Everything Old is New Again
"They just don't make em like they used to!"
Brand New Retro Finds!
Just spotted... watch this space... things move fast
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As I Was Saying...
No, they don't make them like they used to; they make them up to 21st century performance standards, using 21st century technology. But that doesn't keep us from yearning.
For many of us, however, they harken back to a gentler time, the good old days, the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies, apple pies cooling on window sills, massive cast iron dutch ovens, tiny bright ceramic salt and pepper shakers, World War II recruiting posters, victory gardens.
Now we have running water in our kitchens, telephones in our homes and our computers, even our pockets. Miracles of modern science that make our lives ever so much easier than those our grandparents had in their time. Our stoves aren't burning coal unless it's by choice or we overcooked the dinner rolls.
Our furnaces are far more energy efficient than the giant basement sawdust burning behemoths. Our air systems cool far more effectively than burlap sacking draped over huge blocks of ice in wash tubs resting in front of fans.
Nana's Kitchen
My grandmother's kitchen was magical and, when I was a child it was huge. It was quite a bit smaller, of course, when I moved back as an adult, but my most vivid recollections come from when I was three or so.Its floor was linoleum, battleship gray with a pink overtone, just about the color you'll see in the little floorplans throughout this lens. Speckles and lines had been painted on by hand, forming a gentle randomness accentuated by several depths of wax sealant. It was a good floor that broached no argument, was comfortable to play on and scoot around on, and it was always clean.
I don't think they make floors like that anymore. You can get linoleum floor polish
and linoleum blocks for Speedball crafts. But it's been a long time since I saw wall-to-wall linoleum flooring that you could actually paint on (and get away with it). Vintage Kitchen Finds
Keep your eyes out.. things move pretty quick...
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byTo the South, The Fridge
A good-sized refrigerator with an inside top freezer rested against the south wall near the back door. I recall helping defrost it once a month, hauling out the ice cube trays and taking them to the sink, then layering the floor with dozens of raggy towels to keep water from flooding the entire room. It was an all-hands scrambling affair of boiling saucepans of water, carefully chiseling sheets of ice away from the coils, and swamping out the freezer compartment with buckets of rags. The fridge had no evaporative drainage system, so the half-day process was one of constant vigilance and boiling, and celebration as we raced to save (or consume) popsicles that would have otherwise been lost to the world. Atop the Fridge, an Arvin 540T Radio
Next to The Sink, the Kit Cat Klock
For my money, clocks don't make enough noise these days.They hum softly or purr quietly, chime electronically or stare blankly. The Kit Cat Klock, however, contented itself to a tick-tick-tick keeping time with its tail. Every household kitchen should have one, even if it is only to keep track of passing modern times. There was something gentle and happy about the movement of its eyes. Perhaps we made better cookies because of its watchful presence.
In a Cupboard, Heavy Pyrex Refrigerator Dishes
These days, refrigerator storage containers are sealed to perfection with color coded lids, and can often go from refrigerator to microwave or oven to serving dish at the blink of a modern eye. But for purely retro modern, nothing beats good old heavy Pyrex refrigerator dishes with their matched-size heavy fitted lids. We didn't dare stack them very high in a cupboard or in the fridge... not that they were fragile by any means, but moving a stack of them took real willpower!The ones we had were clear, and if you can find them in mint or great condition, snap them up - especially the lids! The bodies come in a wide range of colors.
Pre-loved Pyrex Glass Refrigerator Dishes
If you can get anyone to part with their Pyrex kitchen wares, or leave a collection to you as part of your inheritance, thank them heartily. If not, scour the auctions, watch the conditions, and grab what you can!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byNear the Sink, Honest Sturdy Baking Gear
A house can never have too many mixing bowls, baking pans, cookie sheets and downright great gadgetry. The fun part comes four decades down the road when you try to replace it with the same great big sturdy ceramic and glass that you grew up with, or find the heavy squat stainless steel mixer that never gave up even in the face of the stoutest dough. Nonstick was not a term in use, naturally, so every bit of baking gear had to be kept spotless, scrubbed with care after each outing. But it was sturdy enough to stand up to repeated elbow grease applications, and if scouring powder and steel wool were what it took to do the job, that's what got used. Vintage Bakeware
Norpro Nonstick 17 Inch Baking Sheet
Bake better cookies and rolls with this professional, heavy gauge, nonstick, 12x18-inch baking sheet. Ok, it's nonstick, which is great for today's lifestyle, but it's heavy and has the same type of durable presence as the ones I reminisce over.
