Prayer Ladies

Like many of you, I have many collections displayed throughout my home, but one of my favorites is my collection of Prayer Ladies. Also known as "Mother-in-the-Kitchen," they were made by Enesco and sold in department stores, dime stores and gift shops in the 1950s and 1960s. 

My first discovery was the salt and pepper shaker set. I was drawn to it because of the soft pink color, the way the ladies' hands were clasped in prayer and the fact that they were wearing aprons. I also loved the sayings on the aprons. They reached me on an emotional level because they reminded me of my youngest daughter, who often wore her brown hair up in a bun.

At that time, I didn't realize that there was a whole collection of these ladies, but it didn't take me long to find out. I've been able to find most pieces at a pretty reasonable price, and hope to add more. Some day, I'll pass them on to my daughter.

Below is the scouring pad or soap holder

           

This one helped mother save her pin money

The napkin holder is pretty common

My original purchase



The toothpick holder

And finally, the set I splurged on because I had never seen one--the sugar and creamer set. I found it over two years ago and paid around $30. I've never regretted it.

Yesterday I was on Ebay to see what Prayer Ladies are going for, and discovered a teapot that would go nicely with my sugar and creamer set. But alas, one with chips is priced at $95.00 and one in mint condition is going for $325.00! Out of my price range!

If pink isn't your color, these ladies were also made in blue and yellow, but I don't see them as often. I'm partial to pink, and although I don't use them as they were intended to be used, I do enjoy seeing their heads bowed in prayer in my kitchen cupboard.