The Schrank

The Amana home was equipped with only one closet located under the stairwell. It was used to store laundry, candles, fuel for lamps, and lamps.  Clothing was stored in the wardrobes or Kleider Schranke which were found in the unheated hallways and attics. Some were stand-alone, some were built in.  The wardrobe was a tall, rectangular piece with one or two full length doors on the front and the sides were constructed of recessed panels. Made by the local carpenters, Schranks were made of pine, walnut, fruit woods, or recycled woods from immigrant chests. Many were straight across the top and bottom, some had decorative molding on the crown or carving around the feet which were mostly bracket type.  The interiors had a horizontal row of pegs across the back and sides to hang clothes. These Shranks were plain, massive and beautiful.