There are many things we used in our younger days that have gradually vanished over time. Some might still exist in some form, but their original versions have long since faded away.
One item that many of today’s children have never seen or used is the church key. And no, I’m not talking about a key to a place of worship. This church key is an antique tool that was once a staple in most households.
The church key had various designs over the years, but its main purpose was to open things. Sometimes, it took the shape of a key and served as a bottle opener.
In other cases, it was a peculiar tool with a pointed end on one side and a rounded end on the other. This unique gadget was used to open cans.
In the past, many types of juices were sold in sealed cans. To pour out the liquid, you needed to puncture a hole in the lid, and that’s where the church key came into play.
You would use the church key on one side of the can. It had a small lip to grip the side, and the pointed end would forcibly jab a large hole into the lid.
However, if you tried to pour out the juice at this point, you’d face difficulties. That’s why the same church key would come to the rescue again to make a smaller hole on the opposite side, letting air in so the liquid could flow smoothly.
We aren’t sure where the term ‘church key’ originated. Some suggest it might be because it was used to open alcoholic beverage bottles, which were highly valued during the Prohibition era.
Even earlier than that, aging beer in monasteries was locked away, and the church key was the only way to access those precious brews.
While the name ‘church key’ remains a bit of a mystery, its purpose is clear. It’s a tool that isn’t used much these days but is still quite handy to have around.
