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“Not Quite Pumpkin Spice…”

We often associate fall with pumpkins, for good reason, as that is their season! People, particularly ladies, took great pride in setting a beautiful table, which brings us to this mold. A pumpkin ice cream mold is this week’s what’s new Wednesday artifact! Made of pewter, the mold was produced by V. Clad. Valentine Clad hailed from the Alsace region of Germany. After immigrating to the U.S., a young 26-year-old Clad start his business creating French Stoves, kitchen equipment and candy making supplies. The company incorporated in 1896 as V. Clad and Sons, when V. Clad’s son, also Valentine, took over. Later in 1917, it became Victor V. Clad Co. The Company did continue on, at least until 1955. Based on the trade mark on the pumpkin ice cream mold, it was produced between 1896 and 1917, under V. Clad and Sons. One can imagine how lovely ice cream or butter from this mold would have looked on a Thanksgiving table. From all of us at the South Dakota State Agricultural Heritage Museum, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday!