Description (Brief)

Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including griddles and steak platters. The same year, Dave Dalquist created a cast aluminum, fluted cake pan and trademarked it as the “Bundt” pan. The company continued to grow its product line to include specialty baking and cookware items, including the microwave turntable. Nordic Ware is notable due to its history of product innovation through engineering, and its continued production of cookware in the United States.

The most recognizable product that Nordic Ware has produced is its top-selling Bundt Pan. Nordic Ware manufactured this pan in the 1950s. The traditionally German Bundt cake become popular after one was used to bake a “Tunnel of Fudge” cake that placed second in the 1966 Pillsbury bake-off. Subsequently, Pillsbury and Nordic Ware paired up to sell cake mixes and pans very successfully.

Description

This cast aluminum, fluted tube pan was created in 1950 by David Dalquist (1918-2005), co-founder of Nordic Ware, a Minneapolis-based cookware manufacturing company. Launched as Plastics for Industry in 1946, David Dalquist and his brother Mark began making foundry patterns and industrial plastic products for area businesses. They also made aluminum cookware, including specialty products based on Scandinavian baking tools. Nordic Ware's ebleskiver pans, krumkake irons, and rosette irons were popular with the area's large Scandinavian population.

In addition to manufacturing Bundt pans, Nordic Ware also produced cook books and recipes, most of which were tested by David's wife, Dotty, in their home kitchen. "300 Ways to Use Your Bundt Pan" and the "Busy Ladies Bundt Cook Book" contain recipes for making casseroles, salads, and even bread in a Bundt.

Location

Currently not on view

Date made

1950

maker

Nordic Ware

Place Made

United States: Minnesota, Minneapolis

Physical Description

aluminum (overall material)

grey (overall color)

Measurements

overall: 4 1/4 in x 10 in; 10.795 cm x 25.4 cm

ID Number

2007.0034.30

catalog number

2007.0034.30

accession number

2007.0034

Credit Line

Nordic Ware thru H. David Dalquist, President & CEO

subject

Household Tools and Equipment

See more items in

Work and Industry: Food Technology

Nordic Ware cookware

Food

Food Technology

Family & Social Life

Data Source

National Museum of American History