Toast Rack

A metal wire toaster sitting on a green counter. In front is a floral plate with a slice of toast.
Toaster in the Eldon House Kitchen

Country of Origin: Unknown, likely the United States of America
Year: ca. 1930s
Materials: Chrome, electronics, and fabric  

These kitchen pieces have existed since the 1770s to hold toast and prevent warm pieces from pressing against each other and becoming soggy. This metal piece is a simple design, though some could be quite elaborate. This electronic toaster has a metal coil in its central register, that conducts heat that spreads to the bread propped tent-like on the outer cage.  Toasters evolved to eventually “flip” the bread so both sides could be toasted evenly, then further improved to incorporate slots that cold be raised and lowered into a sealed body.

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.