Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Feb 03, 2012 11:01am | #1

   Hoosier cabinets became popular in the early 1900's. Cabinetry wasn't used in kitchens very much in day and the Hoosier was a further adaption of european style bakers cabinets. Sort of a tool box for the kitchen. I have a restored one in my kitchen. Supplies, plans and all types of different hardware are available either for building a reproduction or restoring an older one. Most were made by manufacturers in the state of Indiana, known in the US as the Hoosier state. I had a friend that had an entire Hoosier kitchen, not just a single cabinet. They were available in many sizes and configurations.

   They are interesting time capsule of the period. Mine has a number of specialty bins, holders and racks. One of my bins is labeled for, milk tickets, bread tickets and wood matches. Back in the time, you would get a ticket for each bottle of milk you bought. The milk and bread was delivered to your back door everyday and everyone had a box on the back porch for the early morning deliveries. After collecting a certain number of tickets, you could trade them in for a free loaf or bottle. Cooking stoves were typically powered by gas and wood matches were used to start them up.

   They aren't particularly valuable. I see them sold between $300 and $1800 depending on condition and configuration. I rescued mine from a construction trailer that we used to live in when working in remote areas. At the time we were buliding lumber camps in the north woods of Maine. It was in bad shape but I saw the potential and most of the parts were there, paid $15 for it in the 70's and it has been back to work since. Here is one company that carries reproduction parts for Hoosiers.

   http://www.kennedyhardware.com/hoosier-cabinet-hardware.html

   
1. 
   Korimako | Feb 05, 2012 03:18am | #2

   Hoosier Cabinets -

   Thanks hammer1..for the great info about these fascinating pieces of furniture. The more I research and learn about them the more interesting they become, historically and design-wise.  I haven't come across any Hoosier Cabinets in NZ myself but we have some great examples of colonial type furniture that show the same kind of innovation and functionality. I will definately look into the links provided re: hardware/tambours/fittings etc as they are key to authenticity. Cheers for the advice!