Hoosier cabinets, those kitchen organizers that preceded built-ins for the modern kitchen, were manufactured from 1898 through the 1940s.
The cabinets were named after the New Castle, Ind., company that made them. By 1920, the Hoosier Co. had sold more than 2 million of its cabinets, according to “Hoosier Cabinets,” a self-published book by Philip D. Kennedy.
This freestanding kitchen organizer contained spaces for a sugar dispenser, a pull-out flour bin with sifter, spice racks, coffee canister, tea, tin-lined bread drawer, kitchen utensils, pots and pans and various foodstuffs.
Everything was located in one cabinet, saving the homemaker needless steps around the kitchen, as well as excess bending and reaching.
In addition to a cutting board, the enameled counter space was the surface for making cookies and pie crust.
Counters were usually made of golden oak or white enamel. Cabinets with hinged or roll-down doors were usually made of natural or painted oak, pine, maple and walnut, with a waxed finish. Later models were factory-painted white, cream, green, navy, gray and ornamented with an art-deco border. Some had etched glass doors.
Depending on their condition, Hoosiers in good original or refinished condition now sell for between $400 and $2,500. Oak Hoosiers in excellent condition command the highest prices.
Like any popular product, there were soon copies of this household wonder, which though they varied from manufacturer to manufacturer, were still referred to as Hoosier cabinets.
To tell if your cabinet is an original, check the door fasteners to see if they are marked with the letter “H.” The basic eight-drawer model with three shelves, flour bin, spice rack and casters cost $14 in 1904. Deluxe models with double the amount of sqace cost $23.85.
Hoosier cabinets are descended from 19th-century baker’s cabinets.
In more recent years, Hoosier cabinets have been used`as computer desk, home entertainment center, a bar, baby changing table, tool shop, craft center and laundry supply cabinet and folding shelf.
