When I discovered this awesome New Old Stock pink Caloric Caddie a few weeks ago, a new world was opened up to me. The world of awesome Caloric Caddies, presumably also color coordinated by Beatrice West. Upon my eyes awakening, numerous readers clued me into other Caloric Caddies in the series. Above: A seemingly rare Caloric Telephone Caddie — that’s a message area behind the big white door — from Etsy seller Gallivanting Girls. This Caddie was already sold, but the gracious Gallivanting Girls gave permission. More Caddies — and more closeups of this one — if you gallivant onward…
To start, here is the list of Caloric Caddies that I have identified so far:
- Caloric Wrap Dispenser Caddie
- Caloric Facial Tissue/Paper Towel Caddie
- Caloric Telephone Caddie
- Caloric II Wall Desk Caddie
Colors identified so far:
- White
- Brown
- Avocado
- Pink
- Aqua
- Yellow
Confirmed dates: April 1963 newspaper advertisement, August 1965 newspaper advertisement.
Reader Pete is a veritable Caddie connoisseur. Here is his combination facial tissue-paper towel Caddie, in white:
Just as a reminder, Caloric Caddies are recessed accessory holders…. color-coordinated to go with Caloric appliances. See this April 1963 advertisement — in this case, Caloric was providing the Wrap Dispenser (and $18.95 value) free with the purchase of a stove.
Next, here’s another tissue/towel holder, in situ, in Pete’s neighbor’s time capsule kitchen — along with a yummy big Caloric suite of appliances — built-in ovens, range top and woah, a rangetop exhaust fan:
Pete said:
The Caddies came in white, stainless steel, avocado, and brown [Pam notes, also pink and aqua identified]. They always looked modern. The subdivision that I grew up in was built all by the same builder and he always used Caloric appliances. So that is why I love what I grew up with. This kitchen was actually my next door neighbor’s house. She kept things perfect. I sold it for her back in 2010. She even had the original wall paper in the bathrooms all in perfect condition. It was only a winter house in Florida but still had little to no wear on it. These pictures are when the kitchen was 44 years old.
Next, reader Bob has the tissue/towels Caddie in brown:
And, this proves how wonderful Retro Renovation readers are:
A roll of paper towels? Bob says:
As a special bonus, I also have a picture of the original roll of Scot Towels that was in the Caddie!
Yes, knowledgeable readers point out that paper towel rolls were shorter in the way back time machine days. Today’s supersized rolls do not fit in the Caddies. Read Bob’s blog here.
More photos of the phone Caddie:
The Caloric Caddie II Wall Desk
I also found a similar Caloric — it was called a Caloric Caddie II Wall Desk — in avocado. The 1965 Wall Desk advertisement shows you could also buy this stand-alone.
Pete’s neighbor’s range top hood:
And for the record, the first time I spotted a Caloric Caddie. There was a frenzy after I posted this story about this pink delish. The final ebay selling price was $225 plus $44.60 shipping:
The vintage yellow Caloric caddie above was found on Ebay — photos courtesy of seller westestates.
Who got it? Who got it?
Can we find more designs? More colors? We need to find us a catalog!
Thanks to Gallivanting Girls, Pete and Bob for the photos!
Jeremiah Johnson says
Thanks for posting this story. I just bought one of the Brown phone Caddie’s today at my local Thrift shop. Was researching it and found your post. This has been a nice source of info. it will be post on eBay shortly.
mona says
PS. it is the silver or stainless looking finish
Andrew Rustad says
I found a white Caloric Caddie Kitchen Wrap dispenser in good condition. Has a few blemishes, but still in good shape! You can see photos here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/263327004/rare-vintage-caloric-caddie-kitchen-wrap
Denise says
I would like to purchase a paper towel/tissue caddie, does anyone know where I can find one?
Thank you.
pam kueber says
Denise, you need to find these vintage. They do come up now and then: Watch ebay like a hawk.
mona says
I have one that we just took out of our kitchen. We redid the back splash.
Toni says
How do you dial that phone?
Toni says
OOPs! Wasn’t done yet! I remember my best friend’s phone number and ours, too. How long has it been since the operator connected for you? More than 50 years? I don’t remember when we got the dial phone. I only remember giving the number to the operator.
Joe Felice says
Pete and Bob are “Gallivanting Girls?” “Gallivanting?” Really? Haven’t heard that word in years! You are too much, girl!
Joe says
To the list of available colors for the Caloric Caddie, please add Yellow and Charcoal. These are listed on the box my NIB Coppertone Caddie (circa 1963) came in.
pam kueber says
Thanks,Joe!!
Annie B. says
My heart belongs to Caddie!
Robin, NV says
I NEED one of those tissue caddies. Since I’m getting ready to gut my kitchen, this would be the perfect time to install one.