The stove was built by the Majestic Company. A model like this was offered for sale at Marriott Bros. hardware store on 3rd Street in Baraboo in 1894. Considered state of the art, the stove could burn either wood or coal. By shifting a lever on the top of the stove, the cook arranged the proper interior grates for the fuel of choice.
The icebox was also considered state of the art. Ice, made during the winter in ponds and rivers around Baraboo, was stored under sawdust and hay in large sheds. During the year, chunks of ice were delivered to the backdoor for use in the conveniently located icebox.
The kitchen flooring is an example of very early linoleum, dating to around 1915-1918. A close examination reveals that it is hand pieced together, to simulate a wood parquet floor.
The kitchen was the center of activity for the servants of the house. The Van Ordens had a number of servants. In 1903, cooking, cleaning, and repairs required much more effort than they do today. At least one maid "lived-in", using the green bedroom above the kitchen as her room and the basement bathroom for her toileting. A gardener, chauffeur, and a cook also worked for the family, though they did not all live-in. The kitchen was the place where "the help" congregated.
To summon a servant, the Van Orden’s used the call box located in the kitchen above the doorway leading to the hall. Considered very modern because it used electricity, an arrow in this central call box would point to the place a servant was needed. Call buttons for use by the Van Ordens were placed around the house: in the dining room under the table, in the foyer, in the second floor hallway, in the master bedroom, and one in the maid’s room.
