What Is It? July 2020

    We had several correct answers for our July’s What Is It. This picture is from the book by Margaret Lynn Rosack called The Expanded Guide to Collecting Trivets. In the book she had this bit of advice:
   “During hard times the prevailing thought is to hunker down, be frugal, continue to save, and hope that the economy improves soon, however, buying during a recession can be a very wise move. The bargains are out there, and now is the time to identify and make some astute additions to your collection.”
   Trivets have long been a part of our American kitchen tradition. They are used to protect your counter from hot dishes and pans and irons. These pleasant utilitarian objects have been around for a long time. The first Wilton trivet came in 1894.
   Congratulations to our winners: Jean Helzer, Arvada, CO; Jeananne Wright, Longmont, CO; Jeannie Reynolds, Nederland, CO; Fred Clark, Colorado Springs, CO; Jean Kropp, Westminister, CO; Terry Cook, Fort Morgan, CO; Vicky Kellen, Castle Pines, CO; Barbie Groff, Syosset, NY; and Elizabeth Puls of Boulder, CO who had this to say, “These are a variety of trivets or holders for “sad irons”—coal-filled irons of the 17th, 18th 19th and 20th centuries. Actually these type of irons may go back further than that in time. Some types of sad irons were just heated on wood burning stoves and alternated as they cooled; other types were hollow and held hot coals within. Sizes varied greatly. These trivets represent different companies and their names or symbols like the eagle on picture #4. These trivets could be hung on a nail for storage or on a wall for decoration.” Thank you, Elizabeth. We learn so much from our readers! Everyone, enjoy your year’s subscription to MSC!

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