I love old houses because they come ready-filled with a history of love. Today: Judy’s lovely story about the 1958 kitchen that her mother Doreen still uses today, after moving in when it was brand new.
Yes, 58 years in the same kitchen… which even after hearty duty serving up three squares a day to five children, remains in great condition … with the same pots and pans, same glitter laminate, same checkerboard tile… little changed from the day it was built. What a testament to quality — and to tender loving care. Judy’s key question — in return for sharing this story — is: Can we connect her with someone in Calgary, Alberta, who would be interested in visiting, documenting, and perhaps even agreeing to remove the kitchen and set it up somewhere so it can be visited? This is a time capsule story she would like to see endure.
I asked Judy if she could tell us the story of the kitchen. She wrote:
We quickly outgrew the two bedroomed bungalow my father and his brother built in the northern outskirts of Calgary, and moved in 1958 to a new four-bedroomed ‘split-level’ in the city’s expanding southern suburbs. We soon became five children surrounded by countryside, biking everywhere, and always came home hungry.
My mother’s kitchen was her domain – organised, clean, polished, and productive with home-made bread, tins of cookies, three meals a day, plus snacks like popcorn and fudge for seven of us. The ages from father to youngest child were spread over 52 years; this may explain why no changes were ever made, there was never a break in the cooking. At the age of 91, my mother still cooks for herself, as well as her middle son and grandson who look out for her.
A 25 lb. turkey was slow-roasted for seven hours when an extended family of up to 14 gathered for Thanksgiving and Christmas. (We’d have to take turns for the roasted skin flap, which meant the prize came only every couple of years). For New Year, we would tuck into her homemade noodles and turkey broth.
Her cupboards still hold to the same arrangements as in the beginning: tea, coffee and crackers above the gas stove, flour, sugar and other baking needs above the single square metre of workspace she had.
The original, giant, Whirlpool fridge, working until recently, is now stored in the basement.
The linoleum floor, regularly waxed is still in great condition.
Formica work top, mahogany plywood cupboard doors with copper knobs and pull-down copper pendant lights are just as they were in the beginning; even the full set of heavy, aluminum, Wear Ever pans with copper lids and Bakelite handles.
Wall-mounted knife holder and rotary can opener have been in place since the beginning. Tappan oven and gas stove top still work perfectly.
Is it exceptional for a kitchen of this period to exist, still be in use, and be almost intact? I’d love to know. Also, I’d love to think that the kitchen might be preserved. Anyone buying the house after she’s gone will tear it out. Can anyone help? My main question is this: Would anyone be interested in visiting, documenting, and perhaps even agreeing to remove the kitchen and set it up somewhere so it can be visited? I’m grateful to find a like-minded, knowledgeable and enthusiastic ear for this. It would mean a lot to have someone in Calgary look at it.
Judy, I do know someone in historical preservation in Calgary. I will be sure to email her this story, to see if she has any ideas for you. Meanwhile, I take a stab at one of your questions:
Q. Is it exceptional for a kitchen of this period to exist, still be in use, and be almost intact?
A: Yes. We do see them, but they are getting more and more rare. Your mom’s kitchen is particularly notable, I’d say, because it still has the laminate countertops and original flooring — these often get replaced over the years. I see that you have changed out the fridge and the dishwasher, possibly the faucet, too; but these are easier to replace with authentic vintage if that is a goal. Flooring and laminate: Not so much. In fact, there is no known source, worldwide, for glitter laminate right now. So this kitchen is a delight to see. It’s also so incredibly heartwarming — and again, rare, I’d say — to see cookware and decor still in place, still in use. Such a testament to enduring quality, care and thrift.
I will also say: Unchanged vintage kitchens and houses — time capsule houses — have become increasingly desirable over the past few years. Many readers here are actively seeking them out. We want the original glitter and floor tile and wood cabinets and appliances — all of it! So don’t give up hope that the next people who live in this house won’t love it as much as you do; it’s possible. That said, yes: Gut remodels happen. More often than not, that’s the harsh reality. So we will do what we can to help you — maybe a museum WILL be interested. We’ve seen it happen before.
