For such a little house, I have a great deal of storage.
From what I can figure out, Margaret, the first owner of my home, must have grown her own things on the property, because in the plans, she included a root cellar and a large pantry downstairs. She had plenty of room then because she owned most of the land surrounding the house, before it was sold off by future owners to other home builders, as the years went on.
Growing her own food makes sense, because from the information I've gathered about my town, there wasn't a full fledged grocery store in the area until after the house was built in 1930 or right about the same time. I'm sure there was a general store for supplies, but nothing like the Piggly Wiggly that came into town later on, but has since left.
She must have been a very busy bee as one of the first female lawyers in Arizona, much less the only woman lawyer in this town, and also taking care of the growing and canning of food, even if she did have help in the form of a maid and then later, her widowed sister.
She is what I would call a tough broad ;)
Did I mention she was 41 and single when this house was built?
The same age and status I was, when I bought it.
Anyway, in the post about my tiny mudroom, I showed you this picture of the stairs that lead down to the laundry room and my bedroom. Off of my bedroom is the root cellar, which is odd, but I guess since (I think) my room was the maids quarters, she wanted her to have access to it?
More questions I'll never have the answers to.
Anyway, there's also a good sized pantry right when you round the corner of these stairs.
I'm not going to show you the hallway down there just yet, because it's another project that I've yet to finish, but here's the door:
Before I show you the inside, let me just tell you that before I spent an entire day organizing it, it was a disaster.
No, I didn't take a before photo, but just picture an area that had extra stuff, like boxes of pictures, cans of food, candles, extra dishes, and miscellanies thrown into it for 5 years, because I was lazy didn't know what else to do with it and you'll have an idea.
Scary stuff!
Anywho, it's not one of those fancy pantries that you see on pinterest or other blogs, because really... it's a working area and don't need to make cleaning anymore difficult for myself. I just want to see what's available, "shop" from it, put away things with ease and get out.
Kinda like my own little store ;)
So here it is...
I have my stored food on one side, with vases lining the entire top and my holiday warming supplies below.
On the other side is my ridiculous supply of candles, paper goods, extra plastic baggies, pop for Annie (I don't drink the stuff), a step stool and power cords.
Straight ahead, I have my extra set of dishes, wine and champagne glasses, serving platers and dishes, extra booze, and paper sacks.
You have no idea how fabulous it is to finally have all my holiday servers together, instead of the garage and upstairs in my other pantry, not to mention how nice it is to finally be able to see everything.
Yay me! ;)
Oh and totally off subject, but I want to leave you with a dose of pretty and then the reality, instead of just a boring pantry.
So here's the pretty:
So here's the pretty:
And here's the reality:
Bubba wants to know when dinner will be ready ;)
xo
rue
xo
rue
Great job! And I think it's ALL pretty.
ReplyDeleteSue
xo
Love your walk in pantry, organizing mine is on the list of things to do, been a bit busy re-doing other areas of the home. Love Bubba... the flowers made me smile.. fondly ~ Lynne ~
ReplyDeleteI wish I had both a root cellar and pantry! Very nice!
ReplyDeleteGrace & Peace
Living in a very small cottage with no storage to speak of, I'm loving your pantry and the ease of organizing and storing! Bright and clean too is always a bonus.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
Wonderful job, Rue! I love the organizing you did. It looks organized and attractive. :)
ReplyDeleteLucky you. Great pantry. It does make enjoying your own pretties so much easier.
ReplyDeleteI love your walk in pantry. You are blessed to have this in a small home.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week ~ FlowerLady
I think your pantry looks bright and clean and so organized! We had one just like it in our previous home, and it even had a vent in the stone basement for cold winter storage. Although it would be wonderful to can my own vegetables, I'm glad I can go to the grocery store and buy what I need! Now you've got me wanting to organize my basement storage room.....as soon as the dollhouse in progress is finished.
ReplyDeleteOur home was built in the 1920's and we have many unanswered questions, too. I guess, like you have, I could surmise a lot of the answers, but it would be nice to have a definitive response. Unlike you however, we have no storage here. Your pantry space is dreamy. My paper towels are in the coat closet off the hallway. I guess they didn't have the 12 pack of Bounty to contend with in 1928. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat is funny, Kim, about the Bounty! -Ginene
DeleteI really love it and the white makes it so bright even though it is downstairs. That's the thing about a small closets, they have to be organized, though I think your pantry is pretty. :) Though my home is not as old as yours, there are odd spaces that are built under the carport that I use for storage such as the potting shed. I also organized all three of my tiny indoor closets with shelving, so they could hold more. TIme to go through them again. I keep thinking about buying the Japanese book on organizing for months, and today it is mentioned in several places on the internet. It's funny how after several years, I gather up stuff, and just shut the door on it, so I don't have to clean. Great post. Have a wonderful week. xoxo Su
ReplyDeleteWow! I can't imagine even having a pantry for food. I don't have one at all!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
What a great pantry...so much room for everything. It may have been a mess, but you cleaned it up nicely, Rue!
