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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

HOOSIER STYLE CABINETS

This is a true Hoosier cabinet produced by the Hoosier Manufacturing Co of New Castle, Indiana. The reason I tell you this is because a real Hoosier cabinet is usually higher priced and desired over all the copy/similar type kitchen cabinets of the time. For most the only way to know the difference is if the cabinet still maintains the original paper or metal tag.

 
 
Also did you know its predecessor was what is called a Baker's Cabinet, sometimes called possum bottom, because of the rounded bins on the bottom, which held sugar and flour?
 
 
Now for some photos and ad's of hoosier style cabinets. These will show you the many different styles that were developed and available, plus many different sizes including additional cabinets to tie in the mix. 
 






Now for some history.
Loaded with labor and time-saving conveniences, the Hoosier cabinet was among the earliest design innovations of the modern American kitchen. This culinary workstation allowed owners to maintain an efficient and clutter-free kitchen by centralizing utensils, cookware, tools, and ingredients all the while providing a space in which to prepare the meals of the day. The typical Hoosier style cabinet consists of three parts. The base section usually has one large compartment with a slide-out shelf, and several drawers to one side. Generally it sat on small casters. The top portion is shallower and has several smaller compartments with doors, with one of the larger lower compartments having a roll-top or tambour. The top and the bottom are joined by a pair of metal channels which serve as the guide for a sliding counter top, which usually has a pair of shallow drawers underside.
 

A distinctive feature of the true Hoosier cabinet is its accessories. As originally supplied, they were equipped with various racks and other hardware to hold and organize spices and various staples The typical Hoosier cabinet consists of three parts. The base section usually has one large. One particularly distinctive item is the combination flour-bin/sifter, a tin hopper that could be used without having to remove it from the cabinet. A similar sugar bin was also common.
Special glass jars were manufactured to fit the cabinet and its racks. A major manufacturer of the glassware was Sneath Glass Company. Original sets of Hoosier glassware consisted of coffee and tea canisters, a salt box, and four to eight spice jars. Some manufacturers also included a cracker jar. One distinctive form was a cylindrical jar with a ring molded around its center, to allow it to rest in the holes of a metal hanging rack. On the inside of the doors, it was common to have cards with such information as measurement conversions, sample menus, and other household helps.
Houses of the period were frequently not equipped with built-in cabinetry, and the lack of storage space in the kitchen became acute. Hoosier adapted an existing furniture piece, the baker's cabinet, which had a similar structure of a table top with some cabinets above it (and frequently flour bins beneath). By rearranging the parts and taking advantage of (then) modern metal working, they were able to produce a well-organized, compact cabinet which answered the home cook's needs for storage and working space. Hoosier cabinets remained popular into the 1920s, but by that time houses began to be built with more modern kitchens with built-in cabinets and other fixtures.
Beginning around 1899, the first ones were assembled and "built by skilled cabinetmakers." But within a few years, the company standardized parts so they could be replaced and began to manufacture the cabinets on an assembly line. Some of the special features included a sifter mounted on the bottom of the flour bin, places to store potatoes and onions, metal-lined bread drawers, cutlery drawers, spice racks, some of which rotated for easier use, lidded jars for coffee and tea, coffee grinders, and a work table, designed at the optimal height for working while seated. By 1920 the company had made two million Hoosiers and the name became the generic term for the kitchen cabinet.
Caught  between  a market that wanted built-ins and a depression and war that halted the manufacture of consumer goods, the company ceased its business in the early 1940's.



Because these Hoosier Cabinets were so loved by the women of the era many other companies began making their versions.






The time period between 1920 and 1925 was the high water mark for another company with their version the Coppes Napanee Kitchenet.

