Why Coppes | Our History | Coppes Napanee (2024)

FAQs

Why Coppes | Our History | Coppes Napanee? ›

Our History

The cabinet got its name because most of them were made in Indiana. The first Hoosier cabinets appeared in 1898, created by a furniture company called Sellers, in New Castle, Indiana. Popularity of the cabinet grew up until the late 1940's when the records for the cabinets became scarce.

The two largest manufacturers, the Hoosier Manufacturing Co. and G.I. Sellers and Sons, were closed in 1942 and 1950 respectively, making Coppes Napanee the only manufacturer of Hoosier Cabinets still in operation today.

It is difficult to identify the exact date of a Hoosier cabinet manufactured by Coppes Napanee and there are no hard and fast rules to apply. However, the type of finish, metal ID tag, how it was assembled, and the style of the flour bin will give you some clues.

A Hoosier cabinet or Hoosier is a type of cupboard or free-standing kitchen cabinet that also serves as a workstation. It was popular in the first few decades of the 20th century in the United States, since most houses did not have built-in kitchen cabinetry.

There was once a contractor named Hoosier employed on the Louisville and Portland Canal who preferred to hire laborers from Indiana. They were called "Hoosier's men" and eventually all Indianans were called Hoosiers.

White Oak was the most common exterior wood used in Cabinets during this clear finish era (1898-1920) of cabinet manufacture at Coppes Napanee.

The value of a Hoosier cabinet is determined largely by the condition of the piece and the presence of the original accessories. While all-wood examples in perfect condition can fetch nearly $2,000, those requiring some restoration work may cost as little as $200.

It's a country kitchen cabinet for storing flour and supplies for general baking.

A true Hoosier cabinet consists of two pieces – a top and a deeper bottom. The bottom typically has several drawers for organization, with a tin-lined drawer to keep bread fresh, and at least one large cabinet for dishes and storage. The table-like top would pull out, made of wood, tin or porcelain enamel.

Is Hoosier glass valuable? ›

Your Clear glass Hoosier vase in the 4086-B pattern would have a fair market or resale value of between 10-12 dollars. If there are any cracks or chips to the early 1980's vases, this would devalue the vases. When collecting and selling glass, colored glass will always bring more value.

The Hoosier cabinet began to decline in popularity after World War II when more modern appliances began to emerge. Woodworkers today are restoring these old cabinets and building new cabinets after the Hoosier style.

You might think they're just simple cupboards, but they're so much more. Yes, they store staples like flour, sugar and spices, and utensils. However, they also have workable parts inside, like flour sifters, meat grinders and rotating spice carousels. Some have fold-down ironing boards.

The Indiana Historical Bureau notes that Dunn found that the word Hoosier was used frequently throughout the South in the 19th century to describe woodsmen or rough hill people. “He traced the word back to “hoozer,” in the Cumberland dialect of England. This derives from the Anglo-Saxon word “hoo” meaning high or hill.

Antique Hoosier Cabinet Values

While all-wood examples in perfect condition can fetch nearly $2,000, those requiring some restoration work may cost as little as $200.

History. The late Mr. Eugene “Doc” Wilson started building kitchens in his garage in the early 40's to satisfy his needs as a General Contractor. As demands grew for his cabinets he decided to get out of the contracting business and focus on producing cabinets.

The Hoosier Gym (1921-Present Day) ​In 1985, the movie Hoosiers was filmed in the gym and brought new life to the nearly 100 year old structure. Before the Knightstown Gym became The Hoosier Gym, Home of the Hickory Huskers, it served the community for 64 years.