Hello Everyone,
I married into a Griswold family 36 years ago. My husband had one Griswold deep skillet with a lid that he took in payment for a tune-up on a friend's car. We kept it with our camping equipment. Then, we started antique shopping in towns on our way to camping places. We bought the 1989 edition of Griswold Cast Collectibles by Harned and quickly found ourselves to be collectors. We started using the skillets and Dutch ovens in the kitchen. Then collecting went on hiatus while parenting. We just remodeled the kitchen and family room and are tickled that the cast iron can be used on our new induction stove. Just in case, we moved the gas stovetop and range to the covered patio, which is where most of the cast iron cooking happens. I'm currently decorating with the cast iron in stock and have become super curious about details I never knew or have forgotten. I'm currently cataloging our collection as I fine-tune where they will be stored or displayed.
I guess since Griswold is my last name, I was frustrated that hanging skillets by their handles made the Griswold upside down. Years ago, when we had a hearth made, my father helped me solve the problem: He put strong magnets on the end of posts we attached to wall studs and grouted slate around them. Now our slant Griswold skillets hang with Griswold right-side-up (see photo). My father also made the wrought iron stand on the right holding the five Dutch ovens. I'm curious how others mount cast iron safely on walls, especially in earthquake territory.
I recently researched how connected this family is to the Griswolds of The Griswold Mfg. Co. Two brothers, Edward b. 1607 and Matthew b. 1620 emigrated to the US. My husband is descended from Edward, and cast iron cookware Griswolds are descended from Matthew. So, not very related ;).
History is fascinating. I'm looking forward to asking questions...
