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
WANTED: What do you drink and not drink?
Q
Comments (77)
It was fun reading all of this, especially since it goes back to '06. That first post of Lars with the cherry cream soda...yummmy. I only consume coffee if it's ice cream, Kahlua or some other dessert. I like tea, black, green, but not any spiced teas. Really dislike mint too. Mostly I drink flavored unsweetened seltzer, iced tea or lemonade. Occasionally I'll have a fruit soda, but I find them too sweet these days so I mix them with my seltzer. Alcohol? Not really. Don't like wine as a rule. I can deal with a little champagne or Asti. Will drink vodka, that Kahlua making it a Black Russian. Smiles. I can go several years or more without having any alcohol. Last year I turned my current [at the time] vodka into vanilla. This fall an old friend from high school came to visit and brought a bottle of vodka. I had 2 light Cape Cods and when he left I turned the Svedka into vanilla. LOL. In winter in the evening we either have hot tea or hot cocoa often. I do love hot chocolate made with cocoa or even a nice chocolate bar.
...See More
What kind of 'everyday' drinking glasses do you use?
Q
Comments (36)
You know, I have to honest here and say I am very wary of reusing plastic glasses and plates. They scratch more easily than glass and ceramic, and are probably more prone to harboring bacteria. I don't use plastic cutting boards either for the same reason. I found this article from Ohio State regarding an experiment they did on dishwashing - "Dishes are not created equally -- compared to ceramic plates, steel knives, spoons, forks and plastic trays are prime growing spots for bacteria." http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/dishwash.htm Just saying.
...See More
Are You Remembering to Drink?
Q
Comments (30)
Not sure why anyone would limit water intake on purpose. I just don't feel thirst like I did when I was younger. I have to remind myself to drink. Gem -- I AM underweight. That's why I had an upper and lower GI and have three MRI's lined up this week (hip, pelvis, spine). I'm scheduling surgery to remove a 33 mm pre-cancerous sigmoid carpet polyp, but that's not a reason for weight loss. I'm 75. A good weight for me is 120 lbs. The most I ever weighed was 140 lbs. I've been 5' 6" from age 14. I lost one inch last year. I'm 104 lbs. today. I look like a spider, with scrawny arms and legs and an enlarged middle. DH and I eat breakfast, lunch and dinner every day -- and tea and cookies at teatime. He has lost an inch, but is still his normal 185 lbs.
...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

CHC & Family Developments

4 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

Any ideas for repurposing Water Softener Systems?

4