So the lower surface was actually done to make kneading dough easier since the baker can use their shoulder muscles and body weight more in the push than they could do on a higher surface. The cook would often sit to peel and cut up veggies or snap beans etc. That being said, you appear to be tall so it might be too short for you. I have been on the hunt for a Hoosier style cabinet in my price range for a long time. How lucky you were to find one in such good condition!!
Hello Erika, Thank you for the comment. That makes sense about the height. I noticed I prefer kneading dough standing up. It's much more comfortable and my back doesn't hurt like it does when I'm at the counter. Good luck on finding yourself a Hooiser cabinet. I hope you can find one. They are so neat. I just kept checking out different antique stores and eventually found one at a good price. Take care! 🙂
The Hoosier-style cabinet was exclusively a baking center (with storage). You'll notice that many farmhouse kitchens also had a sink with two large flanking "drainboards." You'd set your cutting board on one of those. Meat didn't come in tidy cellophane and styrofoam parcels, and these cooks were VERY aware of the problems of transfer bacteria. Once the vegetables and freshly plucked chicken or dressed squirrel or whatever was chopped up, the entire area would be doused with boiling water from the kettle. My point is, you would NOT prep anything but baked goods at your Hoosier.
I've been looking for the perfect Hoosier cabinet myself. My grandparents had one, passed down from their parents, and it's still in the family being used daily. You did a lovely job painting it, and I love how you made it your own.
That is the best if it's passed down by family. So special. I hope you can find one. I was quite surprised at how pricey they can be. I got a good deal on this one, but it isn't very old. I don't know where you are located, but if you are ever in the south they have some of the best antique stores. I get lost in them .
So cute! Great job :) We have one from my husband’s grandparents and it’s beautiful, but covered in lead paint! Do you know of a sealant that won’t discolor there white and can be used to preserve the cracks? Thanks!
Thank you, Drea. It sounds like the one from your husbands' grandparents is quite older than mine. Try a lead paint encapsulant. There are ones that come in clear. I haven't ever used an encapsulant before, so you might want to do a bit of research to find the right one for you. Let me know how it goes. I would love to see a picture. You take care Drea!
