Hole in the Wall

My husband removed the UGLY propane heater attached to our Dining room wall. It never worked properly and we did not feel like paying for propane so out it went. We may replace it with a cool fireplace someday but for now I think that space will be occupied with a shelf that will hold the kids school books.

The removal of the heater and attached equipment left a giant hole in the wall, not to mention some interesting looking wallpaper behind it. It was pretty cool to see what our walls are made of.

This particular wall has 3 layers of brick. I was surprised to see 3 as the other side of the house only has two. No wonder this house has stood for about 150 years. There is something to be said about solid construction.

This last shot shows what is between the plaster walls and the brick. NOTHING. There is no insulation in this house because back then insulation would have only consisted of newspaper (which is not uncommon to find). Apparently we can choose to blow in some foam insulation between the layers if we like. I don't think we can afford to do that now. Maybe some other day.

Makes me realize just how used to modern comforts we are. Back in the 1860's when the cold winter came, they did not have insulated houses let alone electricity to heat the place. They had fires in the hearth, heat from the wood kitchen stove, and hot bricks to place at the foot of their beds at night. I get cold when I have to step out of my hot shower at night. I cannot imagine having to run to bed after sitting in front of a warm fire.

Same holds true for the summer months. When I complain about the two weeks of sweltering heat without air conditioning, I think of the summer kitchens with the stoves placed OUTSIDE so they could cook all their meals without DYING of heat.

Again...I guess it is what you are used to, and when you don't have a choice you just deal with it.

I'm grateful today that I have this house to remind me just how good I have it ;)