Cast Iron Toy Stove

DateEarly 20th Century

DimensionsOverall: 10 x 12.6 cm

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Edith M. Wallace, London, Ontario, 1960

Object number1960.053.002A-J

Label TextThis is a "Daisy" toy cast iron stove. It may have been produced by the Kenton Hardware Company in Kenton, Ohio. Founded in 1890, the company became a major manufacturer of cast iron toys, including various models of toy stoves. These stoves, along with others like the "Royal," "National," and "Beauty," were miniature replicas of full-sized stoves and served both as sales samples and playthings for children. Kenton's cast iron toy stoves were a major part of their product line. Parents who purchased such stoves for their daughters were preparing them to assume their adult domestic role of either cooking for their families or teaching the family cook how to prepare preferred dishes. As functioning stoves, they proved to be dangerous, causing injuries and fatalities. Later versions, using electricity, were touted as safer. Today, the Easy Bake oven, which uses electricity, is still being sold.

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