The Heartbeat of the Old Kitchen
Can you still smell warm bread in the oven, hear bottles clinking in the sink or feel the hum of a bustling kitchen in full swing? For many, they call to mind a grandparent’s home — one with a story in every corner, and meaning in every object.
One of those items you forgot you once needed to overcome was the vintage bottle drying rack.
A Staple in Early 20th Century Kitchens
The kitchen has always been the heart of the home — a place for cooking, bonding and teaching. During the early 1900s, each family member contributed to the daily routine. Notable among the tools discovered in those kitchens was the vintage bottle drying rack.
Called a herisson in French or a bottle tree, this device dried glass bottles — used daily before plastic containers became ubiquitous.
Origins and Practical Design
By the late 1800s, bottle drying racks had spread to homes throughout Europe and America. These strong metal frames had several hooks, just right for hanging bottles upside down. This design allowed water to flow out and air in for complete drying.
Back when people made their own milk, beer, and preserves at home, a dependable drying system was important — and these racks provided just that.
An Early Embrace of Sustainability
Long before the sustainability movement found a foothold in 1980s America, families were practicing it out of necessity. They recycled glass bottles over and over, so it was important to keep them clean and dry. Simple, clever engineering made this possible with the vintage bottle drying rack.
It was more than a household tool; it reflected the resourcefulness and care of earlier generations.
