Thanks so much for sharing the photos, the descriptions of the churning process, and the stories. Is the churn still operational? Would be wonderful to be able to do some churning when\if we are able to get together for a reunion.
Merlin's recollection and sharing of the story about the 'butter sleight of hand' was really funny! I probably heard the story a few times and forgot it.
His mention of crocks reminded me that Mom put the freshly-churned butter into crocks for storage and future use. She had a few crocks in the 'pantry' off the kitchen in the 'old house'. As I recall, they had a number on them but I do not know what the number signified. As I recall, the numbers were '2' or '3' and perhaps indicated their volume in gallons. Hopefully someone with the requisite knowledge (Lynda or her sister Sheila?) can update us on that. These old crocks seem to be very collectible …
The butter churn was restored and painted well over 30 years ago by Dad. He stored it in the south east bedroom of the old house, where it is today. This is where I took the pictures and as you can see, in the background, the wallpaper has deteriorated since it was put in place in the 1930's or 1940's.
You will note also, in the background, the wooden screen door that was used many years ago on the new house (built in 1953).
You will also note the width of the floor boards that the old house was built with. Boards that wide are not used today.
I am old enough to remember this piece of equipment and even had the privilege of operating it on occasion. I just wanted to add that there was a special way to determine when the cream turned to butter. Note that on the cover there is a small round window. The glass in the window would be opaque while churning. When the glass became clear then the butter was done.
I also remember the cream that was to be turned into butter was stored for a time in a crock pot type dish behind the stove in the kitchen. (The crock pot was used in earlier days to actually churn the butter.) It was tall and narrow with a cov…
I do remember the the spilled buttermilk, I didn't remember that Ernie was running the churn, I thought it was Mom operating the churn. I believe it was near the end of the process and most of the butter was salvaged as the churn was moving fast enough that it would be upright again in a few seconds. I was kicking the lid each time the churn came around with my foot and catching the screw some of the time, eventually the lid came off. I remember my overalls stinking of buttermilk (us kids didn't like the taste or smell of buttermilk) I am pretty sure Mom would have figured out what was going on. Maybe she blamed Ernie (th…
Love that story about the butter exchange!!!
Thanks so much for sharing the photos, the descriptions of the churning process, and the stories. Is the churn still operational? Would be wonderful to be able to do some churning when\if we are able to get together for a reunion.
Merlin's recollection and sharing of the story about the 'butter sleight of hand' was really funny! I probably heard the story a few times and forgot it.
His mention of crocks reminded me that Mom put the freshly-churned butter into crocks for storage and future use. She had a few crocks in the 'pantry' off the kitchen in the 'old house'. As I recall, they had a number on them but I do not know what the number signified. As I recall, the numbers were '2' or '3' and perhaps indicated their volume in gallons. Hopefully someone with the requisite knowledge (Lynda or her sister Sheila?) can update us on that. These old crocks seem to be very collectible …
The butter churn was restored and painted well over 30 years ago by Dad. He stored it in the south east bedroom of the old house, where it is today. This is where I took the pictures and as you can see, in the background, the wallpaper has deteriorated since it was put in place in the 1930's or 1940's.
You will note also, in the background, the wooden screen door that was used many years ago on the new house (built in 1953).
You will also note the width of the floor boards that the old house was built with. Boards that wide are not used today.
I am old enough to remember this piece of equipment and even had the privilege of operating it on occasion. I just wanted to add that there was a special way to determine when the cream turned to butter. Note that on the cover there is a small round window. The glass in the window would be opaque while churning. When the glass became clear then the butter was done.
I also remember the cream that was to be turned into butter was stored for a time in a crock pot type dish behind the stove in the kitchen. (The crock pot was used in earlier days to actually churn the butter.) It was tall and narrow with a cov…
I do remember the the spilled buttermilk, I didn't remember that Ernie was running the churn, I thought it was Mom operating the churn. I believe it was near the end of the process and most of the butter was salvaged as the churn was moving fast enough that it would be upright again in a few seconds. I was kicking the lid each time the churn came around with my foot and catching the screw some of the time, eventually the lid came off. I remember my overalls stinking of buttermilk (us kids didn't like the taste or smell of buttermilk) I am pretty sure Mom would have figured out what was going on. Maybe she blamed Ernie (th…