Kitchens are where many of our memories take place. Even the simplest kitchen will host some of our best times and the warmest memories of friends and family. Here is a story written by my mother who passed away in the fall of 2018 about the simplest of kitchens and the happiness that she remembered there.
Blog first posted January 1, 2019
Our first apartment was a small, old but affordable, walk-up. Although it left much to be desired, as newlyweds, we were satisfied and even excited about moving in — except for the kitchen! It contained only one cabinet which was situated above the sink and its exposed pipes. We improvised by buying a large standing cabinet and sewing a floral fabric to elastic and wrapping it around the sink. The area under the sink could now be used as storage space for cleaning products, pots and pans, etc.
When our first baby began toddling around, it became his favorite destination. He enjoyed crashing through the curtain, playing with the pots and pans and eating the soap powder. I could not wait to escape from this hazardous kitchen. Eventually we converted the space to a toy area where he sat playing with his cars, trucks and blocks. In fact, that’s where he said his first word, which was “car”.
One night, my husband arrived home from work with a bottle of champagne and wonderful news. He had just received a big promotion and a very substantial salary increase. While eating dinner at our little kitchen table with the baby next to us in his highchair, we toasted to his new job and our new house.
It is now more than 50 years later, and I still remember that antiquated kitchen and the joy and happiness we experienced in it.
Story by Jean McAlary
Jean McAlary has passed away, but the little boy under the sink still loves kitchens and is of course the founder of Main Line Kitchen Design.
Hoping all our kitchens bring our customers the kind of joyful memories my mother’s 1960 kitchen brought her.
And as Julia Child said with such emotion …
Bon Appetit!
Paul
Read another related blog about kitchen memories.
Kitchen Story Contest Winner Announced!
8 Replies to “Kitchens -Where a Family’s Best Memories Are Made.”
Janice O’Brien
What a wonderful memory for your Mother. My parents lived in a similar small apartment, and has inspired me to write and submit a story about their kitchen.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Janice,
We haven’t received your short story yet. Possibly it went into our spam folder and we missed it. Can you resubmit it to me personally at Paul@MainLineKitchenDesign.com?
Good luck in our contest.
Thanks,
Paul
Shawn M Brown
Beautiful! The kitchen truly has been the heart of our family homes over the years. It is the nucleus to us!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
🙂
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
The winner of our 2021 Story contest really captured why the kitchen is the heart of the home. read her story below:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/kitchen-story-contest-winner-announced/
Laura P.
Wonderful story, and I did not see the end coming! Really love your blog and the time and effort you put in to answer so many questions is very much appreciated. I’m making notes and may have some questions myself soon. Your mother did us all a favor by letting you play in the kitchen!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Thanks Laura,
Getting a note on this particular blog always brings back nice memories.
Alison Bullock
Loved this story! And I love my Main Line kitchen!