Images(7)

Warmer, Food

Object number2017.72.1 a-c

Manufacturer Liberty Electric Corporation

Dateafter 1958

OriginIndianapolis, IN

MediumMetal; Plastic; Rubber

Credit LineGift of Citizens Bank

DescriptionHeinz soup warmer.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a - not including cord): 17.375 × 18.5 × 12.75 in. (44.1 × 47 × 32.4 cm)
Length (a - cord): 56 in. (142.2 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b): 5.625 × 4.75 × 8 in. (14.3 × 12.1 × 20.3 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (c): 5.063 × 4.75 × 8 in. (12.9 × 12.1 × 20.3 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
Plastic doors have red and white text on front “HEINZ 57 SOUPS / TOMATO / CREAM OF CHICKEN / CHICKEN RICE / MINESTRONE / SPLIT PEA / CHICKEN NOODLE / VEGETARIAN VEGETABLE / CLAM CHOWDER / BEAN / VEGETABLE / VEGETABLE BEEF / BEEF NOODLE / CHILI BEEF / CREAM OF MUSHROOM / START WITH SOUP”.

The front bottom of the station has two red dials that rotate between two options "SOUPS" and "LUNCHES".
Marks(a)
Reverse has black rubber electrical cord emanating from bottom center with white text on the cord "18-3 SJ 300V" and raised text on the plug "DAMCO".

Reverse has maker's plate at bottom center with text “MODEL 563 / U. L. APPROVED / 1280 W. – 118 V. – A. C. ONLY. / FOR USE ONLY WITH LIBERTY CUP No. 56 / DESIGNED & MFG’D. BY / LIBERTY ELECTRIC CORP. / INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA”.

(b)
The keystone panel has a rectangular silver panel with red and silver text “HEINZ / 57 / HOT CUP / USE WITH HEINZ SERVICE / STATION ONLY / DO NOT CONNECT TO / CURRENT WHEN EMPTY. / FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS ON CAN LABEL / FOR PREPARING FOOD. / WASH CUP IN COLD WATER IMMEDIATELY / AFTER EACH SERVING. / FOR SERVICE RETURN POSTPAID TO / LIBERTY ELECT. CORP. / INDPL’S INDIANA”.

Underside has inscribed text “UL / 13 / [logo] / NO. 56 118 V. 640 W. A.C. / LIBERTY ELECT. CORP. / INDPLS., IND. PAT. 2838650 / USE ON HEINZ SERVICE STATION / FOR SERVICE RETURN TO LIBERTY”.

(c)
The keystone panel has a rectangular silver panel with red and silver text “HEINZ / 57 / HOT CUP / USE WITH HEINZ SERVICE / STATION ONLY / DO NOT CONNECT TO / CURRENT WHEN EMPTY. / FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS ON CAN LABEL / FOR PREPARING FOOD. / WASH CUP IN COLD WATER IMMEDIATELY / AFTER EACH SERVING. / Liberty ELECT. CORP. / 4020 WEST / TENTH STREET / INDPL’S. / INDIANA”.

Underside has inscribed text “UL / 89 L / [logo] / NO. 56 118 V. 640 W. A.C. / LIBERTY ELECT. CORP. / INDPLS., IND. PAT. 2838650 / USE ON HEINZ SERVICE STATION / FOR SERVICE WRITE TO LIBERTY ELECTRIC”.
Historical NotesThis Heinz soup warmer was found in the William Penn Place headquarters of Citizens Bank in Pittsburgh, PA. The patent date on the hot cups is 1958, so this soup warmer is post 1958. Soup warmers were made by Heinz in the 1930s to help sell their soup line at lunch counters and diners. The company made a big push and expansion of their soup line during the Great Depression and it became their number one selling product. Now the company only makes private label soups after a series of high profile failures in their branded line during the 1950s through the 1970s.

Related institution H. J. Heinz Company (founded 1888)

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