Butcher Block

Object/Artifact

-

Porter County Museum

Name/Title

Butcher Block

Entry/Object ID

1901.45.1

Description

Large maple butcher block. Worn from years of use but still sturdy.

Use

This block was made by gluing together broad planks of wood supported by large dowel pins. The exposed end grain of the wood creates a hard, durable surface that is knife-friendly, self-healing, and resistant to deep gouges. End grain absorbs and releases moisture at a remarkable rate, preventing the wood from drying out and splitting with cleaver blows. Additionally, maple is naturally water resistant and antibacterial. This helps mitigate potential sanitation problems when raw meat is cut on the block.

Context

This table was made in Appleton, Wisconsin, around 1900 and used at the Wauhob Lake Grocery Store, also called Wauhob Park Grocery, Wauhob Grocery, Wauhob Bait Shop, and Schroeder's Wauhob Grocery, depending on the time and advertisement. It functioned primarily as a bait, liquor, and convenience store.

Acquisition

Accession

1901.45

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Appleton Wood Products Co.

Date made

circa 1900

Place

City

Appleton, WI

State/Province

Wisconsin [United States : North America]

Country

United States

Continent

North America

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Manufacturer's Mark

Location

Along lower edge of tabletop

Transcription

The "Appleton" Maple Block

Exhibition

Against the Grain