Time is always an issue in any kitchen and it certainly was in the early 1900s when meal preparation and cooking were very labor intensive. So, when the idea of a slow cooker (think crock pot) came to fruition, women were more than happy to give it a try.
The Faultless Manufacturing cooker found at the May-Stringer House has a metal case and is on metal legs. Some versions had wood cases and were more like a piece of furniture. There are two metal wells and each well has an insulated cover. Soapstone plates about 1.5” thick were heated on a stove and then one was placed in the bottom of each well. Hot food was then put in aluminum containers with lids and lowered into the wells. Then another soapstone plate fit over the ‘kettles.’ The covers of the cooker were lowered and clamped down. The whole piece of equipment could be taken out to the fields to feed the workers a hot meal or even taken on a picnic. Maybe the most rewarding meal would be that Monday evening meal after a backbreaking wash day!
The Museum Schedules
The May-Stringer tours on Tuesday – Saturday from 11 am – 3 pm – 352-799-0129
The 1885 Depot tours on Friday – Saturday from noon – 3 pm – 352-799-4766
The Countryman One Room Schoolhouse is open on Saturdays from noon – 3 pm – 352-515-3054