 
 The “Hoosier” kitchen cabinet was very popular, not only with Coppes, but with several companies in the state of Indiana. Books suggest that as many as 40 different companies were making the “Hoosier” cabinet at the peak of its populiarity. Some of the competition had very similar appearing cabinets and it is difficult to determine the correct mfg. without the proper metal tag. Coppes, Zook & Mutschler Co. and Coppes Bros. & Zook used their trademarked metal name tag with the Dutch Girl in the center. "The Dutch Girl" was featured in advertising during this time period.
Here is a list of the companies in the state of Indiana making the Hoosier Cabinet, and hoosier style cabinets.
(a) The “Boone” or “Hoosier” cabinet made by the Hoosier Manufacturing Co. of Albany, IN .
(b) The “Kitchen Maid” cabinet made by Wasmuth-Endicott Co. of Andrews, IN.
(c) The “McDougall” by the G.P. McDougall & Son, Indianapolis, IN.
(d) The “Sellers” cabinet by G.I. Sellers & Sons Company, Kokomo, IN.
 
Now some more examples of styles and advertising.
 
1924 Remodel Ad
 

1920's Art Deco style

1920's notice the table/chair companion
 


1917
 



1909
 

1910


1919
 

 
 
 

  



 
 


 
 

 


 .

 
 
 

56 comments:

  1. Can anybody help me identify this cabinet. It is different from all the pictures I'm seeing. The top cabinet goes all the way to the table top and has glass fronts (one still has it's design). There are two shelves inside. There is the metal guides that connect the top to the bottom. The table top is enamel. The bottom cabinet has a configuration that I haven't seen in any pictures. You have two small drawers on each side with the metal bread drawer in the middle. Then you have two cabinet doors and inside is one shelf. It is on casters. Currently painted white. It has a top decorative piece on the top cabinet, however, it is very plain and only slightly curved on top. I can find no markings, tags etc. I'm getting ready to strip the paint off. The top cabinet shelf area is currently painted kind of brown, but i see that it is red behind it, however I don't know if that was original color or the color someone had painted it. The trim on the enamel table is black so i'm assuming it isn't the red cabinet I've seen pictures of that is similar in drawer layout. Pictures are available.

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    1. Melissa: I just bought a Hoosier cabinet that sounds very much like yours, particularly the arrangement of the drawers on the base piece. Mine has a red rim around the enamel work surface, two smaller drawers on either side of a larger tin bread drawer, and a larger bottom cabinet. The top of yours sounds a little different than mine. I have two glass front doors fronting two shelves, and in between a tall open area which may have held a flour sifter (?). Below that is a roll up door over another storage area. Mine is painted white (original?) and someone has painted the door and drawer pulls red (Bad paint job)

      I found your post while researching my new acquisition. Did you ever learn anything more about your cabinet?

      Kathi,
      Cincinnati, OH

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  2. Melissa
    From your description it is just another style of "Hoosier style cabinet" of which many many many styles and layouts were made. Without a label or marking you will never know for sure. It is definately a kitchen cabinet, I know this because of the enamel work surface and the metal bread drawer. It is not the style that would have been used in a dinning room. Most of these, the tops didn't come fully to the base, usually a working/storage area between the top and bottom piece but having said that, many also were full cabinet to the base and had wood or glass doors. I know you would rather hear it is this particular brand or that but too many variations were made and by multiple companies, makes it difficult to identify without original paperwork,tag, or marking.

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  3. Sheila I have Seller's Hoosier its marking 274 top & bottom. I'm have a trouble finding the drawer guide on back of drawer. Can you help me out?At least point in the right direction...

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    1. Sorry I did not respond sooner, somehow I missed you. Their are companies that remake parts for a Hoosier Cabinet, not sure but probably someone makes parts for a Seller also. I have included a link you might want to check out. http://www.kennedyhardware.com/hoosier-cabinets-book.html

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  4. Ever heard of "Home Economist" Hoosier style cabinets? I can find no info! Any help is appreciated.

