Tour of a Chuck Box

Here is a introduction to the chuck box and a little cowboy history. This presentation was given during filming for the show "Common Ground" on PBS. Chuckwagon cooks were able to produce quite a bit of food under some pretty adverse conditions. It's no wonder they had the reputation of being a little out of sorts most of the time.

Kitchen Gizmo of the Month.

Mrs. Kinney's Steam Cooker

Here is a very scarce Mrs. Kinney's Steam Cooker. The patent number for this specimen is 533,818 with the patent belonging to S.W. & C.A. Kinney of St. Louis, Missouri. This steamer stands 16 1/4" high and has a diameter of 9 1/2". It is constructed like a tall cylinder with bracket and hook assemblies to hold two shelves. Water would be boiled in the bottom of the steamer and circulated throughout to cook the food. Due to the nature of the cooking process it is difficult to find these in a condition this good. The only rusted area is at the top of the cooker near the hinge - the rest of the cooker is very clean. This would make a great addition to any vintage kitchen collection and is quite a conversation piece.