Crumb Sweeper

This is a metal crumb sweeper with a brown wooden handle. It is sitting on top of a green counter.
A crumb sweeper from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Unknown
Year: ca. 1930s
Materials: Metal and wood 

This crumb sweeper was a kitchen staple of a Victorian home. Cleanliness was important but it took quite a bit of time to clean, especially in a home like Eldon House! The crumb sweeper is a little metal piece, which would have had an accompanying broom. Crumbs could be swept off tables or furniture and disposed of by the maids. This is an excellent example of a servant item in the Museum.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.