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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

I'll Take a Hoosier Cabinet, Please


I'm on a new treasure hunt. . . .for a Hoosier style kitchen cabinet.


 I've been thinking about it for a while,
but when I saw this Hoosier Desk at Penny's Vintage Home,
I was convinced I needed one. . . .possibly as a desk. . . .
definitely as a work center.

How many have I passed up over the years in antique malls and flea markets?
Probably hundreds. . . 


I've owned quite a few in the past, too. . . .
ended up selling them everytime I moved.
I've moved a lot over the years.


There are parts and pieces of the cabinets stored here at the farm. . . .
just not one in good shape.

Now that the keeping room is finished with all it's sparkling white cabinets,
the Baker's Cabinet just doesn't fit anymore.
Well, okay, it fits but a painted cabinet would look so much better.


It's a true antique--from the late 1800s-early 1900s.
No way will I put the paint to it.

In all my years of seeing Hoosiers, I've never checked on the history of them. . .
As it turns out, the origin of the Hoosiers
can be traced back to Baker's Cabinets such as ours. . . .
The lower section is a kitchen table with drawers
 and two large metal-lined bins for flour and meal. . . .






The upper section has drawers and doors for storing spices,
utensils, and other baking needs.
Certainly not as much storage space as the Hoosiers.


As the Baker's Cabinet evolved into the Hoosier style,
the lower sections were replaced with a base that had a door on one side. . . .
The upper section was divided into storage areas with wood and/or glass doors.


Early cabinets had a row of small drawers below the doors.



The wood table tops of the early Hoosiers were coverd with zinc sheet metal. . . .
Then aluminum. . . .and, finally porcelain tops that pulled out for added work space.



Later additions included built-in flour sifters, sugar containers, and spice jars.


I have another reason for wanting a Hoosier style cabinet. . . .
I was to USE it!

I do use the Baker's Cabinet. . . .but not as often as I'd like.
It has a wooden top--not easy to work on. . . .easily scratched. . . .
flour gets stuck in between the cracks in the boards. . . .


Porcelain tops are fabulous. . . .They're heat resistant, easy to clean, 
smooth enough to roll out dough, 
and a great place to cool cookies or canning jars.

Yes, I NEED one. . . .


That's my new treasure hunt.
Where or when it pops up, goodness knows.
It will certainly be fun looking, though. . . .

I feel a road trip coming on. 


. . .from my farmhouse to yours. . .


Several have asked me about my coffee canister.
I found a great site that sells original glass canisters and spice jars at:
Check it out!

27 comments:

  1. This piece of furniture was certainly a work horse, huh?
    Like an appliance almost.
    I think only the most fortunate homemakers were able to have one of these in their home.
    I'd love to have one...and in fact WOULD MAKE ROOM FOR ONE!! if given the opportunity.

    Can't wait to see what you find and how you will use it and display it.
    I can't imagine your already wonderful kitchen with one of these...it would be the icing on the cake!-Pat

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    Replies
    1. My mother back in the 50-60 years inherited her mothers. I wish I could have that but it is not usable.

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  2. I adore those pieces!You will find one and when you do it will be the perfect fit for your lovely home!

    Anne

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  3. I hope you find the perfect piece, it would look great in your place:)

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  4. I am sure that you will find one. I have been wanting one for a long time. Like you I have seen them around but I have never found the "right" one that will look good in our kitchen. Can't wait to see a pic when you do find one.

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  5. Aren't they the coolest things! I've seen many over the years too, but have never owned one. I hope you find one for a good price! :-)

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  6. Isn't fun to have the hunt on for a treasure. I love when I am on the hunt for a new treasure. Good luck I know you will find the piece and you will make it look beautiful.
    Kris

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  7. Of course you need one! Lol! Doesn't everybody?!

    I would so love one too. I always drool over them in the antique stores. One day......

    Happy Hunting!

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  8. Honestly I'm drooling over the pictures that you posted! I've been in love with Hoosier cabinets my whole life, and I've always wanted one. But they are sooo expensive in the antique malls here, from about $500-$800 a piece.

    I will own one one of these days! But till then thank you for fueling my addiction ;)

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  9. Great variety of hoosiers pictured here. Love the idea of using it as a desk! They really have a farmhouse charm about them, don't they?
    Mary Alice

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  10. These are all just beautiful...I truly hope you find the one that you're looking for. So many shapes and sizes. I have one at the lakehouse that we searched throughout Illinois, Indiana and Michigan for! It took awhile but it was well worth it. Good luck!

