Universal Food Grinder History

The Universal food grinder was one of three revolutionizing kitchen products to be introduced by Landers, Frary and Clark in the late 1890s. The other two were the bread machine and the coffee percolator. The food grinder is the forerunner of the modern day food processor that is so common in kitchen across America.

Landers, Frary and Clark

The universal food grinder was revelation

George Landers began working for a small foundry in 1829. After the owner's death it became Landers & Smith Manufacturing Company. This was the year 1853. In 1863 the company make another acquisition, that of Frary, Clark & Company. This was the year the company became known as Landers, Frary & Clark. The company manufactured many items, from household scales to bull rings. Other items on their ever changing inventory list were: door handles, molasses gates, meat hoods, cast iron match boxes, curry combs and toys

Universal

The "Universal" trade name was first introduced for the company's products in the 1890's. It was at this point in time that Landers, Frary and Clark became established as a leader in the field of housewares. The first "universal" appliances made the scene in 1912, with the introduction of the "thermo cell electric iron" percolators, electric ranges and toasters soon followed. Directly after World War I the company began devoting its time solely to electric items.

Products

The company manufactured many items, from household scales to bull rings. Other items on their ever changing inventory list were: door handles, molasses gates, meat hoods, cast iron match boxes, curry combs and toys.

The Universal Food Grinder

The universal food grinder was first produced in 1897. It became a household necessity almost immediately. It conveniently attached to the edge of your counter and was cranked by hand. Other food choppers existed at the time but this was the first grinder to process meat and vegetables with ease. A new era dawned for home cooks with the introduction of products such as this. Another product introduced at the same time was the universal bread maker. Bread making was still a daily household chore at this point in history. These items were designed to help the modern woman with her chores.

The Demise of the Company

History is the telling of beginnings and endings. Sadly enough the Landers, Frary and Clark Company came to a close in 1965. The household name relinquished all of its assets to the General Electric Company and closed its doors forever. The universal food grinder can still be purchased from many places on the Internet.