Boundary County Museum Celebrates National Pie Day with Historic Pie Safe

BONNERS FERRY, Idaho — As the nation celebrates National Pie Day on Jan. 23, the Boundary County Museum is showcasing a unique piece of culinary history: a 19th-century pie safe. The museum, located at 7229 Main St., invites visitors to explore this artifact and learn about its role in early American kitchens.

The pie safe, a common household item in the 1700s and 1800s, predates modern refrigeration. Crafted from wood, it features two hinged doors and ventilated sides, often adorned with decorative tin plates or screens. The punched holes in the tin allowed heat to escape while cooling pies and protected stored food from insects and rodents.

“The pie safe was more than just a storage unit,” said a museum spokesperson. “It was a necessity for preserving perishables like bread, meat, and, of course, pies. Its design reflects the ingenuity of early American households.”

The Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, which sponsors the exhibit, is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can also explore the museum’s website or Facebook page for historical photos, stories, and updates on upcoming events, including Fiber Fest on Feb. 8, 2025.

For more information, contact the museum at [email protected] or call 208-267-7720.