HOME BAKING ARTIFACTS












Preserving baking-related artifacts of the past, is a way to honor and pay tribute to our moms and generations of grandmothers who created the Heart of the Home through their baking and raising families. Supporting the dads in the fields and mills was a time-honored tradition by using the grains that brought greatness to this land, heritage recipes, baking aromas, and love.

~ Welcome! ~

            In speaking about the creation of the National Bread Museum (NBM) for the United States, people generally have no concept of the contents of such a project.  ( At breadculture.net you can click on "Bread Museum Database" to get an idea of those around the world, & download the Atlas - Bread Museums in Europe & Beyond.)  The vision for this museum is for education and personal enjoyment through the preservation of historical-to-some-current artifacts associated with the subject of "bread culture" which primarily covers the theme of Ag/Grain - Milling - Flour - Bread/Baking.                              

            The artifact emphasis is especially on "home baking" to pay tribute to the women who carved out a career in the home while baking to feed the family.  It is also a tribute to the men and women who developed the food-grain agricultural foundation upon which this country was built, and the subsequent home town bakers who filled a niche in local communities.  The bottom line is "baking" and almost all of it "from scratch" . . . healthy & hearty.  And we never want "fading memories" and to forget that it all began in the home, mostly with Mom 😊.  

        The artifacts exhibited in this section represent a few of the thousands of artifacts available (primarily 1850-1999) to establish the museum complex to tell of and preserve our nation's and peoples' bread culture history and heritage.  The following books are the kinds of resources to help those who have that curious nature and want to know how people "know this stuff!"  These books also help to pass on the history of your ancestors' way of life.  And who knows, what goes around may come around, and some day survival might depend on much "make-do" know-how, such as "repairing to keep on using" until the item becomes shreds, or war or death departs.                Remember, every artifact represents someone's loving hands and life.

(c) 1991
(c) 1991
(c) 1993
(c) 1993
(c) 1992, 2000 - Dover
(c) 1992, 2000 - Dover
(c) 1981-1983 Reader's Digest
(c) 1981-1983 Reader's Digest
(c) 1990
(c) 1990
(c) 1984
(c) 1984
(c) 1869, 1994 - Dover Stamping
(c) 1869, 1994 - Dover Stamping
(c) 1961, 2000
(c) 1961, 2000

A Note of Interest:  As the NBM founder, I lived in Germany 1988-91 (right after 6 years in England).  Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in Nov. 1989, many market vendors gleaned tons of flohmarkt items from the former East German & other "behind The Wall," also known as "behind The Iron Curtain," countries.  This became my source for many of the "old world" grain-related and kitchenalia artifacts of our European ancestors, used from the latter 1800s onward through WWII, and probably during much of the Iron Curtain communist era.  Many kitchenalia and household items I  gleaned in the flohmarkts had also been imported into the USA beginning in the late 1800s, but most I have never seen during my life here in the U.S., or in antique malls during the past 30+ years.  The Industrial Revolution also spawned American manufacturers into much kitchenalia manufacturing.  The best resources are Linda Campbell Franklin's two books, 300 Years of Kitchen Collectibles [several editions] & her 
300 Years of Housekeeping Collectibles.  

(c) 1978 - 2nd Edition
(c) 1978 - 2nd Edition
(c) 1991 - 3rd Edition
(c) 1991 - 3rd Edition
(c) 1997 - 4th Edition
(c) 1997 - 4th Edition
(c) 1992 - 1st Edition
(c) 1992 - 1st Edition

Now today, you might have some treasured heritage, baking-related artifacts which you would like to have preserved for the historical record of your family & this country.  If the younger people of your family don't want to "keep" just for the sake of keeping, & you believe a contribution to the historical preservation is of higher value than some money you'd get by selling, please consider this museum/project for its new home.  (It's another reason we need to get an "on the land" museum going asap!)  
Email me at breadmuseum@aol.com -- Donna Kozak, Founder  

A variety of the following were essentials in Grandma's house in the USA in the 18-1900s.  Similarities used today are many times of a "modern" version made with plastic, a "rubberized-type" substance, and/or various other materials.  Those not used today reflect changes in the American life style.   Still, many basic designs of one sort or another continue to be found in the working hands of lives around the world today.  Just remember, if you get to have & to hold a treasure of the past, each historical artifact is an unwritten diary of someone's life.

1. APPLIANCE COMPANIES

Duplex Alcazar Range, Made in Milwaukee (Wisconsin).
Duplex Alcazar Range, Made in Milwaukee (Wisconsin).

2.  BAKING PANS, MOLDS, FORMS ++  (sizes in inches are rounded to the nearest fourth (.25) or half (.5).)

English tart-mincemeat pie pan
English tart-mincemeat pie pan
aluminum cupcake pan 9.5 sq. x 1" - standard size to fit in  English ovens
aluminum cupcake pan 9.5 sq. x 1" - standard size to fit in English ovens
very heavy cast iron
very heavy cast iron
aluminum Ring Mold - 6.5x2.5
aluminum Ring Mold - 6.5x2.5
"Country Baker" Popover Pan 11.5x17
"Country Baker" Popover Pan 11.5x17
Golden Boy pie pan 9"
Golden Boy pie pan 9"
U.S. - yeast bread form
U.S. - yeast bread form
Very Old German
Very Old German
German "Backform" fur Vanillenstangen
German "Backform" fur Vanillenstangen
U.S. - since yr. 2000
U.S. - since yr. 2000
Old - mostly U.S.
Old - mostly U.S.
French Bread Risers (a proofing basket)
French Bread Risers (a proofing basket)
England
England
Old Cast Iron - deep - for popovers?
Old Cast Iron - deep - for popovers?
Very Old German - up to 14" rd.
Very Old German - up to 14" rd.
England - new - 1980s
England - new - 1980s
4.5"x2" tart pan
4.5"x2" tart pan
England - tart pans
England - tart pans
England
England
U.S. - since yr. 2000
U.S. - since yr. 2000
Bought in U.S., but shallow, sloping shape is for English Mincemeat Pastries & Tarts - made since yr. 2000
Bought in U.S., but shallow, sloping shape is for English Mincemeat Pastries & Tarts - made since yr. 2000
aluminum fluted for molded foods
aluminum fluted for molded foods


