Enamel table with drawers

Dateca. 1937

MediumBirch, yellow pine, iron, and enamel

DimensionsOH: 30"; OW:48"; OD:27 1/16"

Object number2010.BH.3

DescriptionRectangular table with rectangular white enameled top with raised edge, black on sides of top; straight skirt with beaded molding along bottom edge of front skirt; two drawers side by side on front, each with one silvered drawer pull and bead along bottom edge of front; straight tapered legs, square in cross section.
ProvenanceThis table may have been the original kitchen table owned by the Rockefellers at Bassett Hall. We know from a 1937 work order (1/15/1937) that two tables were made in Williamsburg to flank the stove in the Bassett Hall kitchen. Letters between Mrs. Rockefeller and Mary Lindsley concerning other furnishings for the kitchen do not mention whether a central table was in use. A 1937 letter (1/14/1937) from Mary Lindsley to Mrs. Rockefeller discusses Anna's need for a table in the space to the left of the door to the Butler's Pantry. Anna believed a table would be necessary as there "was not table space enough for the preparation work which there might be at times for a large party." Mary Lindsley suggested that a baker's rack would be preferable as "it would mean that [Anna] could put cake layers on that space, if she were making the, while putting them together; or pans; or anything she might have in preparation." Mrs. Rockefellers agreed with the suggestion for a baker's rack and asked Mary Lindsley to order one (1/16/1937). While a baker's rack would allow items to be placed out of the way during meal preparation, it would not have provided the surface needed for general food preparation. The two tables by the stove would hardly have provided adequate space for any small scale food preparation work let alone for a large party. In 1946 an "extra kitchen table," possibly the baker's rack if that was ordered, was removed from the kitchen to make room for the plate warmer. The term "extra" implies that there were multiple tables in the kitchen at that time. If subsequent discussions about the baker's rack vs. table occurred in letters that we do not have and the final decision was made to not purchase a baker's rack, this table may have been what was purchased in its place, and then removed from the kitchen in 1946.