The Hoosier Cabinet in Kitchen History

by Nancy R. Hiller

Loaded with labor and time-saving conveniences, the Hoosier cabinet was among the earliest design innovations of the modern American kitchen. This culinary workstation allowed owners to maintain an efficient and clutter-free kitchen by centralizing utensils, cookware, tools, and ingredients all the while providing a space in which to prepare the meals of the day. Bloomington-based cabinetmaker Nancy R. Hiller draws on her years of specialty cabinet making and thorough knowledge of interior design to deliver an entertaining, beautiful, and informative history of the Hoosier cabinet―revealing its influence on the development of the contemporary American home. Illustrated with original manufacturers' advertisements and sales literature―some of which is previously unpublished―as well as color and black-and-white photos, this long-overdue book on an icon of the early 20th-century kitchen will be an invaluable resource to cabinetmakers, antiques enthusiasts, and homeowners planning a period-inspired kitchen.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published March 17, 2009

Reviews

[L.M. Elm]

Hiller provides an in-depth look into the history of the Hoosier which received its name from the man Indiana manufacturers (similar to how we call all facial tissue kleenex). Once indoor plumbing became a norm the pantry cupboards moved into the kitchen and the Hoosier moved out. Lots and lots of photographs. Bibliography. Definitely a go-to source for the once quinesential kitchen furniture.

[Stuart Miller]

An excellent short history of how the Hoosier Cabinet became such a success in 1900-1930 due to changing roles for women, the advent of science in the kitchen, and new sales and marketing techniques. Nicely illustrated with period advertisements.

[Nancy]

Nicely illustrated book about the development of the Hoosier cabinet and its influence on the development of modern kitchen cabinetry. Also discusses how the development of advertising at the same time, along with convenient weekly payments, helped sell the cabinets.

[Claire Arbogast]

The history of kitchens, marketing and culture make this a more interesting read than you might think. Nicely written.