Crank Butter Churn

The Crank Butter Churn was primarily used from the late 1800’s until about 1940 and was the most commonly used household item in America. Crank Churns replaced the previously used wooden “dash” churns, which used an up and down motion. One popular company was the Dazey Churn Company of St. Louis. Their churns were made of tin, they were square shaped and were large so they could be used to commercially make butter. The Dazey Company quickly started to sell glass and tin churns geared toward the household market. By 1912, Dazey changed the design of the glass from being square to a “sloped shoulder” jar, as you see in our picture. These tin and glass churns were replaced by electrified versions.

To make butter, simply pour in some cream and start turning the crank. When you are finished, all the solids will be bound together and the liquid left will be buttermilk. It only takes about 15 minutes of cranking to make the butter.