Friday, February 5, 2010

Expressions Explained, Part 3

In the late 1700s, many houses consisted of a large room with only one chair. Commonly, a long wide board folded down from the wall, and was used for dining. The head of the household always sat in the chair while everyone else ate sitting on the floor. Occasionally a guest, who was usually a man, would be invited to sit in this chair during a meal. To sit in the chair meant you were important and in charge. They called the one sitting in the chair the "chair man."

Today in business, we use the expression or title "Chairman" or "Chairman of the Board."

22 comments:

Patti said...

I never knew that...you are an amazing woman full of details! THANK YOU for your efforts.

Unknown said...

Shades of Frank Sinatra!!

Seriously, great info and thanks for sharing it.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Interesting. I had no idea how that name came about. Thanks. Hugs, Marty

Becky K. said...

You have done it again!
Thanks!

Becky K.

April said...

I love how you share all of these interesting tid bits with us! Really makes my day!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Fascinating! I loved reading this, Sally!

XO,

Sheila :-)

LV said...

One thing for sure, you never get to old to learn. At my age, I do not recall ever hearing these facts about the chair. Thanks for a great daily lesson.

Darlene said...

How interesting! I love your lessons!!

Charlotte said...

Fascinating stuff.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Interesting! Thanks for the info.

Blessings,
Sandi

Betsy Banks Adams said...

I never knew that, Sally... Interesting for sure!!!! See what I learn form blogging. Of course, in today's world, we don't use the word, chairman..... hmmmmmmmm.

Hugs,
Betsy

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

How very interesting! Who says ya can't teach an old farm chick new things! Heeeehehe!

Your dining room is just gorgeous. I especially love the recessing ceiling. Just beautiful Sally.

Ya'll have a fabulously blessed weekend!!!

artis1111 said...

That is so cool. Thanks for the info. Kathy

Diane at Crafty Passions said...

I enjoyed that bit of info !
Your a wealth of information Sally!!
Diane

Mevely317 said...

That takes the cake! (....and here, I thought I'd heard it all.) Can't wait to take this one to the office next week!

Anne Fannie said...

Hi Sally, I have been playing blog hookie....I have to get caught up on your blog! My life has been full!
Interesting post!
Hugs, Ann

PAT said...

Interesting, Sally. Thanks so much for sharing.

Sue said...

Hi Sally,
enjoyed reading this post and some of your previous ones, as I haven't been blogging to much lately.
Your home is beautiful, and the post about people bathing only twice a year just threw me for a loop. because most days I bath twice. lol Maybe that is why women way back when had such glowing skin, and I look like a prune.LOL
Just enjoyed my visit and catching up. hope your weekend is filled with much joy.
Hugs,
Sue

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Sally
I can see you are all settled into your new home! Congrats and best wishes! I absolutely love your header..what a fun photo!

Etymolgy is always so interesting--Thanks!

Jeanne said...

Good morning Sally, I have never thought of this before. In our home my dh always sat at the head of the table for meals. All meals were together and with seven of us our table was always a full house. I sat at the other end of the table so we could share getting the youngest ones their food served. I read later that where one sat at a table was the way the head of the family was determined. If the father sat at one end and the wife at the other the couple had not decided who was the head of the family. I have to say in our home this was true. Still is. Laughing.

Our internet is so much trouble right now with so much bad weather. Mountain living has it's drawbacks. This is one of them.

Have a wonderful day.
Hugs, Jeanne

Debbiedoos said...

What an awesome tidbit of information Sally!~ Thank you:)

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Now that's interesting! Thanks for teaching me something today. laurie