CARIBOU, Maine – The Old Iron Inn Bed & Breakfast has added another interesting new member to its collection of antique irons. The addition, acquired at an August auction in Pittsburgh, is a circa 1870s Barnes “swan-on-swan” flat iron that has the general shape of a swan with a baby swan on her back.
The smaller swan serves as a latch that allows the removal of the top and access to an internal metal slug. The slug would be heated on the stove, placed in the iron, and replaced by other slugs as needed. This iron has long been on Kevin’s Most-Wanted list and is a fine addition to the already excellent collection.
The Old Iron Bed and Breakfast is now celebrating 30 years of business on High Street in Caribou. It is run by Kate and Kevin McCartney and one of the longest running bed and breakfasts under single ownership in Maine. Kate and Kevin continue to post educational videos under the title “Kevin Talks Irons” on youtube.com.
