Housewares History

A Bake-Off Propels A Take-Off

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator Nordic Ware Celebrates 65th Anniversary of Bakeware Innovations Today’s talented performers dream of winning American Idol or other TV competitions, knowing that success will follow. In 1966, when a woman won the 17th Pillsbury Bake-Off with her recipe for a cake baked in a Nordic Ware Bundt® pan, Pillsbury and Nordic Ware were…

A Seasoned Success Story – Cookware that Lasts

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator Cookware that outlasts the kitchen In an industry that’s all about “What’s New?”, how can a housewares company continue to thrive by selling products that last for 100 years? Just ask Lodge Manufacturing Company, a family-owned and operated business based in South Pittsburg, Tennessee since 1896 and the sole U.S. manufacturer…

Housewares History: Bicentennial Salute to Pfaltzgraff!

By Vicki Matranga, IHA Design Programs Coordinator 200 Years of Tradition and Trends Over the past two centuries, much has changed in how food is prepared and served in America, but what hasn’t changed is how Pfaltzgraff continues to meet the needs of busy families. With a best-selling dinnerware line named Heritage, you wouldn’t expect anything less. In 1833, potter…

Celebrate Two Milestones with Homer Laughlin China!

By Vicki Matranga What dinnerware line was designed in 1936, is a hot collectible for antique seekers, and is made by the only ceramic tableware manufacturer remaining in the U.S.? If you guessed Fiesta®, you are correct! Headquartered in Newell, West Virginia, the family-owned Homer Laughlin China Company celebrates two special anniversaries in 2011—the 140th year since…

Housewares History: West Bend Hit the Century Mark!

by Vicki Matranga Cooking Up Traditions for 100 Years Remember your grandmother’s biscuits? Did your mom let you lick the mixer’s beaters when she baked a cake? What about that platter you inherited? You can thank a housewares company for such kitchen memories. Some of IHA’s member companies continue to make great products that people love and use for generations. We…

Housewares History: Seasonal Foods/Local Foods

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator It’s the season for farmers markets and gardening! Even in the chilly Midwest, backyard gardeners are tending their vegetable plants. But how to savor the bountiful harvests ahead? Unless camping or dealing with a power outage, rarely do we think about how people preserved food before refrigerators and freezers. Especially…