This old wood stove sits in the middle of
our store. The date "1885" is cast into the back of the
fire box. A stove historian said it was probably made on
this date or a little after.
He added that it is the only one of this model he has ever
seen.
From the photo, it is hard to tell, but this stove is taller than a man. Large ornate stoves like this are hard to find. Compared to stoves made for a home, these were only used in hotel lobbys, train stations, etc. The collector/restorer (from whom we purchased the stove) told us he believed the stove was originally installed in a theater in Kansas City. He did not know the chain of owners nor where the stove had been installed during all if its first hundred years.
The stove has been completely restored and sits on a raised floor. Old oak benches (retired church pews) surround it so customers can sit a spell if they'd like. The coffee pot is close by and as you might imagine, on cold or wet days, a lot of "sawing" is done right here.
When this stove has a belly full of hot coals, it puts out a lot of heat -- it also consumes a lot of wood!