I was a bit on the young side to watch The Donna Reed Show, which aired from 1958 to 1966. But when I was first shopping for a vintage stove, a refurbisher not too far away wanted me to buy a pristine electric Philco, which he called “a real Donna Reed model.” Drats. It was. But I skipped it because Mr. Retro Renovation wanted a gas stove. But, we ended up with electric anyway — and the story continues because the 1959 GE Pushbutton that we ultimately bought from the same guy was the trade-in for the pristine Donna Reed model. Oh well. So now, I get to show you Donna Reed’s kitchen.
Obviously, the kitchen is a really a set for the television how, so it’s the ultimate U-shape, ha ha. Looks like the cabinets are wood – and not postwar ones. The stove and fridge look newer, though.
You know me: I’m happy to see the wallpaper in the background. The curtains are a different design – but complement the wallpaper. Presumably Mary can pour milk right out of a pitcher because the milkman delivers fresh every morning. Remember the post about the history of the milkman?
Hmmm, I think that is a washer or dryer behind son Jeff.
Honestly, I need to watch more episodes to get a sense of the house and how to “date” this kitchen and its details. Luckily, I can watch 37 full episodes on Fancast (Hulu).
And there’s a museum just for Donna Reed, in her hometown of Denison, Iowa. Very cool. Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts.
Related posts:
- My home show talk in Eugene, Oregon How to boil down a year-and-a-half of Retro Renovation...
- Broyhill Saga furniture line – and showing off with my new slide show! Everyone wants better slide shows…and many want to see more...
- Vintage Kenmore dryer There was a vintage Kenmore dryer in the basement of...
- A child’s toy lost behind the aqua dryer – Shawna’s contest entry Shawna’s entry in our Found Objects Found Art contest:...
- From vintage farmhouse kitchens to “the new kitchen of tomorrow”: Television footage from 1956, 1957 and 1958 1950s &60s Kitchens(The New Kitchen of Tomorrow Today) Grab a...
Want to stay on top of all Retro Renovation news? Subscribe to our Saturday email newsletter.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
morning Pam, just an aside to your milkman comment. As Monty Python would say “But I’m not dead yet”!! My neighbors across the St. here in Florence have milk delivered to their doorstep and it gets stored in those metal boxes outside till they retrieve it. Friends in Boston also have milk delivery to their house in Roslindale.
Some things do stay the same.
John
Wow I wish I could have milk delivered! I didn’t know Donna Reed was on Hulu! I guess you know what I’ll be watching tonight
Pam,
Have you seen the book “TV Sets,” by Mark Bennett. He’s hand-drawn the blueprints for dozens of classic TV homes, and the Alex and Donna Stone house is among them. It’s a really fun book.
That kitchen is wonderful! Thanks, I am going to hook the laptop up to my tv so we can watch Donna Reed all day! ;O)