Winter Quarters

Anyone ever build a winter quarters ?....
similar to this...

Is that a fireplace out front? I'm assuming there is a whole in the canvas to load it? I wonder how well it heats? Has to be pulling a draft from the tent I would assume. Anyone got any info on this?

Yes, that's a fireplace...I assume the canvas only comes down as far as the mantle...

The were often dug into the ground....I don't know much more than that...

Can't tell from the picture but it looks as though it's made out of wood and mud/clay?

Yep!....

Here's a bigger picture...

That's pretty cool. I'm still wondering how well the fireplace will heat the dwelling.

Better than not I reckon...

Not to keen with the straw in front of the hearth.....

I'm guessing, much better than a fire in front of an open tent.

Fair point.

colorado clyde said:

Here's a bigger picture...

Click to expand...

I can't tell if the top one is dug into the ground like the lower one. The lower one is basically an earth sheltered dwelling, and should provide some warmth from the earth, as well as thermal mass to hold the heat when the fire dies down.

I agree about not liking the straw. That looks like a death trap. I think I would at least surround the fireplace with a wide stone hearth to catch the occasional rolling or popping ember, which would also provide a place to set a hot pan or kettle. Or one could make a green bough bed floor and refresh it as it dried out. That would smell great, too.

I believe the one with the straw is also a museum exhibit...

I should think that one would want the chimney higher than the ridge of the tent to properly draw, and to toss sparks that fly out as high as possible?

LD

Yes!...And you see that realization played out by the addition of the barrels to the tops of the chimneys...

With canvas removed...



There are a lot of original photos of different configurations.

Here is an original photo....
Notice that even when they has bricks, they used barrels....My guess is, because they didn't have access to a stepladder...

Nice!....I had not seen that bottom photo you posted.... :thumbsup:

Very cool thread. It's a thin line between these structures and a dugout. Assuming that hemp canvas kept the moisture out, these might have been pretty snug.