Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Furniture: table

  • wcu_craft_revival-3869.jpg
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Item
  • This handmade table was constructed from materials at hand; in this case, boards originally intended for coffin tops. The maker envisioned the horizontal surface would be covered with a tablecloth, such as oil cloth, so the oddly shaped planks would not be visible. However, the turned legs are decorated with rings both close to the floor and near the top reflecting the makers aesthetic desires. The table was a gift from carpenter Jesse Stalcup to his newly married son George and daughter-in-law, Jessie. Jesse Bryson Stalcup (1860-1931), born in Swain County, N.C., was the son of Thomas Belew Stalcup and Charity Jane Stalcup. The family lived near Whittier on Conley's Creek where Jesse grew up as a skilled carpenter. In 1881, Jesse Bryson Stalcup met and married Alice Florence Kelly. They had eight children and lived in several western N. C. locations. Jesse himself worked as a carpenter, millwright, and Baptist preacher.
Object
  • This handmade table was made by woodworker Jesse Bryson Stalcup around 1911. The table was constructed from materials at hand; in this case, boards originally intended for coffin tops. The maker envisioned the horizontal surface would be covered with a tablecloth, such as oil cloth, so the oddly shaped planks would not be visible. However, the turned legs are decorated with rings both close to the floor and near the top reflecting the makers aesthetic desires. The table was a gift from carpenter Jesse Stalcup to his newly married son George and daughter-in-law, Jessie. Jesse Bryson Stalcup (1860-1931), born in Swain County, N.C., was the son of Thomas Belew Stalcup and Charity Jane Stalcup. The family lived near Whittier on Conley's Creek where Jesse grew up as a skilled carpenter. In 1881, Jesse Bryson Stalcup met and married Alice Florence Kelly. They had eight children and lived in several western N. C. locations. Jesse himself worked as a carpenter, millwright, and Baptist preacher.