3.  BASKETS

A crate for 2 levels of baskets for picking strawberries or similar fruit.
A crate for 2 levels of baskets for picking strawberries or similar fruit.
Each wooden basket was considered to be a quart of berries.
Each wooden basket was considered to be a quart of berries.
a collapsible wire basket - open
a collapsible wire basket - open
pulled half-way closed  -  German / European
pulled half-way closed - German / European

4.  BREAD BOXES, KEEPERS, Storage CONTAINERS; Bread & Grain-related BAGS for foods to eat

Old German - Enamelware
Old German - Enamelware
Rotella's Italian Bakery Omaha, Nebraska
Rotella's Italian Bakery Omaha, Nebraska
Old Turkish - Copper Bun Keeper (bought in Izmir, 1986)
Old Turkish - Copper Bun Keeper (bought in Izmir, 1986)

5.  BREADS, EDIBLE - forms of, kinds; COMMERCIAL bakeries & companies

Paul - Paris Bakery & Cafe
Paul - Paris Bakery & Cafe
assorted varieties of bread in a hand-carved, wooden dough trough
assorted varieties of bread in a hand-carved, wooden dough trough
Nat'l Festival of Bread - 2019; Every 2 years, Manhattan, KS (only been online since COVID)
Nat'l Festival of Bread - 2019; Every 2 years, Manhattan, KS (only been online since COVID)
Mexican
Mexican
at Paul - Paris Bakery
at Paul - Paris Bakery
handmade varieties
handmade varieties


6.  BOARDS of all sorts

All these boards are German.
All these boards are German.
large were usually called "noodle" boards
large were usually called "noodle" boards
some boards - so small - 7";  an array of boards
some boards - so small - 7"; an array of boards
made w/that loving touch - The tiny holes were from woodworm.
made w/that loving touch - The tiny holes were from woodworm.
On the Wisconsin farm, we had only one "breadboard" - a pull out from under the countertop, & a smaller, wooden "chopping board" w/a handle.
On the Wisconsin farm, we had only one "breadboard" - a pull out from under the countertop, & a smaller, wooden "chopping board" w/a handle.

7.  BOWLS

German
German
deep cereal bowl - Quaker oats
deep cereal bowl - Quaker oats
1970s - Handmade Bread Dough Bowl for Serving . . .
1970s - Handmade Bread Dough Bowl for Serving . . .
A "handcraft bread dough" recipe was used like clay.
A "handcraft bread dough" recipe was used like clay.
the bottom - For actual use, it was used with a cloth liner.
the bottom - For actual use, it was used with a cloth liner.

One of the non-edible "Basic Dough Recipes" for something like the Bread Dough Bowl above would be:

#1 - 4 cups flour & 2 cups table salt - (Mix in a mixing bowl.)
#2 - 1½ to 1¾ cups cold water - (Add.  Mix well with hands.  Knead till smooth, about 10-15 minutes.  Cover with plastic wrap or keep in a plastic bag.  It's best to use within a few hours.)  
#3 - Place your item(s) on a lightly greased cookie sheet.  If making hanging ornaments, etc., have any holes for attaching ribbon or string made before baking, or insert a hair pin as a hanger (may need to cut off some of the length); etc., etc.
#4 - Bake in a preheated 325 degrees F. oven for an hour (checking every so often); air-dry for a day or so to be rock hard.  If it begins to brown more than your desired color, remove & air-dry for several days.
#5 - Can acrylic paint; can attach separate pieces with glue & let dry overnight; can coat with 4 layers of a floor finish or other choice substance for a clear finish.  (from a Johnson's Wax handcraft brochure, 1970's era) 
#6 - To use for serving, use a liner.

*Note:  The last photo section at the end of this page has a few additional handcraft, "Bread Dough," decorative items.
  


8. · BUTTER CHURNS, MOLDS, STAMPS ++

German "Butter Machine" (churn) cover
German "Butter Machine" (churn) cover
stave churn, cover, & dasher
stave churn, cover, & dasher
<----looking inside this churn on the left
tin churn with "beaters"
tin churn with "beaters"


