Friday, August 6, 2010

KITCHEN ISLAND


The theme this week at Funky Junk Interior's
Saturday Nite Special is Kitchen Islands. I'm joining Donna and other kitchen island enthusiasts with pictures of our island. Be sure to go by Donna's to check the others out.

Our island happens to be an old meat block from a grocery store. Bob grew up working and cutting meat in his Dad's grocery store; so when we had an opportunity to buy a meat block, we jumped on it. This particular block came from the country store that was close to my family farm. They sold it to us for $50 when they went out of business in 1969.


The block part measures 24" x 30" x 13" high. It is made of solid maple. It was assembled with 1 1/2" strips of the maple, and is held together with bolts and pins that run through the entire block. Then it has these wonderful maple curved legs.

This island is so much a part of our daily lives, and our kids remember it as always residing in our kitchen. One of our criteria in buying a house has always been, "Is there a place for the meat block?"

It is lower than regular kitchen counters, so it is perfect for us 'shorties' to roll pie crust or knead bread. I'm always amused when there is a group in the kitchen, you will always find Bob and I and our two kids crowded around and jockeying for position around the meat block to make our lunch sandwiches. The grandkids and others are always relegated to the regular kitchen counters.

A SIDE NOTE OF NOSTALGIA:
When we first acquired the meat block, our first born was still sleeping in a crib. His crib had these sturdy casters on it; and he soon learned that if he jumped up and down in the crib, he could move it across the hardwood floor all around his room. After a couple of near-miss accidents, he, at the age of one, lost the privilege of wheels. We took the wheels off of the crib and put them on the meat block to give this 300 pound hunk of wood more mobility. Even today after 41 years, I always think of my bouncing baby boy when I'm able to move the meat block to clean under it!

By the way, he is a very good driver today; but at the age of one - not so good.

14 comments:

Sue said...

Your chopping block has such a fun history! Love the story of the casters and your son's "driving." LOL
For maintenance do you just keep it oiled? I can't imagine what it would cost to buy one of these today!
:-) Sue

Unknown said...

What a BEAUTY you have there! And such interesting memories to enjoy daily.

Have a lovely PINK summer's weekend ~
TTFN ~ Marydon

Sue said...

Hello my dear Sally.....I missed you too!!....love love love that butchers block...I had one for years....started out in Jersey went to Florida then came here to Georgia...FIL got it in a deli when he was delivering beer for Budweiser....he got it for free..it was as big as yours but not as nice...it had crappy legs on it....we sold it a few years back on E-Bay....I think it got shipped up to North Carolina...I do miss it....crappy legs and all..

Funky Junk Interiors said...

Soooo original! This is the perfect addition for those that don't wish to eat alot of floor space to accomodate a larger island. This one just scoots around at will.

My goodness.. isn't that an insane amount of wood?!? Love it! Thanks for linking up your island on SNS!

Donna

Unknown said...

What a nice piece! Such character, and wonderful history.
Blessings,
Becky C
Buckets of Burlap

bj said...

Oh, I got so tickled when I saw your chopping block...and that it had not been cut on many times. I have one almost like it...and have never cut on it. Had it for about 40 years.
Hubby and kids gave it to me for Christmas. They still tease me about not cutting on it. :)

My son has one that was in a barbque place and, boy, it SURELY has been cut on. It's awesome but HUGE.
XO bj

Unknown said...

I love the originality, the personal connection and the family history that your unique island represents!

xinex said...

Wow! SO much memories were made on the meat block. It looks very solid and heavy. Yes, I will be staying home for a while now, Sally., I am really tired of traveling. I have been gone every week to different places from the end of June until today....Christine

Marilyn said...

That is a solid piece of wood with great history! Thanks for the story of the wheels~it made me laugh at the things babies do to manipulate their world! ♥♫

Rue said...

Hi Sally :)

That story is too cute!!

Love your butcher block island :)

xo,
rue

SmilingSally said...

What a neat island to have--one with history! I've always loved the look of a maple meat block. It says "quality" to me.

Your son sound a good bit like mine. When mine was under the age of one--before he could walk--he climbed up his chest and pulled it over on top of himself! He was okay, thank the Lord, but that loud crash sure scared me!

PAT said...

I love this Sally. Always wanted a butcher block. Yours is beautiful!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Sally! What a beautiful old butcher block! And of course, I 'm eying the transferware plates in the background! lol I hope you are having a great week!....hugs..Debbie

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I have always wanted a chopping block...don't have room...but love them...yours is wonderful!