A Toast to Toasters!

    When we were building our house, we met often with the architect who modified the plans for our house.  We were happy with most of the plans, except for the kitchen.  For some unknown reason, the architect kept erasing the lines on my kitchen cabinets and making the cabinets extend to the ceiling.  I did not want that.  I wanted a space between the top of my cabinets and the ceiling for “something”.  I didn’t know what, but something.  A collection of plants?  A collection of – what?  I didn’t know then, but I got what I wanted.

    What could I display on top of the cabinets?  It didn’t take long until I was attracted to the old enamel or porcelain ware that was white trimmed in red.  I found many pieces at flea markets, garage sales or antique shops.  Of course, the garage sales and flea markets had the most pieces at the lowest prices.  And the dirtiest! 

    I found large bowls, platters, a bucket, coffee pot, plates, ladle, to name a few.  It was very easy to clean these pieces.  I just used a little warm water, a very mild cleaning product, a soft cloth and some TLC.  And voila!  The dirt and grime and rust just melted away to reveal a beautiful piece of kitchenware from decades ago.  The red-trimmed ware went well with the color scheme of my kitchen since I had a lot of red in it.  But after a while, I just needed “something” else.

    One day while antiquing, I came across an old toaster and I said, “That’s it.”  And so began my collection of old toasters.  Toasters were originally invented in Scotland in 1893 and have continued to be improved over the years.  The toaster is one of the most common household appliances.  Toasters have been refined over the years and are now included as one of the most elite food processors on most kitchen counters.  Toasters may be taken for granted, but we probably use them daily.  

    I found toasters at garage sales for $.50; at flea markets (dirty, of course) for $1.00; at the Thrift Shop on the base for $2.00.  At antique stores, it was a bit different.  Those items were on consignment from a vendor, so the price was often higher, yet not exorbitant. 

    All of the toasters have the original cords and most do work, although I doubt I’d try to make toast in them today.  None of the toasters are alike.  Each one is different and most have been identified by either the logo on the side, or by the brand name on the bottom of the toaster.  Most are American, but some are British made.

                                                   (This is a 1942 Sunbeam Model T-9)

    My favorite is the one slice toaster that “pops” the piece of bread up when it is finished.  It reminds me of the TV show, “I Love Lucy”, where Lucy is making Ricky breakfast.  He is reading the paper and she puts bread in the toaster.  When it’s ready, it “pops” up and he catches it. 

  

            (This toaster was manufactured in England; an Easipower LTD, Model B, Tip Toaster) 

           The oldest toaster was found in Pennsylvania and dates back to around 1900, a rare find.  I love the way the sides pull out and then flips around to “toast” the other side of the bread.   

                             (This is a Universal by Landers Fraby R. Clark, New Britain, CT)

     I remember when banks used to give away toasters or small appliances for opening a new account.  I think toasters have often been maligned.  They can be colorful, a good size, can be used for many food items, and aren’t too expensive.

    Time and Time Again, when I’m out and about antiquing, or just browsing at a flea market, I’ll look under tables at the clutter beneath and hope to find a unique toaster – a piece of history that somebody just threw away.  I wonder if Lucy and Ricky owned one of these toasters?  Hm…..