9.  CAKE & related bakery

traditional 9"x 13" cake pan - enamelware of various edging colors ... mostly used 1800s-1960s (a treasure if you have Grandma's)
traditional 9"x 13" cake pan - enamelware of various edging colors ... mostly used 1800s-1960s (a treasure if you have Grandma's)
traditional 8" or 9" layer pan - You'd have 2-3, minimum.(aluminum)
traditional 8" or 9" layer pan - You'd have 2-3, minimum.(aluminum)
traditional 10" angel food cake pan (aluminum, removeable bottom)
traditional 10" angel food cake pan (aluminum, removeable bottom)
the bottom side of the angel food cake pan on the left
the bottom side of the angel food cake pan on the left
traditional copper-colored ring mold - used for specialty cakes, breads, jellied salads, baked salmon loaf w/creamed vegetables in the center, etc.
traditional copper-colored ring mold - used for specialty cakes, breads, jellied salads, baked salmon loaf w/creamed vegetables in the center, etc.
a cake plate/cover, & pie keeper all in one
a cake plate/cover, & pie keeper all in one
Tupperware layer cake or pie keeper - 1970s or earlier
Tupperware layer cake or pie keeper - 1970s or earlier
Preserving baked goods - first, some pans had sliding covers; then Tupperware (late 1940s) began making containers for various-sized baking pans, especially the 8"x8"/9"x9", & the 9"x13" cake pans, & the single or double round layer cake, or pie (container, left).
Preserving baked goods - first, some pans had sliding covers; then Tupperware (late 1940s) began making containers for various-sized baking pans, especially the 8"x8"/9"x9", & the 9"x13" cake pans, & the single or double round layer cake, or pie (container, left).
a Wilton cake pan set - 1970s
a Wilton cake pan set - 1970s
Wilton's history began in 1929 w/cake decorating.
Wilton's history began in 1929 w/cake decorating.
Star forms - 1950s or earlier.  On the farm, 1950s, "fancy" was sweet bread or cake in the star shape!
Star forms - 1950s or earlier. On the farm, 1950s, "fancy" was sweet bread or cake in the star shape!
egg molds for cake or chocolate, or sugar "peek-a-boo" eggs; & a bunny mold - aluminum
egg molds for cake or chocolate, or sugar "peek-a-boo" eggs; & a bunny mold - aluminum
fluted mold - used for cakes, breads, jellied salads, or desserts (aluminum);  inside-above; bottom-below
fluted mold - used for cakes, breads, jellied salads, or desserts (aluminum); inside-above; bottom-below
traditional jelly/jello mold
traditional jelly/jello mold
3" - 4" forms; All can go in the oven for baking.  Oldest (1950s or earlier) are 2 ring molds on left & spade on right.  Newest - center back:  non-stick.  Back right is traditionally for a cake topped with a fruit or custard filling in the indented center.
3" - 4" forms; All can go in the oven for baking. Oldest (1950s or earlier) are 2 ring molds on left & spade on right. Newest - center back: non-stick. Back right is traditionally for a cake topped with a fruit or custard filling in the indented center.
tarts, molded jellos-salads, "fancy" baked goods
tarts, molded jellos-salads, "fancy" baked goods
mass produced, colored, "Bundt" pan, extremely popular beginning in 1966 with a Pillsbury Bake Off Winner:  Tunnel of Fudge cake
mass produced, colored, "Bundt" pan, extremely popular beginning in 1966 with a Pillsbury Bake Off Winner: Tunnel of Fudge cake
Traditional "American home" French bread form
Traditional "American home" French bread form
Purchased in the 1970s
Purchased in the 1970s
old German enamelware - bought in a German flohmarkt 1989-91
old German enamelware - bought in a German flohmarkt 1989-91
Kugelhopf "graniteware" mold (a sweet yeast bread known by its shape)   -  Pre-WWII
Kugelhopf "graniteware" mold (a sweet yeast bread known by its shape) - Pre-WWII
probably after WWII because of the inside lining - German
probably after WWII because of the inside lining - German
Kugelhopf - pressed design  -  bought in a German flohmarkt 1989-91
Kugelhopf - pressed design - bought in a German flohmarkt 1989-91

There are a lot of tube pans, but there's a difference for most because of their intended purpose; although, many can also be used interchangeably.  Above:  four similar cake pans (or for specific breads) - a baker should know the difference of each.  The 1st 3 are called "tube pans," the middle two specifically "angel food cake pans with the removeable center. #1 tin, #2 aluminum, each with 3 "leg" tabs (on some pans the tabs turn to the side for storage purposes).  #3 has a "non-stick"  surface.  Angel food cakes generally rise above the edge of the pan; therefore, the need for the "legs."  You must turn the cake upside down for the cooling time, so if there are no "legs" (#3), you still must cool it, upside down.  The tube might be taller than the height of the pan, and if the cake top doesn't touch the counter, you can just turn the pan over - resting on the tube.   But otherwise, the tradition is to set the tube over the top of a wine or other thin-necked bottle (something that the tube's hole fits over).  If it's an empty bottle and you're concerned about the top-heavy weight with the cake, you'd fill the bottle with water for heft.  #4 a "spring-form" pan (w/a side clip for loosening/tightening) for various cakes or breads to have a decorative top.   


CAKE UTENSILS:   All the following utensils were for making cake & similar "loose" batters.  Egg Whisks & Whips were different than Egg BeatersThere's a difference among stirring, whipping, beating, blending, folding, mixing "just until . . .," etc. :)

1) a moving company
1) a moving company
2) Swans Down cake flour
2) Swans Down cake flour
3) Germany 1910
3) Germany 1910
4) Frako D.R.G.M.   (D.R.G.M., the German alternative to a patent, used from 1891 -1952)
4) Frako D.R.G.M. (D.R.G.M., the German alternative to a patent, used from 1891 -1952)
1) a cake lifter (an advertising give-away)
1) a cake lifter (an advertising give-away)
2) cake mixing spoons
2) cake mixing spoons
3) cake turners, cast aluminum, Germany 1910
3) cake turners, cast aluminum, Germany 1910


# 2) above left & the handle to the left:  "Swans Down Cake Flour" . . . probably a "premium give-away" or a company offer to get with company coupons on the cake flour bag  


4) cake whips & mixing spoons, Germany DRGM:  1891--1952
4) cake whips & mixing spoons, Germany DRGM: 1891--1952
STRAINS - DRAINS - BEATS - BLENDS - WHIPS - MIXES
STRAINS - DRAINS - BEATS - BLENDS - WHIPS - MIXES

Above & on the right are BATTER BEATERS, & the 2 on the right were also known as EGG WHIPS.

a handmade whisk (L), & a dough whisk (R)
a handmade whisk (L), & a dough whisk (R)

Whisks & Whips.  The handle of the center whisk, above, is below: a wrapped string/cord handle.

Read description above, on the right.
Read description above, on the right.
OMAR WONDER FLOUR premium (an advertising gift free w/purchase).  Whisk is below.
OMAR WONDER FLOUR premium (an advertising gift free w/purchase). Whisk is below.

This grouping is EGG WHIPS or EGG WHISKS - patents from 1890s to 1927.  Some variations might still be made, altho generally the common ballooned-shaped WIRE WHISK (not shown) is preferred by most today.

If you have to use an egg whisk to beat egg whites stiff, lower left, the workout is tremendous!!  It seems to take forever!  To me, the others would even be worse!  Thank the Lord for electric mixer beaters today!

You push down on the handle to make this twirl.
You push down on the handle to make this twirl.


