I was a kid in the 1950s and the only herbs I can recall came from a box with a turkey on the front–Bell’s Seasonings–a classic Thanksgiving blend invented in Massachusetts in 1867. In college, I was introduced to more herbs such as parsley, thyme, oregano and chives. In our first house, we installed glass shelves on our sunny kitchen window and started growing herbs in pots, which also moved outside along the driveway. I really enjoyed cutting them to add to my modest home cooked meals. We set up a square herb garden in our next house, an 18th century cape situated on a small plot of land. Eventually, we built a new house and also made a new garden and herb garden.
I can’t wait for it to warm up enough to place my bay tree and rosemary plant, both large and in unwieldy pots, back outside. Until then, here is some herb-infused vintage to admire.
Herb Plates by Patricia Brubaker
I love the unique shape of these 11 inch square dishes. They feature dill, chives, oregano and rosemary by designer Patricia Brubaker, and would make a splendid display for herbed appetizers. Marlene of FremarsTreasures has more of this set available if you love them as much as I do.
Porcelain Mortar and Pestle
This larger-sized mortar and pestle pair was used by a pharmacist or herbalist in its early life. It has plenty of life left to do work in the kitchen or to be displayed for its beauty. I have a smaller vintage mortar and pestle which is very handy to make fine blends of herbs and spices for both savory and sweet recipes.
Antique New Century Home Cook Book
This was written and published in New York in 1900 to share the latest styles, decor, herbs in culinary recipes and even gardening. It was a must for the Victorian household. It has some illustrations, but also has a lot of written advice for the homemaker of the family. It would be a most interesting read!
Vintage Vera Herb Towel
If you look, you will see the ladybug that Vera Neumann made famous on her designs. This reminds me of my window herb garden. Upgrade it to a hanging wall piece, sew it into a gardening apron or use it as expected. The colors are so vibrant that they will certainly raise your spirits.
