Collecting

10 Nostalgic Kitchen Items You’ll Find at Goodwill

Kitchens have become the high-tech heart of the home, Alexa can read recipes, and quickly give us measurement conversions, refrigerators have touch screen communication hubs, and you can use your phone to scan barcodes of items you may be running low on and send your order to the store. And while most of these high tech modern finds make kitchen life easier, looking back on vintage and antique kitchen items of yesteryear make us feel nostalgic for cooking with grandma, family meals of our youth, and simpler times. I have put together a list of 10 Nostalgic Kitchen Items You’ll Find at Goodwill, if you are wanting to add a little bit of vintage charm to your kitchen.

I am sure you will likely recognize these vintage kitchen items, in fact, you probably have some of these tucked away in a kitchen cabinet.

Thanks to rustic, shabby chic, and farmhouse trends, some of these vintage kitchen accessories are coming back in style. Thrift shop shelves are filled with vintage kitchen wares, for those of us who want to keep things old-school and add a touch of nostalgia to our kitchen.

FireKing

Fire King Kimberly Mug and Bowl Photo Credit: EraPhernalia Vintage Via Flickr

FireKing always reminds me of my grandparent’s cottage on the River. The kitchen cupboards were jam-packed with old Kimberly mugs, and those iridescent peach casserole dishes. I have run across both forms of FireKing at thrift stores, although the Peach Luster Kitchenware turns up much more frequently.

Pyrex

Nothing can add a cheerful splash of color to your kitchen like Pyrex. I have been scooping up Pyrex at thrift stores for years now, and over time it has become a hot commodity in thrift stores. “Thrift store flipping”, the practice of buying items at thrift stores to resell to collectors at higher prices has driven the demand for Pyrex up, and some thrift stores have begun pricing accordingly. Do not despair, I always walk through the kitchenware aisles to try to scout out Pyrex, and do run across some nice pieces, if you see something you like pick it up quickly, it will not last long on the shelf!

Tupperware

You are almost sure to run across that iconic sunburst pattern sooner or later at a thrift store. During the early 1950s, Tupperware’s sales and popularity exploded, fueled by the innovative new “party” marketing method, in which representatives would plan sociable get-togethers with friends and neighbors to sell the plastic kitchenware, which created an alternative choice for women who either needed or wanted to work, and a fun shopping experience. Tupperware has always embraced the trendy colors of the moment, and because of that items can fall out of favor as tastes change, Bright Orange, Pumpkin Orange, Yellow, and Avocado Green Tupperware frequently pop up in the plastic section of Goodwill. I personally will not buy plasticware from Goodwill for food storage, but that doesn’t mean I won’t bring home a piece to add to a display for color. One of my “wish list” thrift store items is the 1980’s Tuppertoys Mini Serve It Set with Pitcher, Cups, Bowls, and Lids in the green, brown, orange and yellow colors for my fall themed china cabinet display.

Corningware

Unlike Pyrex, Vintage Corningware casserole dishes can still be picked up for a song at thrift stores and a great way to add some nostalgic charm to your kitchen. The popular kitchenware sports a small variety of patterns, and Cornflower Blue, Country Festival and Merry Mushrooms all made appearances on our dinner table in my youth.

Corelle

Corelle Dinnerware has been a kitchen mainstay since 1970. The iconic dinnerware was marketed for its durability, attractiveness, and versatility of use, and was sold at a very competitive price. The dinnerware became immensely popular, and my generation will most likely immediately recognize the three patterns pictured in the above photo: (from top to bottom) Spring Blossom (Introduced in 1972, Discontinued 1986), Butterfly Gold (Introducted 1970, Discontinued in the early 1990s), Old Town Blue (Introduced 1979, Still in Production). Odds are, one look at these plates will have you remembering family dinner time.

Jelly Jar Glasses

Commercially packaged jellies and jams sold in grocery stores were packed into jars that were the perfect size for little hands and were often reused for kids juice glasses. It wasn’t long for Welches to take note and start adding graphics and characters to appeal to kids right on the jar, I know grew up with cartoon character jelly juice glasses although I can’t really remember which ones!

MixMasters

I’m not really sure why SO MANY Mixmasters end up at Goodwill, or why my Goodwill insists on separating the mixing bowl from the actual machine. I frequently run across white vintage sunbeam mixmasters at thrift stores, but keep your eyes peeled for the highly desirable pink or turquoise. As with all electronics or appliances you plan on buying at a thrift store, ask to plug it in and test it out. These are great conversation pieces, and I love the retro feel these add to a kitchen, but they will never replace my KitchenAid.

Chruch Cookbooks

Church and Community Cookbooks are typically spiral-bound and created as a fundraiser for local groups and organizations. These time-honored recipe compilations feature “best of” recipes from members of Junior Leagues, church congregations, garden clubs, and more. Many are typewritten, instead of printed by a printed which adds to their vintage charm. You can’t go wrong with classics like Applehood and Motherpie by the Rochester Junior League.