10.  CELEBRATIONS - TRADITIONS - EVENTS - HOLIDAYS

Plum Pudding for an English...
Plum Pudding for an English...
.....Christmas   (handmade pottery, England; 1980s)
.....Christmas (handmade pottery, England; 1980s)
A German Stollen serving board   (bought in a German flohmarkt - 1980s)
A German Stollen serving board (bought in a German flohmarkt - 1980s)
German - tin cookie pan
German - tin cookie pan


11. CLOTH - APRONS, TOWELS, HOT PADS, OVEN MITTS ++

oven mitts, c. 2018-19
oven mitts, c. 2018-19
aprons 1940s-70s
aprons 1940s-70s
Irish Linen Towels - 1980s
Irish Linen Towels - 1980s
Devonshire Cakes & Cream
Devonshire Cakes & Cream
Tin Miners' Pocket Food
Tin Miners' Pocket Food
1967 Wedding Apron/Thank You to church cooks for the wedding celebration sit-down meal served in church hall for about 150.
1967 Wedding Apron/Thank You to church cooks for the wedding celebration sit-down meal served in church hall for about 150.
handmade, double duty half-apron with a pocket and an attached terry cloth hand towel (very utilitarian)
handmade, double duty half-apron with a pocket and an attached terry cloth hand towel (very utilitarian)
Popular at least 1940s - 1970s, hand-embroidered flour sack dish towels for the homemaker's primary tasks for each day of the week.  Poodles & cats were also famous designs.
Popular at least 1940s - 1970s, hand-embroidered flour sack dish towels for the homemaker's primary tasks for each day of the week. Poodles & cats were also famous designs.
M-wash clothes; T-iron; W-mend; Th-F: bake/clean house; S-shop; S-church (day of rest)
M-wash clothes; T-iron; W-mend; Th-F: bake/clean house; S-shop; S-church (day of rest)
the onion-skin paper pattern, in reverse, that's ironed onto the cloth in order to embroider the design
the onion-skin paper pattern, in reverse, that's ironed onto the cloth in order to embroider the design
hand-embroidered, Dutch wooden-shoe-shaped hot pads
hand-embroidered, Dutch wooden-shoe-shaped hot pads
To set in a basket, a very fancy keeper to keep buns/rolls warm at the table. Bought in Brugge, Belgium. (See below.)
To set in a basket, a very fancy keeper to keep buns/rolls warm at the table. Bought in Brugge, Belgium. (See below.)
untied and folded up flat for storage - 1986
untied and folded up flat for storage - 1986

A NOTE OF INTEREST REGARDING WEDDINGS "BACK IN THE DAY" - & related to the apron above at least through the 1970s.  The following still goes on today in the small-towns, rural communities, & with some church communities even in the large metropolitan areas.  Weddings never used to cost thousands of dollars for a hall, catering, etc.  In a community, almost everyone belonged to a local church.  All the women belonged to the Ladies Aid Society or other-named "women's group" which maybe met once a month.  If you lived "out on the farm," this association with the other women in the area was invaluable.

These women carried out the social functions of the parishioners & sometimes their community.  There was a hall (a big community room), attached or in the lower level of the church, with a kitchen, long tables, & chairs.  For all weddings & funerals of families in the church, women would volunteer when they could, but almost all provided a dish for each event.  For our wedding, we paid for the ham & one other meat, plus the wedding cake.  All the rest was donated . . . like a pot luck, for at least 150 people.  And there was so much food left over that it fed around 40 people at the house for supper, & everyone who came back at midnight after the dance . . . & I imagine for the family for some time after we left.  (P.S. All the out-of-pocket expenses were a bit over $400 for our wedding . . . to the dollar of what we received as wedding gift cash.  We turned it over to my parents so then everything was paid for, & Mom & Dad weren't out anything!  It was a fabulous blessing & debt-free.)  


12.  COOKIE-BISCUIT-DONUT CUTTERS & JARS, WOODEN MOLDS or "CAKE BOARDS," PRESSES, STAMPS, etc. (COOKIE CUTTERS:  There are "cookie cutter" clubs & many "collectors," & I'm sure they all have their stories!)  (COOKIE JARS:  The Sweet Shop Restaurant in St. Paul, Nebraska, has over 1500 cookie jars lining the walls!)  

Donut Cutter
Donut Cutter
Rumford Baking Powder
Rumford Baking Powder
Hand-carved, German Lebkuchen  molds; 7" x 20"
Hand-carved, German Lebkuchen molds; 7" x 20"
European Spritz/cookie Presses
European Spritz/cookie Presses
Some round cutters made in Germany / Europe - some from WWII ration cans.
Some round cutters made in Germany / Europe - some from WWII ration cans.
Wood, Clay, Resin Molds for cookies; Gerrman would be Springerle.
Wood, Clay, Resin Molds for cookies; Gerrman would be Springerle.
Dozens of circa WWII & older tin cutters ... most from Germany.
Dozens of circa WWII & older tin cutters ... most from Germany.
A cookie form is screwed on to a handle, dipped 3/4ths of the way into the batter, & then into hot cooking oil (375⁰ F) where it "fries" & usually releases from the mold.  Designs like the shell, triangle, & deep round could then be filled with something if desired - sweet or savory.
A cookie form is screwed on to a handle, dipped 3/4ths of the way into the batter, & then into hot cooking oil (375⁰ F) where it "fries" & usually releases from the mold. Designs like the shell, triangle, & deep round could then be filled with something if desired - sweet or savory.
one style of an American Spritz Press
one style of an American Spritz Press
Italian - another deep-fried pastry case/form
Italian - another deep-fried pastry case/form
hand-poured, ceramic
hand-poured, ceramic
cookie jar - 1971
cookie jar - 1971
cookie / biscuit cutters (left - also for donuts with a removeable center ring for the hole).  In the first half of the 1900s, wooden handles on kitchen utensils were painted various colors.  Today, some collectors have amassed huge numbers of their favorite, specific color - usually green or red. There are also wooden utensil handles in separate or combo blue/white, yellow/black, etc. colors.
cookie / biscuit cutters (left - also for donuts with a removeable center ring for the hole). In the first half of the 1900s, wooden handles on kitchen utensils were painted various colors. Today, some collectors have amassed huge numbers of their favorite, specific color - usually green or red. There are also wooden utensil handles in separate or combo blue/white, yellow/black, etc. colors.

