My daughter recently inherited a butter churn from her great grandmother, Annie Mae, who lived on a fam in Kentucky while she was raising her family. Her mother, Martha, may have been the original owner. When she was young, my daughter played with the churn in her grandparents’ dining room.

The Native American stamp identifies this stoneware crock as part of the Cherokee collection from the Louisville Pottery Company. Established in 1815, it is one of the oldest, continuously operating stoneware companies in the United States. This series of butter churns was made in the early 1900s, most likely circa 1906.

We also inherited a hand-carved wooden butter press. What a treasure to hold the tools of family who came before us!

Historically, the design in the molds, often flowers or farm scenes, acted as a trademark or brand. It was also easier to store and transport butter in blocks or molds since it was in a consistent shape. Of course, it adds beauty as well. Using butter molds or presses has made a resurgence in recent times.

Watch full screen. This video is a little longer than usual, but it is an interesting study about the history of butter churning and the use of butter presses.

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