Youngstown Kitchens were the #1 brand of steel kitchen cabinets across America in the postwar period. As a result, we see lots of these “fitted kitchen” sets come available for sales – with lots of choices of cabinets pieces.
While I am still in the early stages of gathering the history of these cabinets, I do know that the company seems to have been originally called Youngstown Pressed Steel Kitchens, and was a division of Mullins Manufacturing Corp., of Warren, Ohio. Ultimately, Youngstown Kitchens (at least) was purchased by American Standard, which also had metal kitchen cabinets. Presumably, this was part of consolidation that ultimately occurs in any industry.
Here are some great reference pieces from 1957 – the year that I consider the absolute peak of the postwar consumer frenzy — when EVERYTHING was available.
And, BE SURE to watch this incredible, bouncing-ball sing-along, 1953 video of the “Mullinaires” singing about Youngstown Kitchen, presumably for a dealer convention. Thanks to reader Jackie for finding this.
andrew fernandez says
my family had had a house in lindenhurst,(long island suffolk county). it was build in 1932. the kitchen was orignally a slop sink a gas stove and an icebox, like u see on the honeymooners. then in 1948 my grandfather got 16 piece youngstown steel cabnets and new appliances. then my folks scrapped these cabnets and got a whole new kitchen in 1972. some of the cabnets was rotted because of high humidity
pam kueber says
welcome, andrew! A “slop sink” — I haven’t heard that one in a while, but you are right. And you are right that the vintage steel cabinets will outlast all of us! Be sure to see our Forum where folks buy, sell and otherwise admire them like crazy: https://retrorenovation.com/forum
LaRaine says
The rental house I’m in has a full set of Youngstown Kitche cabinets. There are angled corrner 3 tier turntable units, angled corner uppers, a wide variety of door sizes on all ofthe units, a wall hung spice rack with a metal roll up door on it mounted just below the uppers that go over the stove. The drawers vary in width & all still function very smoothly, There’s also a broomcloset unit on the end of one bank.
There are no dents or dings in the metal surfaces, but unfortuneatley the surface paint is in poor shape. Bare metal is showing through around the handles & there is a lot of discoloration in general. The wite finish has lost its luster & no amount of cleaning (including steam) will remove all the grerase that seems to have penetrated the surface over the years.
What is the best & LEAST expensive form of refinishing these metal cabinets? I also wondered if all the paint were stripped off down to bare metal, could that surface be lightly sanded to give it a brushed steel appearance? And if so, would it be necessary to apply a clear sealer once that is done? Would that type of treatment destroy the $$ value of these unique retro cabinets?
The landlord is trying to decide whether to attempt restoration or is it more cost affectice to replace with new standard wood cabinetry?
I personally love these & would like to see them restored to original finish or at least refinish if the stripping idea is feasible & affordable. I’m researching to help the landlord make a decision & I’d certainly appreciate any helpful feedback! Thank you!!
My question
pam kueber says
Hi LaRaine, How great of you to volunteer to work with your landlord to try and save these cabinets. It sounds like you have quite a nice set. Here is a discussion about taking them down to the metal (NOT a good solution): https://retrorenovation.com/2010/10/15/can-leave-my-metal-kitchen-cabinets-unpainted-stripped-down-to-the-steel-or-with-a-clear-finis/
Please go through the entire category for lots of stories about how people have repainted these: https://retrorenovation.com/category/kitchen/steel-kitchen-cabinets/ … It’s impossible to “diagnose” what may be the best solution for you over the www.
Finally and IMPORTANTLY: Know that as with any pre-1978 building, there may be lead paint on these cabinets. Your landlord should consult with professionals about proper procedures to use with them. Good luck.
Ric says
I have an entire kitchen equipped with Youngstown cabinets in a turquoise. Does anyone know where I can find cabinet door hinges? Also, does anyone sell other replacement parts for these cabinets? Thanks for any help.
Chase says
Huh, I found this to be very interesting! I moved into a studio apartment recently and discovered that I happen to have a set of the Youngstown Monterey cabinets! I have come to really enjoy them, it is just a shame though, that they haven’t been taken care of as well as they could have been because of them being in an apartment. I am quite surprised that they all have their serial numbers intact!
zgoulette says
I have an original Youngstown by Mullins kitchen in it’s entirety. It has Youngstown by mullins serial number 54K on the inside of the cabinets below the sink and has a red shield like emblem on the front with what seems to be a women shooting and arrow on it. I understand the metal cabinets are from the fifties and are now collectibles and being original and in good shape I assume worth some money but what my real interest is the logo. I am 20 years old and although find the cabinets nice I am more interested in the logo. I like the logo on the front, the shield type emblem with the archer in it and was thinking of getting it tattooed but I want to know more about it, where it came from, and what it means. If you have any information please post here and I plan on moving in a few months so if your helpful I would be willing to sell the cabinets for cheap.