ReplyDeleteBubba is like my kitties, always thinking of meal time...
That's just the coolest house ever!!
ReplyDeleteRue,
ReplyDeleteWow the woman who built the home at 41 and you being 41 when you purchased it is destiny. You're lucky you have lots of storage in your 1930's home, my was built in 1934 and not so much storage. That's why we are currently doing the Reno of the center part of the basement for storage. I enjoyed peeking into your organized pantry and you know what - I find that door with holes in it very interesting. Pretty Tulips and there he is ha ha Bubba in the next room. He sure is watching you Rue!
xoxo,
Vera
That is a great pantry. Great storage. Love how Bubba is looking like he is missing something. Very interesting about the history of your house. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletelove your pantry great space
ReplyDeleteYour pantry looks like it belongs on Pinterest Rue! It's huge, and you did an awesome job of reorganizing it.
ReplyDeleteOlder homes definitely come with their fair share of unanswered questions. Remember that show 'if walls could talk'?
(Thanks for the birthday wishes!)
XXX
Your pantry looks like it belongs on Pinterest Rue! It's huge, and you did an awesome job of reorganizing it.
ReplyDeleteOlder homes definitely come with their fair share of unanswered questions. Remember that show 'if walls could talk'?
(Thanks for the birthday wishes!)
XXX
Color me green and call me Envy:) I'm not sure why, but I have a thing for pantries. I just love it.
ReplyDeleteYour walk-in pantry is fantastic. I have metal shelving units in the unfinished part of my basement, but it's definitely not as cute and organized as your space!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice pantry...so spacious, bright and organized! So nice to have everything in it's place!
ReplyDeletelove the organization of your pantry and would love to have all that space for holiday stuff. So nice and clean and pretty too.
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! Your pantry looks great, wish my pantry was that big. I've got a teeny little pantry that had no light. Timothy put lights in it for me at Thanksgiving (after six years of being in the dark) and it makes a huge difference. Still not enough storage space so I keep the overflow in the tiny closet under the stairs. I love that your house has a history - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow it looks great and i love it!! You did a great job!
ReplyDeleteA perfect pantry for someone who did a lot of canning. It is interesting to learn the history of a home. Wonder what secrets lie within.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how much storage you have.
ReplyDeleteWe assume our beach cottage was built as a getaway for an inland farming family. There is no coat closet, no pantry and walk-in closets that are small. But, we learn to make do!
I love houses with a history. So cool that you and the original owner were the same age and status when you bought the house.Such a cute pantry and you did a great job of organizing it!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy the history of your house - very interesting. You did a fabulous job on organizing your pantry. The only thing I've done so far this winter is look at the inside of mine...and then close the door! I really have to get it done soon
ReplyDeleteMy hubby just got two bunches of tulips for me this week. Living in Canada spring is just a dream at this point, but tulips help!
Have a great day
Jeannette
Thank you Jeannette! I understand about closing the door.... trust me! lol I wish you luck with cleaning it.
DeleteWhat a sweet husband you have! And yes, they do help ;)
xo
It looks perfect! I love to see organizing posts. Great job Rue.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melissa!
Deletexoxo
Good Afternoon Rue, How fabulous to have a pantry within the house where you can see everything at a glance. George has done something similar for me, but in the garage, as our house is small. Like you, I love to see my dishes, my food and other odds and ends on the shelves as it makes life so much easier.
ReplyDeleteI noticed we had daffodils in the shops last week, but as yet I have not seen any tulips, so it was a treat to see yours. I love the suble pink colour.... how long did Bubba wait for his meal.... he looked like he was ready to eat (haha).
Best Wishes
Daphne
Rue, I love your neat and tidy pantry. Your flowers are lovely too. Your sense of humor is very cute too. Have a great day. Kathi
ReplyDeleteThat's a great pantry, Rue! And I can't believe you have almost as many candles as me!!
ReplyDeleteMe:
ReplyDeleteJ.E.A.L.O.U.S.
Awww... don't be jealous! I get it though. I've never had this much storage before.
Deletexo
I'm with Bubba. What time should I come over? ;-) I love your pantry. I absolutely am enthralled with pantries like this in old houses. So practical. And I think yours is very pretty, as well as very organized. Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteLove it! Your storage/pantry room so reminds me of the one we had growing up. We had an arts and craft style bungalow built in 1926. We even had a banister made out of pipe, like yours :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't so nice to have a space to put everything?!!
I'm crushing on that bead~board door with the little vent holes drilled in it too!
Have a sweet rest of your week.
{{hugs}}
~K.
Back in the day, they had to stock up and some people still do. You have a nice size pantry for multipurpose use. I'm using a coat closet in the kitchen for a pantry. Our pets can be our shadow sometimes. Kathleen in Az
ReplyDeleteI plan on stocking up more things just in case, but I haven't gotten there yet. Canning is still something I've been putting off, because it intimidates me. Hopefully one day :)
Deletexo
That is a great functional pantry! I enjoy hearing about the woman that built your house.
