Back around 1830 when our farm was established, it was customary in this part of the
country to build a Summer kitchen. This was a separate outbuilding, usually of stone construction,
with a brick chimney and large hearth inside for cooking. By its nature, it featured an overhead
loft, and often an underground cellar. The cellar was used for storage of potatoes or other root
vegetables, and usually maintained a fairly cool temperature, even in the summertime.
The Summer kitchen served two main purposes. First, it provided a way of cooking large
meals for the family and guests without generating excessive heat in the house. Secondly, it spared
the main house from the dangers of the fire, which was frequently burning day and night. Within
the Summer kitchen on the hearth were several piles of burning coals, known as burners. Cooks
pulled these hot coals away from the main fire to control heat for specific cooking vessels. The
iron stands and three-legged pans placed directly over these coal piles for frying or simmering
were called “spiders” or “trivets.” Above the hearth was a tall and wide lintel. The large horizontal
rod or bar spanning the upper interior of the hearth to suspend cooking vessels was called a lug
pole (or lugpole), which later evolved into the pivoting fireplace crane. The adjustable hanging
hooks attached to them were known as trammels or pot hooks. While all of this may sound
pleasantly nostalgic, it did involve a great deal of manual work, heat, and constant care.
After our Summer kitchen had been standing for about 150 years, there came a time when
we had to decide whether to repair it or let it go. The years had taken their toll. The mortar in
between the stones was weak, crumbling and in some places was completely gone. The roof needed
replacing, as did the floor. The building was no longer in use, except for rough storage.
I suppose every farm owner has to make hard choices about buildings which have outlived
their original purpose. After all, since the early 1900s, there was now an interior, attached kitchen
built into the main house, and Marvina was certainly not interested in reverting to the Summer
kitchen to do her cooking. Still, we could not bear to let such a wonderful and historic structure
pass away.
In the church, we have historic reminders all around us. Dating back not 200 years, but for
2,000 years we see the pattern of worship still faithfully observed. The structure of the church,
with her elders, deacons, and the other members, is still just as it was organized in the first century.
The Bible, the word of God, is still her rule of faith and infallible standard. Things which God has
lovingly put in place from of old — things which help us remember and respect what was. Indeed,
the church is still God’s “pillar and ground of the truth,” (1 Timothy 3:15).
I enjoy looking at and studying the old buildings and other structures on the farm. They remind
me of days gone by, and the love and care which have been so entwined into a physical property
over so many years. I think about the families who have lived there, the mothers who have lovingly
cooked there, the children who have laughingly played there. Although we could have let the
building deteriorate or have it demolished and removed, I’m thankful we didn’t do that. Because it
helps me to remember the importance of history, and respect for days gone by. Yes, and beyond
that, it helps me think of the church, and institutions of an eternal nature. When all of these physical
things have passed away, the church will endure. The kingdom of God stands forever. The gates
of Hades will not prevail against it! But I am thankful to God, who has allowed us a little time on
this earth to enjoy the farm, and special things like the old Summer kitchen.
