| Project by Clement | posted 114 days ago | 702 views | 3 times favorited | 21 comments |  |
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I would like to take credit for building this librarytable, but in all honesty cannot. But it was built by my father Benjamin Femelat. He owned rhe Femelat Mfg. Co. in downtown Houston. I have a few pictures of the inside of his shop, and in the late 1800’s ,Yes, as you would guess, everything was driven by belts from shafts in the ceiling. I can only guess that it was steam powered in those days.
What is so amazing to me, is that the table is well over 110 years old. I am told that it has some veneer in the stars, but most of the inlay work is .25 in. thick. I have had it in my posession for aprox. 50 years. I suppose that having it around this length of time, has influencrd me to try my hand at woodworking. In picture two and four, you can see my first Barrister book case. I would only hope, that if he knew, what I am doing, that he would be as proud of me, as I am proud of knowing of him.
If this story is seen by anyone that was around the Houston area in the late 1800’s, that he would contact me. Or decendents of same.
Thanks for letting me share this library table with you, even if I did not build it.
May God Bless
Clement
-- Clement, from Longview in East Texas
21 comments so far
Innovator
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3125 posts in 309 days
posted 114 days ago
It is beautiful, great craftsmanship.
-- Whether You Think You Can or You Think You Can't, YOU ARE RIGHT!!!
a1Jim
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16851 posts in 472 days
posted 114 days ago
Wow Clem most amazing table . Would love to see photos of you fathers shop.
-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon
Don K.
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1095 posts in 222 days
posted 114 days ago
Agree with Jim….I would love to see some pics of his shop. It is easy to tell your father was a true craftsman…like father like son !!!!!
-- Don S.E. OK
mtnwild
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2018 posts in 423 days
posted 114 days ago
I was looking at that and thinking, that looks old school. Looks like I was right.
Fantastic piece, what a treasure.
Thanks for showing, a real gift to see…...........
-- mtnwild (Jack), It's not what you see, it's how you see it.
tomd
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216 posts in 666 days
posted 114 days ago
Very nice table, that took alot of craftsmanship.
-- Tom D
kolwdwrkr
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2249 posts in 486 days
posted 114 days ago
This table is very nice. He has a lot of work, love, attention, etc in that piece. Talk about dedication. I’m glad that it has remained in your family and in good condition. You have to be very proud, I know I would be.
-- ~ Inspiring those who inspire me ~
degoose
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2004 posts in 250 days
posted 114 days ago
Now that’s a table.
-- Drink once, cut twice. New website up.... lazylarrywoodworks.com.au
mtkate
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661 posts in 221 days
posted 114 days ago
wow. Incredible work.
CharlieM1958
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7648 posts in 1114 days
posted 114 days ago
Amazing detail!
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
paplou
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40 posts in 239 days
posted 114 days ago
your dad would be proud of you for taking up where he left off. his table is one beautiful piece of work as is your cabnets
-- PAPLOU
stanley2
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278 posts in 691 days
posted 114 days ago
Now that is a beautiful family heirloom in fantastic condition. Wouldn’t it be fun to see that being appraised on the Antigues Roadshow.
-- Phil in British Columbia
BeachedBones
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187 posts in 297 days
posted 114 days ago
Wow, I can’t even begin to imagine the amount of time and skill needed to build that.
-- You know.... I think that old wood needs to be furniture.
cheller
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249 posts in 1004 days
posted 114 days ago
That’s an amazing piece of work, thanks for sharing.
-- Chelle http://artsgranddaughter.blogspot.com
dustyal
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447 posts in 370 days
posted 114 days ago
What about the chair next to the table… it is quite nice, too.
-- Al H. - small shop, small projects...
John Gray
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1753 posts in 781 days
posted 114 days ago
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-- Only the Shadow knows....................
SCOTSMAN
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2244 posts in 480 days
posted 114 days ago
Hi looks like a middle eastern design lovely.Alistair
-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease
ND2ELK
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6200 posts in 669 days
posted 113 days ago
Exquisite detail, design and craftsmanship. What a God given talent he had to produce a piece like this with the equipment he had to work with. I to would love to see pictures of his shop. Thanks for sharing.
God Bless
tom
-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa
Joe Lyddon
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485 posts in 948 days
posted 113 days ago
WOW! Wonderful table…
I can’t imagine the hours of inlay time put into that table top!
I’ll bet he a trick or two on the subject… sure would be nice to know…
I can see him developing much of the designs as pieces by themselves and then plunking those larger pieces into place… with the whole top made up of a build-up of other pieces (without truly inlaying anything)... Can you imagine that?!
Yes you and your dad should be very proud!
Very Nice!
-- Have Fun! Joe Lyddon - Alta Loma, CA USA - Home: http://www.WoodworkStuff.net ... My Small Gallery: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?ppuser=1389&cat=500"
GaryBuck
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125 posts in 121 days
posted 113 days ago
Any idea on how long it took him to make this? Realy a beautiful piece. A true craftsman, as well as an artist. Thanks for sharing
dustyal
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447 posts in 370 days
posted 112 days ago
... and I wanted to ask… think something influenced him to use the pentagram five point star? Usually it is symbolic of something… I keep coming back for multiple looks… very wonderful indeed.
-- Al H. - small shop, small projects...
Clement
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23 posts in 118 days
posted 112 days ago
AL H.:
I really dont know where he came up with that design. But I would like to think, that since
he was from the great state of Texas,
that He was thinking of the Lone star of Texas.
That is just my guess.
Thanks for the come back,
Clement
-- Clement, from Longview in East Texas