Vibrators & Milk Shakes

What do vibrators and milk shakes have in common?  According to Rich Boris, owner of Kitch-N Collectibles, 6139 Ridge Avenue in Roxborough, one led to the other. "Beech Hamilton made the original electric vibrator back in the 1930s. When it wasn't a hot seller, they used the same mechanics to manufacture milk shake machines."  Go figure.

Walking into Kitch-n Collectibles is like walking into my mother's kitchen, circa 1956.  There's the Corningware in which she cooked hundreds of meatloaves, the round aluminum ice bucket with its marching penquins and the sturdy juicer that sat on our formica counter.   Over there, is my Aunt Mimi's Russell Wright dinnerware and my grandmother's 1939 refrigerator. The most amazing thing ois that every appliance is in working order and comes with a guarantee.

"I have focused on collecting treasures that reflect a time when things were made with care and constructed to last and not become part of our disposable society," says Boris.   All of the name-brand, vintage appliances on display, from GE table fans to Mix Masters, Waring blenders and waffle irons are made of durable stuff. They will be functional in twenty years. Which is more than I can say for the plastic toaster-oven I bought at Target. 

Boris opened the shop in February 2012 because he was scared of becoming a hoarder. I am thrilled he did.  Marcel Proust had his Madelaines. But, for me, Kitch-n Collectibles is a wonderland of "things past." Where else can you find a vintage Beech Hamilton vibrator, circa 1929, in its original box?  With a guarantee!

If you love mid-century memorabilia, you won't be disappointed by this charming shop and its personable owner who hands out change so customers won't get parking tickets.