Although a cruet set like this one is no longer an important dining room accessory, it opens a window into the past history and culture of Botetourt County. From the 18th century onward, cruets were used for serving oils, red and white vinegar, prepared mustards, sugar, salt and pepper on dining room tables. Starting in the 1920s, Americans preferred convenience and began using more processed foods. A container of ketchup, mustard, salad dressings and many other condiments are now used and readily available.
This fancy crystal and silver cruet set was used in the Cloverdale home of Thomas Henry and Lula Graves Lankford. Their home was near the Cloverdale railroad station. Their descendant, Madeline L. Bunn (1912-2009), donated it to the Botetourt County Historical Society, Inc. It is displayed in the front gallery at the Botetourt Museum of History & Culture.
Mrs. Bunn was a Botetourt County school librarian/teacher and shared her family’s artifacts and knowledge with the museum.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture
