The Pioneer Kitchen represents nearly one hundred years of history, both on the frontier and after. The kitchen was often combined with the dining area in frontier homes, and was the main living area as well. Women could spend as many as fifteen to eighteen hours a day in the kitchen, either making dinner of doing other chores. The kitchen was also used as the laundry room, or a washroom.

The kitchen gives a good example of many handmade items. On the frontier, families often had to make their own utensils, bowls, plates, or other furniture. Because the closest town was sometimes miles away, each family had to be able to support themselves and be ready for whatever might happen. As time went on, the kitchen was used solely for food preparation. As you listen to the presentation, think about the items that are presented. Can you figure out when they would have been used?