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| Okay, how many of you grow vegetable gardens? And of those who do, how many grow celery? Right. None. We can't help but think that the home gardens of Victorians weren't that much different from ours; "oats, peas, beans, & barley grow"; corn, tomatoes and squash. So, other than celery was highly prized and it was believed that celery aided in rheumatism, how do we explain the fact that virtually all patterns that were made between about 1850 - 1910, in more than the Four Piece Table Set, had a celery vase?! Tell us if you know. Well, thanks to Kristine Kelley Bailey, we now know! She writes: |
| "My father and his family for generations before him, raised celery in and around Leslie, Michigan. A labor intensive plant. He said the crown had to be kept covered with soil to keep it white and tender, it was also frequently transplanted to "set it back" keeping it tender. All of this was done to keep it from turning darker green, bitter and stringy. It had to be kept damp, but too much moisture... or it rotted. Home gardeners did not include celery because of the constant labor and knowledge involved in the outcome of an edible product. It was thus considered a delicacy, and purchased for the table, to impress important dinner guests. This is why finer dinner sets all included a celery vase." |
| So there you have it! Thanks Kristine! |
There is a 'new' use for celery vases that some of our customers have discovered.
That is to use a flat or flat footed celery vase as a 'forker' or even a 'knifer'! They are
using them on a buffet table along with a 'spooner' to hold all the silverware needed.
Who sez we have to do things like the Victorians????
TIP! We HAVE heard that.....if you wrap celery in
aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator, it will keep for weeks.