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 07/14/2009) 
List Price: $14.99
Near the Oven, Cast Iron to Die For
Face it. Nothing cooks like a perfectly seasoned, well cared-for cast iron dutch oven, fry pan or griddle. A pot of stew simmering on the back burner can be left to bubble to itself most of the day without fear of burning or scorching, since well conditioned cast iron disperses heat with expert perfection. I still have four pieces of cast iron from the 1950s, although I am far from a specialist in using them to their full potential. Instead, I baby them, keep them oiled, keep them seasoned, keep them safe, and cherish them. My small cast iron skillet, on the other hand, is used almost every time I cook, and spends as much time in the oven being seasoned as it does in active duty. Cast Iron Dutch Oven
The ideal wedding present!
Some of the newer cast iron pots and pans come pre-seasoned (it's not cheating.. it just feels that way!) and ready to use, and stand up to constant use as well as their ancestors do.
My favorite cast iron frying pan, though, is one that is a foundling. My husband found it, scarred and battered and thoroughly burned, leaning against a tree a dozen paces from a campsite up in the Sierras. Someone had tried to scour the burn layer off of it and given up. Luckily they were scouring the outside, and the inside was seasoned to perfection. Ah well. One man's trash is this old gal's treasure! I've used it steadily for the last 15 years.
Bayou Classic 16-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Dutch Oven Lid and Perforated Aluminum Basket
With quality construction that sets the industry standard, Bayou Classic Cast Iron Cookware is made heavy duty, rough, and rugged.
Amazon Price: $64.70 (as of 07/14/2009)
Formerly Cherished Cast Iron
Well-tended cast iron cookware is well worth collecting. It won't go out of style, is a great thing to hand down to a family member when they set out on their own, and is a gift that will be cherished for generations.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byNext to the Hall Door, a BIG Electric Stove
Big. Key operative word here is BIG. It had one oven, but in that oven you could probably cook a third of a cow. Ok, I'm exaggerating just a bit, but it was large enough to cook a large turkey, the pan of dressing to go with it, and a flat of rolls beneath on the lower rack. All four burners worked, though one of the knobs misbehaved slightly. This was easily fixed with the insertion of a matchstick, then all would be well until the matchstick broke a few months later.In between all the cast iron that worked hard on the stove was a huge collection of Revere stainless steel pots with copper bottoms. Ah, heavenly.
Revere Cookware
Revere cookware is not necessarily vintage or retro. It is timeless. I still use several of the pieces I inherited from my grandmother's kitchen, and they are as durable and solid as the day I first learned to make molasses taffy in one. You can spend a ton of money on high-ticket cookware with fancy names and even fancier pedigrees. But, for my money, I'll go Revere cookware any day, save that ton of money to spend on more treasures.
Revere Copper Clad Bottom 14 piece set, Stainless Steel
Extremely functional and familiar, this Revere Copper Clad cookware set provides everything you need to get meals ready for family and friends. The attractive 18/10 stainless combines with copper clad bottoms for heating efficiency. Phenolic handles and knobs are touchable even while pans are on the stove and are oven-safe to 350 degrees.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price: $199.99
On the Counter, a Sturdy Oster Blender
Oster 465 blender, Retro Chrome 2 speed, 5 cup glass jar.
Oster Retro Chrome Beehive blender 2 speed with 5 cup glass jar. Powerful 2 speed 500 watt motor. Exclusive metal chrome base. Super sharp stainless steel blades.
Amazon Price: $64.99 (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price:
Up in the Cupboard, Wondrous Cups
Retro Aluminum Tumblers Set of 6
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price: $31.99
Aluminum Cups that Someone Had
... and they'd like you to take 'em off their hands
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byOn Hooks in the Pantry, Several Cobbler Aprons
Cobbler Apron Standard 18184
29 L x 20 W. Full rounded styling. 2 divisional pouch pockets. Adjustable side ties for a perfect fit. Accented with white trim and made of 5.5 oz. 50/50 poly-cotton chambray cloth . Protected by ProDura stain release finish..
