Description

Dark brown soapstone with a cast iron revolving handle. It is missing a large piece from one corner and wear in the others. It is scratched and worn. Though foreign to us today, warming stones like this one have been used for centuries, and they have been made from all kinds of stone. Soapstone, however, was preferred for its ability to heat quickly and retain and radiate that heat for a long time. Warming stones were a truly efficient and multi-functional tool. This one incorporates an iron rod for ease of use and handling. Warming stones were generally kept near a fire or stove, ready to be heated at a moment's notice and tucked into the foot of a bed on a chilly Minnesota winter's night, or wrapped in blankets and furs and placed in a carriage or sleigh. This warming stone was donated by Carl A. Herrick, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota from 1925 to 1952.