Kitchen
The restoration of the furnishings of the old kitchen to its oldtime glory of yawning chimney piece, its crane and pothook, its ovens and skillets, its candle molds and spinning wheels, brings back reminiscences of the cook, “Betty,” and the old regime of Jackson’s day. The large stone hearth is as it was in General Jackson’s day.
Spinning wheel and reel, over 100 years old. Presented by Andrew Jackson Baker, former custodian, who was born at the Hermitage. Table of the period, given by Mrs. W. H. Wemyss. Candle molds. Presented by Miss Louise Baxter, Mrs. W. J. McMurray, Mrs. M. A. Spurr, and Mrs. George L. Cowan. Pothooks and Flax Hacker. Used in Revolutionary days. Presented by Miss Louise Baxter and Miss Louise G. Lindsley. Some of the original kitchen utensils. Presented by Mrs. Andrew Jackson III. Copper kettle given to Rachel Jackson by Peggy O’Neal. Old grease lamp, given by Mrs. W. A. Hargis. Original water cooler. Always used in the pantry. Brass kettle. Presented by Mrs. Whitefoord Cole. Original churn of Jackson’s. Loaned by Miss Emma Hoffstetter. Six dish covers, pair tongs of Major Andrew Jackson Donelson’s. Presented by Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson. Original old wafer irons. Presented by Mrs. L. D. Hill and Mrs John K. Maddin. Original kitchen “safe,” for keeping food. Pie tins and custard cups, used by Aunt Betty, the cook. Original spice jars, brought from China. Original flour and meal chest. Original chest which contained Decatur silver (see letter in Museum). Original brass kettles, used for preserving. Plate given by Mary Hook, once used at the Hermitage. Iron spit, given by Mary Felice Ferrell. The bells overhead on the back porch were rung from the parlor and front door.