ReplyDeleteHi, Ruzzer...If it were closer to the kitchen, I would call this a Butler's Pantry...and your bedroom was most likely for a maid or butler...what a great house this is..I know you just love it to pieces..you've always loved olden houses. I remember the one you used to stalk...did you ever buy it?
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful you know the history of the house. Your pantry looks very similar to mine. The only difference is I also have my washer and dryer in there , but it still has most of the original shelves. So glad you have lots of storage space, I miss all the storage I had in our other house. Thanks for stopping by today and all your wonderful encouragement, I so appreciate it. Now I have to get my pantry organized, you have inspired me.
DeleteRue, your house is pure magic. Your pantry is beautifully organized, a great place to "shop" for condiments and goodies. I like how you've put everything in a zone. I haven't mustered the energy to work on mine, and you have given me so many great ideas. Adore the blue and white dishes, too. Give Bubba a hug.
ReplyDeleteI think it is so cool that you and the original builder where 41. Forty-one was a fabulous age to be. Smart, still young and, well, smart. I am sure you are right, that pantry was for canning jars and the door with the holes in it was probably for apples and/or potatoes. Another interesting post, Rue. I am always happy to see a post from you. I placing my money on the bedroom downstairs being finished for her sister!
ReplyDeleteGinene
What a sweet little walk in pantry - I would love to have one f those. I am sure that fully half of it would become my "wine cellar". (:
ReplyDeletebeautiful pantry..
ReplyDeletei would *love* something like that!
you have a lovely home and your heart
is dotted throughout. quite nice.:)
So lovely to read about the previous owner.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to see your very organised pantry.
Your flowers look lovely and isn't Bubba sweet!
... oh and your sunrise photo's in your previous post are lovely, what amazing colours in the sky
All the best Jan
So lovely to read about the previous owner.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to see your very organised pantry.
Your flowers look lovely and isn't Bubba sweet!
... oh and your sunrise photo's in your previous post are lovely, what amazing colours in the sky
All the best Jan
GREAT job on your pantry - I have been trying each day - even if just a little bit- cleaning and organizing. I am a long way off but am motivated - thank you!
ReplyDeleteI bought a book about de-cluttering yesterday, can't wait to read it. I really need a big push,esp since I am not sleeping well and am so tiiiiiiiired!
Your flowers are gorgeous - what a nice breath of freshness in the bleak mid-winter! ♥
Rue, this looks like everything a pantry should be-- neat and tidy and organized so that you can easily lay your hands on whatever you need. I wish my pantry looked like this! Luckily it has doors that I can shut to hide the chaos inside since the pantry is in our kitchen/family room. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteWell done. :-)
ReplyDeleteWe have a cold storage area in our home. Our home was built in the 1900's. We store our potatoes, apples and my flower bulbs in it.
I enjoyed reading the history of your home.
Carla
I love anything about tracing the history of a house. It is those stories that enchant me. You've found out quite a bit about yours, Rue. Perhaps more than a little bit of kindred spirit there? Your pantry is terrific, thank you for letting us see it. Now I'm having a hard time visualizing what your root cellar, even in the raw, could look like. Ours is built into a hillside and at one point had a bedroom built on top of it, or so the original owners grandsons told us when they visited us at 85 years old. It was where they stayed 2 weeks every summer when they were kids. Half of the front of our root cellar has collapsed but the cost of a stone mason to fix it has been far down our priority list although we saved every stone for a day when we can.
ReplyDeleteBut I picture yours as being like what was in the cellar of my grandmother's farmhouse? Down the steps and into a cool stone room with shelves that contained gallon jars of homemade grape juice. There was a sump pump working there that made it a little scary for us to go when we were sent to fetch a jar of something or other but very mysterious.
I hope more clues become available to you over the years.
Your pantry is fabulous.
ReplyDeleteSigned,
Green with Envy in Texas
Great job on your pantry. What are the sweet dishes? Do they sport a bow of some kind? I love your darling kitchen. What's cooking in the crock pot? Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteOh, I really like your pantry.
ReplyDeleteMy house is tiny. Just a bit over 1000 sq ft and it has no storage !LOL. So been weeding out to make room which I need so badly.
I am with Bubba..what's for dinner?
When I first seen your pantry I would of thought it was mine! Same kind of shelving and brackets....mine is also in the basement/dungeon. I also just finished getting mine organized... What do they say like mind think alike! One difference between our homes is I have NO storage...it seems like people didn't needed closets in 1929? Love your pantry1
ReplyDeleteRue you have such a great pantry! I am taking notes on how you have things organized. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWonderful discussion of the history of your house. Nothing boring about a darling pantry either. I do envy you. I dare not discuss too much about homes because I am not a restore kind of gal when you are. You're a purist and I am definitely not. I do hope that I didn't do too much harm to my 1842 Cape Cod home. This one, a 1955 pedestrian run-of-the-mill house needed all the disturbing it could get. =D
ReplyDeleteSo organized! Nice to have all those shelves.....Christine
ReplyDelete