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A sawbuck table or X-frame table is a type of trestle table having X-shaped supports at either end. It takes its name from the similarity of these X-shaped supports to sawbucks.[1] In addition to the supports, a sawbuck table is distinguished by a sturdy central rail and key-tenon joints holding the supports and central rail together.[2] Historically, sawbuck tables also often featured footrests running the length of the table.[3]

The sawbuck table originated in Pennsylvania in the early 18th century, and is a characteristic example of Pennsylvania Dutch vernacular design.[2] The design is sufficiently sturdy that some sawbuck tables have remained in regular use for over 200 years.[2]

The earliest known modern picnic table was derived from the sawbuck table design, with the addition of attached benches on either side.[4] Picnic table builders continued to experiment with sawbuck designs having separate benches until the invention of the modern A-frame picnic table in 1926.[5] Sawbuck-style picnic tables continue to be used, for example for backyard applications where attached seating is not required.[6]

References

  1. ^ Daniele, Joseph William (1974). Building Early American Furniture. Stackpole Books. p. 144. ISBN 9780811704205.
  2. ^ a b c Shea, John G. (2012). Making Authentic Pennsylvania Dutch Furniture: With Measured Drawings. Courier Corporation. p. 121. ISBN 9780486157627.
  3. ^ Jordan, Mildred (1978). The Distelfink Country of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Crown Publishers. p. 186. ISBN 9780517532607.
  4. ^ Hogue, Martin (May 2018). "An Illustrated History of the Picnic Table". Places Journal. Retrieved 2020-02-27.
  5. ^ Backman, Earl E. (1967). Recreation Facilities: A Personal History of Their Development in the National Forests of California, Volume 2. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. p. 17. OCLC 788561.
  6. ^ Capotosto, Rosario (August 1983). "PM's Picks for Picnics". Popular Mechanics. p. 70.
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