No, they aren't miniature glass barbells. They are knife rests, used to prop up your knife at the dinner table to keep the tablecloth spot-free. A collection of unique and elegant knife rests and salt cellars is now on display at the Des Plaines History Center. The collection contains over one hundred knife rests made of metal, glass, porcelain and plastic. They range in size and shape from the classic barbell style to whimsical animal designs, to avocado green plastic rests made by Tupperware. The exhibit is open through January 31, 2008 in the History Center's Visitor Center and is free of charge.

Supported by the City of Des Plaines, the Des Plaines Park District, and the Des Plaines Historical Society, the Des Plaines History Center consists of three facilities, the Visitor Center, the Kinder House, and the Fisher-Wright House. For more information about the program, call 847-391-5399.