13.  CROCKS and Containers, Cupboards, Furniture 

English Crock
English Crock
Cooking Grains & Spice Crocks for kitchen storage - around mid-1800s
Cooking Grains & Spice Crocks for kitchen storage - around mid-1800s
English Biscuit Barrel (very small as a cookie jar!  4.5" x 6")
English Biscuit Barrel (very small as a cookie jar! 4.5" x 6")
Turned Oak Bucket (5"x5")
Turned Oak Bucket (5"x5")
Brass Cover; Each has a Porcelain Jar Liner.
Brass Cover; Each has a Porcelain Jar Liner.

14. DISHES - All Composites to Promote Bread Culture:  brass, ceramic, China, copper, cream ware, crockery, glass, pewter, pottery, stoneware, aluminum, tin

modern, c. 2000-18
modern, c. 2000-18
English Tin Plate
English Tin Plate
German Enamelware
German Enamelware
Brass w/3-D wheat rim
Brass w/3-D wheat rim
This man is using a scythe.  The dictionary shows [sith], but most people just say "sigh."
This man is using a scythe. The dictionary shows [sith], but most people just say "sigh."
This man is using the short-handled sickle.  After cutting the long stalks, they are bound into a sheaf [long e] with what farmers call "binder twine."
This man is using the short-handled sickle. After cutting the long stalks, they are bound into a sheaf [long e] with what farmers call "binder twine."
Another scythe.  After all is in sheaves, maybe 6-8 are stood up with the tops resting against each other & you create a "shock" - (bundles of grain stacked together).
Another scythe. After all is in sheaves, maybe 6-8 are stood up with the tops resting against each other & you create a "shock" - (bundles of grain stacked together).
9" quiche baking dish
9" quiche baking dish
hand-hammered sugar bowl with a very detailed rim of the field-through-milling grain process; pre-1940s
hand-hammered sugar bowl with a very detailed rim of the field-through-milling grain process; pre-1940s
Kellogg's 1995 childrens' cereal bowls
Kellogg's 1995 childrens' cereal bowls
1940's - 50's wheat-berry glass dessert plates and footed water glasses
1940's - 50's wheat-berry glass dessert plates and footed water glasses

15.  Dough Bowls & Troughs, Basket Risers (German/European); Tin Risers & Bread Maker (USA)
(a fun note about our English:  bough, cough, dough, enough, through [ow, off, oh, uff, ooh] - 5 sounds for "ough!")

<---round mixing bowls; oblong dough bowls--->
bread dough troughs - all German; hand carved
bread dough troughs - all German; hand carved
French for Baguettes
French for Baguettes
French dough risers
French dough risers
German dough risers
German dough risers
USA - Yeast Dough Risers
USA - Yeast Dough Risers
German - bottom basket:  older than the hills!  ...has seen its days!!
German - bottom basket: older than the hills! ...has seen its days!!

16.  EGG BEATERS (to be unscrambled someday)

1870s through 1930s
1870s through 1930s

17.  FLOUR Related

Pillsbury Flour Co. advertising on a ruler;  Originally flour was shipped to the "General" or "Dry Goods" stores in barrels:  quarter barrel - 49#; half - 98#; full 196#s flour.  In 1943, 50# & 100# cloth sacks began when the War Board declared that all measurements end in 0 or 5 & that ended flour in a barrel!
Pillsbury Flour Co. advertising on a ruler; Originally flour was shipped to the "General" or "Dry Goods" stores in barrels: quarter barrel - 49#; half - 98#; full 196#s flour. In 1943, 50# & 100# cloth sacks began when the War Board declared that all measurements end in 0 or 5 & that ended flour in a barrel!
Cloth bags gave way to paper by the mid-1950s:  5# - 10# - 25# bags.
Cloth bags gave way to paper by the mid-1950s: 5# - 10# - 25# bags.
Inside of Thimble
Inside of Thimble
Made in China - about 2015
Made in China - about 2015


18.  GRANITEWARE & ENAMELWARE

"chicken wire" pattern - from wash bowls for washing hands to pots and pans for cooking
"chicken wire" pattern - from wash bowls for washing hands to pots and pans for cooking
cottage cheese strainer  ---  All items in this row are from flohmarkts in Germany, 1989-1991.
cottage cheese strainer --- All items in this row are from flohmarkts in Germany, 1989-1991.
mehl = flour
mehl = flour
Danish aebleskiver pan
Danish aebleskiver pan
enamel on cast iron - very heavy
enamel on cast iron - very heavy

19.  GRATERS

Above:  80-some different graters, to be seen in the museum "someday."  All from German flohmarkts in the 1988-91 years.

very tiny -- 2 1/4" to 3 1/2"
very tiny -- 2 1/4" to 3 1/2"
a nutmeg grater w/cover
a nutmeg grater w/cover
using now - 2020; 3 cutters  --  This is the shredder side vs. zesting or slicing.
using now - 2020; 3 cutters -- This is the shredder side vs. zesting or slicing.
roughly a 20" x 7" grater - the largest ever seen
roughly a 20" x 7" grater - the largest ever seen
A BOX grater - 4 sides.  A "grater" is used to grate, shred, zest, or slice. This is the larger "shredder."
A BOX grater - 4 sides. A "grater" is used to grate, shred, zest, or slice. This is the larger "shredder."
the smaller shredder
the smaller shredder
a medium grater
a medium grater
The finest is for zesting:  lemons, limes, oranges, etc.
The finest is for zesting: lemons, limes, oranges, etc.

NOTE:  For all graters, it's important to immediately clean after each use with a brush under running water, if possible.  Once the food is dried on, the grater needs quite a long soaking period to get it clean again.


