Hoosier Cabinet
Our contemporary image of kitchens in the 20th century until now usually includes equipments like stove, refrigerator, sink, and a table for workspace all surrounded by cabinets and cupboards for storage. This layout that we are more accustomed with was not actually present until the 1930’s. Prior to that time we use several paraphernalia for storage and one of them was the Hoosier cabinets.
In early 1900’s a Hoosier cabinet can be found in huge percentage in many homes in the North America. The term Hoosier was given to a popular kitchen work unit which included oak varieties. This cabinet is unique because unlike the modern cabinets that we know of today, they include features like flour and sugar bins, spice jars, tin bread drawers, and a pull-out porcelain work tables. A Hoosier cabinet was an essential part of a woman’s proficient kitchen. The name Hoosier was actually derived from a state in Indiana where it was know that the Hoosier cabinets were exclusively made only for locals.
Due to the general population moving from the country to a more civilized city life, from enormous and spacey farmhouses to small bungalows and cottages with no servants, kitchen has became the smallest part of the house.
As a respond to this rage, many manufacturing companies have then emerged all geared towards the production of these so-called Hoosier cabinets to share all throughout the United States. The clever idea of combining a standard baker’s cabinet and turning it into compact, one-piece furniture, it certainly was not to fail. Manufacturers after manufacturers have emerged all claiming a slightly different version of the cabinets with great success in their belt. The Hoosier style was know all throughout the world and became extraordinarily popular both in urban and rural homes.
This one-of-a-kind technology literally has all in one package. They variously included bins for dry staples, had a built-in sifter, a wooden or enamel pull-out to double as cutting board, drawers for utensils, shelves for plates and glasses, mixing bowls, coffee-bean grinder, bread bins, and spice racks can all be found just behind every cabinet door. Believe it or not, some of them even came with ant traps! They were truly the ultimate furniture in their era not to mention a woman’s dream.
Antique Hoosier cabinets were originally made from a strong and sturdy oak wood. They were primarily made with an eye for quality and longevity. They were pieces of furniture that was inspired between Old Welsh cupboard to a later version of enamel to porcelain ones. It proposes a great deal of storage in a compact 6 feet tall. Later versions were made to stand on legs and are enameled. As time progressed, the tradition and the technology of the Hoosier cabinets went along with it. Nobody knows the accurate time of its diminishing but we sure have been witnesses of its lessening. Although, not popular in today’s modern kitchen, Hoosier cabinets can still be purchased. In fact, there are still manufacturers and traders have authentic versions of them. All you have to do extensive researching.
Today, we are literally going back to the classics. In fact, many people are trying to remodel their kitchens and their houses for a more vintage look. And in lieu of this remodeling, many are looking for authentic furnishings. Along with the Hoosier cabinet are converted coal stoves, farmer’s sink, old gas ranges – the older the better! However, you have to remember that since they are rare and less common, they are more expensive. If you successfully found a Hoosier cabinet that is in good condition well that’s a big achievement nowadays and the most sought-after. So, good luck!