Cool Sunday Find: 1800s Coffee Grinder
Here’s a cool find for those of you who are into vintage items: an authentic coffee grinder dating back to the early 1800s!
The grinder belonged to the grandfather of a Mrs. Idyll Arps Walkoe. According to Mrs. Walko, her grandfather “was the first Section Foreman for the C&NW Railroad when tracks were being laid for the railroad.” She also relates how her grandfather used the grinder: “I recall my Grandfather with this grinder between his knees each morning grinding the coffee for that day.”
Imagine just how laborious it must have been to work this grinder every morning! Even with the nifty grinders we have these days, we have to admit that sometimes, it can be a hassle to have to measure out the beans and grind them! (Maybe it’s just me, but this is precisely the reason I resort to using coffee grounds most of the time, despite having my own handy grinder.)
The coffee grinder is part of the Harper-Freeman collection in the Village of Cary.
If you’re interested in more vintage coffee grinders, let me point you to the site Vintage Coffee Grinders. They have got some really beautiful items, and the best part is that they can help you find (and purchase) one. Whether it is for daily use or for your personal collection, the guys over there will help you get your hands on one. Oh, and they also have vintage coffee roasters if you’re interested.
Self Stirring Mug For (Lazy) People
No one take offense, alright? I would be the first to say that I can be as lazy as the next person every now and then – maybe lazier than some. For those who are likeminded, check out this self stirring mug from Think Geek.
Forget the spoon. Forget the popsicle stick. Forget the plastic stirrer. You have to wash the spoon and throw away the popsicle stick and plastic stirrer – that will require more energy than necessary. More so, using fewer popsicle sticks and plastic stirrers can be your contribution to the environment!
With the self stirring mug, you don’t need any of these tools. All you need is to pour the sugar (artificial sweetener if that’s what you use) and cream into the mug and you’re good to go! This mug is made of stainless steel – it will go with anything you wear – and has a spinning disk inside. It is powered by two AAA batteries, and the spinning motion is triggered by pressing a button on the handle. The mug has a snap on lid that will keep the liquid from spilling when “stirring” or when you’re on the go. So basically, it doubles as a travel mug. Isn’t that just perfect for when you are in the car? You don’t need two hands to handle that coffee!
The mug’s dimensions are 4 3/8″ H x 3 3/8″ W.
Oh, and what about cleaning? It’s a snap as well – just use liquid soap and water, press the button to stir, and rinse. Energy efficient, that’s what I call it! $18.99 at Think Geek.
Link Mugs For The Coffeeholic Family
I will be the first to say that we are certified coffeholics – my family, that is. I still remember wanting to try my first cup of coffee as a little child, simply because that was all I saw my dad drink. He would have coffee in the morning, coffee after lunch, and coffee after dinner! I was not allowed to have coffee because of my age by I would sneak a cup or two every now and then when I was alone at the house.
Having said that, let me introduce you to this newfound discovery of mine – Link Mugs. They are perfect for the family that drinks coffee together. They’re just like any other mugs. In fact, they do not look very unique or pretty at all (you know me, I have an affinity for coffee mugs). However, they do have a distinctive feature, which you can guess from the name itself: the mugs can be linked together, allowing you to carry three mugs at the same time without endangering yourself (hot coffee!).
I found these mugs at Mocha, and they are designed by Jonathan Aspinall. How do they link together? There is a protrusion on each mug, as well as a sort of socket – put them together and they “stick” to one another. The idea is quite simple, and you can be free from burnt fingers and spilled coffee forever!
Link Mugs are for sale at Mocha for ₤32.50 per set. I think it’s the perfect gift idea for coffee lovers this Christmas, don’t you think?