20.  GRIDDLES, BAKING STONES or BAKESTONES

for pancakes - from the farm - 1940s (a maple syrup tin - 1984)
for pancakes - from the farm - 1940s (a maple syrup tin - 1984)
heavy cast iron
heavy cast iron
an oven baking stone - around 2000
an oven baking stone - around 2000


21.  GRINDERS:  European - for nuts, seeds; American FOOD MILLS are usually for meat & vegetables.

A BUCKET BENCH - middle shelf - blue & red with cups - poppyseed grinders; on the floor - "French-style green bean" cutter
A BUCKET BENCH - middle shelf - blue & red with cups - poppyseed grinders; on the floor - "French-style green bean" cutter
Half of these have a woman's name.  In Europe these were all nut grinders.  In the U.S., some said for vegetables, & the inside rotating grater was different..
Half of these have a woman's name. In Europe these were all nut grinders. In the U.S., some said for vegetables, & the inside rotating grater was different..
not sure of the purpose ... no grinding - just mixing
not sure of the purpose ... no grinding - just mixing
unless to aerate fresh grain???
unless to aerate fresh grain???
The "clamp on" (most common) style USA Meat --->
The "clamp on" (most common) style USA Meat --->
Grinder used to make "ground meat" --->
Grinder used to make "ground meat" --->
for hamburgers & many recipes.
for hamburgers & many recipes.
a pressure clamp tabletop version - - - Go back in time.  Remember, pre-1960s, up to half the people still butchered, or even in grocery stores bought "cuts" of meat & ground their own when needed in order to save money.
a pressure clamp tabletop version - - - Go back in time. Remember, pre-1960s, up to half the people still butchered, or even in grocery stores bought "cuts" of meat & ground their own when needed in order to save money.


22.  INGREDIENTS - basic, common, well-known, associated-with-baking;  (There are probably 1-200  items in this category, & 100s of company brands - - in the name of free enterprise & competition!)

Arm & Hammer 2002
Arm & Hammer 2002
includes a recipe
includes a recipe
Argo Cornstarch 2013
Argo Cornstarch 2013
a recipe & how to make cake flour
a recipe & how to make cake flour
recipes
recipes
small 2 1/2 x 4, pre-1980
small 2 1/2 x 4, pre-1980
Happy Day Cake recipe
Happy Day Cake recipe

BEEN SORRY EVER SINCE: One day between 2000-2010, in an antique mall, I passed up over 40 different OLD paper oatmeal container wraps because of the money ($2.00 each!). Didn't know that many could be real. Had only ever seen Quaker, & none of the other brands. Now today companies/brands are popping up out of the woodwork!!!

Quaker - 5-24-2003
Quaker - 5-24-2003
Famous "Cowboy Cookies" (i.e. includes oats)
Famous "Cowboy Cookies" (i.e. includes oats)
Millville Oats - 2006
Millville Oats - 2006
Good & Hearty 12-2003
Good & Hearty 12-2003
Shur fine
Shur fine
Spices sold in tins were within the period of 1911-1985 for the McCormick company & also, probably, most other spice companies.  In the 1980s, there was a change to plastic and glass.  The last spice "tin" I've seen in 2022 was for a Spanish Smoked Paprika from Europe.
Spices sold in tins were within the period of 1911-1985 for the McCormick company & also, probably, most other spice companies. In the 1980s, there was a change to plastic and glass. The last spice "tin" I've seen in 2022 was for a Spanish Smoked Paprika from Europe.
Red Owl was a grocery store in 6 central northern states from 1922-1988.
Red Owl was a grocery store in 6 central northern states from 1922-1988.


23.  KNIVES, CHOPPERS, CLEAVERS, MINCERS (also see 27. Metal & Wire Utensils)

one variation of a "bread knife" to saw lightly & not squish the loaf (or could be for frozen meat with the separated teeth)
one variation of a "bread knife" to saw lightly & not squish the loaf (or could be for frozen meat with the separated teeth)


24.  LUNCH PAILS & LUNCH BAGS  -  99% of the time containing a "sandwich," & "back in the day" (up into the 1960s) it was most likely bologna or peanut butter and jelly or even just cheese.  In my dad's time, in the 1920s, it was usually a "lard sandwich."  That meant 1 of the 2 slices of homemade bread was spread with bacon grease & sometimes sprinkled w/some sugar.  If there was wax paper from a box of cereal, it was wrapped; otherwise, not.  And his lunch pail was a tin "bucket" (maybe it originally held molasses or honey) about 6" rd. in diam. & 10" tall with a thin wire handle.  When I grew up in the 1950s, they were called "berry pails" because people would string a belt through the handle to carry the pail when in the woods picking wild blackberries.  

NOTE:  The owner of the Museum of American Speed at 599 Oakcreek Dr, Lincoln, NE 68528, has an amazing personal  collection of 100s of lunch pails!  Also, online you can find lunch-pail collections & more info.


25.  MASHERS, MORTARS, & PESTLES 

potato mashers; wooden meat tenderizers; some with "hook" handles; most from one piece of wood; 1900-WWII . . . . . All German/European
potato mashers; wooden meat tenderizers; some with "hook" handles; most from one piece of wood; 1900-WWII . . . . . All German/European
Mexican origin
Mexican origin
Each is out of 1 piece of wood!  Camel hair rug - Egypt.
Each is out of 1 piece of wood! Camel hair rug - Egypt.
Also an egg beater; push down on the handle - spring powered
Also an egg beater; push down on the handle - spring powered
potato masher
potato masher

Above, people used to use things until 

they absolutely could not be repaired

any more.  It was not a throw-away culture.

These are all various mashers -

mainly for potatoes & veggies.


Today I prefer the wire style of the blue


and white handle one.


26.  MEASURERS

Two sets are the best to have when baking . . . goes so much faster when the above can be used for liquids & the green Tupperware (early 1970s) for dries.  I also LOVE this set with the 2/3rds & 3/4ths cups!
Two sets are the best to have when baking . . . goes so much faster when the above can be used for liquids & the green Tupperware (early 1970s) for dries. I also LOVE this set with the 2/3rds & 3/4ths cups!

27.  METAL & WIRE UTENSILS

pie crust - pastry cutter ---> closeup ANDROCK - Made in U.S.A.
pie crust - pastry cutter ---> closeup ANDROCK - Made in U.S.A.
Generally called a turner, or today, a "flipper."
Generally called a turner, or today, a "flipper."

<-- A blade (left), longer than a cake diameter, is great to get a perfectly smooth icing on a cake. 

