Full Breakdown
Giant Hoosier Cabinet Unveiled in Nappanee, Indiana
8/12/2026, 10:43:03 PM
Core Event
A 30-foot (9-meter) climbable replica of a “Dutch Kitchenette” Hoosier cabinet was installed outdoors in Nappanee, Indiana, as part of the 150th-anniversary celebration of Coppes Napanee. The structure, promoted as the world’s largest Hoosier cabinet, sits against a brick wall overlooking Coppes Commons, the former factory site now serving as an indoor marketplace, artisan hub, and museum. Visitors can ascend stairs to a loft that offers views of the surrounding area.
Background & Context
The Hoosier cabinet, named after its largest early producer, the Hoosier Manufacturing Co., was a freestanding kitchen workstation that combined storage, preparation surfaces, and built-in appliances such as flour sifters. From the 1890s through the 1930s the cabinets were a staple in American homes, with roughly 5,000 dealers nationwide. After World War II, built-in, wall-to-wall cabinetry displaced the freestanding design, and the cabinets fell out of fashion. Only two companies, including Coppes Napanee, continue to manufacture custom cabinets today.
Data & Statistics
- Height of replica: 30 feet (9 meters)
- Width of replica: 20 feet (6 meters) (as described by a secondary source)
- Original production era: 1890s-1930s
- National dealer network at peak: about 5,000 dealers (as cited by museum curator)
- Indiana State Museum collection: four Hoosier cabinets
Official Statements & Responses
Wesley Mast, owner and president of Coppes Napanee, said visitors typically react in two ways: some question the scale of the installation, while others express enthusiasm for the concept. He framed the replica as a branding tool that turns the town into a destination rather than a pass-through. Mary Figueroa, curator of History at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, highlighted the cabinet’s role in consolidating kitchen tasks, noting that it allowed women to “save their steps” and keep pantry items within easy reach. She also emphasized that the replica is raising awareness of the town’s heritage and drawing tourists to the region.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s the one extreme where people are like, ‘Why? Why such a big cabinet?’” — Wesley Mast, owner and president of Coppes Napanee
- “The other response we get is like, ‘That’s so cool. Where did you get this idea? I love it.’” — Wesley Mast, owner and president of Coppes Napanee
- “But this was a piece of furniture that kind of consolidated all of that, allowed women to save their steps and have everything that they could possibly need to make a meal right at their fingertips,” — Mary Figueroa, curator of History at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
Why It Matters / Impact
The installation adds a tangible, eye-catching landmark to Nappanee, a town already known for its recreational-vehicle industry, wood-product manufacturing, and the third-largest Amish settlement in the United States. By celebrating a once-ubiquitous kitchen fixture, the replica supports heritage tourism and reinforces local identity tied to early 20th-century domestic innovation. The attraction is expected to increase visitor traffic to Coppes Commons and the surrounding artisan market, providing an economic boost to the community.
What's Next
Coppes Napanee plans to continue using the replica as a focal point for future events tied to the company’s 150th anniversary, though no specific dates have been announced.
