Love and Americana In A Pyrex Mixing Bowl
I think my love for baking started when I was a teenager. My parent’s suburban Long Island kitchen was well equipped, and my favorite tool for the task back then was my mom’s set of vintage Pyrex mixing bowls. A tidy collection that probably dated back to the 1950s, the nested set sat in the same location for at least forty years.
My mom used the bowls to make everything from Thanksgiving stuffing to meatloaf. My sisters liked the bowls for making brownies and frosting. I used the bowls to craft countless cakes and Tollhouse cookies.
Of course, I liked the bowls because they were readily available in mom’s kitchen, but I think I also liked them because they were indestructible and ergonomically appealing. Somehow, I think the shape of the bowl’s base and sides made it easier for me to mix and cream the ingredients at hand. It was a basic design that seemed to suit my novice efforts.
I don’t have any of mom’s vintage bowls, and my Pyrex collection has only been purchased in the last fifteen years. However, for some unknown reason this morning, I started to reminisce over mom’s basic mixing bowls. After doing some quick online search, I found a website called Pyrex Love. Started by Bryan and Linda Yoshida in 2006, Pyrex Love is a fascinating site with great photographs and tons of information on vintage Pyrex pieces. There’s also a wonderful Pattern Reference section that shows images and gives factual information on the patterns as well. The resource section links to the official Pyrex site and references a useful book entitled Pyrex, The Unauthorized Collector’s Guide.
Even though it was only 6 am, I soon escaped into the charming site and found myself swooning over various patterns, such as Amish Butterprint, Constellation,and Federal Eagle. I soon felt as if I was visiting a fabulous museum and was able to explore the history of this all-American brand, which by the way is still made in Pennsylvania.
So, this morning’s culinary reminiscence was not only nostalgic, it was also deliciously informative. Do you have any special Pyrex memories, pieces, or patterns? If so, share the Pyrex love!
Photo of Primary Mixing Bowls 401-404 Courtesy of Pyrex Love.
--Melissa A. Trainer
HopeSew on April 13, 2010 at 09:16 PM
What an interesting site. 'Pyrex Love'...there really is everything on the internetz. :) I didn't realize there were so many patterns!
Melissa Trainer on April 13, 2010 at 09:24 PM
I didn't know there were so many patterns either, HopeSew. I really found it fascinating. Thanks for posting.
Melissa Trainer
Cindy Wambeam on April 14, 2010 at 01:19 PM
Melissa, you live in the Seattle area, right? Have you ever been to the Pyrex Museum over in Bremerton? I've been thinking about taking a ferry ride over, then checking out the art gallery that houses this.
http://www.visitkitsap.com/blog/2010/01/bremerton-destination-pyrex-museum.html
Beth Miller on April 14, 2010 at 01:26 PM
I'll have to check that out. Definitely remember my Mom's bowls, similar to what is pictured. I am trying to be careful with mine, 3 bowl set in a light brown with mushrooms. Yep, from the "70s.
Dana Alley on September 16, 2010 at 09:43 AM
I have these bowls, and they are wonderful. I'm a big fan of vintage pyrex, and I'm slowly starting my own collection now that I'm married and have my own kitchen.