Width: 3 feet 3 1/2 inches
Height: 31 inches
15 FOOT ANTIQUE OAK TABLE FROM WASHINGTON STATE CAPITOL BUILDING IN OLYMPIA, WA
MAKER: Dunton-Doten
MATERIALS: Oak
DIMENSIONS:
Length: 15 feet
Width: 3 feet 3 1/2 inches
Height: 31 inches
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: CAMBRIDGE, USA
PERIOD & STYLE: New England (1904-1924?)
MAKER HISTORY: THE HISTORY OF THE DOTEN-DUNTON DESK COMPANY
In 1904, the factory was in Cambridge, with the offices at 64-66 Pearl Street in Boston. In 1932, their offices in Boston were at 32 Franklin Street. In 1943, their offices in Boston were at 91 Federal Street.
The business was founded on an idea. In April 1902, Kevin R. Dunton, then occupying a prominent position with a large manufacturing concern, thought that many planned to produce as cheaply as possible and without regard to individuality of product. Mr. Dunton felt that many businessmen would prefer distinctive office furniture, and that he could develop a market.
At its founding, the firm employed six cabinetmakers. At the outset, roll top, flat top, typewriter, and bookkeeper desks were the only items manufactured. Seventy percent of the product line was of oak, but by 1905, mahogany came into use and proved popular. The line expanded to include chairs.
The firm became famous in 1908, as a result of the Baltimore fire. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad erected a new building, and desired new furniture. Mr. Dunton conferred with the officials, and developed what is now called the sanitary base desk. Built on legs, these desks presented an improved appearance, and today (1930) this style is universally known and sought.
Since 1914, walnut had become increasingly popular, and some 80 percent of the company product was made of that wood by 1930. In 1930, over 275 skilled workmen were employed in the Cambridge plant. The firm had its own retail organization in New England and dealers in all principal cities, here and abroad. Products were shipped to all parts of the world. Customers included banks, insurance companies, public service institutions, and executive offices of commercial concerns.
TABLE HISTORY: 1926 - TABLE PURCHASED FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE CAPITAL BUILDING IN OLYMPIA, WA
The oak 15-foot table was one of six purchased by the state of Washington from The Lowman & Hanford Stationery and Printing Company (Seattle, WA) for use in the Washington State Capitol Building in the committee rooms. The table was originally purchased at a cost of $768.00 each, under a contract dated 1926.
I have confirmed that this table was once used in the Appropriations Committee Room in the Olympia Capital Building, Olympia, WA. This confirmation comes from the Cultural Resource Manager, Marygrace Jennings, at the Department of Enterprise Services of the Washington State Capitol Campus.
I have copies of the original bid documents including - original drawings of the table from Dunton-Doten and copies of the original invoices from the State of Washington. The table itself also has a metal plate on the bottom with a Washington State identification number confirming its origin.
I have been in contact with Mike Dunton (Dunton Family Organization) who told me that the table that I have is very rare (he has never seen one) and was only made for commercial clientele like the Washington State Capital Building. Link to a history page by the Dunton Family History Organization: http://www.doten-dunton.com/index.htm
PERSONAL HISTORY:
I purchased this table from a couple of gentlemen from Yardbirds Mall in Chehalis, WA:
Jonny Day
Cell Phone number: 360-623-5659
Yard Birds Mall
2100 N National Ave Chehalis, WA 98596
Telephone Number: (360) 748-1489
Approximate Date of purchase: February - March, 2010
TABLE DESCRIPTION/CONDITION:
The table is extremely unique with a base that is reminiscent of an old ship masthead with two ornate “leg” bases with a classical ionic design motif, connected by a long wooden beam covered in finished oak. It is very sturdy and is very heavy. The table is rustic and has not been refinished, so it is in its original condition from when I bought it. There are a few issues with the table:
01 - MISSING PIECES: There are a few small pieces that have been broken off prior to my buying it.
02 - BROKEN PIECES: There are a few places where the table has been damaged slightly. (See photos)
03 - CRACKED PIECES: There are a two (2) places where the tables base has cracked, but the pieces are still connected and capable of being fully repaired. (See photos)
The people I bought it from at YARDBIRDS in Chehalis, WA said it was involved in a flood at one point and the table’s top was found floating in their building where it apparently sat for years. Although the table is worn, it shows no sign of water damage to my untrained eye. Despite the few worn areas, broken/cracked intact pieces and a few small missing trim pieces it appears to be fully intact. It is truly a unique piece and it is in great shape and working order. It is a beautifully crafted piece of art and I feel lucky to have found it and used it for a number of years. It was the center piece of my art studio and I constantly received much praise from everyone who saw it.
