Dish dressers were very popular in Upper Canada, especially
before 1840. Generally they were common among English-speaking immigrants,
but especially so with Irish and Scottish settlers. Some of the oldest surviving
furniture pieces from Upper Canada are dish dressers from Irish and Scottish
communities.
In small homes and cottages early open dish dressers occupied an important place in the kitchen as an extension of the hearth, and were often placed across from or beside it. The dish dresser originally evolved from the simpler plate rack, and various combinations of the open shelves above, with drawers, shelves and cupboards below continued to evolve in different regions. Lattimore House primitive open dish dressers incorporate several Anglo-American features: an “S” scroll profile at the counter ends, an elevated style of foot and an understated cornice. By 1840 corner cupboards and glazed dish dressers had almost completely replaced the more primitive open style
The primitive dish dresser was originally important for everyday storage in the kitchen. Lattimor House reproductions of primitive dish dressers provide an excellent showcase for china or everyday dishes, and are also very functional for storage either in the kitchen or dining room area.