Details in Delaware: Butler’s pantries
“Details in Delaware” is a history-informed collaboration between Kara A. Briggs, an architectural historian with the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) State Historic Preservation Office, and Desiree May, HCA’s social media lead, to bring some interesting Delaware history facts and preservation information to the forefront.
The idea is to showcase the diversity of what HCA does while also highlighting unique architectural features and landmarks to educate the public. Check out more interesting details like these by visiting HCA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Butler’s pantries
A butler’s pantry is a dedicated space in a home used to store the family silver, numerous sets of china, and large serving dishes like platters, tureens, and coffee urns. And, no: hiring a butler is not required for having a butler’s pantry in one’s home. These spaces are generally located just off the kitchen and typically adjacent to the dining room. The butler’s pantry was often designed not only with large cabinets, but with ample counter space to function as staging areas for serving meals, often including sinks for post-meal clean-up.
“Detailed” below is a sampling of butler’s pantries found in properties throughout Delaware.
