Here’s a cool find for those of you who are into vintage items: an authentic coffee grinder dating back to the early 1800s!
The grinder belonged to the grandfather of a Mrs. Idyll Arps Walkoe. According to Mrs. Walko, her grandfather “was the first Section Foreman for the C&NW Railroad when tracks were being laid for the railroad.” She also relates how her grandfather used the grinder: “I recall my Grandfather with this grinder between his knees each morning grinding the coffee for that day.”
Imagine just how laborious it must have been to work this grinder every morning! Even with the nifty grinders we have these days, we have to admit that sometimes, it can be a hassle to have to measure out the beans and grind them! (Maybe it’s just me, but this is precisely the reason I resort to using coffee grounds most of the time, despite having my own handy grinder.)
The coffee grinder is part of the Harper-Freeman collection in the Village of Cary.
If you’re interested in more vintage coffee grinders, let me point you to the site Vintage Coffee Grinders. They have got some really beautiful items, and the best part is that they can help you find (and purchase) one. Whether it is for daily use or for your personal collection, the guys over there will help you get your hands on one. Oh, and they also have vintage coffee roasters if you’re interested.
Originally posted on October 31, 2010 @ 2:28 am