Todd has always wanted an authentic butcher block. One day, on a whim, I decided to search Craig's List and see what was posted. To my surprise, there it was...a beautifully aged LARGE butcher block. Location: Marine on St. Croix. Perfect I thought, close to home and a fun area to visit to boot! I read the specs which said the block dates back to the early 1900's, weighs around 500 lbs, and is most definitely an authentic piece. I sent a message asking if it was still available, and it was. I replied, without question, that I would like to pick it up ASAP. We agreed that evening would work, so after telling Todd about my incredible find, we recruited Nick's help and drove to Marine on St. Croix that evening.
When we arrived at the house, I was in awe of the beautiful location and home. The log home is located along a tranquil section of the St. Croix River. You could see there was a lot of history with this place. After introducing ourselves and speaking with the home owners (who gave us a tour of their beautiful home), I asked if their home is on the National Register of Historic Homes and indeed it is. It was built in the early 1900's (coincidentally the same age of the butcher block), it took seven years to build using no electrical power whatsoever, and was built with the intention of being a resort - trout farm and all.
The gentleman explained that his parents had purchased it and he grew up there. Now, he and his wife are the proud owners. His mom had bought the butcher block back in the 70's with the intention of adding it as an island in the kitchen, but it never fit, so on the porch it has sat for over 30 years. The price they were asking was even more astonishing. The wife said they understood it is worth a lot more than their asking price, however it is too big (and heavy) for most people and their kitchens so they priced it to move.
Move it, to our amazement, we did! I can't believe no one was killed in the process. When we got it home, Nick and Todd put it on an Appliance Dollie, and Nick hauled it up our tall deck steps while Todd and I pushed form behind. I can see why the priced it to move! Once we got it in place, Nick proclaimed that it will have to stay with the house forever because he is never moving it again!
The company that created the butcher block is called the Bally Block/Michigan Maple Block Co. (www.mapleblock.com). The company was established in 1881 and is still in business today. We are amazed at the history of our new purchase. "If only the block could talk", Todd says. It probably wouldn't even speak English! We are truly honored to be its new owners.
