What Do You Think These Six Things Were Used For?

Here’s a guessing game where readers are asked to identify the purposes of six unusual objects from the past. The items include a coin collector used by train and bus workers, a swim cap filled with sand for waterproofing in the 1920s, an iron flue damper still in use today, a Victorian shop dispenser with a beveled glass front, a cedar butter churn for making butter, and a soda bottle stand designed by Nehi for marketing during the Great Depression. The article highlights the ingenuity of people in the past and encourages readers to reflect on how these items provide a glimpse into historical practices and creativity.

Alt Text: An Iron flue damper | Source: Google.com

Come on, let’s play a game! Can you figure out what these old things were used for? These strange things, ranging from unconventional tools to quirky decorations, might make you scratch your head. Try it out and see if you can guess what people used these exciting things for in the past.

Guessing Game: Can You Figure Out What These Strange Things Are?

Item #1 Is A Coin Collector

Alt Text: A vintage coin collector | Source: Google.com

This first thing is made of different metals, with clips on the sides and slots on top. Do you remember what it was used for?

You were very close to being right when you thought it was a coin collector. Train and bus workers used to put the pay into the holes and then get the nicely stacked coins from the bottom. They could hook it to their belts with the hooks on the sides. Surprisingly, a more current form of this is still used in some places where you don’t have to pay to get in. That’s pretty smart.

Let’s go to the next one!

Item #2 Is A Swim Cap Filled With Sand

Alt Text: A sand-filled swim cap | Source: Google.com

There are chin straps on this cool cap that have a pretty print and are lined in blue. Would you like to guess? Here’s a hint: it’s full of sand!

This strange cap is an old sports cap that was made by hand. In the 1920s, many people loved to style their swim caps in the famous aviatrix way. But rubber materials were hard for people who sew at home to find. So they devised a clever plan: the channels and stitching were made on a machine, and sand was put inside the cap. Why do you sand? It keeps water out, and divers don’t have to choose between black or yellow rubber; they can use any fabric pattern they want. Certainly a unique method!

Try to solve the next one!

Item #3 Is An Iron Flue Damper

Alt Text: An iron flue damper | Source: Google.com

Now, look at this iron piece with stamps on both sides. The iron plate can turn along an iron post with a spiraled end. Do you have any ideas?

You were right to think it was an iron fire damper. People still use these iron fire filters, but we rarely see them. It’s fun to find exciting things that are part of our past when we go antique shopping. It’s like going back in time!

Moving on to the next thing, that is a surprise!

Item #4 Is A Victorian Shop Dispenser

Alt Text: A Victorian shop dispenser | Source: Google.com

Look at this beautiful metal box with gold stenciling and a beveled glass front. Even a tiny door slides open with a picture of some dogs. Why do you think they used it?

This beautiful box is a Victorian shop pitcher. It was made to sell many items at once in different sizes. In this case, it had a marking piece for gunpowder, but it could have been used for sugar, candy, or other large goods. Customers could see how good the things they were buying through the glass front. Also, why is there a shot of dogs hunting? Well, it’s just for looks; dynamite was the only thing that was supposed to be stored there. It’s a pretty exciting piece.

Let us move on to the next scary story!

Item #5 Is A Cedar Butter Churn

Alt Text: A Cedar Butter Churn | Source: Google.com

Take a look at this big wooden drum. It has a lid, a handle, and feet on the bottom. It has a crank on the side of it, too. Any ideas about what it’s for?

It turns out that this wooden drum is a cedar butter churn. It was used to make significantly more butter. There is writing on the other side that says “Farm Master Dairy Supplies.” We didn’t want to give it away too quickly, though! It takes us back to a better time when we learn about these old tools.

Finally, the last secret thing!

Item #6 Is A Soda Bottle Stand

Alt Text: A Vintage Soda Bottle Stand | Source: Google.com

Take a look at this metal stand. It has three levels, each with a notch cut out of it. It’s about 4 feet tall and has three legs. What do you think it was used for?

This stand was made to show off soda bottles, but not just any drink. The design was created by Nehi just for their soda bottles as part of their marketing plan. With their handy necks, the triangular shape and notches made it easy to hold the bottles. During the Great Depression, these stands were standard in food stores and street shops. They looked cool!

So that’s it! These mysterious things take us back in time and remind us of how intelligent and creative people used to be. The question is, how many did you get right?