Images(4)

Dispenser, Food Service

Object number2019.18.15

Manufacturer Camfield Manufacturing Company

OriginGrand Haven, MI

MediumMetal; Plastic; Electrical cord; Rubber; Paper; Wood; Paint

Credit LineGift of Steve Zumoff

DescriptionFork holder in the form of a plugged-in toaster on a wooden platform with frame. Chrome metal two-slot toaster with black plastic body elements; protruding from back is black rubber electrical cord with two-prong plug. Toaster sits loose on rounded rectangular painted wood platform. Platform has two painted wooden uprights with painted wooden crossbeam connecting them. The interior side of the proper right upright has an electrical outlet mounted to it with corrugated electrical conduit extending downward to the platform; the toaster is plugged into the top outlet. Wooden elements are painted blue with black, red, and yellow dots, circles, lines, and zig-zag designs; top of platform has black spiral painted at center. Underside of platform is unpainted brown wood. Off-white plastic electrical socket plate is painted red with black radiating lines around each outlet. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 14.25 x 12.563 x 13.625 in. (36.2 x 31.9 x 34.6 cm)
MarksToaster has text on front and back "CAMFIELD".

Toaster has text on the underside including "CAMFIELD / AUTOMATIC TOASTER / MANUFACTURED BY / CAMFIELD MANUFACTURING CO. / GRAND HAVEN, MICH. U.S.A. / MODEL NO. T24 / ... / SERIAL NO. / 1761436 / PAT. NO. / ...".
Historical NotesFork toaster from the Beehive Coffeehouse. The Beehive Coffeehouse, located at 1327 E. Carson Street was a South Side institution for 28 years. It opened in 1991 at the nascent end of a developing coffee shop culture that would soon proliferate in urban centers throughout the country. It was one of the first coffee shops in Pittsburgh. For many years it served as a gathering place for local artists that lived in the neighborhood that often worked there as well. Co-owners Steve Zumoff and Scott Kramer cited rising rents, increased competition, and low sales as the reason they were closing the shop. They also had a shop in Oakland that closed in 2002. The décor of the Beehive was made up of thrifted objects and pieces by local artists. The collection reflects the unique décor and atmosphere of the Beehive.

Related institution Beehive Coffeehouse and Dessertery (1991 - 2018)

Related person Steve Zumoff

Related person Scott Kramer

Subjects