skip to main content

Remember those aluminum drinking glasses?

13 years ago

In the late 40's and early 50's the Borden milkman delivered dairy products as well as milk to homes. My mother bought cottage cheese in colorful aluminum glasses about 6 inches tall.

I have a few and need ideas about repurposing them.

One idea I have is to invert them and somehow add clappers to make bells.

Put on your "thinking caps" as my first grade teacher would say. Wonder where that expression came from.

Featured Answer

violetsnapdragon

last year

I would put a hole in the bottom and string them like a rain chain and maybe put a big teardrop bead at the bottom. I picture the cups upsidedown, though and not a functional rain chain, but as something decorative to hang.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

concretenprimroses
13 years ago
I remember them well. Now that you've reminded me, I want to get Mom's if she still has them. But I may want to drink out of them. I often need unbreakable glasses and if I recall correctly they were much nicer to drink from than plastic.

STill curious to see what you come up with tho!
Kathy
indylisa
13 years ago
Maybe a rain chain or windchime.
Lisa
Related Discussions
etching on my good drinking glasses
Q
Comments (15)
The reason glasses etch is the alkalinity of the water they are washed in. Dishwashing detergent is alkaline as is some water. The stuff in the dishwasher detergent that makes it alkaline, is what also cleans the dishes. Food residue on dishes neutralizes some of the alkaline stuff. the amount recommended by the detergent people is a crap shoot because they don't know how well you rinse nor if you have hard water of soft water. The better you rinse your dishes, the less detergent you should use. The softer the water you have, the less detergent you should use. Vinegar in the rinse dispenser will reduce the chance of etching, but also reduce the cleaning power of your detergent. Etching is not the same as lime build up. Etching is actually damage to the glass and nothing will remove it. There is no magic formula to perfectly sparkling glassware ( but for hand washing and drying!)...you have to experiment with your detergent, method of washing and water. I worked in the testing department of a "major appliance maker" for several years.
...See More
Favorite Summer drinking glasses?
Q
Comments (20)
Natal, I love that picture! I remember those cups. I am a diehard Tervis Tumbler user. I save them when they get broken or worn out and mail them back to Tervis. They send you shiny new replacements! I figured out that I'll never have to buy another set! I know they're expensive but when you take into account that you get them replaced so easily, it's a bargain! Bealls is the best place I've found to buy them.
...See More
Hi Canadians: Tom Collins ... a drink ... a Cardinal ... or both?
Q
Comments (3)
I love a good Tom Collins, my first drink was either a Tom Collins or a Brandy Alexander. The Archbishop of New York got tht same call, elevated to Cardinal. Won't change my life. God and I have a deal. I behave as well as I can and he listens to my prayers, usually answers. As the saying goes, sometimes the answer is "no".
...See More
Drink Water Before Bed
Q
Comments (18)
My MD always inquires how often I urinate at night. (Once per 8 hours seems to meet with his OK.) Joann -- Is every two hours OK with your doc? Seems excessive -- and tiring. Is there some medication you could take? sushipup -- Thanks for the clip with the *right* info on water and aspirin. So...I was correct that aspirin treats inflammation at the site. I guess I'm also right that Tylenol works only with the pain receptors in the brain -- no 'on site' help? DH and I are narrowing down his 'restless leg' problem. He had no incidents while we were on Maui for two months even though he was reducing use of one of his meds. (Had no trouble until he was trying the 'every THIRD night' on the medication.) But since we've been home, he's had more trouble. We now believe the cold weather is partly at fault. Last night he had some mild sensations, but they stopped after we closed the bedroom window. (We've had no 'Spring' here, and night temps are about 22F.) This makes sense to me. I will 'tense up' if I'm cold in bed.
...See More
toomuchglass
13 years ago
Those are pretty collectible now ... are you sure you want to re-purpose them ? ;)
sorie6 zone 6b
13 years ago
I'd use them to drink out of or eat out of. Mix a milk shake in one it will stay cold a long time!! Enjoy!
HU-653348751
last year
These aluminum cups were my folks and grandparents evening drink glasses. Everyone had their own favorite color so you always knew your glass! Such great memories come to mind when I imagine these cups. This was in the 40‘s and 50’s and the cups are still being used! Child hood memories come back to me.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
last year
last modified: last year
I use things like that for pencil cups - I have lots of items I keep in them for arts and crafts, etc.

Also an attractive way to corral utensils for a buffet meal.
woodrose
last year
I wouldn't alter them in any way, especially by putting holes in them. They're collectibles, as toomuchglass said, and you could destroy their value. I would drink out of them, or use to hold pencils or something, too.
violetsnapdragon
last year
I have those old Tupperware plastic drinking cups that are not functional (the plastic may be toxic to drink out of), but they are not worth selling--maybe $10 on ebay. So now you're got me thinking about the rain chain idea for myself, although the aluminum ones are probably sparkly when then catch the sun.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
last year
last modified: last year
Thinking Tupperware might become brittle and deteriorate over time if left outdoors...?

Related Stories

MOST POPULAR How to Get Rid of Those Pesky Summer Fruit Flies

By Mitchell Parker

Learn what fruit flies are, how to prevent them and how to get rid of them in your home

LIFE The Good House: An Experience to Remember

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

A home that enriches us is more than something we own. It invites meaningful experiences and connections

KITCHEN DESIGN Hot-Drink Stations Hit the Spot

By Amber Hopman

Beverage bars brimming with cocoa, tea, coffee and all the accoutrements make winter entertaining a delight

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean a Glass Shower Door

By Bonnie McCarthy

See which tools and methods will keep those glass shower walls and doors sparkling clean

Guest Picks: We'll Drink to These!

Keep favorite summer drinks cold and at the ready with stylish holders and dispensers that are easy to take outside

Houzz Products: Cool Ideas for Summer Drinks

Just the sight of these beverage dispensers, summery linens and bar accoutrements might cool down your guests

0

KITCHEN DESIGN See-Through Refrigerators Dare to Go Bare

By Lisa Frederick

Glass-front fridge doors put your food and drinks on display, for better or worse. See the benefits and disadvantages

DOORS The Art of the Window: 12 Ways to Cover Glass Doors

By Jess McBride

Learn how to use drapes, shutters, screens, shades and more to decorate French doors, sliding doors and Dutch doors

MATERIALS Materials Workshop: Polycarbonate — a Low-Cost Alternative to Glass

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Looking for something lighter, stronger and less expensive than glass? Multiwall polycarbonate may be a good option

OUTBUILDINGS The Glass-Walled Cabin That Romance Built

By Vanessa Brunner

Envisioning sunsets and starry skies, newlywed artists construct a 1-room retreat on a family farm

Sponsored

Hope Restoration & General Contracting

35 Reviews

Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

More Discussions

Any ideas for repurposing Water Softener Systems?

4