The Kitchen: A History of the Heart of the Home

the Kitchen

A History of the Heart of the Home

BY KAREN COOPER

For so many people, the kitchen is the gathering place. On holidays and on regular days, to find nourishment for body and soul, people gravitate to the warmth of the kitchen. Looking back through history, it seems it has always been this way. Going way, way back, you could consider the kitchen to be an open fire pit that was built outside on the ground. Moving ahead to more civilized cultures, you will find that people often cooked their food in metal cauldrons that were hanging above the fire. Cooking over the fire in various pots and pans, using all kinds of cooking methods while still gathering around the hearth, was the norm all the way through the 1800s. Until the age of electricity, the fire was the natural gathering place, due to it being the main source of light, heat, and safety…and, of course, the area where food would be served.

Kitchens in Colonial Times

The centerpiece of the colonial kitchen was a large fireplace. A metal pole was placed horizontally over the fire and kettles were hung from it. Pots could also be set directly on the fireplace ashes or coals. Early sinks were very basic. Buckets or other containers for holding water served as the first indoor kitchen sinks. There was no indoor plumbing, so water was collected from a nearby stream or water source and brought indoors. When the kitchen workers were finished with the kitchen water, it was dumped outside, possibly on the crops. With no electricity and no refrigeration, other techniques were used to preserve food. Some techniques for preserving meats included smoking, drying, and salting. Larger, wealthier homes and castles had a pantry, larder, a buttery, and often a smokehouse. Moving into the 1800s, technological innovations were improving in the way kitchens functioned and in reducing the workload of home cooks. Gas eventually replaced coal cooking, and electricity and water that could be piped directly into the kitchen all played a part in moving the kitchen into the present day. Kitchens in the early 1900s were much more advanced than their earlier precursors, but they were still a far cry from what we expect in our kitchens today. At this time, changes were taking place that altered many aspects of the American lifestyle. Easily accessible transportation allowed families to make more frequent trips to the store. Kitchens were being connected to the municipal water system, making cooking and cleaning up more sanitary and efficient. Another huge improvement was the arrival of gas ranges in American kitchens.

Sanitary Kitchens

The post-World War I era was marked on the home front by an increased understanding and scrutiny of hygiene and sanitation measures to eliminate bacteria and other germs. Washable tiles sometimes covered parts of the walls. Linoleum for kitchen flooring was easy to clean. Stoves, tabletops, and pans were covered with porcelain enamel. The kitchen of the 1920s evolved as the importance of good nutrition and attention to sanitation increased.

The Refrigerator

The refrigerator was invented by General Electric (GE) in 1911. The first refrigerator in American homes, however, did not arrive until 1927. The early refrigerators were very expensive, with GE’s Monitor Top refrigerator costing $525. Because of the expense and availability of the refrigerator, most Americans had what was called an icebox until the 1940s. The icebox was a cabinet, insulated, with a space for a block of ice to be inserted. The “iceman” delivered a block of ice directly to the home, usually on a weekly basis. In the 1960s and 1970s other social changes were taking place that improved the style of the kitchen. A renewed interest in home cooking and entertaining meant that life was happening in the kitchen. The kitchen became a place for improving culinary skills, displaying designer cookware, and functioned as the heart of the home for social activity. By the 1980s, the idea of a completely open kitchen, with appliances designed to show off, became popular.

Modern Kitchens and Trends

The latest kitchen ideas focus on creating mood and an understanding of just how much time we spend in this special room. The new kitchens are versatile, comfortable, have room for entertaining and great lighting. The old cliché of the kitchen being the heart of the home is truer than ever! Life happens here, so there are even dedicated workstations finding their way into modern kitchen layouts. Appliances have become quieter and new technology is connected in ways we never could have imagined even 10 years ago. Dinner can practically cook and serve itself! There are so many surfaces, floors, appliances, cabinets, and styles to choose from. You can truly make your kitchen space anything you want it to be in 2022.

BY LISA S. T. DOSS

The fall season brings out the best in nature lovers, who wander around their property no longer impacted by pesky insects or the high humidity. Trees receive a careful inspection from their owners, who notice growth, a harvest of fruit, or the impact of an infestation—for example, dieback in the limbs and sometimes recognition of invasive diseases. Help from a professional is needed, not just for one appointment, but in an ongoing periodic assessment to reach particular goals. Perhaps you desire to plant specific varieties to benefit pollinators or wildlife for timber management, human use, or preventing erosion. A Land Management Plan, offered through the North Carolina Forest Service, is an option for all residents in each of the 100 counties with ten acres.

A homeowner’s experience

“I didn’t know a Land Management Plan was available to us until I heard about it from a friend,” shares Dale and Stephanie. On the scheduled day, our local Forest Ranger came out to walk on our property. We learned about the types of mature trees, and were surprised by the information about having persimmon, mulberry, cucumber Magnolia, and sourwood trees. Some were doing well, while others were just surviving. We received information on their age, numbers, and level of health and were shown specific locations and examples of invasive species. One, in particular, was a kind of grass growing in the underbrush near a creek. The Forest Ranger informed us also that we had too many beech trees; typically, one is essential per acre, and that our Ironwood trees, in the birch family, should be thinned. Weeks after our appointment, a document arrived by mail to provide an overview of the recommendations for thinning, removing, and optimizing the health of our trees to reach our goals. We were quite pleased with the outcome. We recommend starting a plan for anyone needing to manage their woodlands.”

