In the 1950s, America experienced a renaissance. The clouds of fear, sacrifice and scarcity were finally giving way to the bright skies of freedom, opportunity and abundance. The winter winds of war were gone, and windows were once again opened to the fresh and gentle spring breeze of expectation and promise. The men were back from the front, and the women were back in the kitchen.
Is it any wonder then, that as the GIs returned full of hope and vigor that they reunited with their wives and girlfriends and set about the work of building their homes and their futures? Gone were the drab olives and battleship grays. Color became the symbol of the bright days ahead, and the first place that it was applied was in the kitchens of the new homes being built to accommodate those families, who were not just taking up where they left off before the war, but were beginning again. Home builders found that women were gravitating toward fresh shades of pink. After years of working in factories, women were embracing their femininity once again and wanted their homes to reflect that. So pink stoves, refrigerators, floors, walls and furniture became the standard uniform every well-heeled home wore. But it didn't stop with the appliances. Dishes, linens, pots and pans were all adorned in shades of this soft hue.
This April, The Grist Mill Antiques Center in Pemberton, N.J., is recalling the innocence and whimsy of that time with their showcase celebrating “Pink Kitchens.” The special display is practically blushing with beautiful examples of what made the 1950s such a special time. Come visit, and don't forget to bring a sense of nostalgia to fully appreciate the loveliness and simplicity that helped bring healing and new life to families wounded by years of loss and war.
There is a lot going on at the Grist Mill. On Wednesday, April 30, the monthly scavenger hunt will take place. Lists will be given out at 5 p.m., and the person who finds the most items by 8 p.m. will be awarded a great prize! Light refreshments will be served.
On Sunday, May 18, the Grist Mill will be holding the semi-annual flea market from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come early and spend the day inside and out hunting treasures and finding bargains galore! Dealers from the Grist Mill and sister location, Haddon Heights Antiques Center, will be participating. A limited number of vendor spaces are still available.
Each week, the Grist Mill offers a 25 percent discount on items of $6 and over in a special category (exceptions apply). The multi-dealer shop is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.
For more information or directions, call Barbara Lind at 609-726-1588.