I have not been giving this blog due justice, so I have decided to add a Featured Item column to this blog. This addition will show photos of an item in the shop we think is especially nice and we will tell you a bit more about it. To stay abreast of these notifications, you just need to subscribe to our Newsfeeds or follow this blog. You can do this at the left of this column.
FEATURED ITEM - HOOSIER
12/1/11
This Hoosier was originally located in Strong Museum, Rochester NY. We were lucky enough to acquire this piece and offer it to you. This Hoosier is as original as you can possibly find them. All the bells and whistles are intact. You will find everything here that they would have had back in the 20's when this cupboard was most popular.
Hoosiers come in several styles and configurations. This particular example is one of the most common sizes and configurations. It is the perfect example to show what this popular cupboard looks like and to demonstrate all of it's functionality. That is why this was chosen to be on display in the Strong Museum.
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| 1920's Hoosier with doors open |
Many Hoosiers are missing the items typically found inside and on the doors. Although most of these types of items can be purchased from a reproduction source, one almost never finds a Hoosier as complete as this. Here you will see the rack on the lower left door, the flour sifter in working condition, the spice jars, the charts on the doors, the recipe holder rack on the middle door, and spice racks on the right door.
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| Breadbox in lower drawer |
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Shown above is the bottom drawer. This drawer typically is used to store the freshly baked breads. Notice the sliding lid with the breathing holes. These lids are seldom found on most Hoosiers.
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| Flour Sifter and Spice Jars |
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These spice jars even has the original spices in them. The flour sifter is filled from the top. A glass viewing window is on the front to determine the level of flour left in the hopper. When one wants to fill a bowl with flour, one would place the bowl under the bin, slide the closure to the side, and crank the handle. The handle actually moves a sifter back and forth so the flour delivered is actually sifted as well.
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| Hoosier Chart |
Very seldom will you ever find a Hoosier with charts in them such as this. If you do, they are typically a reproduction. These charts provide guidance to the home cook.
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| Back side of Hoosier |
The backs are typically replaced with luan plywood. Another item you want to look for beside the original back is the tags identifying the model number, serial number, and plant where it was manufactured. Both the top and the bottom will have a tag attached to the back and the back will also be stamped with more identification numbers.
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| Original label found on the back of the Hoosier |
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| Hoosier Tag |
The Hoosier tag is always affixed to the front center with tacks. If it is shiny and new, it is a reproduction. These are most often missing.
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| Hoosier, Left Side |
The finish on this Hoosier is very clean, yet original. Hoosiers made in the Indiana plant such as this, are almost always made of oak. The enamal top pulls out to provide the cook with a larger preparation surface. The copper brackets that hold the top off the bottom allow for the enamal top to slide.
This Hoosier was recently added to our collection and is for sale for $1499. Please contact is if you are interested in purchasing or would like more information about this particular piece.
Also, the door on the right side reveals a very unique flour bin. The door on top lifts up and the flour is poured in here. Then when some is needed, one just slides the little door up and scoops out what you need. Pretty Cool!
