Churn History: Unusual Churns

Making butter is not complicated, yet people have invented all manner of unusual methods for churning butter. From the rocking chair to the stationary bike, here is a list of our favorites.

With the combined power of a rocking chair and the energy of a child, we shall have butter! Julius Restein received a patent in 1888 for this multi-functionality rocking chair churn device. This hilarious looking piece of machinery kept children of the Victorian era entertained and could even double as a clothes washing machine.

Alfred Clark had a more streamlined approach to the rocking chair butter churn conundrum. By combining the two into one, he made it possible for housewives everywhere to take a load off and read the Farmer’s Almanac while still getting the chores done. A thoughtful solution.

The pedal churn: Much like an old-fashioned sewing machine, this butter churn is powered by a foot pedal. Another way to take a break from all that housework and still make butter.

Then there is the stationary bike method of churning butter and toasting bread simultaneously. Tim Eads, an artist based in Philadelphia, developed such a model for an exhibition in 2010. One could argue that it was more for the sake of art than household butter production.

Finally, there is my personal favorite: the dog or sheep powered butter churn. This ingenious device features an old-fashioned wooden treadmill for a dog or sheep to walk, and is attached by a wheel and rod to the churn. A brilliant way to get butter and give your animal a workout at the same time!