Thank you so much, Judy, for sharing this story with us. It’s just wonderful. xoxo
Theresa says
My husband and I bought our 1960 brick rambler last year and I was impressed with the good condition of the vintage kitchen – linoleum floor, laminate (white with gold specs) countertops, brown appliances with push button range. The brown oven works great, but the clock/timer is broken. The refrigerator was probably from the 80s so we replaced it with a white vintage looking model. Now we’re considering replacing the countertops and flooring, but after reading this article and coming across this website, I’m feeling guilty about it!! My husband gave me “the look” like I’m crazy. Original knotty pine cabinets and pulls, and the backspash are yellow tiles. I’m between a rock and a hard place! Please help with ideas that would keep the vintage yet keep the husband happy too!
pam kueber says
Tell him how much money you will save.
Seriously: Glitter laminate is the #1 want of folks here; we’re obsessed. See: https://retrorenovation.com/search-results/?q=glitter%20laminate
Edward Clegg says
Hi All.
I’m from the North West of England. I’ve stumbled across this heartwarming story, partly by accident, and have just spent the best part of two hours carefully reading every comment to build a fuller picture.
Just wanted to say, first of all what an incredible testimony to Doreen’s obvious love, selflessness and skills this pristine 58 year old kitchen is. Such consistent care over a lifetime is commendable, and shows a totally professional approach to the role of ‘homemaker’
As has been mentioned in previous posts we have very different kitchen design (and quality level) here in the U.K, so the differences have fascinated me, and I am in awe at the collective knowledge and respect you all appear to have regarding materials, finishes and manufacturers. (One gentleman, mesmerisingly well informed about stove knobs….) This simply does not happen here, and a 25 year old kitchen would be most rare, and possibly worn out. We had very little in the way of a post-war building boom, and so lack much of this staggeringly high quality, well designed interior design. Very jealous of how these quality materials, products and installations appear to have inspired such a sense of rootedness, home and belonging.
Glad I found the site. A revelation!!
rue says
This story is completely amazing. The same woman cooking in and using the same kitchen all these years…. if only we all could be so lucky to come across this more. A glimpse of the past still going strong today. Wow.
And yes, Pam, there are many of us that wish the original kitchen was still intact in our old homes. At least I still have the original cabinets 🙂
rue
Lance Kilgore says
Greetings. I’m trying to find knobs for this exact stove top. The ones I need are white….two have cracked. If I could get a set, white or black, I’d love to find out where to get them. Also the tag with the model # ect on mine is way to abused to read. Any way you could give me a pic of the tags on yours? It’s located under the cover at the back of the unit.
Michael says
I have this exact model cooktop, mine is from 1965, and has the white knobs. I believe the Model is called TC-17, and you won’t be able to find any parts (even used), as these are seriously rare even though they were produced from roughly the mid 50’s through 1970. In fact, this is the first color photo of another one that I’ve seen on the Web. They also made a 42″ inch and a 26″ versions in gas and electric (but the tray setup is much different), as well as single width doubles in the electric versions. The first versions were called “Tapn’ Wall”, then they renamed to “Tappan custom” This was their Built-in line made as companions to their built in ovens.
We originally had the Tappan stainless double sink, the TOL Oven, the Cooktop, the rare 36″ Tappan range hood, and the incredibly rare 36″ built in side by side refrigerator that was only 65 inches tall!….All appliances were in Tappan Lustre-Loy finish (which is what you see here on Doreen’s cooktop, her oven is coppertone finish). The sink is real stainless. The refrigerator always had many problems. The oven and stove always worked well.
Lustre Loy was Tappan’s faux stainless process which I believe is a really heavy duty brushed chrome (I wish a Tappan old timer could explain the Lustre-loy finishing process better) and had been used on Tappan products since the 1930’s. The top was also available in yellow, pink, white, & turquoise porcelain, plus coppertone.
Our cooktop has been in daily use since 1965, these have 2 constant run pilots. The Lustre loy, although heavy duty, does become affected by fatty acids, and tomato sauce if let to sit. this is why they corrode and discolor under the burner trays as they collect cooking grease. The handles are fragile and crack. The closest thing I’ve seen to that style knob is the O’keefe and Merritt knobs with the chrome trim rings, do a google image search and make sure you check with the seller on D-shaft sizing.
