How Did Folks Stay Warm in the 19th Century? 10 Ways They Kept Cozy in Winter

8) Planning in Architecture

Ever notice how the kitchen is still the place where everyone congregates at a party? While food is certainly a great motivating factor, many families (if they had a proper kitchen) would have spent some time there because the fire was always burning there. Ceilings in kitchens were often lower to trap heat in larger homes. Obviously those living in cabins and cottages often did not have this particular advantage.

7) Never Let the Fire Go Out

Even at night a slow burn of coals and would be kept in the fireplace or stove to make starting the morning routine and heating easier. Sometimes the coals in a fireplace would be covered with a curfew, a metal device to keep wind from destroying the fire.

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