Staff Writer

Sometime early in the 19th century, a Union County craftsman took pride in building a huntboard.

He used peg construction and joined the drawers with dovetails. Then, over generations, the huntboard (or sideboard) stood the test of time.

Thanks to a gift to the Union County Museum, visitors will have a chance to see this example of early furniture construction. The huntboard was purchased in 2003 by the late Myrna Kennedy. Mrs. Kennedy's widower, B.F. Kennedy, donated it to the museum on Dec. 4.

“I wanted to keep it in Union County beca2use it was a Union County piece,” Kennedy said.

Museum executive director Ola Jean Kelly said the huntboard was on display at the Cross Keys House in June as part of an antique Union County furniture exhibit.

“It's an important piece of Union County history and will be part of our permanent display,” she said.

Ray Robbins, president of the Union County Historical Society, agreed.

“It's a great addition to our museum,” he said.

The huntboard is made of poplar and yellow pine with the original painted surface. It came from the Goshen Hill Community and originally was owned by Josephine Mobley Evans. A granddaughter of Mrs. Evans who was 85 years old in 2003 sold the hunt board to Mrs. Kennedy.