Excerpts from The Complete Home, 1906 All “Full Story” links go to the same page.
The Kitchen
If any one room in the home was conceived solely for the relief of man’s estate, that room is the kitchen, and it has supplied the energy which has sent forth many a one to fight a winning battle with the world, the flesh, and the devil; …it is, alas, too true that it is the rock upon which many a domestic ship has gone to pieces… Full Story –>
The Dining Room and the Kitchen
Many families do no home baking, and where fruit and vegetables are preserved the basement is utilized. Compactness in the kitchen saves hundreds of steps in the course of a day, and though it is difficult for us to forget the spacious room thought necessary by our parents, we may well learn, for our own comfort, to profit by the modern reasoning that opposes waste space. Full Story –>
The Plan
Blessed indeed is the kitchen with opposite windows, which insure a perfect circulation of air. Full Story –>
Location and Finish
A combination of white woodwork with blue walls and ceiling is charming, particularly where the blue-enameled porcelain-lined cooking utensils are used. Full Story –>
The Floor
…the new “colonial” cotton-rag rugs, woven in harmony with the general color scheme, protect the floor and help to relieve the strain of much standing, and can he washed and dried as satisfactorily as any piece of cotton cloth… Full Story –>
The Windows
A dainty valance, or sash curtains of muslin, dimity, or other summer wash goods, give an attractive and homey touch to the room. Full Story –>
The Sink
The sink, unless it is porcelain-lined, should be kept well painted and enameled, white being preferable to any color. Full Story –>
The Pantry
There are usually four shelves, the top one being reserved for articles of infrequent use. On the others are arranged the kitchen dishes, pans, and all utensils which do not hang, together with jars and cans containing food. Full Story –>
The Refrigerator and Its Care
If one cares to invest in the higher-priced refrigerators, of course those lined with tile, porcelain, or enamel are very desirable, as they are easily kept clean and do not absorb odors. Full Story –>
The Stove
A rack behind the stove, on which to hang the spoons and forks used in cooking, is a great convenience and a saving to the table top. Full Story –>
The Table and Its Care
The table should stand on casters and be placed in a good light as far from the stove as may be. The latest product of the manufacturer’s genius in this line contains two drawers—one spaced off into compartments for the different knives, forks, and spoons for kitchen use—a molding board, and three zinc-lined bins, one large one for wheat flour, and two smaller one for graham flour, corn meal, etc. Full Story –>
Chairs
…A chair of this kind has a cane seat and high back and can be purchased for $1.25, the other chair to be of the regulation kitchen style at 55 cents…. Full Story –>
The Kitchen Cabinets
…the kitchen cabinet, which not only relieves the congestion in the pantry, but adds in no small measure to the attractiveness of the kitchen. These cabinets come in the natural woods, and should, as nearly as possible, match the woodwork of the kitchen…. Full Story –>
Kitchen Utensils
Kitchen crockery is being rapidly supplanted by the porcelain enamel dishes, which, though rather more expensive in the beginning, are unbreakable, and so cheaper in the long run. They are even invading the domain of the faithful yellow mixing bowl and becoming decidedly popular therein, being light in weight and more easily handled. Full Story –>
