The Pantry
Displayed on and near the Hoosier cabinet are various kitchen tools – meat grinder, coffee grinder, egg carrier, apple peeler, hay twist, water bucket and water cooler. The hay twist on the Hoosier is similar to those made by Pa and other DeSmet, South Dakota residents to burn for fuel in the blizzards of 1880-1881.
Next to the kitchen is displayed a wash and laundry area, bathtubs to the left of the picture and washing machine to the right.The water had to be brought in from Silver Creek or the town pump on the street near the front of the hotel.
Between the kitchen and the dining area is the pantry. This pantry is part of the original hotel. Shutters on the panty would close off the view of the shelves, where food and dishes were stored. When Laura and Mary helped Ma set tables in the dining room, the shutters could be open without going into the kitchen, thereby saving many steps and trips. Even the silverware drawer opened both ways, into the pantry and out into the dining room.
Next: The Ingalls Room
