Antiquated, But Not Forgotten

by Susan Borgen (tparty)

I love to collect obsolete things. I particularly prefer old stuff that is clever yet has fallen by the wayside, such as my collection of wooden soap powder holders shaped like teapots. Decorative and useful, these relics could once be found on many 1940s kitchen counters. 

Back when dishes were washed by hand using soap flakes or powder, these dispensers kept the soap close at hand in a pretty container. Perhaps they were the handiwork of kids in junior high wood shop class or dads tinkering in their garage workshop. I suppose it was then left to mom to add paint and decals to dress them up.

These vintage containers are fairly rare. Every now and then, I find one at an estate sale, the kind where you have the run of the house and are able to peek into kitchen cabinets and root around basements. Other times, I've gotten lucky and discovered one at a thrift store or flea market.

If you come across one of these soap holders, it will add vintage charm to any laundry room and also be quite useful. Keep one near your washing machine if you happen to use powered laundry detergent. I have one next to my laundry sink where I keep it filled with my secret weapon, BIZ, which I use to soak out stubborn stains from vintage linens.

My wooden soap powder holders embody everything I love about collecting vintage items; they are handmade, useful, kitschy — and most important, fun.

Here are more useful vintage offerings from fellow Etsy Vintage Team members...

Vintage Laundry Soap Box by Jinxxy

Kitschy Vintage Apron by tippleandsnack

Antique Drying Rack by PoetryofObjects

1960s Book of Housekeeping Tips from Heloise by CalloohCallay