Diner and Restaraunt China

Shenango, Syracuse, and Buffalo China are just a few of the brands of Vintage Diner and Restaraunt china you are likely to run across at thrift stores. China produced for diners and restaurants was typically a heavier stoneware, and usually had some form of decoration. Some of the most highly sought after restaurantware include airbrushed pieces, Western and floral themes (wagon wheels, cows, and palm trees), and plates bearing establishment and company logos. I am usually on the lookout for air-brushed pieces in pastel colors to go with my pink and teal Pyrex collection.

Kitschy Storage Tins

I am totally guilty of buying these things all the time. And honestly, most I have brought home I wouldn’t dream of storing food in, but I have been known to squirrel away cash, and the kids phones (when they’ve lost electronic privileges) in them. I will buy genuine vintage kitchen storage tins, and “new” promotional tins that replicate vintage or antique packaging. My favorite Goodwill tin find is my red and white pansy tin, she is almost always on display in my kitchen. I love my Maid of Honor trio with Robin with cherry decorations (below), but they only make seasonal appearances, due to the fact that they have not aged well, and even after a gentle but thorough cleaning look grungy.

Thrift shopping is not really like regular shopping, it takes a little patience, and you have to be willing to dig through a lot of junk, but I have found it is well worth the time invested when you bring home an awesome item for a song.

What do you think are the best vintage thrift store finds? Have you ever made an epic score at a thrift shop?

Collecting Vintage Pyrex

Have I ever mentioned I love Vintage Pyrex?

Ok, only like 8 million times. I am in my kitchen a lot, and nothing makes me happier than the bright cheerful colors of vintage Pyrex. I keep it out on display, but I also use it.

This pretty glassware has ties to Upstate New York. Pyrex was introduced in 1915 by the Corning Glass Works, now known as Corning Incorporated in Corning NY. Chemists at Corning Glass Works created a special borosilicate glass that was resistant expansion and contraction during changes in temperature. This new glass—branded as “Pyrex”—held up under quick, extreme temperature changes, which made it ideal for railroad lamps, laboratory glassware, and eventually, it was discovered the glassware is exceptional for cooking.

Pyrex is now a household name, and I’m willing to bet that you have at least one piece of Pyrex bakeware stashed somewhere in your kitchen. It might be your mother’s mixing bowl or a piece of your grandmother’s refrigerator set. The colorful kitchenware is a fun collectible.

If you want to add a splash of color to your kitchen with vintage Pyrex, it is not too hard to find. One of my favorite places to hunt down Pyrex is thrift stores. Yes, I did mention I only like to pay $10 for a Pyrex thrift shop find in that post, but I have also been known to pay a little more for a piece I have been wanting on eBay or Etsy. You can also find Pyrex in antique stores, be on the lookout for promotional or rarer pieces there.

When I do splurge on a vintage piece of Pyrex it is usually to complete a set. Nesting mixing bowls are among the most collectible and beloved vintage Pyrex kitchenware. The first set I completed was the solid “Primary Mixing Bowls”, and while I love a pink or teal Cinderella Pyrex Set, the Primary mixing bowls are still my fav.

Collecting Pyrex

Collecting Pyrex is pretty fun, and I always get a little excited when I spot a piece at a garage sale for a thrift shop. But I am pretty selective when it comes time to purchase.

If you happen to spot a piece while you are out shopping thoroughly examine it, before you pull out your wallet.

Gently run your fingers along the edges to check for chips and cracks you may not be able to see.
Hold it up to the light to check for scratches or wear in the pattern.
What condition is the finish in? Is the dish still shiny? Is the color faded and cloudy? Loaded with stains? What kinds of stains are on it? If they are baked on brownish splatter and look like grease stains, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser should be able to handle them. Gray utensil marks are more difficult to deal with, but not impossible to get out.
Did this piece originally come with a lid? Is it included?

A few other things to consider when shopping for Vintage Pyrex:

Is this piece on my wish list? I am currently hunting down Autumn Harvest Pyrex Cinderella Bowls, Primary Colors Refrigerator Dishes, and Friendship Birds Mixing Bowls. So I am going to be pretty critical of any other vintage Pyrex I run across read: it better be in really good shape, at a really good price
How rare is this piece? Some pieces of Pyrex were offered as a one-time promotional item or holiday special, and are harder to come by today. Others were a part of huge kitchenware sets, so that a homemaker could fill her kitchen with coordinating Pyrex pieces, like Green Crazy Daisy, and are fairly common.
How much would I pay for a completed set? I usually collect with the intention of assembling a completed set. Knowing the going rate of a completed set helps me determine whether or not I am getting a deal on an individual piece.
What flaws am I willing to tolerate? Since vintage Pyrex pieces have been around a while, you will probably run across more in “used condition” rather than “mint condition”. I really don’t like cloudy Pyrex, this is usually the result of running it through a dishwasher (a big no-no for vintage Pyrex), but I am fairly forgiving of utensil marks and scratches in the pattern. I picked up a teal Cinderella bowl at Goodwill that has a dull finish, and every time I look at it I wish it was in better condition. I probably should have left that one sitting on the shelf at Goodwill. Maybe I will give this DIY on restoring damaged Pyrex with coconut oil a try.

