Early 20th Century The Gas Attendant's Primitive Green Assembled Cupboard

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We have been pondering this piece of furniture. And came to the conclusion that it's not simply that, but an … Read more We have been pondering this piece of furniture. And came to the conclusion that it's not simply that, but an encapsulation of a man's life. We thought of Van Gough room, with the simple pieces of furniture in it. And with this cupboard we see the same. What started out as a storage piece of furniture became a home of sort. Where all of man's belonging fit in it. It's a life, not simply a cupboard.

We were told this wooden green box belonged to a gas station attendant. And the tale germinated there. Who was this man, that took such care of this cabinet. A cabinet he continued to add onto. A thermostat for checking the cold temperature? A mirror to shave? Did he sleep in the gas station? It's a box for the necessities of a life.

We would assume he was not wealthy man, of course, but we would assume that he was also alone, with no wife, kids, or family. A cut branch. Why else would that middle frame be left empty, if one had loved ones in his life...

He did not only leave us with these physical additions, but pieces of his life in the writings we find. On the side of the cupboard, and the back side of the door you'll find words and numbers, that he alone might be able to make sense of. Things that meant something to him. You can take time to read them yourself, but our favorite is that little illustration of the little boy with the cap to the side. Were memories of his childhood's dreams and goals presented to us in it?

Lots of questions and not so many answers. Just little shattered pieces we try to glue together.

Circa: Early 20th Century
Condition: Consistent with age and wear
Dimensions: 12" W x 10" D x 16 1/2" H See less