Variety of butter churns attempted to make a very arduous task easier
Churning butter was an arduous pioneer task that sparked a wave of American ingenuity. Antique expert Paul Locher explores the evolution of the churn—from simple wooden dashers and decorated pottery to rocking "cradles" and crank-powered models that transformed a chore into a science.
Wooden water pipes were hard to make, but a boon to Ohio Country settlers
Paul Locher explores the fascinating history and labor-intensive craft of early wooden water pipes—a testament to pioneer ingenuity and infrastructure.
Ohio Country coffee pot design depended on your nationality
Antique collector and historian Paul Locher explores the cultural divide of Ohio’s frontier coffee pots. From New England’s lighthouse designs to the intricate Germanic punchwork, Locher details the craftsmanship of local tinsmiths and the distinct styles of early American settlers.
Maple sugaring put the exclamation point on winter work for pioneers
From sumac spiles to bobsleds, discover the traditional tools and annual rites of pioneer maple sugaring before the age of modern vacuum systems.
Winter was the time for renewal, rejuvenation and repair
Discover how early pioneers used the winter "respite" to repair leather harnesses on stitching horses and sharpen tools for the next hard farming season.
Peach pit carving: The forgotten folk art of Ohio pioneers
Discover the history of peach pit carving, from its ancient Chinese roots to 19th-century American pioneers and the famous art of Albert William Gimbi, the Pennsylvania Peach Pit Carver.
Cabin fever and the surprising history of early American butter prints
Columnist Paul Locher how Ohio pioneers fought cabin fever by carving intricate butter prints, creating early American folk art and a clever way to brand farm goods.
Believe it or not, the pioneers looked forward to big snows
Before snowplows, Ohioans relished the snow. Explore the history of pioneer sleighing with history columnist Paul Locher, from foot warmers to sleigh bells and community caravans.
Dough Boxes: A much-kneaded item of pioneer Ohio country furniture
How did pioneers bake bread for large families? Columnist Paul Locher explores the history of the dough box—a distinctive piece of early American furniture used by settlers to knead and rise dough.
A toast to toasters and roasters: Breakfast with Ohio pioneers
Discover why early American coffee roasters and wrought-iron toasters are rare finds today. Columnist and early American artifacts collector Paul Locher takes a deep dive into the decorative motifs and functions of pioneer tools.