Care for Vintage Pyrex

Even though Pyrex was designed for and is durable enough for everyday use, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep it in good shape.

Don’t put your Pyrex pieces in the dishwasher. EVER.
Try cleaning your Pyrex in warm, soapy water with a non-abrasive sponge before moving onto any stronger methods of cleaning.
Don’t clean the pattern on the outside of Pyrex with abrasive or strong cleansers or scouring pads (ex. Comet, Bon Ami, some Soft Scrub, oven cleaner, Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scouring pads, etc.) The white interior can handle a more thorough scrubbing, but the pretty colored pattern really just can’t.
Test (in an inconspicuous spot!) any other types of cleaners and chemicals or abrasives before going to town.
A Magic Eraser can safely be used to remove baked-on crud or stains from the outer pattern of your Pyrex. But be gentle! Not a lot of elbow grease is necessary, too much scrubbing will damage the finish.
Use Bar Keeper’s Friend to get out stains on the inside or non-colored parts of your Pyrex.
Clean your Pyrex regularly. It’s amazing how much dust and kitchen grease will find their way to your display of vintage Pyrex. Give pieces that haven’t been used in a while a quick wash with a gentle dish soap with water. I like to wash mine seasonally, it keeps my display bright and shiny.

Can’t get enough of Pyrex?

Collecting Vintage Enamelware

Last week while I was perusing Goodwill, I ran across a small collection of Vintage Enamelware pots and pans, there was also a small stack of plates that were in a pretty bad condition that I left at the store, but I grabbed up the pots and pans quickly.

Red rimmed enamelware has been on my “thrift store wish list” for a while. I’ve never had intentions to begin seriously collecting Vintage Enamelware. But the same part of me that has a soft spot for aprons, pyrex, and the mid-century domestics that involve wearing pretty dresses and aprons while baking some sort of fabulous cake from scratch definitely feels the draw to vintage enamelware.

I love the look of the vintage cook and dinnerware, and I am thrilled with my new purchases, but aside from a few other pieces which are mostly plates, I doubt I will add too much more to my humble collection of enamelware. I am trying something new and trying to have some self-restraint when it comes to collecting 😉

I immediately put my large stockpot to work as a centerpiece on my dining room table, where it holds a smallish poinsettia. I absolutely love it!

After the holidays, my “new” pieces will look great with my collection of vintage cookie cutters and cookbooks, which was really why I have been wanting some vintage enamelware. If you are a casual collector also, or happen to be on the lookout for a few vintage pieces yourself I have a few care and collecting tips below.

Enamelware has been around since the 19th century, and some pieces are quite rare and highly sought after by serious collectors, fetching lots of money at sales. My tips below are geared towards those of us who want to score a few decorative pieces on the cheap at a thrift store or garage sale.

Vintage Enamelware Safety Concerns

While enamelware was originally marketed as a clean and safe alternative to other presumably, more toxic cooking methods, there was actually very little regulation at the time to prevent the use of toxic materials and additives. Lead and cadmium were often used in the production of the brightly colored trims and decorations on vintage enamelware. If the origin or date of manufacture of an enamel piece is unknown, it is especially important to avoid using it for any type of food preparation or service after it chips. Cadmium is especially common in red, yellow and orange enamel.

I happen to adore the look of old chippy enamelware, and luckily, enamelware can be used both decoratively and functionally. Chipped or partially rusted pieces look charming and evoke a nostalgic feel to a kitchen or to an outdoor gathering. Vintage pieces work well for picnics, cookouts, or a casual gathering on a wide porch. There are ways you can enjoy your old enamelware even if you don’t want to serve or prepare food directly in it.

Coffeepots and mugs can hold small flower arrangements.
Line a large bowl or basin with a linen towel and fill with apples, oranges, and bananas for a pretty self-serve fruit bowl.
Large basins make stunning centerpieces, fill with gourds and mums in the fall, and evergreen and berries in the winter.
Use a large shallow pan as a serving tray.
An enamelware bucket is a great towel holder in a guest bath, roll towels and tuck the bucket into an easily assessable area.

Care of Vintage Enamelware

Wash with warm soapy water using a soft cloth or sponge.
Don’t allow chipped or cracked enamelware to “drip dry”, these pieces are very prone to rust, for best results towel dry to maintain their appearance.
Never use steel wool pads or abrasive cleaners as they will scratch the smooth surface.
Handle carefully, try not to drop or bang on your enamelware on a hard surface.
Avoid quick temperature changes.
If stained, soak overnight using 1 part vinegar to 1 part water. Wash and rinse. Towel dry.
You can use a bit of bleach water to remove stains, just use extra care to wash, rinse and dry.

I don’t frequently see Vintage Enamelware in my area at garage sales and thrift stores. I have a suspicion some of the older stuff ended up at WWII Scrap Metal Drives, and some was just retired to the barn or garage to hold nuts and blots. The pieces I found at Goodwill were very affordable, only a couple of dollars each, which makes me think these are not as collected as Pyrex, or canisters.

Do you collect vintage enamelware? What are your favorite pieces?