Scheduling a controlled burn

When to burn is just as important as why controlled burns are essential. Typically, a woodland area is set ablaze every three to five years by N.C. Forest Rangers, intended to control the forest’s growth, composition, health, and quality. Usually scheduled in early spring, a burn will reduce the fire hazards of layering leaf mold and dead timber. Releasing nutrients to the soil improves tree growth and health while eliminating some of the hardwood competition. The outcome opens up opportunities for sunlight in the understory of surrounding trees. Fire is necessary for some tree varieties, such as oak, mulberry, chestnut, sycamore, walnut, poplar, maple, Magnolia, and fruit trees, opening the door for new seeds to develop into seedlings and expand the forest. From spring to fall, the trees appear brighter and healthier due to the decision of a controlled burn. TIP: North Carolinians do not require a Land Management

Plan to schedule a controlled burn. It may be simply a recommendation or a procedure planned every three years.

Utilizing N.C. Nursery for optimal growth

Since 1924, North Carolina foresters and rangers have collected seeds from our native trees, intended to be grown by the state’s residents. The expansive list includes trees to benefit pollinators and wildlife varieties, and contains conifers, shrubs, and native grass plugs.

The native forest tree seedlings offer a reliable supply of the best genetic selections at an affordable price. As a result of the Tree Improvement Program, landowners receive a better volume of growth, form, disease resistance, and straightness of each native variety. In addition to choosing as few as ten seedlings or several thousand to achieve a goal, N.C. Forest Service can create a grid to ensure proper planting in a welcoming environment.

TIP: Residents can order from the N.C. Nursery starting on

July 1st of each year; however, a Land Management Plan offers recommendations for on-site location and creating a planting grid.

The North Carolina Forest Service offers tree planting, thinning, and timber harvesting services. Perhaps your land would benefit from a living document to create a legacy for your family. The first step is to develop a plan!

Time for New Inspiration!

BY MARTIE EMORY

The fall season may bring a change of scenery and slightly different temperatures, but one wonderful constant about this time of year is the Fall Parade of Homes, presented by the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem (HBAWS), and again sponsored by Truist.

A fun event for the entire family, this year’s Parade of Homes will be held October 8th and 9th, and October 15th and 16th, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day – two glorious weekends of beautiful homes and creative inspiration!

Free to the public, with no special tickets required to attend, Parade visitors will have the opportunity to experience the unique design elements of this year’s featured homes. There will also again be virtual tours, available on the Fall Parade of Homes website.

HBAWS Board President Jonathan Lee, of Homes by Jonathan Lee, Inc., is excited for the public to see the amazing homes that will show off current trends in the industry.

“This year marks the 60th year the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem has held its annual Fall Parade of Homes,” says Lee. “One of our goals this year was to be able to hold this event without restrictions, and it looks like that will happen! As a local home builder, I enjoy this event so much and love hearing comments from visitors. I’m always amazed at the number of past clients and neighbors who come to see what we are building this year. Those relationships are so special!”

Executive Vice President Gisela Lopez echoes the enthusiasm for this year’s event.

“The Fall Parade of Homes showcases the latest in-home design and décor trends which will leave visitors with the inspiration and resources needed to build a brand new home or plan their next remodel project,” says Lopez. “Come tour the collection of beautiful homes throughout Forsyth, Stokes, and surrounding counties.”

What else can visitors expect to enjoy? An up-close look at some exciting trends! Alicia Lee with Homes by Jonathan Lee, Inc. points to several elements to notice. Veritas Construction

2022 Association House

“Gold and black finishes on lighting and plumbing fixtures is very trendy now,” she says. “Black plumbing was originally more popular, but gold is now coming on strong, especially in primary baths and powder rooms.”

And yes, wallpaper is back! Alicia says to look for it in areas like the powder room and dining room, in bright, exciting patterns. She’s also fond of the woodworking trend of the last few years.

“I love textured wood working on walls in certain rooms like a study or a dining room,” she notes. “We have a special treatment for the HBAWS house in both the dining room and primary bedroom ceiling. With so many people now working from home, we also have a great study in this house. It is beautiful, but also private!”

As seen with the Association House’s great outdoor space, Alicia also tells us that relaxation is still important – a la a wonderful fireplace to sit by in the evenings when the work day ends!

Many association builder members have joined together to build the 2022 Association House, including Homes by Jonathan Lee, Inc., – Jonathan Lee, Veritas Construction – Michael Enscore, Ricci Builders & Management, Inc. – Josh Ricci, Arden Homes – Aaron Lange, R.L. Riddle Construction, LLC – Lee Riddle, and Thompson Building Group, LLC – Chris Thompson.

A collaboration of some of the area’s top builders, the Association House will be located in Brookberry Farm’s new phase, The Oaks. The Energy Star plan home offers 4372 square feet, a three-car garage, four bedrooms, three-and-ahalf bathrooms, an upper level bonus room, loft and more than ample storage!

Jonathan Lee, Inc.

There’s a gourmet kitchen and primary bedroom with a zero-entry shower on the main level, as well as the study Alicia mentioned. Visitors will also love the covered front porch and rear covered porch complete with a fireplace. This featured lot overlooks the original Manor House, while capturing the natural beauty of Brookberry Farm!

Visit paradeofhomesws.com to view the list of featured properties, along with interactive and printable maps and links to the builders’ websites, as well as options for virtual tours. Call the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem at 336.464.8002, or visit hbaws.net. The Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem is located at 220 Charlois Boulevard.

Jonathan Lee, Inc.

HBAWS