Invalid’s Cup

A small white teacup item with a small handle. It is sitting on a red pillow.
Invalid's cup from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Canada
Year: ca. 1918
Materials: Porcelain 

Prior to the 21st century, care for the sick was largely done in the home. An invalid feeder or (as it was also called) invalid feeding cup was used to feed the ill who were weakened by sickness or bed ridden and was meant to prevent spills. This type of device was popular in the Victorian era, both domestically and in hospitals and continued to be used through the early twentieth century, during WWI and the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic. The pictured cup is made of white porcelain. It has a round bowl with slightly concave sides and has a curved loop handle on one side. The spout would be used similar to a drinking straw and the invalid or caregiver would tip the liquid therein into the patient’s mouth.

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.