Fit on a jar or metal container & used to "whip" cream, or eggs, or combos of liquid-type items.
Fit on a jar or metal container & used to "whip" cream, or eggs, or combos of liquid-type items.
a LADLE
a LADLE
A GARLIC PRESS
A GARLIC PRESS
Pancake Turner (above, says):  One Good Turn Deserves Another.
Pancake Turner (above, says): One Good Turn Deserves Another.
today's wire whisks    6.5" x 18.5"
today's wire whisks 6.5" x 18.5"
a Bottle Brush
a Bottle Brush
(right) Wire Tongs made in Western Germany  (1949-1990)
(right) Wire Tongs made in Western Germany (1949-1990)
(left) a Jar Wrench to help open sealed / pressure-closed jar covers
(left) a Jar Wrench to help open sealed / pressure-closed jar covers
kitchen tongs
kitchen tongs
meat-carving forks sometimes in a set with a "butcher" knife and pumice rod
meat-carving forks sometimes in a set with a "butcher" knife and pumice rod
front/back of a hand-
front/back of a hand-

In choosing work utensils that can last a lifetime, it is good to check the construction of such pieces.  For  these forks, which could bear much weight, it's good to have the steel go through all or most of the handle.


forged, hook-handle fork
forged, hook-handle fork

The "steel through the entire handle" applies to knives as well.  It was common for all blades to begin full width, but  through a lifetime of use & sharpening, 

worn down through time by repeated use & sharpening
worn down through time by repeated use & sharpening

they become worn down as my Grand-mother's did, above.  These are treasure keepers of her hand!

L: candy lifter for dipping bonbons; R: skewer
L: candy lifter for dipping bonbons; R: skewer

28.  PAPER / EPHEMERA . . . . . ads, books, booklets, brochures, cardboard, cookbooks, coupons, magazines, pamphlets, postcards, premiums, puzzles, rations/savings stamps, trade cards (many company give-aways primarily 1920s through the 1960s).  This collection has so many 1000s of items of history that it, in itself, could be a stand-alone museum!  It's currently planned as the "Library & Ephemera Archive of Bread Culture."  

mail order 3 puzzles - U. S. map, U. S. Landmarks, Presidents thru Johnson
mail order 3 puzzles - U. S. map, U. S. Landmarks, Presidents thru Johnson
General Mills Gold Medal Flour, Minneapolis, Minn.
General Mills Gold Medal Flour, Minneapolis, Minn.
Recipe Booklets (from England)  Bought in the 1980s.
Recipe Booklets (from England) Bought in the 1980s.
1932 - following the Great Depression of 1929:  etching of a Bread Line
1932 - following the Great Depression of 1929: etching of a Bread Line
One could study and learn a lot regarding art history by researching masters' paintings which include grain &/or bread!  This one reminds us to always give thanks for our daily bread.
One could study and learn a lot regarding art history by researching masters' paintings which include grain &/or bread! This one reminds us to always give thanks for our daily bread.
Beer Coaster - German . . . . . without the grain of hops, there would be no beer.
Beer Coaster - German . . . . . without the grain of hops, there would be no beer.

29.  PEELS - Oven, & Related


30.  PEELERS & SCRAPERS


31.  POTS & PANS, KETTLES

The standard American graniteware
The standard American graniteware
roaster.  Sizes for a chicken to a turkey.
roaster. Sizes for a chicken to a turkey.
common enamelware cookware - pre-WWII into the 1960s
common enamelware cookware - pre-WWII into the 1960s
copper-coated -->
copper-coated -->
aluminum frying pan
aluminum frying pan
enamelware
enamelware


32.  ROLLING PINS

an all-time favorite; believe it's beechwood
an all-time favorite; believe it's beechwood
for the German cookie, Springerle [pronounced "spring' er lah"]
for the German cookie, Springerle [pronounced "spring' er lah"]
a variety of uses:  pasta/noodles; lefse;  personal choices
a variety of uses: pasta/noodles; lefse; personal choices


33.  "RECIPE" RELATED

"Scottish Shortbread" Form
"Scottish Shortbread" Form
A "women's" magazine from 1873 until 2002, McCall's had a huge impact on recipes made available to the home cook.  In 1965 they offered an 18-volume set of soft-cover cookbooks plus an index volume - probably ordered through a monthly subscription.  This held the books.
A "women's" magazine from 1873 until 2002, McCall's had a huge impact on recipes made available to the home cook. In 1965 they offered an 18-volume set of soft-cover cookbooks plus an index volume - probably ordered through a monthly subscription. This held the books.
"Scottish Shortbread" Form
"Scottish Shortbread" Form
"Danish" Cast Iron "Aebleskiver" Pan
"Danish" Cast Iron "Aebleskiver" Pan

34.  SIEVES & SIFTERS

A 14' tower of old German sieves - 4" to 2'+ diameter.
A 14' tower of old German sieves - 4" to 2'+ diameter.
Purchased new in Turkey - 1986.
Purchased new in Turkey - 1986.
handles to turn . . .
handles to turn . . .
1 - 3-layer screens
1 - 3-layer screens
handles to pull . . .
handles to pull . . .

35.  SLICERS

German Krauthobels - Cabbage/Vegetable Slicers . . . . . These are the forerunners of the stainless steel (below), then hard plastic -- mandolins, prior to electric food processors.
German Krauthobels - Cabbage/Vegetable Slicers . . . . . These are the forerunners of the stainless steel (below), then hard plastic -- mandolins, prior to electric food processors.
a julienne cutter
a julienne cutter

All of these wooden cutters are from Germany.  In the collection, they range in size from about 9" to 30" long.  