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  5. This label "Home Economist" was used on some original Hoosier Manufactured Cabinets----any I have seen always had the flour sifter and other goodies included in the cabinet---some hoosier cabinets did not include the extra's inside---here is a defintion, popularized during the 1910s by the Hoosier Manufacturing Company, the cabinet looked like a china hutch on steroids with built-in sifters which held flour and sugar, with a built-in spice rack. An enameled counter slid out to create work space, and pots, pans and bowls were stored in cupboards below. NOW HERE IS WHY THE NAME "HOOSIER ECONOMISTS" was added for a few years---A food mill could be permanently attached to the side, and basic recipe charts developed by Christine Frederick, a pioneering home economist, were affixed to the cabinet doors. The housewife or servant could stand in one place and make a complete meal, stepping back only to bring filled pans to the stove or dirty bowls to the sink — In other words a marketing ploy name for the high end Hoosier Cabinet of that time.
    Hope this helps, most of these tags are long gone so you don't see them on the cabinet often.

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  6. I have a Hoosier Type cabinet in nice shape, but the only identification on it is on the back. I says White No. D1347. Can anyone tell Me anything about it?

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    1. Thanks for the question. The best place for additional information is the following website.
      http://www.hoosiercabinet.com/ShowUsYourHoosier.htm

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    2. I have the EXACT model number No. D1347 white. Stamped on . Did you happen to find out the maker?

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  7. I have the hoosier cabinet pictured above with the lady standing on the stool it's an actual photograph while I believe my cabinet was green with those exact markings and layout I have no idea on model # or date of my cabinet could u help paper tag is to dark to read and front plate us missing

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  8. Is the Off white with red trim Hoosier style baker's cabinet still available? hd4always@aol.com

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  9. I have a cabinet and want to find out if it is a Hoosier brand and the year it was made. There are no paper or metal tags with a name on it. There are some Hoosier latches on the cabinet and a sticker on the underside of the pull out counter top. The sticker is only partially there and it says Caution but you really can't read anything but a random word here and there. This cabinet looks very similar to the 8th photo on your website (large stained cabinet). My cabinet also has a wood counter top, unlike others I have seen. Do you think it originally had tin or another material over the wood strips?

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    1. On the latches on the cabinet doors there should be the hoosier stamp with patent date on it.

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  10. I have an oak, Hoosier style cabinet. Two doors on top, one on left has top of flour sifter with window to see flour. Between the two top doors is an oval mirror. Middle section has horizontal tambour doors, on the left is the mechanism and bottom of flour sifter. Enamel counter top that slides out is edged in green. Under that 3 drawers on the right, one is a bread drawer. On the left a large door with slide out metal shelf. Have not seen one with a mirror before. All doors have wire and tin shelves. Only markings on the lower back stamped on says "Green Ivory Oak W37" Any way to determine maker or age? Thank you.

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  11. I have an oak, Hoosier style cabinet. Two doors on top, one on left has top of flour sifter with window to see flour. Between the two top doors is an oval mirror. Middle section has horizontal tambour doors, on the left is the mechanism and bottom of flour sifter. Enamel counter top that slides out is edged in green. Under that 3 drawers on the right, one is a bread drawer. On the left a large door with slide out metal shelf. Have not seen one with a mirror before. All doors have wire and tin shelves. Only markings on the lower back stamped on says "Green Ivory Oak W37" Any way to determine maker or age? Thank you.

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  12. Did any Hoosier cabinets have possom bottom drawers. I have a cabinet that my family insists is a Hoosier cabinet, but I believe it is a bakers cabinet manufactured by some other company.

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  13. I have a hoosier style cabinet that has a sticker on the back that says: Sears, Roebock Co. CAT No 2185. How can I get additional info? Date, color, etc.

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  14. Ron W.,

    Go to--this might, also, help:

    http://www.kennedyhardware.com/1921-hoosier-cabinet-plans.html

    Shannah

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  15. I just inherited my grandmother's Hoosier cabinet. On the back it had "Biederman Furuniture Co" stamped, and the number 1371 written on it. Where can I find more information on this?

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  16. I just bought a Hoosier style cabinet with tambour doors on the top and bottom parts of the cabinet.I have never seen another like it.Would you happen to know which company produced the??

