28 Comments
User's avatar
Ruth Stroud's avatar

I just love old cooking tools, though I really don’t have any as interesting as that 3-foot rolling pin. Your dad’s version of “What is it?” seems like a fun and creative way to teach children about history. The painting is one I’d definitely like to hang in my kitchen and stare at as I devoured those mashed potatoes. Thanks for another satisfying post, Vicki!

Expand full comment
Vicki Smith's avatar

Thanks so much, Ruth! Also for sharing.

Expand full comment
Amie McGraham's avatar

Yeah, but you have a pretty sweet modern-day rolling pin, Ruth!

Expand full comment
Ruth Stroud's avatar

I do! And one from the ‘50s as well, though not one that’s almost 3-feet long!

Expand full comment
Sally Showalter's avatar

So many of these utensils I have from long gone family members. It makes food taste just a tad more full of love when used. Thank you for sharing!

Expand full comment
Vicki Smith's avatar

I'm glad that mine is not the only family that holds on to the past. Thanks, Sally!

Expand full comment
Amie McGraham's avatar

Uh, YUM! Ginger and sweet potatoes is genius, Vicki!

Expand full comment
Vicki Smith's avatar

Why, thank you!

Expand full comment
Sally Johnson's avatar

No- but I just loved the idea- my adult kids and significant others had a ball trying to guess what the things were! And I just love a simple interactive! I’m always looking for wonderful exhibits

Your dad sounds like he is/was great fun.

Expand full comment
Amy Allen's avatar

What a fun game! These objects are pieces of art, each with their own story. Seeing the silk leaf mold used by milliners made me wonder about who used it, where it came from, and its journey to you.

Expand full comment
Vicki Smith's avatar

Thanks, Amy. It would be interesting to trace their histories!

Expand full comment
Sally Johnson's avatar

What a great game! I saw a version of this at the Boston Science Museum which was such fun for us all to guess what the items were. I loved reading your story - silk maps! Who knew? And the leaf mold! Love this as well as the recipe!

Vicki you are amazing… and your tablecloth collection is just wonderful ❤️

Expand full comment
Vicki Smith's avatar

Thanks, Sally! That sounds like a fun exhibit. Did you work on it?

Expand full comment
janet astore's avatar

You did it - another fascinating story with photos.

Expand full comment
Vicki Smith's avatar

Thank you, Jan!

Expand full comment
Nancy Seeley Zipprih's avatar

I liked the photos of old items, from our grandparents from LM. My dad gave us several kitchen items including an original ice cream make turned by hand. I did not know about great grandfather Sprague had the tool to mark his wood projects. The military items were really interesting.

Expand full comment
Vicki Smith's avatar

Thanks, Nancy. The ice cream maker sounds cool. We had a copy of a vintage one growing up. It was a lot of work to make that ice cream!

Expand full comment
Caroline Soer's avatar

Interesting post. My father had a brass button cleaning guard - I can see him now polishing the buttons of his RAF uniform with Brasso☺️

Expand full comment
Vicki Smith's avatar

Thank you, Caroline! And thanks for sharing about your dad.

Expand full comment
Cristina's avatar

The rolling pin might be for pasta. Good story. Interesting objects, beautifully made and reflecting a lot of skills being lost. Enjoyed your illustration also.

Expand full comment
Vicki Smith's avatar

Thank you, Cristina! Pasta, that's a thought.

Expand full comment
Cristina's avatar

My grandmother had two long rolling pins. One had squares for making ravioli.

A very nice book about Italian or Italian American cooking is The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken by Laura Schenone. There is a picture of the author proudly holding a very long, inherited rolling pin. A family treasure. You might find her on You Tube, possibly using the same rolling pin.

Expand full comment
Vicki Smith's avatar

Thanks! I will take a look.

Expand full comment
Vicki Smith's avatar

I found her and the ravioli rolling pin. I've never seen one before. So interesting.

Expand full comment
Cristina's avatar

I think you would enjoy the book. Hard for me to summarize adequately but includes observations about family, music, and more. The author travels to Italy.

Expand full comment
Jolene Handy's avatar

Love your utensils and drawing!

Expand full comment
Vicki Smith's avatar

Thanks, Jolene!

Expand full comment
Collette Greystone's avatar

I love antique kitchen gadgets! Ginger and sweet potatoes are a great combo.

Expand full comment