Deb was born and raised in Anoka County.  At age 45, she currently resides in the town of Anoka.  She has been an antique dealer since 1995.  Deb learned to love garage sales and antiques at a very young age.  Her personal collections include Vintage Jewelry, Tobacco Tins, Red Wing Pottery, Vintage Furs, Mixing Bowls/Nesting Bowls, "Sharon" Pattern Depression Glass, Granite Ware, and much more.  Deb loves music from 1930 to 1965 which includes artists such as Shirley Horn, Dinah Washington, The Righteous Brothers, and Patsy Cline.   Her other passions include home-style cooking, crossword puzzles, and online word games. This photo was taken at "Antiques Downtown" in Elk River.  763-441-1818
 

 
Antiques Downtown - 309 Jackson Ave, Downtown Elk River
Three Floors Full of Treasures for Everyone!  763-441-1818
2011 Sale Dates

Anniversary Sale - November 11, 12 & 13
Sale Hours:  Friday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

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Cast Iron Skillets -- new or old  --  You can cook with them TODAY

History:
Cast iron pans became popular during the last half of the 1850's, and patented as early at 1864.   Manufacturers mass produced pots using a mold that could be used over and again at a minimal cost.  Cast iron was melted in a blast furnace.  In this molten stage, it was poured into a mold.  One type of the oldest cast iron pots were called the "pivoting crane" as the pot swung over an open fire to cook, then could be swung off the fire to dish out.  I see these often in movies.  The "pivoting crane" was commonly used in a settler's home and on the open range (sleeping under the stars).

For me, just saying "cast iron pan" with "cooking" makes my mouth water.  These pans still cook a great meal - all in that fabulous cast iron skillet or pot.  With some TLC these pots will last a lifetime.

Current prices on old pieces are based on rarity, size and manufacturer.  
Griswold and Wagner are two common brand names.  Griswold is the more expensive line.

Cooking with old or new cast iron and  how to prepare the pan, pot or skillet.
I use cast iron pots and pans often in my kitchen.  Here is some information to help you start using cast iron pans.

You need to "SEASON" the pan one time to make it a nonstick surface.  Coat the pan inside bottom and sides with cooking oil.  Bake at 350 degrees for one hour (alone in the oven, empty of food).  Dry with paper towels and the pan is now ready to use.  After a few uses with food, the "seasoning" process will continue and you will have a great pot or skillet.

HOW TO CLEAN:

Do not wash in the sink with soap.  DO NOT.

The best way to clean a cast iron pot or skillet is to rinse with hot water right after use, wipe dry and store.  For burned on food, scrub with coarse salt and a non-metal brush.  If that does not work, you can use a few drops of dishwashing soap.

If the pan gets a sticky coating, then scrub with steel wool and soap.  Next, re-season in the oven with oil.

I hope you enjoy your old cast iron pots, pans and skillets.  I sure do !!

Deb Chesley

ANTIQUES:  What is Hot - and - What is Not:

This list is based on my opinion only. 
May 5, 2011

Antiques:  What's Hot Right Now

* Solid gold jewelry
* Refinished wood pieces such as end tables, country chairs and benches
* All types of stoneware - jugs, mugs, crocks
* Linen and bric-a-brac
* Trunks - both flat top and camel back tops
* Records -- 78's and 45's
* Farm house primitives
* Architectural salvage pieces
* Vintage electric fans
* Garden ware & décor:  Water cans, pumps, benches, bird houses - anything you can place in a garden for décor.


Antiques:  What's Not Hot

* Brass floor lamps
* China sets
* Silverware sets
* Hummel figurines
* Precious Moments


I hope these lists will also give you some nice gift ideas for the antique lover in your life!  Happy Shopping!

Antiques With Attitude,
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector

Do you have a question pertaining to antiques or collectibles that you would like to ask Ms. Chesley?  You can email Deb your questions directly.  She would be happy to answer your questions!  Be sure to bookmark this page for future articles and information.
 

                             View the archive of Ms. Chesley's past articles here.
 

Collector's Billboard:
 
Every Monday Night: Auctions presented by Luther Auction House, 2556 7th Avenue East in Maplewood.  For more information, call 651-770-6175 or Click Here For Details

Every Wednesday through Sunday Pac Ratz Flea Market Indoor/Outdoor flea market featuring over 40 vendors, there's something for everyone!  Located at Hwy 65 & Constance Blvd, in Ham Lake.  For more information, call 763-413-1400 or Click Here For Details

Last Saturday of the Month:  Antique and Collector Auction presented by Brown Auction 13229 St. Croix Avenue in Lindstrom.  Estates and consignments welcome!  For more information, call 612-598-9031 or Click Here For Details

November 11, 12 & 13 Anniversary Sale -  Antiques Downtown - 309 Jackson Ave, Downtown Elk River - 763-441-1818, Sale Hours:  Friday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

 

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