    XO,
    Jane

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  11. My good friend bought one for $35 in the early 80's and we all thought she was crazy. When she stripped the paint off the doors, she uncovered the most beautiful etched glass panels! I'd love to have room for a hoosier or baker's cupboard. Good luck in your search!

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  12. I had one. I SOLD it years ago. Been kicking myself ever since cause now I wish I had one.
    Farmhouse hugs,
    Cindy

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  13. You will find the right Hoosier for you! I found mine in Lubbock Texas at an antique store about 5 years ago. It had come from the estate of a doctor there in Lubbock..I have his name and all the history that I know written down and stored in the drawer of the Hoosier. It has been wonderful meeting you...hugs, Penny

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  14. Happy hunting for your Hoosier cabinet. My mother-in-law has one that I would love to have one day if my sister-in-law doesn't want it.
    hugs,
    Cindy

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  15. Hi Dru,
    What a fun thing to dream about. Your country home has so many wonderful antiques. A hoosier would sure be nice to add to your beautiful country kitchen.
    I just know there's one out there that has your name on it!
    Blessings,
    Carolynn xo

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  16. I love them too. I keep trying to think of somewhere to put one. The only place I can think of is the back porch or the sunroom! lol. I recently bought a table to use as an island in my kitchen, the legs are old and the top is the porcelain table top from a hoosier. I love it! I always admire your baker's cabinet...and the scoops in your jars. detail..detail... I just love vintage kitchen everything! One more thing..be sure to check out auctions if you can. One I used to go to had so many hoosiers, they couldn't give them away. I've seen them go for $50! Happy Hunting!

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  17. I too love Hoosier cabinets! I am always drawn to them when we go treasure hunting. The Hoosier "desk" is just lovely, I just love it!
    Pam
    scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com

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  18. I have sold many of these through the years. I usually buy them in sad shape and lovingly restore them. I, too have been looking for another one. Did you know they were made in Indiana and the nickname for people from Indiana is "Hoosiers"? Connie

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  19. I would love to own a hoosier too! It would be a perfect fit for your Country Farm Home. Thanks for sharing all the wonderful photos and history at Simple & Sweet Fridays! Good Luck on the Hunt!

    Jody

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  20. We have my grandparents' Hoosier - it is identical to the cream and green one above. Except my grandfather took the top off to use in his work room and painted it bright yellow. My grandmother kept the bottom section to sew on and left it pristine. We have left it that way for amusement.

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  21. Oh Dru sweetie, this post makes me home sick for my Hoosier. I will be bringing it home when the basement is finished. I have the perfect spot for it. Stored at my previous home for now. My son is actually anxious for me to take it. It looks like the last one or the green and white one only it's natural oak. It has an enamel top with blue edging. It is missing the flour sifter, but I love it. Now I just need to decide whether or not to paint it. Kind of thinking I would like to. Hope you find one. Every farm home needs one for sure!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  22. I love these and have bought and sold several, sure wish I had one back right now!!

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  23. I have one that i need to sell...can anyone help me as to where i should sell it..

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  24. I have one that we used as a baby changing table. We placed a soft changing pad on the worktop. Diapers went in the big door at the bottom. Baby clothes and potions went in the other spots. It was very useful. I removed the flour chute to make room for toys and wet wipes.

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  25. I have two Hoosier tops and one bottom. The bottom of the other was ruined in a flood. I have the two tops on a wooden counter next to each other, and the bottom we use as an "island." The one I lost had the porcelin counter part which oulled out. The one we have now has zinc in it and we call it "The Zinc." So, the two hoosier tops are my cabinets. I have been using the two flour containers, one for flour, one for cornmeal. The kept out pantry moths, but the little beetle like things got into them. The older one was removable and we took it out and scrubbed it, rinsed it with boiling water abd dried it carefully. But the other one is attached! I do not know how to clean it to make sure the bugs are gone. Is there some sort of fumigant I could use that would nit also poison us? I really really want to use these flour containers. My grandmother had one and I was fascinated by it as a child. It makes me feel connected to her to use it. But I cannot put four back it it until I find a way to clean it. Any advice?

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Welcome to the Farm! And, thanks so much for all your comments. I read each and every one of them. . .and, each one is truly appreciated. My friends are always welcome. . .