What is the most used piece of furniture in your home? At our house the kitchen table would win hands down. Actually, I don't have a normal kitchen table. 

It is a bar. While the bar is handy, no way would it come close to being a kitchen table. I do have an old round table in my dining room. My mother was smart enough to buy one for each us girls when we were too young to realize their value. We have since learned.

Houses used to somewhat hide the kitchen from company, as the cook thought it might be untidy. It didn't matter that people always seemed to prefer to be in the kitchen at the table. 

Times have changed. We have transitioned from a closed kitchen to one that's furnished as elegant as the rest of the home. It is a pleasure to visit and welcome friends in to talk during meal preparation.

The wide-open spaces in most kitchens today provides a place where everyone likes to gather, particularly around the table. Incidentally, it is a proven fact that children who eat their meals at the table have much better manners than those who eat at a bar. There is something that adds substance to sitting down at a table instead of sitting at a bar, something that says "this is important, this is special."

If there is a heart of the home, it would be the table, and it always has been. Not just for eating, though in Grandma’s time the table was usually set with a sugar bowl, a bowl of spoons, vinegar and oil cruets, salt and pepper shakers. These items were usually placed in the middle of the table, perhaps for a few reasons. They needed to be out for the next meal anyway. And, it saved time, when Pa or someone else came in for a quick cup of coffee.

But, uses for tables didn't stop there. Kitchens seldom had enough counter space, so the table became the place people used to mix cakes, knead bread, peel vegetables, butcher chickens and yes, even dishes washed if the home didn't have running water.

Children did their homework there under Mother's watchful eye from the time of kerosene lamps to the present day. That's where Dad caught up with the newspaper and Mom, well Mom darned socks, cut out dresses, patched pants, sewed, folded the clothes and now and then had coffee when a neighbor or friend dropped in.

Round tables were favored because there always seemed to be room to squeeze in an extra dinner place when someone showed up at the last minute, but it wasn't just that. Round tables seemed cozy. It was a visible invitation to be a part of family activities.

I remember a table my mother had. She bought it at an auction in Geneva. I think it had been a heirloom in the Nelson family. 

It had 13 leaves that could be added and when they were all used, the table stretched its limit and went across the dining room area of our cabin at the lake. I suppose the table was a good 24 feet long when all 13 leaves were used. It was wonderful. 

There was room for everybody. No wonder my mother cried when it burned in the fire. We still talk about that table when we get together for family gatherings and holidays. It was just the right size to get everyone together.

Mom was able to get one similar a few years later, but it wasn't the same. I notice she still has a preference for round tables, as I catch her eying that beautiful old family heirloom.

We still use round tables. I still have my old round table that my mother gave me. My nephew has my sisters' table and she was lucky enough to find another old antique round table in Arizona when she moved up in the mountains and yes, you can still squeeze one more person in at the table when visitors come.

I wonder how many babies were washed and dressed on that table, games played or puzzles that were put together. We also drew pictures, painted water colors, colored and cut and did projects for school and 4-H at that table. That table has been used for many "round table discussions" we had as a family. And of course it was used for many "Happy Birthday To You" and anniversary parties. Several times it nearly buckled from all the plates of food on it.

I wish my table could talk to me for real. I am sure the story of its life would be a good one. I know because it has served a good life even while I had it. Its history dates many years before that though.

Take the time to set your table for special meals for your family. Use your best dishes and silverware and enjoy the elegance. There is a whole different feeling when families sit down at a table instead of using the convenience of the bar.

To me, the dining room table is the heart of our homes and the mainstay of our children and children’s children. It is a family member.

Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things, we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us.  If you have news please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, May 10th: Tari (Walterman) Erickson, Ryan Callahan, Tina Nelson, Steve Nielsen, Christine Ingvaldson, Dave Oeljenbrun, Mary Wilker, Brody Johnson, Mark & Sara Misgen, Rande & Jamie Nelson.

• Friday, May 11th: Michaela Ann Hanielton, Jaxon Edward Beavens and Parker Reese Beavens, their 6th; Carol Cromwell Cox, Ed Haberman, Krista Hanson, Troy Janka, Daniel Robertson, Robert Vaith, Loretta Schewe, Scott & Shannon Pacholl.

• Saturday, May 12th: Everal Lageson, Richie Robinson, Dorothy Jensen, Larry & Jean Klocek.

• Sunday, May 13th: Brooklyn Christine DuBois, her 9th; David Richards, Rose Glienke, Troy Donahue, Curt Esplan, John Nechanicky, Holly Pence, Tracy Swearingen, Larry Schmidt, Reed Thostenson, Rose Glienke, Alan & Kathy Knudson, John & Barbara.

• Monday, May 14th: Clair Dahl, Linda Olson, Anna Mae Peterson, her 7th; Katie Peterson, Ginger Thompson, Bruce Waage, Brad Wayne, Judy VerHey, Mark VerHey, Jeff Christensen, Shannon Krikava.

• Tuesday, May 15th: Carter Hagen, Evan Dobberstein, Megan Grubish, Alex Wayne, Mark Flesche, Dan Hagen, Don Hagen, Nicole Strand Harris, Stephanie Krueger, Neil Berg, Sandy Jensen, Marsha Neitzell, Tammy Thompson, Brett & Jessica Richards, Ralph & Irene Krueger, Jon & Nicole Farr.

• Wednesday, May 16th: Ron Kubicek, Mark Reistad, Mark Skroch, Vernie Stieglbauer, Kim Lageson, Doug Lembke, Judy Karsjens, Anne Larson, Allycia Zinke, Becky Phagan, Bev White, Annie Larson, Christine & Brian Carlson.

Here's hoping that your special day brings you laughter, a light heart and much love.