The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1900-07-04
THE KITCHEN TABLES AND
SHELVES.
BY Anna BarrOws.

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 it's 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, it is often better to have the legs
fastened on blocks.
zinc-covered 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 a help in clearing
soiled dishes from the dining table and
bringing them to the sink and back
again to the table after washing. There
should be slight ledge of wood around
each shelf as a guard against breakage
of dishes.
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 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 a table or shelf for
every fold or crack means a place for
dust and dirt to accumulate, which in
time will attract water bugs, ants or
any other insects in the neighborhoO
Usually it is better to have the enamel
cloth a few inches larger than the table
and to change its position occasionally
that 1t may wear evenly.
When the top of a 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 planed. A
carpenter with his plane will accomplish
more in a few moments than could be
done by hours of cleaning. This can be
done several times without injuring a
table top of usual thickness.
There are patented kitchen tables with
compartments for utensils and materials
for cooking. These have many advan-
tages, yet any woman would rather plan
her own work table. Such tables, how
ever must be expensive If they are well
made. Unless the lumber used Is thor
oughly dry and of the best quality there
Will be cracks in the various divisions
and the drawers and doors will not omen
and close easily. In general 1t is not
wise to have too many compartments or
to keep food materials in direct contact
with the wood. Tin boxes and glass lars
are the best receptacles for spices, sugar.
cereals, dried fruits, ETC., etc.
a high stool is a most useful accom-
pantment for the kitchen tables; ironing
and much cooking can be as we'll done by
the housekeeper if she sits down as when
she keeps on her feet all day.
Instead of a special cooking table our
Kitchen may have dresser or cupboard
with a wide shelf, on which much work
can be done. Doors on such a dresser
are rather superfiuous, and 1t is easier
to remove a small amount of dust than
IT Is to be constantly opening and clos
ing door. Holland shades can be ar
ranged to run up and down in front of
the shelves. If possible have one place
for utensils and another for supplies.
The articles most In use should be placed
nearest at hand.