Do not throw that cooktop out….ever. Either have it refinished or give it to someone who wants to preserve it. The 33″ is an odd length and narrow depth size, not easily replaced without counter-top replacement. These cooktops also permitted full length drawers to be mounted directly underneath.
pam kueber says
Thanks, Michael. So, can TOAC not help with fixit recommendations if there’s an issue?
Michael says
It’s a possibility they may have something in their storage but i wouldn’t count on it. Valves and mechanical issues they could probably help with, but the burner design is not like most full size Tappan ranges. The front burner is a set n’ simmer thermostatically controlled unit. The back burners are all interchangeable. They are cast iron with a center ventilated insert, as are the grates. There is a possibly some very early 60’s Tappan ranges used similar parts, but those are not as easily found as 50’s stuff like the Deluxe and Greenbriar parts as I don’t think many saw much collector value as the classic styled ranges.
Michael says
Oh, and I almost forgot, I know that Keeler Brass out of Michigan was the original OEM supplier for older Tappan knobs so I called them up and while they won’t do custom work any longer, they told me to contact a place called Hinges and Handles out of Indiana and they may be able to do a custom knob (hopefully he still has the chrome trim rings). Another option may be to contact a phenolic molder called Davies Molding out of Chicago, they made the ubiquitous Daka-Ware knobs you find on vintage electronics and Ham radios that also use a D-shaft.
Amber Dawn says
Mine’s almost original, and believe me, I’ve fought pretty hard with my husband when it came to keeping the original built-in oven. “If you can make it work again—correctly—then it can stay,” he said. “If you can find me a new chocolate brown oven,” I said, “then the old one can go!”
So I fixed the old one, probably with magic.
https://flic.kr/s/aHsjFRs11T
Unfortunately we’ll probably have to sell it soon. Everybody but me says we should “at least take down the wallpaper.” NO. Haha.
Cindy says
Absolutely love it. What a treasure.
Scott says
Great story, great kitchen. The turquoise and copper is perfection and the wall oven is quite the show-stopper.
Jane says
Dang! Doreen’s kitchen is seriously amazing, and definitely belongs in a museum. I live in Edmonton, and almost every 1950-1970s house on the market today has a “flipped” kitchen and bathrooms. Thanks the big housing boom in 2007ish, everyone was remodeling their homes to sell for profit. Now all the “modern” upgrades are already outdated, and the “updated” cabinets fit so awkwardly. I have a 1959 ranch, and it’s hard to find the original stuff anymore. It’s like everyone’s already trashed the good stuff. I wish people would respect their house’s era, but I know I’m preaching to the choir here! If a museum doesn’t work out, I’ll come get that amazing kitchen and cherish it like family 😉 😉
Rebekah Morse says
LOVE! My 1960’s kitchen has the original white glitter formica countertops. The cabinets have been painted and the appliances and light fixtures have been replaced. The soul of the kitchen remains intact. Now all I need it a counter top for a 12″ wide cabinet I’m adding next to the stove. That white glitter counter is more elusive than a Yetti.
pam kueber says
No one makes glitter laminate any more. But watch the ReStore like a hawk — I have found three pieces of glitter laminate countertop over the years….
maria says
I should hope it’s not that rare to have an intact kitchen, because that’s what I have too. My parents bought it new in 1959. Had the hamburger press that matches that knife rack too!
I still have the original coved lino floor because I love it so much — it’s a round mosaic pattern with pink, yellow, turquoise, charcoal on a creamy background. The problem is, it has yellowed and needed something that can clean/bring it back to life. I’ve checked the archives, but hadn’t found anything. I’d love it someone could recommend something.
pam kueber says
If it’s truly lineoleum (rather than vinyl) try stripping the wax then rewaxing. Not “floor polish” — real wax. I think.
maria says
That’s kind of the problem. I remember mom saying she screwed up the stripping of wax at the time. Not sure what she did or how I should try to strip it again. Any ideas on products to use would be welcome.
pam kueber says
no, I have not researched such issues. Also be aware: vintage houses can contain vintage nastiness such as lead and asbestos get with your own properly licensed professional to assess what may be in those floors so you know what your working with and can act accordingly
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
My family lived in a subdivision built in 1961 that had the coved linoleum kitchen floors. A woman across the street who was the original owner of her house kept hers in tiptop condition by waxing it with real wax (paste wax?) and then just buffing it after every weekly cleaning.