Adventure #2 - The Apothecary Table

The Table’s Back Story

We ran across the table while we were antique shopping in Bellville Texas, at a shop called Nothing Ordinary.  When I saw it, I was obsessed; then I saw the price tag, which was more than I wanted to spend.  We left, but I never quite forgot about the table; especially the mortar/pestle on top.  After two or three more visits (we would get to Bellville every couple of months), it was still there.  After talking to Victoria, I made an offer and it was accepted.  After another week, we rented a U-Haul, heaved that thing into the back and very carefully drove it home – I was petrified the glass, which was original, would break.  Luckily, it did not, although I still have nightmares that it will accidentally.

According to the dealer, she was told the table was originally from a pharmacy in Brenham, TX.  I’ve never been able to confirm this, although I’ve spent several weekend in Brenham asking about old pharmacies and showing pictures of the refinished table around, but no one was sure.  During the thirties, there were 3 or 4 pharmacies that may (or may not) have owned it.  If you are ever in Brenham and you're into this kind of thing, I encourage you to visit Glissmann's Gift Gallery & Historic Drug Store.  This is like walking into the past - they've preserved an entire apothecary from the '20s there.  My table would have fit in perfectly.  I spent an hour or so with the daughter or grand-daughter (I can't remember, but it was her 70th birthday), looking at photos and just going through the museum piece by piece 

The table was actually two pieces, they are now the center section of the finished Apothecary Table.  There is a bench or table that the backdrop sits on top of; they were not attached.  Neither was in very good condition but the table was in far worse shape.  There is a plaque underneath the mortar that reads “Houston Showcase & Mfg. Co. Houston TX”.  I did some research on that company and found they were in business from the late 1920s until about 1932, when they were bought.  I think I can safely say that it is Depression Era.

As I said, the side panels and the very top of the back panel are the original etched glass.  The lower back panel broke when I tried to take it out, but it was a pane of cheap clear glass which I do not believe was original.  I wasn’t happy that it broke, but it didn’t break my heart and I figured out a suitable replacement.

[Photos coming soon]