history

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…

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…

Housewares History: Get a Good Grip

What is it? Can you guess what this kitchen tool was used for? Leave your guesses/comments on our facebook page and check there for the answer later today. Housewares Trivia The product above might have slipped out of your hand quite easily. Sam Farber and Smart Design put an end to the problem of poorly gripped handles on kitchen tools when he invented this line of products…

Housewares History: And wait, there’s more!

What is it? Can you guess what this 1930's era item is and was used for? *HINT* It's a heathier way to cook now, but it was just necessary when it was invented. You can make guesses on our facebook page. The answer will be revealed in the afternoon. Housewares Trivia Ron Popeil made his debut demonstrating products at Woolworth's but didn't get his big break until he did…

Housewares History:Bundt-ing into the conversation

Bundt cake may not be your favorite, but it's definitely one of the most noticable desserts to come out of the kitchen. Bundt pans are the signature product of Nordic Ware, a company founded by David Dalquist in the 1940s, after being created at the request of a woman from Minnesota in 1950. The pans had a rough go early on, but sales picked up in the 1960s after receiving an…

Housewares History: A little steam goes a long way

Ironing is probably something you do often, a chore that goes without much thought as to how it's process has evolved and continues to evolve (into a sport?). Well ironing was not always as simple as it is today, especially when they thought weight, not heat, was the key to better ironing. Now & Then This 1919 model clothes iron had a hose to connect to the stove and used…

Housewares History: Italian Anyone?

Let us introduce to you a new blog series exclusively from the IHA: Housewares History: An Homage to Innovations of the Past! Every Monday we'll be showing off some of the greatest(and goofiest) inventions that have shaped our kitchens and what we use in them today. Here is your first housewares history lesson, enjoy! What is it? Can you guess what this old kitchen tool was…