Monday mystery artifact
That's perfectly all right, however, since the object in question was a foot warmer.
The foot warmer's side drawer could be filled with hot coals and placed near one's chair for a toasty accompaniment to sewing or reading. It was the 19th century's answer to the Snuggie. Ed V. did come closest to guessing this item with "I want this to be something to keep you warm, like a bed warmer with hot things in it." Yep, honorable mention to you!
This week's artifact is also related to warmth, but is a bit confusing. Who can suss it out? Take your best guess; answer next Monday!
WINNER'S LIST: 8/3/09: erksnerks 8/10/09: Larissa 8/17/09: no winner 8/24/09: erksnerks, (2) 8/31/09: erksnerks, (3); Larissa, (2) 9/7/09: no winner; honorable mention to goblue18 9/14/09: erksnerks (4), Larissa (3), Janice A., Edward V. 9/21/09: a2dancelady, Mark Maynard, Creative Use of an Orangutan award to Lisa Bashert 9/28/09: erksnerks (5), Lisa Bashert (1.5), suem, Cindy Heflin, 10/5/09: Lisa Bashert (2.5), cmadler; Obscure Edible Plant Historical Factoid award to Ed Vielmetti 10/12/09: no winner 10/19/09: erksnerks (6) 10/26/09: a2dancelady (2), Typha, and, oh heck, Larissa (4) too. 11/2/09: eanschuetz, honorable mention to erksnerks (5.5) 11/09/09: no winner; honorable mention to Ed (1.5)
Laura Bien is the author of "Stud Bunnies and the Underwear Club: Tales from the Ypsilanti Archives," to be published this winter. She also writes the historical blog "Dusty Diary" and may be contacted at ypsidixit@gmail.com.
"Monday mystery artifact" is published every Monday on AnnArbor.com.
Comments
Laura Bien
Sat, Nov 14, 2009 : 11:53 a.m.
There are so many good guesses, and suem's is one. Vaguely related (very vaguely) but not quite...but thanks for reading!
suem
Sat, Nov 14, 2009 : 9:57 a.m.
meat and fish smoker?
Paul the Malcontent
Fri, Nov 13, 2009 : 2:18 p.m.
Spit Jack?
Laura Bien
Wed, Nov 11, 2009 : 9:11 a.m.
suem: Another good guess. You are close, but unfortunately this is not its function. Thanks for guessing though! :)
suem
Wed, Nov 11, 2009 : 8:20 a.m.
did it function as an oven with heat from the fireplace?
Laura Bien
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 8:48 a.m.
suem: Good guess. I don't, however, think it's watertight.
suem
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 8:13 a.m.
did it heat up water
Laura Bien
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 4:53 p.m.
(Enigmatically) A lot of interesting guesses here! keep 'em coming! :)
cd_booth
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 2:29 p.m.
Is it something to store ashes in?
erksnerks
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 10:31 a.m.
Coal Hod with out the Tools is my most recent guess.
erksnerks
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 10:24 a.m.
coal scuttle....
erksnerks
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 10:14 a.m.
coal hod or coal bin?
suem
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 9:04 a.m.
Maybe to haul wood to the stove
erksnerks
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:53 a.m.
yeah a portable warmer...
erksnerks
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:52 a.m.
Maybe it held hot coals and kept a person in a chair spinning wool near by.... I'd rather be home spinning right now tucked in warm.
erksnerks
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:50 a.m.
Looks like things were hung off the back, maybe a shovel and a poker and a wee broom....
Laura Bien
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:47 a.m.
Suem: you are very close!--just a tad different. Can you think of what it is?! I bet you can!
Laura Bien
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:46 a.m.
You are close on the "warm" idea, erksnerks, and that's a good idea! I'd like one right now!--it's a tad chilly this morning. But I regretfully must say try again. This item was appropriately displayed, in the Ypsi Historical Museum, near a......fireplace.
suem
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:39 a.m.
I think it was used to haul ashes from the stove or fireplace
erksnerks
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:19 a.m.
Is it and beneath the desk warmer?