There's a vision in my head of a true farmhouse table that I've been searching for a long time now. Not everyone's cup of tea I know, but I really love the long, narrow old wooden tables.
In the olden days, they were known as "Harvest" tables. They were very narrow and at least 6 foot, but usually 7 or even 8 foot long.
This Harvest table online, at a company called Chairish, has a lovely patina and is less than 31 inches across, but it's way out of my price range!
I also like the tables that have legs set further in so the tabletop overhangs the legs. If it doesn't have an overhang, a narrow table makes it hard for someone to sit on the ends.
My grandparents, Harry and Sabra, probably met over a Harvest table in Nebraska when Harry came to work the harvest.
I like to think of Sabra pitching in with the rest of the women to help cook and serve all the extra food while quietly checking out the man who had recently arrived in town.
In my mind, I see her glancing across a long and narrow Harvest table and spotting short, dark and handsome Harry on the other side.
Sabra was a spinster daughter of the owner of a large farm. Harry, who had been a drifting cowboy, was a new farmhand in the little town. Harry was dirt poor, but Sabra's father was not.
It probably didn't matter to Sabra that the new man was short, not tall, because she was only 4 foot 11 inches herself.
Harry And Sabra's Wedding Picture Postcard
On the day Harry and Sabra got married in 1912, I'm sure everyone at the celebration was fed at a Harvest table.
Feeding large crowds was the purpose of the Harvest table after all! The long narrow tables were used to feed large groups of farmhands and neighbors during the short periods of production when the harvest was brought in on one farm after another.
My dream Harvest table would be no more than 36 inches across and 72 to 78 inches long, with overhang at each end where a chair could sit. While we're dreaming...make it within my price range.
The trouble with most tables I find is that they're either 40 or 42 inches wide. That's too wide for a true Harvest table like the one in my mind.
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Sweet story! And clever title! I do hope you find your dream harvest table. I'd like one 8 feet long and 36 inches wide, and I'm flexible about the legs.
ReplyDeleteJean, the legs on narrow tables make it hard to get up to the table because a lot of chairs are too wide to go between the legs. I think I have found a good substitute, which I'm working on now to fix up.
DeleteI hope you find your search. How about a table with a trestle style base. My trestle table is about 36 inches wide but it was made by my father. You may have to go custom. Good luck with your search.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this post, learning about Harry and Sabra, which is a wonderful story. I can see why you would search for a lovely harvest table. I hope you find just the right thing.
ReplyDeleteYour grandparents!! I love the picture and the story! Haven't people, as well as furniture, changed over the years! I remember those long farmhouse tables. I especially remember the one in Aunt Macy's kitchen. It had a long bench on one side. She had eight children.
ReplyDeleteMelba, sounds like Aunt Macy had her own harvest team at the table every night! I love the benches on one side too. Makes it real easy to fit in a lot of grandkids.
DeleteWe had one - about the measurements you're looking for. It was our only table and it used to feel awkward to me to sit only 2 of us at it....so I sold it. Now, I'd love to have it back. We COULD have sat across from each other in the middle! :)
ReplyDeleteYes that would be perfect because if it was narrow you would be right up close across from each other for talking.
DeleteYour grandparents were so cute. My daughter has a harvest table. Great for large family dinners. xo Laura
ReplyDeleteGreat story and photo. I like harvest tables too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story. Perhaps you could have a table made...or make one yourself. Legs are easy to find. Whatever, I hope that you get to have one someday.
ReplyDeleteWould you believe I have bought at least 4 different tables because I thought I could get my husband to make a long tabletop? I just bought a 35 inch wide library table that I'm going to try to make work. Wish me luck.
DeleteTables like that are hard to find at an affordable price today. It's a shame...and your grandparent's story is so charming.
ReplyDeleteKim, you're so right. That Chairish table is almost $4000! I really want one with an old patina, which means the real thing instead of reproduction.
DeleteI love to hear tales from long ago! And with a picture to illustrate! Thanks for sharing
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