PHOTOS & DOCUMENTATION:
Please note, some of the photos are not very clear. I intend to shoot better photos as soon as I can.
MAKER: Dunton-Doten
MATERIALS: Oak
DIMENSIONS:
Length: 15 feet
Width: 3 feet 3 1/2 inches
Height: 31 inches
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: CAMBRIDGE, USA
PERIOD & STYLE: New England (1904-1924?)
MAKER HISTORY: THE HISTORY OF THE DOTEN-DUNTON DESK COMPANY
In 1904, the factory was in Cambridge, with the offices at 64-66 Pearl Street in Boston. In 1932, their offices in Boston were at 32 Franklin Street. In 1943, their offices in Boston were at 91 Federal Street.
The business was founded on an idea. In April 1902, Kevin R. Dunton, then occupying a prominent position with a large manufacturing concern, thought that many planned to produce as cheaply as possible and without regard to individuality of product. Mr. Dunton felt that many businessmen would prefer distinctive office furniture, and that he could develop a market.
At its founding, the firm employed six cabinetmakers. At the outset, roll top, flat top, typewriter, and bookkeeper desks were the only items manufactured. Seventy percent of the product line was of oak, but by 1905, mahogany came into use and proved popular. The line expanded to include chairs.
The firm became famous in 1908, as a result of the Baltimore fire. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad erected a new building, and desired new furniture. Mr. Dunton conferred with the officials, and developed what is now called the sanitary base desk. Built on legs, these desks presented an improved appearance, and today (1930) this style is universally known and sought.
Since 1914, walnut had become increasingly popular, and some 80 percent of the company product was made of that wood by 1930. In 1930, over 275 skilled workmen were employed in the Cambridge plant. The firm had its own retail organization in New England and dealers in all principal cities, here and abroad. Products were shipped to all parts of the world. Customers included banks, insurance companies, public service institutions, and executive offices of commercial concerns.
TABLE HISTORY: 1926 - TABLE PURCHASED FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE CAPITAL BUILDING IN OLYMPIA, WA
The oak 15-foot table was one of six purchased by the state of Washington from The Lowman & Hanford Stationery and Printing Company (Seattle, WA) for use in the Washington State Capitol Building in the committee rooms. The table was originally purchased at a cost of $768.00 each, under a contract dated 1926.
I have confirmed that this table was once used in the Appropriations Committee Room in the Olympia Capital Building, Olympia, WA. This confirmation comes from the Cultural Resource Manager, Marygrace Jennings, at the Department of Enterprise Services of the Washington State Capitol Campus.
I have copies of the original bid documents including - original drawings of the table from Dunton-Doten and copies of the original invoices from the State of Washington. The table itself also has a metal plate on the bottom with a Washington State identification number confirming its origin.
I have been in contact with Mike Dunton (Dunton Family Organization) who told me that the table that I have is very rare (he has never seen one) and was only made for commercial clientele like the Washington State Capital Building. Link to a history page by the Dunton Family History Organization: http://www.doten-dunton.com/index.htm
PERSONAL HISTORY:
I purchased this table from a couple of gentlemen from Yardbirds Mall in Chehalis, WA:
Jonny Day
Cell Phone number: 360-623-5659
[email protected]
Yard Birds Mall
2100 N National Ave Chehalis, WA 98596
Telephone Number: (360) 748-1489
Approximate Date of purchase: February - March, 2010
TABLE DESCRIPTION/CONDITION:
The table is extremely unique with a base that is reminiscent of an old ship masthead with two ornate “leg” bases with a classical ionic design motif, connected by a long wooden beam covered in finished oak. It is very sturdy and is very heavy. The table is rustic and has not been refinished, so it is in its original condition from when I bought it. There are a few issues with the table:
01 - MISSING PIECES: There are a few small pieces that have been broken off prior to my buying it.
02 - BROKEN PIECES: There are a few places where the table has been damaged slightly. (See photos)
03 - CRACKED PIECES: There are a two (2) places where the tables base has cracked, but the pieces are still connected and capable of being fully repaired. (See photos)
The people I bought it from at YARDBIRDS in Chehalis, WA said it was involved in a flood at one point and the table’s top was found floating in their building where it apparently sat for years. Although the table is worn, it shows no sign of water damage to my untrained eye. Despite the few worn areas, broken/cracked intact pieces and a few small missing trim pieces it appears to be fully intact. It is truly a unique piece and it is in great shape and working order. It is a beautifully crafted piece of art and I feel lucky to have found it and used it for a number of years. It was the center piece of my art studio and I constantly received much praise from everyone who saw it.
PHOTOS & DOCUMENTATION:
Please note, some of the photos are not very clear. I intend to shoot better photos as soon as I can.