The Hagen History Center houses a permanent exhibition of items made by Griswold at its Watson-Curtze Mansion location . There are about 150 items on display , although there are nearly 700 pieces in total . The collection includes some fairly rare items , including original butt hinges , which were the first items made by Selden & Griswold , as the company was originally called . There is a bunny cake mold for Easter , miniature toy cookware , beautiful cast iron with porcelain enamel overlay , and a BOLO ( big oven / little oven ). The staff can also provide helpful information on cleaning and seasoning the vintage pots and pans .
It ’ s entirely fitting that the Griswold exhibit has found a home in the Watson-Curtze Mansion built by Harrison and Carrie Watson , since their only surviving daughter , Winifred , married into the manufacturing family with her nuptials to Ely Griswold . Her wedding portrait was made in the library of the historic mansion .
Another local mansion associated with the Griswold family is in Millcreek , with a view of the lake . Built circa 1889 , the massive structure has been “ meticulously restored ,” and sold to new owners last year .
One of the most interesting characters associated with the Griswold company was not a high-powered business owner , but a young woman known as “ Aunt Ellen .” Some doubted the existence of Aunt Ellen , surmising she was a character created by a clever marketing strategist at Griswold . However , she was indeed a real person .
Mary Etta Moses was in her 30s when she began working for Griswold . During her tenure she began to write booklets on the use and care of the famous cookware , which contained delicious recipes such as waffle cream pie . They were given to customers who purchased the Tite-Top Dutch Oven . She used the pen name Aunt Ellen , and Griswold encouraged customers to write to her with questions about the products . She became a kind of “ Dear Abby ” for cooking .
Moses worked for the company for over 50 years and was the longest-serving employee of Griswold . She retired in 1947 and , sadly , died one year later . She is also known as the first woman in the world to have boiled water in an aluminum tea kettle . The story of how aluminum was developed and the role of Moses and Griswold in bringing it to market is documented in a 1940s movie , “ It All Started with Charles Martin ,” which can be found on YouTube at youtube . com / watch ? v = RqO-cOdA5l8 .
Mary Etta Moses lived a quiet life in Erie , but was famous from coast to coast for her helpful advice delivered to housewives in her flowery style of expression .
Interest in the cookware made in Erie has never waned , as several of the largest collectors of cast iron cookware regularly make the trek from locations all across the country to Erie for meetings and conferences . Fortunately , you will not have to travel that far .
To learn more about the history of Griswold Manufacturing , visit eriehistory . org .
A special thanks to the history center for photos and inspiration . n
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