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    1. I have one like that also that I just purchased. Did you ever get any info on yours? Also my cabinet has a set of sliding doors on the top right hand side.

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  17. I have a Hoosier style cabinet that has no markings other than "Woods Furniture Co, Battle Creek, MI" stamped on the back. Can anyone give me information about this? I can't find anything. It has a porcelain top, single door with wire shelf on left, three drawers on right with the bottom one being a bread drawer. I do not have a top shelving section for this, just the base. Thank you!!

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  18. I am restoring an original Hoosier cabinet. It has the sifter in the center and has a window that is exposed. It is a large cabinet. I have been trying to research, and have never seen, or found another. It has the Hoosier label at the center top that is soft metal. Can you tell me anything about this? Maybe what year it is? It also has the metal drawers with covers and the ben in the center for a large bag of flour or meal in the bottom of the cabinet.

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  19. Sir/Ma'am,
    The reason for the metal on the sides of the drawers was because it was intended to keep out the bugs and mice.
    As for the tag, why not go to your browser and type in "info. on housier cabinets". That might do it. Even browse for a company name through the housier cabinets. It might help. Good luck. :)

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  20. I would love to try and 'date' my Sellers cabinet. I have the model number but cannot find anywhere in a search when this was made. It still has the stamping on the back, and the metal tag on teh front. NO 2983

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  21. I have just acquired a Hoosier cabinet with a label on the front that says Hoosier Manufacturing Co. Newcastle, Indiana. It is complete with the flour sifter and I believe all parts are there and original. I was just wondering how to find out more information about this piece and if/how I should restore it?

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  22. I have a Hoosier cabinet on front it says keystone have half of a faded label on back it's a what some people would say a dark ugly green and mustard colored doors and stencil on doors red flowers and greenery has slide out rack on bottom and flour door getting frustrated to say the least I look online all these people know what they have please help very upsetting

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  23. I'm trying to identify the mfg. of my Hoosier Style cabinet. It looks like the 1911 version in Saturday Evening Post ads. Except the top back and base sides do not have fluting. Top is wood covered in aluminum sheet. Exterior has been painted but interior of doors are varnished oak. Back has tag with Style 1322.

    Matt

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  24. I have a Hoosier style cabinet, but it is all metal. It has a porcelain extending shelf. It was my great-aunt's and I know was around will before the 1960s, as she lent it to a friend in the early 60s, and reclaimed it in the early 80s. I'm trying to identify it's true type/title to restore it. Unfortunately it was painted with heavy, oil based paint in the 60/70s and all markings are covered. It does have the flour glass Jar with opening bottom (no sifter). Any help would be appreciated.

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  25. I would love to see a picture of your cabinet, as it sounds exactly like one I just got.....even the original inside red. If it is the same, I would love to know if you have found out anything about yours. I want so badly to know the maker and when they were msnufactured! Thanks!

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  26. I found this brass nameplate that reads: NAPANEE DUTCH
    KITCHENETTE
    With a profile of a woman in a cap/hat with TRADE MARK REGISTERED On each side of neck. Encircling the profile is:
    COPPES BROTHERS AND ZOOK
    NAPANEE, INDIANA. There is no date.

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  28. I have a Hoosier style cabinet and the only identifying mark I can find on it is a large stamp on the bottom...But I can't read it...Do you know of any manufacturers that may have stamped their product with ink instead of a metal tag?

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  30. I have a hoosier cabinet I am redoing, needs love. I found a papertag on the top part, that reads hoosier manufacturing co New Castle IN
    No 308 upper section spring green
    160229. Can you give me an information about this cabinet? The sides and top look like veneer. What kind of wood would the rest be? Plus it's missing the flour bin. Any information or pictures would be great! Thank you.

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  31. I have my grandmother's Kichen Maid cabinet with metal name plate.It was stripped of the flour sifter and most accessories. The condition is good except over the years my mother put several different types of latches on for grandma and in time each failed. I have no idea what the original latches were. Does anyone know what latch was used on Kitchen Maid? Thanks for any help you can provide!

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  32. I have my grandmother's Kichen Maid cabinet with metal name plate.It was stripped of the flour sifter and most accessories. The condition is good except over the years my mother put several different types of latches on for grandma and in time each failed. I have no idea what the original latches were. Does anyone know what latch was used on Kitchen Maid? Thanks for any help you can provide!

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  33. Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe your not more popular because you definitely have the gift.
    grandparents day 2018

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  34. Anyone know how I can remove the tambour door so that I can repair it? Thank you!

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  35. I am looking for information on a cabinet my husband inherited from his mother last year. It is a skinny (13" wide) hutch with 2 open shelves on top, each with a groove for displaying plates, and a cabinet below with 2 shelves. It has an oval shaped metal label inside the cabinet door that says Hoosier New Castle, Indiana. My mother in law was born in 1922 and the hutch belonged to her mother so it seems likely that the hutch would have been made in the early to mid-1900s, but when I look up the Hooser company in New Castle, the only information I can find is on the famous Hoosier Kitchen Cabinet. Did they make other furniture as well? Thanks!

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  36. Some great information, thanks. We are restoring a 1930 (est) white cabinet.

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  37. pull out shelves

    Slide out shelves for kitchen cabinets custom made to fit. Kitchen cabinet pull out shelves, sliding cabinet shelves, shelves that slide, roll out shelves.

    to get more - https://www.slideoutshelvesllc.com/spice-racks

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  38. I have a “Hoosier “style cabinet that I cannot identify the manufacturer. It has a cream top with green trim. It has a tilt out drawer on top left to fill the flour, and a door below it. The top right has 2 doors & below them is a door that rolls up. The odd thing is that it has one long narrow drawer between the roll up door & the enamel top. The metal side brackets are like Boone, but none of the other hardware is like Boone. Any ideas on the manufacturer would be appreciated.

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  39. I have a Hoosier that has a tag on it that says Hoosier New Castle Indiana, we turned it up to see the bottom, on it, is stamped No. 4049 White En. Black & Gold can you tell me anything about it, Thank you.

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  40. My husband is nearly finished restoring his grandmother's hoosier-style cabinet manufactured by Marsh Furniture Co. (High Point, NC) circa 1930. There are various wire racks etc. that attach to the insides of the cabinet doors. There is one item that we are having trouble figuring out what it was used for. It is metal, about 10.25" wide x 2" deep x 1.25" high, and there are three shallow, oval "cups" in it each of which is about 3" long. I have a photo but don't know how to include it in this comment. Are you familiar with this accessory and its use? Thank you.

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  41. Is there any difference in a wood or porcelain work space?

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  42. Is a real Hoosier Cabinet made of real light wood, and it only has a flour sifter. This is more than likely a fake right?

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  44. My wife and I have a 1919 Napanee "Hoosier" cabinet and we are looking for some touch up paint, or stain, and to also paint a couple other pieces to match. Does anyone know what the color is? We've tried Honey Oak and Gunstock and they are close but not exact. I know it will be tough to match it exactly but any help from the experts would be appreciated!
    Thanks!

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  45. I have a Hoosier cabinet. From Hoosier Manufacturing Co. But I can't figure out the year. I found the tags. I wish I could post a picture here. It looks similar to the Bridal one, but without the embellishments. Help?

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  46. can someone tell me which cabinet has drawers across the top only. I need 4 hinges. I don't know how to attach a picture. Ty

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  47. I'm interested in purchasing a Hoosier cabinet, I'm from New Castle, IN where they were originally produced. I found one for sale but I had some concerns about it. I thought the tops were all porcelain, this one I found looks to have a tin top, but the top section looks to be correct, any help would be appreciated.

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  48. Have a hoosier style cabinet. It has a watermark on buy I can't seem to locate any where how to find who the manufacturer is. Any help?

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