Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1900-07-12
G00d Cookery
THE KITCHEN TABLES AND
: SHELVES.
BY Anna Barrows.
Copyrighted

/
One or more tables should be found in
every kitchen. and better two or three
small ones than a single large one. oc-
casionally there is a chance for a folding
table hinged against the wall. Aside
from that all tables should have castors
that they may be moved readily. The
common Kitchen table has one drawer.
and when its one leaf is open the top is
about four feet square; such table
usually costs about 50. The ready-made
tables are rarely high enough for work,
and though casters will be an improve
ment, 1t Is often better to have the legs
fastened on blocks.
A Undiscovered table is excellent for
use near the stove. Where this Is not
available there should be some small
hardwood boards to place on the table
for hot kettles.
A table on strong castors with one or
two shelves below is help in clearing
soiied dishes from the dining table and
bringing them to the sink and back
again to the table after washing. There
should be a slight ledge of wood around
each shelf as guard against breakage
Of dishes.
How to keep the kitchen tables clean
Is an important question for housekeep-
ers. Where there are plenty of helpers
the plain wooden surface can be scrubbed
clean and white. but under other con-
ditions a daily scrubbing may be i'm
possible. Enamelled cloth is easily kept
clean, but must be renewed frequently.
Once the enamel is broken the cloth be-
gins to absorb moisture and become dis
colored and dirty. 1t is seldom wise to
nail this covering on table or shelf. for
every fold or crack means place for
| dust and dirt to accumulate, which in
time Will attract water bugs, ants or
any other insects in the neighborhood.
| Usually II is better to have the enamel
cloth few inches larger than the table
and to change its position occasionally
that 1t may wear evenly.
When the top of table has become
discolored with stains and age and is
scratched, and roughened by use the best
way to treat 1t is to have It planned. A
carpenter with his plane will accomplish
more In a few moments than could b'
done by hours of cleaning. This can bt
done several times without injuring 9
table top of usual thickness.
There are patented kitchen tables Will
compartments for utensils and materials
for cooking. These have many advan
tages, yet any woman would rather plar
her own work table. Such tables, how
ever, must be expensive IL they are wei
made. Unless the lumber used is thor
oughly dry and of the best quality Their,
will be cracks in the various division
and the drawers and doors will not oper
and close easily In general It is no
Wise to have too many compartments o
to keep food materials in direct contac
with the wood. Tin boxes and glass jar
are the best receptacles for spices, sugar
cereals. dried fruits, ETC., etc.
, A high stoo1 Is most useful accom-
paniment for the kitchen tables; ironin
and much cooking can be as we'll done b.
the housekeeper II she sits down as whe
she keeps on her feet all day.
Instead OF a special cooking table ou
4 kitchen may have dresser or cupboar
with wide shelf. on which much wor
4 can be done. Doors on such a dresse
are rather superfiuous. and It Is easie
4 to remove a small amount of dust tina
: 1t is to be constantly opening and clos
! ing door. HOLLAND shades can be al
II ranged to run up and down in front {
|. the shelves. II possible have one plas
for utensils and another for supple
The articles most In use should be place
nearest at hand.