faster and easier, kitchen design of the 1960s began to reinterpret old-style colonial motifs--and eagles were all the rage. Eagles were featured prominently on two PYREX patterns: Early American and Federal Eagle.
The Launch of Early American
Many items were available including mixing bowls, Cinderella bowls, refrigerator sets, divided dishes, round casserole sets and other bake ware. Many promotional items were also produced, such as Chip and Dip Sets and oval casseroles with brass cradles and walnut handles.
The Early American pattern proved to be very successful. It was one of the longest running of all PYREX patterns, lasting nearly a decade.
Early American Beverage Serving Set (1967)
The solid brown mugs have a gold eagle
encircled in stars. This same design has recently reappeared on turquoise blue mugs with the gold eagle. It is possible that a turquoise beverage serving set was also produced.
Many online auction sites mistakenly refer to the Early American mugs as "Federal Eagle Mugs." Although similar, both the eagle design and mug style are noticeably different.
Federal Eagle Product Line
The mugs had a rounded handle, unlike the the "D-handle" mugs produced for Early American. One Federal Eagle mug was available in beige with a gold eagle and gold band at the bottom while the other style was solid brown with a gold band at the bottom.