Kitchens in the19th century, regardless of where they were located, were the hub of the house much like ours are today. They were full of tools and utensils to make life easier. One large tool you can see today, at both Carnton and the Carter House, is known as a biscuit box. The name of this devise is misleading because it is neither a box nor was used exclusively for making biscuits. Although, regionalfolkloretells us otherwise.
These simple tables with lids were often made by enslaved laborers in the South. The biscuit box was used by the cook of a home during the weekly chore of baking. The lid and support were often crafted from local wood and the tabletop was made of either limestone or marble. The biscuit box was a welcome invention for those who had to stand while they kneaded, beat, and cut dough for extended amounts of time. One of the most time consuming processes was makingbeaten biscuits. The dough could then be baked and eaten, or stored, depending on the season.
By the time of the Civil War, the early forms of furniture would have been useful for making breads, biscuits, pastries, crackers, cakes, and candy.
