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Homesteaders would frequently use crocks to make pickles. They would place cucumbers in a brine mixture in the crocks. The problem is that the cucumbers float. Placing rocks, bricks, boards or plates on top of the cucumbers did not work very well to keep them down in the liquid.

To solve this problem, the Red Wing Union Stoneware Company invented the koverwate. It fits inside the pickle crock and is heavy enough to hold down the cucumbers. It also features holes to let the brine mixture flow upwards. Red Wing made koverwates to fit 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 15, 20 and 25 gallon crocks.

The koverwate was an innovative and handy tool. Even the name that Red Wing gave it was innovative: "koverwate" instead of "cover weight!"

The label on the side states:

As soon as the Red Wing stoneware companies started making larger, utilitarian stoneware they made smaller stoneware pieces for use in the kitchen and on the table.

The stoneware companies of Red Wing, Minnesota produced stoneware items shortly after their inception in 1877 until the mid-1940's. The shapes of these items ranged widely. However, one overriding attribute describes them all: they were designed to be used. In fulfilling the needs of a developing America, the stoneware companies were hugely successful and their wares were very popular. The popularity of their wares has only increased over time making collecting Red Wing a growing field and exciting hobby!

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