Archeological
Commerce and Industry
Communications
Farming
Home and Hearth
Local Artifacts
School Room
Transportation
Home and Hearth
Many of the items in the museum’s collection come from homes in the county. There are pieces that represent various aspects of day to day life. From early washing machines, to butter churns, there are examples of items used by homemakers in days gone by. Uniquely able to evoke fond memories, the Home and Hearth area of Old School Museum is filled with furniture, appliances and household items. Housed in a display area designed to look similar to an early prairie cabin, the items are set about as though they were actually to be used. There is a parlor with a hearth and a kitchen area, complete with laundry. The items in the Home and Hearth collection are varied in age and show the development of household items from frontier days through to the modern mid-century era.
Wooden Maytag Washer
The Maytag Company, now synonymous with the washing machine, was actually founded as a farm implement manufacturer in 1893. The company produced a threshing machine feeder greatly improving safety and became the largest feeder manufacturer in the world by 1902. To solve seasonal drops in sales, a hand operated washing machine was developed in 1907. The design was steadily improved over the years. A motorized version was introduced in 1911 and a cast aluminum model was made in 1922. By 1927, Maytag had produced one million aluminum washers.
Motorized Maytag Washer
During the depression, the company did not suffer any loss in revenue. During World War II, they produced parts for airplanes, drastically improving designs for lower cost and maintenance. The company continued to grow and now produces many home appliances, including ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, and vacuums.
Hoosier Cabinet
Many homes around the turn of the century were lacking cabinets and storage in the kitchen. The Hoosier Manufacturing Company meant to fill this need when it was incorporated in 1899. The company re-designed what was called a baker’s cabinet, creating a well organized, compact cabinet and counter. The Hoosier was a large success and many other companies began manufacturing Hoosier style cabinets. This design remained popular until the 1920’s when it became common to have built-in cabinets and other fixtures.