The Country Fireplace

What we consider indispensable in a country house, be it large or small, is an old fashioned open fire-place, for burning wood on the hearth, if wood can be had, or, if not, coal in the grate, and, besides, for purposes of ventilation. We think, for practical reasons, the old poetic sentiment of the family fireside and the blazing log should not be lost sight of, and there should be at least one room in every house - the room that is the most used by the family as a sitting-room - made attractive and healthy by this means.

George E. Woodward, Cottages and Farm Houses, 1867

A fire-place goes farther than anything else in giving to a room character and beauty. In the cool weather of spring and fall, when the morning and evening air is a little sharp, or when a long cold rainstorm is making everything damp, moist and uncomfortable, there is nothing more delightful than a brisk fire on an open hearth.

E.H. Leland, Farm Homes, 1882