pam kueber says
hi zgoulette, Don’t get a tattoo! You will regret it! If later, you want to sell your cabinets, see my posts with tips on the blog — and please know, no buying or selling here on the main blog, you must go to the Forum: https://retrorenovation.com/forum/
zgoulette says
Alright is there anyone who might know about the symbol still? I am really interested in what the emblem means and where it comes from any info would be helpful. Thanks
PatM says
I found this on the web and since Youngstown Kitchens and Mullins Manufacturing merged in 1937 it makes sense this is the orgin of the Younstown emblem…
“The W. H. Mullins Co. was one of the largest statuary manufacturers in the country. It made all sizes and shapes of statues out of sheet metal. This process was a marked departure from the traditional stone and bronze casting. Probably the best-known statue ever made by Mullins was “Diana” (goddess of the hunt), which stood atop the old Madison Square Garden in New York City. This 18-foot nude statue (a weather vane) was made in Salem under the supervision of famed sculptor Augustus St. Gaudens, who came to Salem to direct construction. The statue however, was soon replaced by a 13-foot “Diana” because St. Gaudens thought the original was too large. The original sculpture was then placed atop the Agricultural Building at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. In 1932 the smaller “Diana” was acquired by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where it stands today.”…
Rockhoo says
The red symbol is of the Greek Goddess Diana from what I have read. I remember that emblem on my parents and grandparents sinks. Just one of those things you never forget. My Grandfather and Father worked at Youngstown kitchens. I found some NOS emblems in his toolbox and will post on ebay. That emblem always got my attention, being red and all. Maybe I just noticed it because it was eye height. Anyways do some more research on Diana to see what she stands for. You know kinda like the Goddess Of Speed.
pam kueber says
wow, Rockhoo, we LOVED finds like NOS Diana emblems!!! I am pretty darn sure some folks on our steel kitchen cabinet buy/sell Forum are looking for some of those for replacement purposes. Be sure to let me know when your ebay listings are up, and I’ll be sure to spotlight them. And be sure save any other Youngstown stuff you find. One of these days, watch for an email from me — I would love to hear more about what you recall your Grandfather and Father saying about their Youngstown Kitchen days!
Jenn says
Pam,
Where can I find a copy of the awesome graphic print ad and page of options you have included with your article?? I am moving my “Youngstown Kitchen a division of American Standard” sink and cabinet our to our bonus room after I get it refinished and I would love to have a copy of these framed over the top…I think it would look very cool. I love the nature of old vintage advertisements. I have scoured ebay…any other ideas??
pam kueber says
Jenn, I think that ebay IS the way to go… you just have to Save lots of Search terms and wait it out — they are plentiful.
Jenn says
Pam,
One more question about the ad…Were both pieces (the Cuckoo and the various options) off of the same advertisment or two different ones???
Have you ever heard of the cabinet that I mentioned? Most of them seem to be Youngstown by Mullins. Mine is Youngstown by American Standard. The logo/nameplate under the sink is more of a chrome square with a white paint in the indented lettering.
Time and well water have not been kind to our sink. We are getting it refinished as I said and repainting the base (fiery red) to use as the wet bar in our bonus room. But fear not, we are still definitely a retro remodel, I got an even bigger 1929 farm sink from VT shipped all the way to me in WY and had new ranchy oak cabinets all built around it. It should be very cool when finished.
I was admiring your pink bathroom collection. We have a mint green/black bath. Not quite as cool as pink, but definitely gives you the hankering for choco-mint ice cream everytime you go in there.
Thanks, I really enjoy your ideas!!!
Jenn
Lindsay says
I have one of these sinks, but I’m positive that the emblem on the front says “Youngstown Kitchens by Mullino” rather than “Mullins”. Any thoughts?
pam kueber says
nope, it’s Mullins
Lesa says
My broken, needs replaced badge is glass? It’s a standard model, 66in. I have not seen the glass badge? It had like a foul backing and while stripping, With proper supervision, ventilation and equipment!, I hit it with the putty knife scrapping and not realizing it was glass! Everything should have been removed, I got in a hurry. So it’s going to cost me! Have you ever seen this badge? What year? It was red and blue and silver lettering? Doesn’t say Mullins? Help?
pam kueber says
Les, I don’t know the answer to this. Sometimes they come up on ebay. You are good to be attentive to safety issues; don’t forget that old paint may contain lead – get with your own properly licensed professionals to assess what you have and are working with so that you can make informed decisions how to handle. More info and links on our Be Safe/Renovate Page: https://retrorenovation.com/renovate-safe/
Debbie Duke says
I have a leather bound 1957 book titled Pictorial History of The American Circus. On the back, imprinted in gold letters is Youngstown Kitchens. I was wondering if this book was given to dealers or customers if anyone knows. The book is by John and Alice Durant and published by A.S. Barnes and Company New York. Bound in handcrafted mission leather by Brown and Bigelow, saint Paul Minnesota. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number:57-9907
pam kueber says
Woah, I don’t know, Debbie – but it sounds fantastic!
DAve Fullerman says
My father was a sales manager for Ytown Kitchens in the early 50’s. We had 4 of these books including the circus. I can not remember what the others were but could ask my sisters. We lost them 50 years ago. I think they gave them to sales reps and vendors as a reward.
I spent many ours with these books as a child.
val says
i was wondering if anyone can tell me what the kitchens are worth today?i have a full set of cupboards baby blue on the bottom and yellow for the top cupboards mint shape and serial numbers also matching
Monica says
I want that turquoise Kitchen~~