Ever since we started working with the architect to design our new home, I was planning what large cabinets would go where.  I had everything pretty much figured out.  There was one wall in question.  And, that is the long expansive wall in the dining room.  It is 12′ long.  We have a few large hutches that I thought would be perfect.  There is this one that we currently have in the family room that holds my collection of yellow ware bowls.  And, there is this huge white one that used to house that same collection.  The one in the family room looks perfect where it is at so we put the white one in the dining room.  Quite frankly, it isn’t big enough.  I mentioned to Deb a long time ago that I was afraid nothing we have is big enough for that area.  So I wanted her to keep her eyes peeled for a massive cabinet that would go in this space.  And look what popped up on Facebook.  This massive antique oak cabinet.

Can you even?

Massive Antique Oak Cabinet

Like I said above, we both have had our eyes peeled for a massive cabinet for that wall.  We decided that the only place we would find one was at the Springfield, OH, Extravaganza in May.  There are usually several huge antique cabinets there but they are always sold.  We planned on going the day before and paying extra to get in.  However, we will be on our Alaska trip during the flea market.  So that idea was out.

Deb was browsing Facebook a few days back and saw this massive antique oak cabinet pop up at Fort Wayne Reclaimed Salvage, Co.  It is a salvage shop that is about 45 minutes – 1 hour away from us.  So, naturally, we made the drive to go see it.  It was one of those days that we really didn’t want to.  It was freezing cold and rainy here in Ohio.  Both of us wanted to cozy up on the couch.  But… you snooze, you lose.  So we went.

Here is the backstory on this massive antique oak cabinet as we know it.

They guy told us that this was once in a bakery.  He did a lot of research to figure out which one it was in, but had no luck.  It makes perfect sense because the inside shelves are wood slats which are typical of an antique baker’s rack.  I believe they had slats so that their baked goods would cool down easily, but don’t hold me to that.  If you know another reason, let me know in the comments.

After the bakery, this antique cabinet spent time in a doll hospital.  When I mentioned that fact over on social media, I had several people ask what the heck a doll hospital was.  Doll collectors visited the hospital for repairs, if need be.  I remember going to the doll hospital to get my doll’s hair replaced when I was young. Usually all of the little bins in these cabinets are filled with different doll parts.  It actually sounds a little creepy.  But, it was probably back in the time where it was less expensive to get something repaired rather than buying new.

A family purchased this cabinet, when the doll hospital closed, and kept it in their home for 40 years.  They stripped some of the paint from it over the years but didn’t get it all done.   I believe there was a death in the family so they had to clear out the house.  That is how it ended up in the salvage shop.

What are the plans for this massive cabinet?

We are currently waiting to hear back from the salvage place owner to see if one of his movers will deliver it.  We are keeping our fingers crossed. It is two pieces so that will make things easier. But once it’s here, we will work on stripping the rest of the paint off of it.  The original hardware needs cleaned up and I may use some rub n buff on it to make it a gold tone.  I will be painting the inside of this cabinet white so that it will showcase what is inside better.  As you can see, the back of it has an open area.  I’m guessing it was for a fan, when it was in the bakery, but I don’t know.  I’m thinking of leaving it but Deb talked about repairing it. We won’t even notice it once the inside is painted and my collections are displayed.

You really cannot grasp the size of this cabinet until you see Deb standing beside it. I will have lots of room to display my collections.  And, it should fit perfectly where we want it here in the dining room.  I absolutely cannot wait to get started on this gem.  If you happen to know any history of this cabinet, leave the info in the comments.  We bought it in Fort Wayne, Indiana.