Last week, we began a long-awaited kitchen remodel. Kitchen demolition seems to be a more appropriate term at this point. Everything from the flooring to the soffits in the ceiling came out.
Among the surprises we uncovered (like a chimney beneath three layers of dry wall and the fact our floor slopes) were one of the big lego pieces from when they first came out, and an amazing flue cover that I fell in love with the moment I saw it.
Flue covers date back to the days when homes were heated with wood, oil, or coal-burning stoves. Vent pipes often went through the wall and if removed, left a gaping hole. The same is true for pipes that went to upper floors, carrying welcome heat in the winter. During warmer months, the pipes might be removed and cleaned, again leaving a hole.
The Victorians, who loved their decorations, used flue covers to hide those unsightly holes. Some of them looked like metal grates, others appeared more to be fashioned from a metal pie tin. German and French printers churned out the decorative centers on these pieces that were generally in the 8-inch range of size.
The flue covers often hung from a chain over the openings. Some of them are just beautiful!
I decided to look up the pattern from mine.
It most commonly seems to be referred to as Southern Belle Lady in the Garden.
The pattern seems to have been quite popular in the 1940s and 1950s.
There was even a trash can with that pattern!
If you know anything about this pattern, I'd love to learn more.
Have you ever found unexpected treasures?
When this award-winning author isn’t writing or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at: ShannaHatfield
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