The men of the family ate breakfast here before their long work days at the McFaddin ranch. The children also took their meals here until they were ready to join the adults in the dining room. Children were allowed to join their parents at the "adult table" once they mastered their good table manners and learned the art of conversation. There were strict rules for behavior at meal times. Children were not permitted to talk unless spoken to first, they were not allowed to put their elbows on the table, and they were to never complain if they were served something they did not like.