Grandma's Silver

As autumn settles in and Halloween week officially arrives, the glowing grin of a Jack-o'-Lantern becomes a familiar, eerie sight on porches across the country. But the history of this festive squash goes deeper than moody spooky fun. This week, we explore the fascinating cultural evolution of early autumn harvest rituals and how a native American crop became a global icon of seasonal nostalgia.

Allie Kochinsky is joined by Dr. Cindy Ott, historian and author of the definitive book on the subject, Pumpkin: The Curious History of an American Icon. Dr. Ott takes us on a journey from the folktales of the old-world, where turnips and beets were carved to ward off spirits, to the mid-century suburban boom that cemented the pumpkin as a symbol of rural American heritage. 

Get ready for the ultimate Halloween history lesson as we uncover the roots of our favorite fall centerpiece!

RESOURCES:
Purchase the book here.
Visit Cindy's website.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

Why do we collectively change our wardrobes the second the leaves turn? In this episode of Grandma's Silver, we explore the fascinating history, cultural rituals, and marketing machines behind the official "autumn dress code." 

Every fall, we pack away our summer linens and reach for specific textures: plaid, flannel, tweed, wool, corduroy, and heavy cable-knit sweaters. But this seasonal wardrobe reset is about much more than dropping temperatures.

Joining host Allie Kochinsky to unpack the social meaning behind what we wear is acclaimed fashion historian and author Deirdre Clemente. Together, they trace the unexpected origins of your favorite everyday garments and explore how heritage style became a multi-billion-dollar seasonal industry.

In this episode: 
The history of fall fabrics
How collegiate style and heritage retail giants commercialized the "fall aesthetic."
Fashion as cultural memory
RESOURCES: 
Visit Deirdre's website here.
Follow along on Instagram. 
Purchase Dress Casual: How College Students Redefined American Style.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

In this episode of Grandma's Silver, Allie Kochinsky steps into the crisp air of upstate New York to explore the rich history of the Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard. Built in 1856, this water-powered mill has survived centuries by blending historical preservation with the cozy rituals of the fall harvest.

Joining the conversation is second-generation owner Bill Michaels, who shares how his parents saved the abandoned structure in 1962 after falling in love with its lore. Bill pulls back the curtain on the multi-generational family legacy, the engineering behind their original 1889 water-hydraulic press, and why the act of gathering for fresh cider, mill-aged cheese, and applewood smoked traditions matters more than ever today. 

RESOURCES:
Visit the Fly Creek website.
Follow along on Instagram and/or Facebook.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

In this episode of Grandma's Silver, Allie Kochinsky is joined by Ric and Stephanie Barbatelli, co-owners of E. Braun & Co., the historic New York linen house whose roots trace back to Vienna in 1893. Together, they continue a legacy built on exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design, and the belief that everyday objects should be made to last.

The conversation explores the forgotten traditions surrounding household linens, from bedding to beautiful tables.

In this episode:
The history of E. Braun & Co.
Why fine linens were once treasured family heirlooms
The craftsmanship behind luxury bedding and table linens
Why buying fewer, better things is timeless
RESOURCES:
Visit the E. Braun & Co. website here. 
Follow along on Instagram and/or Facebook.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

In this episode of Grandma's Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with Marissa Geoffroy, Chief Creative Officer and third-generation leader of Sherle Wagner International, to explore the intersection of artistry, craftsmanship, and family legacy.

Sherle Wagner transformed kitchen and bath fixtures into high-quality works of art, proving that even the most functional objects in a home can be thoughtfully and beautifully designed and made. As both a fine artist and the steward of her family's American design house, Marissa shares how she balances honoring tradition while guiding the company into its next chapter.

In this episode:
The history of Sherle Wagner International
What it means to steward a third-generation family business
Why beautifully made everyday objects matter
The relationship between fine art and functional design
Craftsmanship and legacy
Restoring the Plaza Hotel's swan sinks
The making of The Art of the Bath
RESOURCES:
Visit the Sherle Wagner website here.
Follow along on Instagram.
Purchase the book.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.