What is the point and purpose of an unfashionable bread box within the kitchen?
(Both items were surrounded by poor condition and badly painted, so they're gone.)
Does anyone know the rudiment of the venerable bread box, and how it was first used? The vent holes seem to be fairly useless. And it seem like any style box could hold bread--or currently, I throw loaves in the fridge.
As I handle this historic item, I just get real curious. Serious replies one and only. thanks.
Answers: Before refrigerators and the advent of commercially made baked produce, the breadbox was vital.
First off, the breadbox protected bread and other baked merchandise from mice and if screened insects, by providing a physical block.
Secondly, a proper breadbox will have a metal interior and tight fitting door, as metal help keep moisture inside the box. As in good health as small air vent. Modern knockoffs are all wood and are useless, because the wood absorb moisture,
The combination of the metal interior, tight door and venting, allowed the homemaker to heat once per week and to keep her pains reasonably fresh throughout the week.
Once commercial bakers come along, the combination of low cost baked goods and preservatives, pretty much kill off domestic bread making.
When refrigerators come into use, many ethnic group tossed the bread in them and that took effort of pests.
To the day my grandmother died, she kept the out-of-date breadbox she had since the 1920's. She used it to hold her tomatoes however, as she kept her bread within the "icebox" as she called it.
I wouldn't toss out the breadbox though, nearby are people who recompense good money for them, if their concrete and not modern knockoffs.
I don't use mine for bread; I hide stuff surrounded by it that I want on the counter but not "out by the side of the counter."
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