In 1900, the kitchen of a Montana farmhouse was the heart of daily life, filled with activity and the essential tasks that kept the household running. The kitchen was simple, yet functional, with a large wood-burning stove as the centerpiece, used for cooking meals and providing warmth during the harsh Montana winters. Heavy iron pots and pans hung nearby, ready for use, while shelves were lined with jars of preserved vegetables and fruits, a testament to the family’s efforts to survive through the long winters.
The floor was likely worn from years of foot traffic, as the kitchen was a hub of movement from dawn until dusk. A sturdy wooden table sat in the center, used for everything from meal preparation to family gatherings. Around it, children may have helped their mother with chores, such as churning butter or kneading bread, while the father of the family worked outside tending to livestock or fields.
The windows let in natural light, revealing the sprawling, rugged Montana landscape just beyond the homestead.
Despite its simplicity, the kitchen represented the resilience and self-sufficiency of the family who lived there. Every meal cooked, every task completed was a reminder of the hard work required to live on the land. Life was challenging, but the kitchen was where the family came together, shared their experiences, and found comfort after long days of labor. It was more than just a place to cook—it was the heart of the home