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price: $11.99
Against the West Wall, a Big Kitchen Table
Think massive slab of wood with legs and a drop leaf that squealed with raised into position. It seated four when condensed, many more when opened up, and was the social center of choice for almost every meal. The formal dining room to the north of the kitchen got converted to a nursery on my arrival, so I can't say for sure if meals were ever consumed in that room before my time - but I can definitely vouch for the use the kitchen table got.
Contemporary Maple Finish Wood Counter Height Dining Table w/Leaf
Contemporary Maple Finish Wood Counter Height Dining Table w/Leaf This is a brand new contemporary style maple finish wood counter height dining table. This updated counter height dining table is a combination of clean sophisticated dining and gentle curves. Item may require simple assembly. Matching counter height chair is sold separately. This resembles the one we had in that it too has the drop leaf and is very tall. It is what I would choose if I were recreating the original kitchen.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
On the Counter, a Hard-working Toaster
Delonghi RT400 4-Slice Retro Toaster
Bring retro-cool to your kitchen with this stylish toaster featuring a brushed metal exterior that stays cool to the touch. Four extra-wide, extra-long toasting slots allow you to toast bread, bagels, and more. Style RT-400.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price: $99.99
In the Corner, a Big Stand Mixer
I'm not sure of the brand, but I am sure of the color - a gleaming white monster that took up a great bit of counter space and worked extremely well. Sunbeam sounds right, but it could just have easily been a KitchenAid, if those were available in the early 1950s.
Sunbeam 2346-030 Heritage Series 12-Speed Stand Mixer, White
Mixmaster, 450W, White Heritage Stand Mixer, A Contemporary Version Of The Sunbeam Classic Mixmaster Featuring Heavy Duty Die Cast Metal Construction, Dual Motors For Beaters & Bowl, 12 Variable Speed Selection, Stainless Steel Beaters, Whisks & Dough Hooks & 2 Stainless Steel Bowls, 4.5 QT & 2.2 QT.
Amazon Price: $130.47 (as of 07/14/2009)
What Made Our Kitchen the Coolest Ever? Lazy Susan!
A built-in completely cabinet-filling lazy susan. Absolutely hands down the most fun thing in the kitchen then, and definitely a timesaver now. Ours was a brand new thing at that time, a module that integrated with all of the rest of the stainless steel cabinets, and was easily big enough for a three-year-old to get into (and back out of with some effort). It was a heavy steel double-decker that held flour, sugar, pots, pans, mixing bowls and scads of other stuff, and always spun smoothly with a bit of a rumbling of ball bearings.
KV Lazy Susan Full Round 2 Polymer Shelves 32" (Set) White
These full round polymer Lazy Susans feature a steel pin for height adjustment. Simply push the pin through one of the predrilled holes in the post at your desired shelf location.
Amazon Price: $86.87 (as of 07/14/2009)
List Price:
Retro Kitchen Appliances and Art
For some, everything old is new again. For others, they'd prefer to move on to higher technology and sell their current kitchenwares at auction. Sometimes you can get some great finds, and sometimes you can get some real silly stuff. Caveat emptor!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byVintage Kitchen Appliances and Art
Hop on the way-back machine and see what pre-owned lovelies emerge from closets, attics and older kitchen cabinets.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byYour Childhood Kitchen Memories
What are your fondest memories of the kichen of your childhood? Let us know!
BigGirlBlue wrote...
We weren't allowed in the kitchen. We were in the yard.
Congratulations on your purple star!
Posted June 15, 2009
Tipi wrote...
A step back in time going retro! Congratulations on the Purple Star Award!
Susie
Posted June 06, 2009
Demaw wrote...
I love a mid century kitchen. I still have some of my mother's kitchen items like cast iron pans, egg beaters, toaster, TV trays etc. I have picked up pieces from thrift stores also. 5 star lens.
Posted May 19, 2009
Swisstoons wrote...
