Churn

1865-1925

Measurements

18-3/4 in x 16-3/4 in x 15-1/2 in (dia)

Materials

White pine (staves, lid, bottom), ash (shaft), maple (blades, handle), steel (hoops)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation

Accession Number

2018.151

Comments

This churn has a body made of staves bound with three steel hoops, like a barrel or wood bucket.  A close-fitting single board round lid fits in place, stopped by a cleat that spans the lid, overhanging each end.  The cleat, held in place by rivets, strengthens the top and prevents warping.  A vertical shaft axle protrudes through the cleat and receives a handle to rotate it.  Inside, four curved (i.e. slightly twisted) paddles or vanes mix and agitate the contents.  Two screws attach each paddle to short rods attached in turn to the shaft.

The churn probably made ice cream.  Relatively similar churns for butter differ because they have drain holes near the bottom to draw off butter milk, a by-product.  This churn has a drain in the side near the top, and another one in the lid.  

The churn is colored with a red wash.