Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/24/2008

Question
Hi, I recently purchased an antique kitchen cabinet from a consignment store who did not know any info regarding how old this piece may be.  It looks similar to a hoosier cabinet made of pine.  The top half has cabinet doors with glass knobs, a white porcelain table top (work area).  The lower half has lower cabinet doors (glass knobs),that opens up with a pie rack inside.  There are two tin lined draws.  There is a yellowed label on the back of this piece that states:  Keystone Cabinet company, manufactors of Keystone Kitchen Cabinets, Littlestown, Pa.  Made for Jacob Miller, Harrisburg, Pa.  From this information can you estimate how old this piece may be.  It is in good condition, I love it.  I am just wondering about it's history.  Thank, Lillian

Answer
Hi Lillian
Nice to hear from you.
Apparently Hoosier introduced this type of cabinet in 1898.
There were other similar cabinets made before the Hoosier but the Hoosier was more elaborate.
I have in fact worked on one of these pre-Hoosier cabinets and there is quite a difference in them. Not as you describe.
Other manufacturers made them but the Hoosier name stuck.
They went out of fashion in the 1920's.
Keystone kitchen Cabinets made Hossier type cabinets in that same time frame. It would be after the birth of the original Hoosier.
So I think that pretty much estimates the age of your cabinet in the 1900 to 20's.
These cabinets are very sought after in my neck of the woods (Canada).
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen