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Checkerboard table with built-in trays to hold the checkers.
Images (click to enlarge)
Cultural Objects, Furniture

Checkerboard Table

People
Maker/Creator: Marvin Thomas
Date
Unknown
Places
Simpsons (Locust Grove District)
Material/Medium

Wood

Specifications
  • Height: 27 1/2 inches
  • Length: 17 inches
  • Width: 17 inches
  • Length of checker tray: 11 1/2 inches
  • Width of checker tray: 1 3/4 inches
Description

This table “marries” pieces of wood originally used for other purposes. The base is a factory-made candlestand, the table top has two-inch game squares of contrasting wood, a beaded wooden trim decorates the four sides, and the checkers appear to have been cut from a broom handle and painted red or black. Attached trays designed to hold the checkers are made from scrap lumber.

Keywords
Checkers, gameboard, game table, folk art table
Bio Sketch

Marvin Jewell Thomas (1910-2006) married Daisy DeWitt Thomas. See our Folk Art Collection for other examples of his ingenuity.

 

Notes

This table is a favorite of Old Church Gallery visitors. In the photo at left, folks enjoy a game while attending the opening for the “Howdy Neighbors” exhibit in 2017.