36.  SPICES, EXTRACTS, etc. -- artifacts related to flavorings used in baking:  extracts, juices, beer, wine, liquors, fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, chocolate, sugars & more.

a handmade olde German nut-drying rack
a handmade olde German nut-drying rack

37.  STIRRERS

Wooden spoons can last a person's lifetime!  The left 3 are NOT hollowed out -- THEE BEST! - England - 1980s;   The spoons - 2 outside ones, USA - 1970s-80s;  middle one, German, hand-carved (old).
Wooden spoons can last a person's lifetime! The left 3 are NOT hollowed out -- THEE BEST! - England - 1980s; The spoons - 2 outside ones, USA - 1970s-80s; middle one, German, hand-carved (old).
If you don't have wooden forks, keep your eye out (especially in a Dollar Tree store today) . . . . . they're indispensable for cooking.
If you don't have wooden forks, keep your eye out (especially in a Dollar Tree store today) . . . . . they're indispensable for cooking.
German - To use in something like a cauldron for making Apple Butter -- handle is about 5' long.
German - To use in something like a cauldron for making Apple Butter -- handle is about 5' long.
A 10" German Sauerkraut fork to scoop the fermented cabbage out of a crock.
A 10" German Sauerkraut fork to scoop the fermented cabbage out of a crock.

38. STRAINERS, COLANDERS

Copper Strainers - Turkey, 1986
Copper Strainers - Turkey, 1986
Fruit-Vegetable Strainer for Puree
Fruit-Vegetable Strainer for Puree
German Cottage Cheese Strainer
German Cottage Cheese Strainer
Footed Colander - Turkey, 1986
Footed Colander - Turkey, 1986
old German enamelware
old German enamelware
from German flohmarkt - 1989-90
from German flohmarkt - 1989-90
old German enamelware
old German enamelware
from German flohmarkt - 1989-90
from German flohmarkt - 1989-90

STRAINERS & SKIMMERS


39.  TRENCHERS (WOODEN PLATES), TRAYS

"Honor This Bread"
"Honor This Bread"
Hand Carved with Love!
Hand Carved with Love!
Wheat Carved around Rim
Wheat Carved around Rim
all from German flohmarkts 1989-91
all from German flohmarkts 1989-91

40.  TUPPERWARE & PLASTICS

41.  Utensils - assorted:  metal-tin, steel, aluminum, iron, etc.; wire, wood

Albers Flapjack & Peacock Buckwheat Flour; 1893-1939; Oregon
Albers Flapjack & Peacock Buckwheat Flour; 1893-1939; Oregon
pizza, pastry cutting wheel
pizza, pastry cutting wheel
Cake or Mixing Spoon; "Use Omar Wonder Flour Puts Magic in Your Baking"
Cake or Mixing Spoon; "Use Omar Wonder Flour Puts Magic in Your Baking"
What we'd be missing if we didn't have some beer for Beer Batter Bread &-->
What we'd be missing if we didn't have some beer for Beer Batter Bread &-->
soaking BRATS (bratwurst sausages) before grilling!
soaking BRATS (bratwurst sausages) before grilling!
Known as a can opener or a church key, these beer bottle and beer can openers----->
Known as a can opener or a church key, these beer bottle and beer can openers----->
are still indispensable for opening evaporated milk and Hershey's syrup cans,----->
are still indispensable for opening evaporated milk and Hershey's syrup cans,----->
PLUS their original purpose for a bottle of beer, & lifting the lids on home-canned jars of food!
PLUS their original purpose for a bottle of beer, & lifting the lids on home-canned jars of food!

42.  WAFFLE, WAFER (cookie / communion wafers), & SPECIALTY COOKIE IRONS (Most have 15-20" long handles.)

a huge rosetta iron
a huge rosetta iron

43.  WOOD CARVING

Wheat Shock Butter Mold
Wheat Shock Butter Mold
old Czechoslovakia
old Czechoslovakia
wheat rim around bowl
wheat rim around bowl
hand carved - decorative use
hand carved - decorative use
a commemorative luxury item
a commemorative luxury item

44.  Whatchamacallits

A Wall-mount Drying Rack usually kept near the wood-burning "cook stove" for towels.
A Wall-mount Drying Rack usually kept near the wood-burning "cook stove" for towels.
English Horse Brasses
English Horse Brasses
#1 (left) - plowing, planting
#1 (left) - plowing, planting
#2 - harvesting; #3 - milling
#2 - harvesting; #3 - milling
#4 - spinning flax for linen
#4 - spinning flax for linen

45.  Wha-did-we-miss-???

modern day do-dad; maybe c. 2000
modern day do-dad; maybe c. 2000
trivet - 1970s; iron & ceramic
trivet - 1970s; iron & ceramic
French Cheesebox
French Cheesebox
Bible Verse Memory Cards . . . Scripture in a "Bread Box"
Bible Verse Memory Cards . . . Scripture in a "Bread Box"

46.  Wheat Weaving, Corn Husk Dolls, Bread Dough Art, Pleasurable Handcraft Work 

Corn Husk Dolls - 1970s
Corn Husk Dolls - 1970s
Bread Dough (3-D) - 1970s
Bread Dough (3-D) - 1970s
Backside - formed on crumpled newspaper to help mold the shape
Backside - formed on crumpled newspaper to help mold the shape
Bread Dough (3-D) - 1970s
Bread Dough (3-D) - 1970s
Backside
Backside
Bread Dough Shepherd and his wife
Bread Dough Shepherd and his wife
1986 in Germany, $25.00
1986 in Germany, $25.00
Bread Dough - 1988
Bread Dough - 1988


Our BREAD CULTURE subject matter is vast as it covers Agriculture to grow Grains for Food (which includes Beans, Seeds, Nuts, & Kernels of Maize, i.e. corn) - Milling - Flours - & the World of Baking . . . especially hundreds of kinds of Bread . . . one of man's primary foods, and it all began, usually with a mom, in the home.  Just on the Ardent Mills Flour Mill website there is a "Product" listing of over 50 different flours today.  (https://www.ardentmills.com/our-facilities/nebraska/omaha-office/)


P. S. And did I miss a home-baking, artifact-related category? [I wish I could add a smiley face about now :)! ]

Please join with me to become a Foundational Donor to help establish a museum home on the land in order to preserve all the items that represent your grandmothers' legacies of the past 150 years.   A little or a lot, just like your grandmothers' lives, everyone played a significant role in the life of someone, & your donation in honor of your grandmothers will do the same.  And we'll never know the end results until we "raise the dough" to move forward :)  Thanks.  Donna Kozak, Founder

Donate here --->