I am old enough to remember many of these items. An interesting len. Starred, favoritied and lenrolled to three of my lenses which feature funny kitchen magnets (I know they only go back to the early 1970's...but what would a kitchen be without magnets, afterall??) :)
Posted April 05, 2009
Happiegrrrl wrote...
Yay for old school kitchens!!! I dub my personal style - "1940's Ultra Modern." The term, I discovered, in renting my second apartment as a young adult. It had this *dreamy* stove; sleek gray enamel with chrome. Not lots of chrome, like it's child, the 1950's suburban kitchen. Oh no! Just the right amount of chrome. Built in cabinets below, with the oven above the cookspace so you could watch that London Broil broil away. It had a rotisserie attachment! But best? Best was the built-in cooking well on the stove top. 4 burners AND a deep opening with the heating element recessed at the bottom of the well. No doubt there was originally a big pot that went along with it, but that was long gone. Still, I fantasized about frying chicken for Sunday picnics, ladling home made donuts hot from the fry basket, or a slow-simmering delicious soup..... Thanks for the trip back in time!
Posted January 18, 2009
stargazer00 wrote...
Sounds kinda like my grandma's kitchen. She had the Kit Cat clock and we had the colorful aluminum tumblers. Nice memories!
Posted January 16, 2009
JaguarJulie wrote...
Ah ... black and white linoleum ... rotary phones ... doilies ... aprons ... horn-rimmed glasses ... I'm waxing nostalgically can't you tell?
Posted September 25, 2008
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
I love the retro look. It reminds me of my Grandmother's kitchen.
5 Stars and lensroll to "Pass the Salt"
Posted June 05, 2008
FoxMusic wrote...
Great Lens Idea -- I too have fond memories of my grandmothers kitchen.
Posted April 28, 2008
fledgling wrote...
Awesome lens! 5 stars! I love retro, for the look, the memories, and last but definitely not least, the fact that appliances lasted a long time! My Mom has had a GE electric percolator since I was a kid in the 60's! It still works great! That's probably why they don't make them anymore! I use retro and vintage designs a lot in my Custom Pyrography business. God work!
Posted February 21, 2008
Great lens , very useful information, you presented in a very different style i like the way you club up the things in a wonderful manner, i thank if you visit my lens and rate it:
RomanticDayDateIdeas
Posted February 11, 2008
Wow! what an awesome SquidOO lens! Interesting, different and well laid out!Do check out my lenses too and if you wish give a rating:RomanticCheapDateIdeas
Posted February 08, 2008
janieruth wrote...
My Momma was the best cook in North Alabama, maybe the state - possibly the world. We lived in the country and had everything fresh from the garden or hen house. Every Saturday she would make something extra special, raised doughnuts were my very favorite. This was in the 50s and it was a small town. I dare say we were the ONLY kids who's Momma made those treats. The kitchen was always my favorite room, family gathered for meals, prayers were said, homework done, life was lived in the kitchen. Thanks so much for the trip down memory lane! janieruth
Posted February 01, 2008
MoomettesMagnificents wrote...
I love this Squidoo Lens! I'm a vintage fanatic & eBay Seller & my own Nana was born in 1901 and lived to be over 100! I am bookmarking it to come back to! Great Site!
Posted January 12, 2008
Aika wrote...
well done lens, such a great resource esp to those who love retro! 5 stars for you
Posted September 04, 2007
webseitler wrote...
This is one of the BEST lenses I've seen in a long time. Part lens, part scrapbook! Wonderful work!
Posted August 23, 2007
Ms_Appleseed wrote...
Oh this is fun! Makes me want to think about cooking, almost or better yet, just get out the photo album and view those pics of gramma and think about her great home-cooked meals!
Posted August 19, 2007
Forgiven wrote...
Wow! What a great lens! 5 Stars from me! Please visit my faithography lens when you get time and rate it if you would.
Posted August 14, 2007
DeanBakerWholesale wrote...
Great 5 star lens! Enjoyed bringing back my memories from childhood.
Posted August 09, 2007
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by Caseyfern
Once in a while, I do something that shows my true age and highlights the dichotomy between computer geek and nostalgic homemaker. I, too, have fon... (more)
