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.
Off the grid: Gridirons and griddles
Paul Locher explores the history of "the gridiron," tracing its journey from a early pioneer cooking tool to the modern football field's nickname.
Tin kitchens were once the greatest thing since sliced bread
The tin kitchen, also known as a reflector oven, had a demi-barreled shape with three sides, the remaining space being open to the fire.
Spiders and salamanders were denizens of early fireplaces
Explore early Ohio frontier kitchens, where nonstop fires, ash piles and iron “spiders” and “salamanders” shaped daily cooking and pioneer life.
