HISTORY OF EVERYDAY THINGS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 5, 10 September 1943, Page 6

HISTORY OF EVERYDAY THINGS

BOARDS The very earliest tables were just boards on legs—and you should notice this word "boai-d," as it was used ftiof 2.-" other pieces'* of furniture, cupboards, sideboards, etc. A cupboard was originally just a table on Avhich cups and drinking vessels stood; later on, shelves were added to take more cups, and later still, doors were put on to shut them in and keep out the dust —so Ave get our modern cupboard (where wc keep all- kinds of things besides cups!) These first trestle tables, then, Avere just boards on hinged 'legs which could be put up and taken down easily. For, in early days, the great Hall where the family and the. sei-A'ants all ate their meals Avas also the room in Avhich they sat, and pla3 r cd, and worked and passed much of their time. So a diningtable like, ours, Avhich always stays in the centre of the room, Avould have been vcry much in the Avay. As soon as the meal Avas ovor, the servants, took down the tables and folded them against the Avail till the next meal Avas due—then they were put up again. Avasi not until much later, when houses were built Avith special rooms for dining, that heavy tables all in one piece were made.