Peter F. H. Barstad | May 10, 2020 | (updated June 5, 2020)
Anyone who knows me well has had to endure my enthusiasm for our Nation, the Midwest, and local communities. I enjoy feeling engaged in my community and am always on the lookout for the next hidden gem — whether that be a mom and pop restaurant, coffee shop, walking trail, or small business. A few weeks ago I discovered that my Uncle Sam had deposited $1,200 back into my bank account with the hope that I might put it towards jumpstarting the US economy. It turned out to be exactly the excuse I “needed” to pursue a bout of self-indulgent pampering. My avarice has resulted in a few mildly diverting anecdotes and the discovery of some hidden gems which I would like to share with you.
As I contemplated how I should use that sudden boost in fiscal resource, an enabling train of thought crept into my mind: these funds were sent back so we could stimulate the economy right? And if I was putting the money to a good cause then I could justify splurging a bit right? It’s like bidding at a charitable auction or attending a church fundraiser isn’t it? And the economic outlook is a bit bleak so I should do my part shouldn’t I? Well of course! That’s when I set a goal for myself: spend most of that $1,200 to promote jobs and businesses right here in my own home country. I would endeavor to do my self-aggrandized part to send a vote of confidence to employers and provide job security for men and women in communities much like my own around the USA. Thus began my merry trot down a star bangled rabbit hole.
After giving myself permission to indulge a little telehealth retail therapy, I began the process of researching products made in the USA. I found two dominant characteristics of products made in the USA: higher quality and an accordingly higher price, than items whose outsourced mass production levies those Amazon prices to which we are now so accustomed. I love a bargain and am always on the hunt for a good deal; often pouncing on the lowest price for mid-quality products (you know the one I’m talking about, it’s the one on the shelf directly above the cheapest option and costs an outrageous $0.44 more per pack). This seems to work fine for zip-lock bags and hot dogs, but occasionally leaves me burning through T-shirts or low-grade baking sheets at a rate which necessitates replacement more often I consider fair. But now I had the means, the motive, and the opportunity to experiment with prioritizing quality and method over price.
Now you’re probably, thinking: “why didn’t you put that money into savings or pay off some extra student loan debt?!” To which I can only respond, “I’m 24, live alone, and have been sheltering in place for two months.” You may also think, “well obviously, if you pay more you get better quality.” That is, of course, obvious but objectively knowing something and verifying it to be true via experience are not equally satisfying. But you get more than just quality from purchasing USA made goods, you also buy into a story and a connection beyond the thing itself.
Take for instance, Lodge Cast Iron. Cast iron skillets demand an amount of care and respect which help us value them differently than machine washable non-stick skillets. Anyone who owns a cast iron skillet knows it asks more from us than many of our other kitchen wares, but the results and experience make it all worth it. Lodge skillets are not only an easy choice for quality and durability, but also because they tell a story. I always feel a bit like a pioneer or sage old kitchen hand when I begin heating my 9” iron for a righteous steak dinner. And it somehow always brings back memories of the two cast iron skillets (one with a lid), and a cast iron griddle which were in near constant use by my parents and six siblings when I was younger. Eggs for breakfast, quesadilla for lunch, and sautéed zucchini with dinner – all from the same skillet. Whenever my dad cooked a roast in the Dutch Oven it added an extra sense of anticipation and rustic je ne sais quoi. After my recent quest to obtain more USA made goods, I now have the added satisfaction of knowing that the skillet I used yesterday traces its origins back to 1877 when a 28 year old Joseph Lodge and his wife Anna moved to South Pittsburg, Tennessee, and was produced in the factory owned by his descendants.
It’s also worth calling out Lodge as an exception to the rule of higher prices. Lodge cast iron cookware comes at a price nearly anyone can afford and is an absolute steal for the quality and durability you receive. I cook quite a bit and finding a skillet which is as versatile and distributes heat so well for under $20 is almost unheard of. It’s also an item you only have to buy once because when maintained properly it might outlive you.
And no, I am not writing this at the prompting of any entity besides myself, so you can’t blame anyone for having encouraged me. I am solely responsible for my ramblings. The following are the other companies I purchased products from and some information about both the company and the products:
Duke Cannon Supply Co.
A few months ago, a friend at work told me about a new brand I should check out: Duke Cannon Supply Co. Their purpose is simple: “make superior-quality grooming goods that meet the high standards of hardworking men… Rooted in military history, the Duke Cannon brand continues to gain inspiration from active duty soldiers,” and five percent of their proceeds go directly to supporting veteran causes. All their products are made right here in the USA.
My first Duke Cannon purchase was a “to-go” set from a nearby hardware store which contained: travel size face wash, half-pint bar of soap, travel bloody knuckles salve, travel size shaving cream and after shave, and three cold shower cooling field towelettes. I then ordered the “Supply Drop” subscription box which contained two bars of soap, soap-on-a rope scrubber, face wash, a heat and light candle, and solid cologne. I love how the products smell like they were made in a lumber yard and the face wash is my new go-to. The artwork is an added bonus. I now consider myself a convert to the Duke Cannon way of grooming.
Lloyd Pans
LloydPans manufactures commercial baking wares for the pizza, food service and baking industries. All their pans are manufactured in their 80,000 square foot plant in Spokane, Washington. They have also been playing a crucial role in responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic by not only continuing to serve customers, but also manufacturing parts for ventilators. One of my favorite foods to make is pizza, so I was thrilled to purchase these four 8” personal pizza pans which I recently used to make a few variations of personal pizzas, and the results were excellent!
