This is the third article in February of the School for Housewives 1904 series published on Feb 21, 1904, and is a very short article on the samovar. Considering the eastern nature of many of the immigrants who moved to the west it would not surprise me that one or two samovars made the journey over for those who could afford the item and space.

School for Housewives – Return of The Russian Samovar

Among the various Russian and Japanese belongings which acquired a sudden vogue by the first rumors of war in the east is the Russian samovar.

This picturesque urn is so little seen in our country that many housekeepers have at best a very vague idea of its nature.

The accompanying picture will consequently by of general interest.

The photographer has so far conceded to American prejudices as to include a cream pitcher among the various articles of the outfit whereas your Russian tea drinker considers sliced lemon the only correct accompaniment.

With this single exception Russian tea drinking in America is carried on in true Muscovite fashion.

For the sake of those to whom the outfit is totally unknown, it should be added that the samovar is a copper urn used in Russia, Siberia, Mongolia and elsewhere, in which water is kept boiling for use when required in making tea.

The heat is produced by filling a tube, which passes up through the urn, with live charcoal.

Marion Harland

OTHER ARTICLES ALSO PUBLISHED…

Marion Harland’s Interesting Talks With Housewives and Parents – Members Gather ‘Round the Council Table to Give and Seek Advise on Many Subjects Some Recipes for Good Nursery Foods