More Kitchen Collectibles

Vintage 'Hi-Snack Plates'--stackable plates with drink holder. 'The plates that hold both glass and snacks in one hand.' Shown stacked on top of their original box is how they look best. Individually they're not so great, especially abandoned, smeared with dip, and tipped over on your piano. From 'More Kitchen Collectibles' at the web's largest private collection of antiques & collectibles: https://www.ericwrobbel.com/collections/kitchen-2.htm

Hi-Snack Plates came in a several different colors but look best, I think, in this black with gold glitter. They are “the plates that hold both glass and snacks in one hand.” I’ve shown them stacked on top of their original box because that’s how they are most impressive. Individually they’re not so great, especially abandoned, smeared with dip, and tipped over on your piano.

When I was very young, the Sealtest truck came to our house and left milk inside a little door on the outside of our kitchen that could be retrieved behind a similar door inside the kitchen. I'm reminded how long ago that was when I realize that that truck wasn't even refrigerated; on hot days I'd ask for, and get, a hunk of ice from the milkman. From 'More Kitchen Collectibles' at the web's largest private collection of antiques & collectibles: https://www.ericwrobbel.com/collections/kitchen-2.htm

Classic Sealtest products in my kitchen remind me of childhood. When I was very young, the Sealtest truck came to our house and left milk in glass bottles inside a little door on the outside of our kitchen that could be retrieved behind a similar door inside the kitchen. I’m reminded how long ago that was when I realize that that truck wasn't even refrigerated; on hot days I’d ask for, and get, a hunk of ice from the milkman.

The lowly coaster got a rethink in the mid-20th century. Several makers got on board: Hi-Jacs “King of Coasters.” The Hi-Jac Corporation, Chattanooga, Tennessee. “Keeps Ice Longer, protects your fine furniture, wonderful to hold.” Wonderful.

Mmmm, yummy! Processed, uncooked meat you can't even see before you buy. Growing up, my parents would have had nothing to do with the Quick Frozen 3 Beef Steaks by Rath Black Hawk shown here. Most convenience foods were looked at askance anyway, and this 'trust me' package would have impressed them not one bit. From 'More Kitchen Collectibles' at the web's largest private collection of antiques & collectibles: https://www.ericwrobbel.com/collections/kitchen-2.htm

Jackette Coasters “protects furniture, fits all size glasses and bottled drinks.” Made in Japan.

Coasters that go right on the glass! Hi-Jacs 'King of Coasters,' 'Keeps Ice Longer, protects your fine furniture, wonderful to hold.' Wonderful. Jackette Coasters 'protects furniture, fits all size glasses and bottled drinks,' Japan. 8 Party Coasters 'Decorates your party, protects your furniture.' From 'More Kitchen Collectibles' at the web's largest private collection of antiques & collectibles: https://www.ericwrobbel.com/collections/kitchen-2.htm

8 Party Coasters “Decorates your party, protects your furniture.” Made by Hi-Jac Corp., Fort Payne, Alabama. These may or may not be the same Hi-Jac people; there’s no logo on this package.

My parents would have had nothing to do with the Quick Frozen 3 Beef Steaks by Rath Black Hawk. Most convenience foods were frowned upon, especially uncooked meat you couldn’t see. I say “parents” but really I mean my mother. On those rare occasions my father “cooked,” it was the one thing he knew how to do on a stove: rice. In a bowl with milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon, of course!

Riteforks “the true shape of table silver.” These nicely contoured disposable forks are made of wood. Riteforks, or Rite Forks, by O.W.D., the Oval Wood Dish Corporation, Tupper Lake, NY. They're “naturally sanitary” and you get 12 for 10 cents!

Kitchens where the cabinets do not go all the way up to the ceiling have prime real estate up there, on top of those cabinets, for kitchen collectibles. For keeping them clean, especially the paper and cardboard items, I do a sort of homebrew shrink wrapping. I wrap them as neat as I can in Saran Wrap and hold them about 12 inches above the stovetop a few seconds to shrink the wrinkles right out. Carefully!