Pie Safe

Creator:

Unknown

Creation Date:

ca. 1920

Accession Number:

I-0207a

Before electricity, people relied on clever construction to store their food safely. Pie safes were one option. Originating in the 1700s among German immigrants to Pennsylvania (the “Pennsylvania Dutch”), these wooden cabinets held pies and other baked goods while they cooled. To keep the food safe from pests, pie safes either had long legs to elevate them off the ground or were hung from the ceiling. Ventilation holes were punched in the walls and doors to keep air circulating, often in unique and ornate designs.