Bread Toaster
Display: A Tasting Menu
Culinary Technique: roasting
Date: c. 1800
Dimensions: 29" h x 13" w x 3" d
Watch collection donor Mel Mickevic demonstrate this object with
Dean Christopher
Koetke, School of Culinary Arts, Kendall College,
and Victoria Matranga, exhibition curator.
The ancient Romans toasted bread to preserve it, and the word "toast" is derived from the Latin word tostum, meaning "scorch" or "burn". A great improvement over the bread fork, this type of toaster originated in Europe and was used at American hearths since Colonial times. The long-handled tool pivoted at its hinge, turning the wire frame bread holder to reverse the side of the bread facing the heat.