Emerson Creek Pottery
Heralding back to colonial traditions, Emerson Creek Pottery produces beautiful ceramic pottery, created in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Founded by Jim Leavitt in 1977, they make dinnerware, bakeware, kitchenware and home decor that is stunning and functional. Their pieces have been featured at Mt. Vernon, Monticello, and the Smithsonian Institute. I ordered a serving tray, round baking dish, casserole pan, and four ramekins. The pictures on their website don’t do their products justice. I love how many options they have and the rustic quality of these dishes. Absolutely stunning but made for use, these are a functional and unique fit for any kitchen.
Nordic Ware
Founded in 1946 by a young couple recently reunited after WWII and with only $500, Nordic Ware stands as an inspirational American success story. Dave and Dotty built their own business out of their basement in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Beginning with only a few specialty Scandinavian ethnic cookware products, Nordic Ware now produces hundreds of items, ranging from bakeware and cookware to microwave products and grilling accessories, and has grown from 2 employees to over 350. Nordic Ware still manufactures the vast majority of its products in Minneapolis and is still family-owned and operated. Their business in-turn helps support Minnesota and Wisconsin-based packaging and corrugated suppliers; metal and raw material suppliers across the United States; Pennsylvania and Wisconsin-based coatings suppliers; local machine shops; local tool and die makers; and local contractors.
I ordered an Ebelskiver pan, rubber spatula, cake server, wooden French rolling pin, pastry brush, and a frosting set. Dad used to make Ebelskivers for breakfast when I was little and making them for the first time in my new Nordic Ware pan brought back some fun memories and it worked like a charm. I love the quality and aesthetic of the utensils I ordered as well. With their wood handles and Norsemen logo, they complement the kitchen of any young bachelor.
Footwear by Footskins
Several weeks ago I was in a large-chain retail store and was looking at a pair of slippers on sale for $10 to replace my last pair of cheap slippers. Ultimately, I passed on them simply because it didn’t “feel” worth it.
Then I discovered Footwear by Footskins and ordered a pair of molded sole sheepskin slippers. Footwear by Footskins is located in the Bluff Country of southeastern Minnesota's Mississippi River Valley, and produces premium handmade deerskin, cowhide, and sheepskin leather moccasin styled footwear. Despite having paid more than I’ve spent on most pairs of shoes I’ve owned, these feel worth it. They are luxuriously comfortable and eye catching. And because I’m currently working from home, they have become my new office loafers. I’m glad to have finally broken the cycle of repeatedly replacing cheap slippers.
Farm to Feet
Launched in 2013 by Nester Hosiery, “Farm to Feet is committed to the single, simple goal of creating the world’s best wool socks by exclusively using: US materials, US manufacturing, and US workers.” Anyone who has done much outdoor hiking or backpacking knows the importance of foot care and having a good pair of comfortable socks. The one pair of hiking socks and one pair of everyday socks which I ordered are just that. I’m already planning to purchase additional pairs for some upcoming summer adventures.
Anchor Hocking
Anchor Hocking was founded in 1905 near the Hocking River in Lancaster, Ohio in old plant called the “Black Cat” which burned down in 1924. Within six months, Anchor Hocking had rebuilt and established their headquarters. Today, they leverage 110+ years’ experience and are a leading manufacturer of glassware in the United States. They continue to proudly manufacture glass in the USA, a majority of which is made in the original location. Pictured are the four small ramekins with lids that I ordered, and have assimilated into my cooking and storage routines.
Estwing
The Estwing family and its employees have been innovating and producing high quality hand tools since 1923. They remain committed to producing American made tools in their factory located in the northern Illinois city of Rockford — about 90 miles northwest of Chicago. I was looking for a lightweight axe to take camping and the Sportsman’s axe with leather handle I ordered turned out to be ideal. I recently used it for splitting small logs and it turned out to be great for that type of light work. It holds an edge well and doesn’t add much weight to your gear — also, it looks really cool.
Toaster Central
I’d been intending to buy a toaster for months, and it occurred to me that I should roll it into my patriotic shopping spree. First I consulted the great and powerful Google, then explored the wilds of Amazon, eventually finding my way onto a blog thread titled: The Quest for the Made in America Toaster: Or, The Toaster that Launched a Blog. After reading the lamentations and testimonies of others seeking the same object, I determined to follow in their stead and with the help of the wonderful wizard of Google, I made my way to the Toaster Central website. Toaster Central is a small business owned and run by Michael Sheafe who refurbishes and sells vintage toasters and other small kitchen appliances in New York City.
Here I found various testaments to the golden age of American industry when the USA was a titan of appliance manufacturing. A modern toaster might last me a couple years, but here were toasters going 90 years strong and “guaranteed to work as well as the day they were made, sometimes better.” A short time later I had ordered a 1939 Toastmaster Toaster.
I may only be able to toast one slice at a time and have spent more on a toaster then I have spent on any other single item in my kitchen, but I regret nothing and would like to give special thanks to Michael for his expert work and friendly, personalized service.
I want to say a huge “Thank You!” to all those involved in producing, selling, packaging, and shipping of all of those products. I have to commend all the companies involved for the ease of shopping and speedy shipping, especially given the challenges presented by the spread of COVID-19. Each item listed above, sparked conversations with friends and family and added enjoyment to my daily life. Since making this experiment, I care more about planning, researching, and investing in the products I buy, and am even more excited than before to explore local business and to try to use the acquisition of things as a way to stay connected not ambivalent to those who produce them. My new resolution is to ask more questions about where my food comes from, how things are made, how long a company has been in business, and how to take the best care of the tools I use.
Things only ever have so much worth in the grand scheme of things, but good stories and a human connection is invaluable. I highly encourage any of you who can, to try to buy USA made goods whenever possible and to keep exploring your community for its own hidden gems.
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